In this episode, host Beau Wigington chats with Aaron Wulk, Director of Applied Technical Programs at South Piedmont Community College, about real-world Inconel tips, ATF certification, and how to choose the right career track in welding.

Key Topics Covered:

• Inconel vs. carbon steel fundamentals: shielding gas (100% argon vs. 75/25), puddle behavior (sluggish vs. fluid), voltage pitfalls, and trusting the puddle.

• Hot cracking explained: why rapid heat dissipation makes welds brittle, and how preheat/postheat and heat input control (TIG vs. MIG) help.

• Process selection by application: when MIG on Inconel makes sense (e.g., heavy foundry repairs) and why TIG often offers better heat control.

• Common mistakes: impatience, poor cleaning, and skipping interpass cleanup—how these quietly ruin otherwise good work.

• Stick on Inconel: why it’s “ropey,” erratic, and just plain difficult—and how to approach it if you must.

• Where you’ll find Inconel: aerospace, nuclear, high-performance automotive, corrosive/chemical plants, and foundry reclamation.

• Career-driven vs. degree-driven training: stackable short-term certificates, evening classes, and how to upskill without pausing your life.

• ATF (Accredited Testing Facility) basics: QA manuals, heat numbers, procedure control, documentation, and why it’s a resume builder (not a bypass).

• Certs that travel vs. in-house: six-month renewal realities and why portable credentials matter when you change jobs.

• Thriving in your first shop: “be quiet and listen,” pick up tricks from veterans, and plug into a community that levels everyone up.

• Metal art & learning by making: how aesthetics, controlled “mistakes,” and SkillsUSA sculpture build real process understanding.

Memorable Quotes:

• “Trust that the puddle is doing its job.”

• “Stick welding Inconel? It’s gonna suck… more erratic, ropey puddle.”

• “Be quiet and listen. You don’t know everything about welding on day one.”

• “If you’re helping that person be better, you’re helping the whole industry be better.”

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Connect with Aaron Wulk

• LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/aaron-wulk-cwi-cwe-648958151 

• Instagram - @black_mirror_sculptures https://www.instagram.com/black_mirror_sculptures/ 

• Learn more about South Piedmont Community College - https://spcc.edu/ 

Connect with Beau Wigington

• Instagram: @beaudiditwelding https://www.instagram.com/beaudiditwelding 

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/beauwigington 

• E-Mail : beauw@weld.com

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