Miller Electric

For people who learn best by seeing and doing (a group in which many, if not most, welders belong), the advent of Internet video has opened up entirely new frontiers in the realm of welding education.

Instead of having to read about or look at static photographs of welding techniques, you can now see those techniques being performed live. What’s more, many video sites allow you to post comments or ask questions of the person who uploaded the video, making it almost like being in the room while the technique is being performed. Read the rest of this entry »

Whether it’s a musical instrument, baseball, welding or another activity that you’re passionate about, passing on your enthusiasm and knowledge of your hobbies can be one of the greatest joys in being a parent.

It’s tempting to begin introducing children to our interests from the moment they’re born — think jerseys from a favorite sports team or cribs shaped like miniature stock cars — but when it comes to welding, a little caution is probably well advised. Read the rest of this entry »

The presidential primary season is now over, and in five months either Barack Obama or John McCain will be the next president of the United States. Although the office of the president has a limited role in shaping the global economy, it does have the ability to press for legislation and budget items that can directly impact domestic and international business endeavors. Read the rest of this entry »

The resources available for learning more about welding have increased substantially in the last five years, primarily as a result of the internet and the recent expansion of its technological and social networking capabilities. There are videos, message boards, blogs, manufacturer’s web sites, welding magazines, books, pamphlets, and many more ways to learn about welding.

At the same time, the proliferation of welding information also makes it more difficult to find reliable, accurate information. The advent of the internet has essentially allowed anyone with a computer to disseminate subject matter without having it first vetted by an industry expert.    

Nevertheless, the quantity of valueable information out there should outweigh the misinformation for anyone willing to spend a few hours researching their topic of interest.    

What are your favorite resources for welding information and why? What kind of welding information do you use these resources for, and what welding information do you find lacking in these resources? Share your thoughts on this subject by posting a comment below.

Another landmark is about to be reached in the ongoing fuel crisis. At $3.95/gallon as of May 12, the city of San Francisco looks like it will become the first in the country to record an average gasoline price over $4/gallon for regular unleaded. Of course, this is nothing new to truckers, farmers and other users of diesel fuel who have been paying well over $4/gallon for months now.    

And worse, prices can only be expected to continue their upward climb as the season of high demand gets into full swing in the coming months.    

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According to a recent survey, the economy has become the most important issue facing our country – surpassing the Iraq war, staggering gas prices and health care. With that in mind, it seems that the timing of the 2008 income tax rebate checks couldn’t be better.

The checks, up to $600 for qualifying individuals and $1,200 for couples (and more for couples with children), began arriving the week of April 28 and will continue throughout the summer months. The stimulus plan also contains incentives for businesses to invest in new plants and equipment.

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A recent study sponsored by The International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers found that 75 percent of Americans favor a government program that would provide any qualified U.S. resident with two free years of post-high school education or training.

The survey contended that one of the reasons the US emerged as a world economic super power following World War 1 was the implementation of compulsory secondary education. As the world’s economy has developed, the study says, so too has the need to increase the skill sets of today’s young adults beyond just secondary education.   

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When it comes to the skilled trades, the saying “the children are the future” is more than just a cliché.  As baby boomers retire in the coming years, and with anticipated demand for even more skilled workers than we have today, this country will be left with a severe gap in the construction industry workforce. The Association of Equipment Manufacturers (AEM) states that the construction industry will need to add 1.2 million new jobs by the year 2012.      

Because the construction industry creates the infrastructure that we depend on for even our most basic needs, our quality of life is at stake.  Just imagine that if the construction industry does not attract and recruit all the workforce needed – who will build, repair and maintain our, roads, highways, bridges, sewer and water systems? 

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Common wisdom tells us that the economy is in poor shape and that the construction industry has been one of the hardest hit sectors. You would never know it, however, judging by the attendance and general mood at the 2008 CONEXPO/CON-AGG trade show in Las Vegas this week.

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There hasn’t been much good news lately on the state of the economy, and the welding industry has been no different.

Many economists are predicting the current economic slowdown will last up to two years or more, and a recent poll by Fortune magazine found that 75 percent of Americans believe the country is headed for a recession or is in one now.   

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