The Story of Steve Darnell - Sneak Peak... How Discovery's Vegas Rat Rods Happened

[@frankrice1253]

It's wierd how people who weld & work hard, love it so much. This is something that cant be explained to a lot of folks. Ive seen people struggle & l suggest they get into welding & they look at me like "are you crazy" ?? "Im not doing that" yet they continue on a downward spiral & prefer to complain. If you have a passion for this work, you WILL be good.

[@WelderUpVegas]

Well said!

[@garyw4596]

A child desperately needs a father figure in their life. I was left out of that experience. Understanding this I gave my boys what I didn't have. Thanks Steve for sharing and instilling this value with your audience.

[@keithbailey540]

It is so much about family as it is welding. Thanks for sharing your story.

[@WelderUpVegas]

Thanks for watching Keith!

[@kadenthatchevdude8340]

Steve! This hit a touchdown for my heart. Im 19yrs old and all my dad ever did was work iron. Building huge buildings, traveling around the world, the cigarette smell and melted metal was his cologne. Unfortunately he passed when I was 15 but I always thought he was the most badass man alive. Here it is a few years later and I've taught myself how to weld and work metal, now it's something that I do to get away from life's bs. Out in my little single car garage fab-ing stuff up, building cars, turning wrenches. Its crazy how much your father can make such an impact in our lives.

[@rustedratchetgarage6788]

Hey bro im 35 i just lost my pops on the 9th its hard to take for my mature mind so sll i can say is make sure you keep you old mans name honest and do everything in his honor

[@steveaguinaga3821]

Yea. My dad is a retired foreman pipeline welder. He's still kickin. Doing yard work keeping busy working on his '57 nomad. He passed on to me the "Do It Yourselfer" American spirit.

[@oldfart5127]

I can relate to your story. My dad was a logger, hurt in two major logging accidents, but he keep on working through the pain. I can remember working with my dad for many years and learning. I am in my sixties now and I miss my dad to this day. Steve. I like the sign in the back ground.

[@carl5536]

Steve, you do so many unique, 1 of their kind builds that I can not t say that I've ever set eyes on the skills you have in all of my 65yrs..Your the man when it comes to cool ratty stuff. Nobody can top what you do cause the paint and all the attachments and gizmos is spot on..God kept you here for a reason brother and everything you build is most definitely your calling throughout your life cause you are so amazing with each and every build that you and your father have done...I'm pretty sure that any price that you put on the things you've built should not be an insult to anyone and if it is, they don't deserve anything that you build. God bless you and your family Steve cause you rock brother, and your father

[@WelderUpVegas]

Thank you so much Carl5536, extremely nice of you to say. God bless you and yours as well. Come see us at Welderup in Las Vegas. Steve

[@raiderjohnthemadbomber8666]

It is so cool to see a son who truly loved his dad. Sounds like the kind of man I'd like to call friend. And you're the same man! I'm an old ship builder. Great story Steve!

[@WelderUpVegas]

Thanks John, I appreciate your comment. Building a ship would be awesome.

[@raiderjohnthemadbomber8666]

@@WelderUpVegas we use to run 7024 (jet rod) on the outer hulls, on scaffolds, strike and let it burn for a perfect weld every time. We would go hood up and b.s. while it was burning!

[@TheSemtexCow]

The same message you gave when I came on the tour of your shop in the summer. So much positivity from a guy who’s been there, seen it and done it. Best to you and yours buddy.

[@kwinterburn]

Great video totally agree I'm 60 now learning every day, just do it is the best advice, when you make something yourself its the best feeling in the world

[@bushmanPMRR]

It sounds like you have so much love and respect for your dad and at the same time he taught you probably one of the most valuable lessons in life: hard work gets you to where you want to go. There's no short cuts, just hard graft and experience. I sincerely wish youngsters today who believe they're entitled to instant gratification for everything they want could learn from this, bite the bullet and just get down to work. I'm 53 and may yet get myself a MIG so I can work on my cars, bikes, trailer or whatever I set my mind to and its videos like yours that make me think like that more and mere. Cheers and good luck, you bloody deserve it!

[@WelderUpVegas]

Thanks so much for the kind words. Hard work isn't easy but is necessary for accomplishing a good future. Yes, get yourself a MIG and go for it! Enjoyed your comment! Thanks for watching.

[@papagreg534]

Love the stories Steve! Being 70ish, I remember peddling my bike to the gas station/feed store/cafe/ farmer gathering tables an talking with the old timers and listening to the stories. Maybe incorporate some short snippet of your younger days into the videos, I enjoyed them!! Thank God for good ol days!!👍😁😎

[@thomasryan8218]

I enjoyed this story, I'm old enough to be your father and I would be very proud of what you have done.

[@deeznutzz8375]

It’s all bs. He forgot the part that his dad gave his a ton of $ and his sister Donna Lee financed the show amd owns all the cars and the rights to the show.

[@biglon62]

Hard work and determination that’s how I learned from my ole man! Great story sir!!

[@rustedratchetgarage6788]

I grew up with a junk man for a pops our work rig was either a 64 chevy c10 panel or a 49 coe chevy i still have both of them and im rusto-modding both of them now our pops taught us how to be hardasses and soft souls at the same time my pops passed Jan 9th so listening to these stories really hit me hard now

[@russcurving471]

I have met Steve and he is a genuine person. Awsome person

[@erikmagnuson6034]

Steve, great story about your life and your Dad. Take care man.

[@WelderUpVegas]

Thanks Erik, I appreciate your comment!

[@erikmagnuson6034]

@@WelderUpVegas Let me know if you would like to chat sometime brother. We live in Portland. Jealous with the sun you guys have.

[@stevem3409]

You are the real deal Steve. I spent my first 20 years of the concrete supply biz working on the old rusty redi mix plant to feed the kids in the 90’s. My first winter we rebuilt rusty agg bins WHILE the plant ran! Nothing like cutting through 4 layers of rusty patches. Rust don’t cut but loves to pop.... I could go on and on

[@arthursmith5409]

That was awesome inspiration! In the 90'$ I went in to the military, my friend went to welding school. He got a job building Industrial washing machines, huge. Big metal cases. Today, the company sends him all over the planet to repair them and build on site! Me, I'm truck driver, making no money, one driver, one truck all week, no cash! My friend, banks large, big home shop, so yea, great story you shared. I need a new career!

[@WelderUpVegas]

Thanks Arthur for your comment. Driving truck is very important, yes maybe not as much money but much needed. Serving our country was the greatest of all. Thanks you so much!

[@martydriscoll1402]

I didn't know how lucky I was. A very good friend gave me a mig welder about 15 years ago. Up 'til then all I had done is stick. My son has had my mig most of the time. And has learned to stitch sheet metal. And put all new panels on his'69 Camaro. He and I both are self taught. And I'm very grateful and proud of him.

[@dakotajohnson2182]

22 years old, and after being in the automotive/diesel world for the past three, going on four years now. I’ve really been looking to dip my toes into the welding world and really start developing my skills as a fabricator. Fortunately I came across your channel and was able to really connect with your message and get a good taste of the welding world. I have major goals I’m looking to accomplish, and can’t wait to see how this welding journey goes, and how far it takes me!

[@dannywooster8166]

Cool video i live on a farm in Australia have small work shop, metal lathe mig plasma oxy if need something i just fab it mostly out what laying around 👍

[@SuperDanny1979]

Just started my own fab shop 10 months ago. Your story is inspiring Steve. Thank you..

[@Steve-cn9of]

Thanks for sharing that personal side of Steve Darnell....my dad was my mom...she welded dynamite shacks at one time in life so that made her cool ..never had much of what you did but I'm glad you did and your kids have that ....keep in with the keeping on👍

[@WelderUpVegas]

Yes, that definitely makes your Mom cool! Welding brought me to where I am now. Thanks for watching, Steven! You have a cool name as well!!!

[@chuckhawes7519]

Amen brother, I am 53 and just built my own personal shop. Project number one is a 87 iroc track day car and number two is a 51 international L110 pickup truck hot rod. Worked on Blackhawk helicopters in the military then worked at Hendrickson Stamping building bumpers and air ride suspensions for semi tractors. Never too late to chase your dreams.

[@jesusflores411]

BAD ASSSSS..... I ADMIRE THIS DUDE. FROM DAY 1 HIS MIND ITS REALLY OUT OF THE ORDINARY. AND NOW HEARING HIS STORY MAKES ME ADMIRE THE PERSON EVEN MORE. GREAT SHOW ...

[@billbellah9759]

My son and watched this and iv told him about welding and the money he can make but your video has made him really want to be a welder thank for helping me give my son a direction to head for in his life. We are going to come out and see you so he can see first hand what being a welder can bring him in his life thanks again. The Bellah

[@WelderUpVegas]

Awesome to hear Bill! Best of luck on your sons welding journey!

[@shanejackson5471]

I'm very similar to Steve, my Dad was an engineer, I'm an engineer too, with my own business also a petrol head. I absolutely love bikes and love building bikes. it's more of a passion for me a form of art in some ways. So I work enough to pay my Bill's and the rest of the time I do my own thing. It's all about balance and enjoying what you do. Steve is a smart guy one of the best I'm not in his league I never will be but I do enjoy what I do.

[@WelderUpVegas]

Thanks Shane, it's possible your underestimating yourself. You share the passion, imagination, and artistic ability so you can create something amazing.

[@ssceverythingcummins2985]

I got 2 sons aswell best feeling ever teaching them a skill that will always be needed in this world .

[@colinevans7134]

No one has more passion about what he does with metal his Steve, if this man could work around the clock he would.ive watched Steve for a long time now and this man just loves what he does, brilliant dad to his two boys and now thay will learn and do the same as Steve all to do with cars love watching his shows here in England but have stopped now but what a show and man he his colin from Surrey England 👍 👏 ❤ ❤ 😊

[@WelderUpVegas]

Thanks so much Colin! I appreciate the kind words. I really do love what I'm doing and I know how lucky I am. Thanks for watching!

[@barrygoodson4952]

Steve you are a great story and it shows you never know where you will end up if you just start learning how to do something. I'm sure you didn't imagine building rat rods as a kid or having a tv show . Congrats on a life well lived !

[@Fatspurios]

Loved being with my father. He could make anything with a skill and dedication to me as a 7 year old made him a wizard. He made me a traction engine out of bits. He raced vintage bikes and cars. I have a picture of him cranked over on the edge of square profile tyres at Silverstone circuit on a 1916 Simplex horizontally opposed grinder fork bike. He was kind a patient man. Thank you for this . No! You've got something in your eye.......be well and stay safe.

[@WelderUpVegas]

Enjoyed the story about your Father. Sounds like a talented man. Even better that he shared it all with you. Thanks for the comment and thanks for watching.

[@DustinWoloschuk]

Hi steve. awesome video... I'm 43... and with the help of my summer buddy... just bought my 1st beginner 3 in 1 welder/plasma cutter so he can start to teach me how to stick some metal together. always wanted to learn... super excited to start you're very inspirational!!! Dirty Boy from Ontario Canada just signed up for welder 101!!! excited to learn from you too!! thank you!!!

[@WelderUpVegas]

That's cool!

[@awesomearizona-dino]

Thanks for the background Steve, You are the real deal. Always enjoyed your show and designs. Seriously.

[@24Garland]

Awesome story. I have welded since I was 14 . I love stick welding but finally gave into mig welding. At 56 I'm about to hang it up and start doing my full time side jobs.

[@1607rosie]

Learned about you through my neighbor. Listening to you and your story you worked your ass off to get where you are. I totally respect your work ethic. And I agree how to create things with metal is fun and can be profitable.

[@WelderUpVegas]

Thanks Mike, appreciate it! Thanks for watching.

[@luisaacevedo5783]

excellent piece to listen to. Im 63 years old and thought it was super.

[@sqigle6669]

You're right its never too late. Started welding when i wuz 30. Its hot, it can be hard but at the end of the day u feel good.

[@cannednolan8194]

Thanks had work to do but couldn’t stop watching.

[@Brent_Rolston]

I don't think there's a more humbling, self rewarding trade than welding. You will NEVER regret learning to weld. And you can make a crap load of money!!!

[@WelderUpVegas]

Could not say it better! Thanks Brent.

[@raym3015]

Welding is best choice i made coming high school.. like what u do.. navajo guy here..

[@andrewosborne5146]

Your so real. Thx Steve. I took a basic course on stick welding back in jr. high school in the late 80s. Loved it. I've since built trailers, flatbeds, hitches... You name it. We have a old sears stick welder and a good old H/F 110 wire feed. Lots of practice with both. I don't get to do it often but sure do love laying down a good bead when I get a chance. The again Steve.

[@kowboy.kez359]

Steve could you dig into your rodeo days a little bit. I love hearing the old rodeo stories just like the old hot rod stories. I’m currently 17 and watching your videos have got me interested in welding. My dad has been driving trucks now since ‘72 and I’ve thought about getting in to it but since watching your videos I’m really tempted to get into welding. You have proved to a lot of people that the blue collar man can still make a damn good living and still enjoy what you’re doing and what you’ve accomplished in a hard days work.

[@philsmith5829]

Kowboy Kez get into welding DO NOT get into trucking. I repeat do not become a trucker ! They are regulating the hell out of the industry, been doin it for almost 20 years and watching it go to shit sucks . Learn a skilled trade , welding, plumbing , carpentry, whatever and be the best you can be at it

[@VoodooDewey69]

I like Steves humble attitude !Like yourself i grew up in bodyshops from an early age, i was bucking rivets on trailer bodys at 10 yrs old,im 3rd gen auto body and one of the few that still does lead fill,i also worked in vegas for a year .

[@oliverjd26]

Steve, thank you so much for sharing your backround of welding with your dad. Now I feel like getting back into welding and building again. Thankyou for the inspiration!!!!

[@carldavis391]

I remember growing up with my dad moving furniture for 25 + years and I got to hang around at the moving company and I got to walk down to the Nelson’s Honda 4-Wheeler shop everyday And it was located across the street from industrial machine and tool business on sunset blvd in Somerset,Kentucky .Back then Ron Disney was the shop Foreman and he taught me how to weld & chop cars up ..👨‍🏭

[@070Freaky]

Love the story. And a great inspiration for me. Started my own bike shop 2 years ago. Also been a steel worker. And learnt everything by doing it by my self. Even airbrushing a complete bike after building it. Thanks for your story keeps my head up through hard times.

[@freedommonger4512]

thank you for telling people about all of this. I remember buying stuff from Economy when you built the new shop behind Orleens, vegas was great then. I miss those days. may God bless you and your family:)

[@WelderUpVegas]

Thank you! Yes, It was good times in Vegas.

[@jamiewaddell1598]

Brilliant steve I am a welder fabricator and a hot rodder this is so cool

[@stymiesnerdly771]

I've been a fan ever since I discovered your shop/show. Love this vid! Very interesting to hear the backstory. Thanks for sharing! *signed up for the course too because I AM that 45 year old guy (43) looking at a change in course for my life. I've always wanted to learn, I'm tired of treading water in my office job, & this vid dropped at the perfect time. Thanks again!

[@Str8sixfan]

Same Stymie. I'm only 34 soon to be 35. I need to get out there and weld more

[@Arykperry]

I’m a 41yr old residential construction worker and I bought a Miller tig welder 2 yrs ago with zero welding exp because of Vegas rat rods. Now I’m building full blown rock crawlers and pre-runners with Serious horsepower and every time I finish my dream rig someone comes along and buys the damn thing for to much money LOL!!! Thanks Steve for the inspiration

[@gavinsigamoney439]

Good stuff Motivational inspiration Thanks Steve for sharing with us and giving us the opportunity. 👌👌👌

[@RayRyan1123]

Just signed up for the notification. Did a little welding in shop class back in school. Always wanted to more of it but never did. And as a car guy myself think this will be my excuse to go pick up my first welder.

[@norberto8347]

I was very lucky to be part of the ECONOMY STEEL Family , nothing but hard working people , I’ve learned a lot from Steve’s Dad , from Steve , I am a very lucky man , thanks

[@WelderUpVegas]

Hey Bernardo! Good to hear from you man! It was great having you in the Economy Steel family. Come in to Welderup sometime, would be great to see you.

[@davidwesley1256]

I worked in manufacturing for 28 years. In 1988 I started welding. I had asked my Dad, do you think I should transfer into the welding department he said you should you never know how long this job will be here. I thought of that conversation often years later when I moved to the Phoenix area and started welding for the DOD. Building armor for the military. I then moved on to Aerospace welding and from there to maintenance. The trade has treated me very well. I take on side jobs. Gates, pool fence or just a quick fix for a friend. I also have passed the skill on to my sons. As long as you can weld you will always have a job. Love your work Brother

[@WelderUpVegas]

That's exactly what I'm talking about..great comment.

[@TOMMYBIGTIME]

Humble, real beginnings. Respect brother

[@deeznutzz8375]

It’s all BS. He’s fucked all his friends, even fucked over his Beat friends Mackay and built a story of lies. Trust me. First hand.

[@ryanhuser774]

Steve I doubt you will see this personally but to the point I'm a builder it's taken 20 years to get where I'm at and I almost gave up today my customers tried to talk me into doing the job for less and it broke my heart every piece of this building I built from scratch and I'm tired and aging but this video helped me convince myself to keep putting one foot in front of the other to walk that last mile thanks for the content and the insperation

[@WelderUpVegas]

Thanks Ryan, your comment makes what I do worth while. Your right, don't let anyone make you feel like your less than you are. You got where you are for a reason. Keep going that direction.

[@alanwhite1620]

Cool story. I started working construction in the mid 80s as a laborer on construction sites. When I would finish my job, I would go hang out with the welders and iron workers. Once I learned to weld from them. I moved up. I started working pipeline. Then to ironwork,production welding and fab shops. Then around 2005 I was offered a job as maintenance in a die casting plant. Ended up being the main welder and fabricator there. I have been industrial maintenance ever since. And it all started because I could weld and fabricate.

[@WelderUpVegas]

Exactly!! Thanks for your story.

[@maxpain7541]

Awesome story man the good old days when life was more simple and work made a boy a man 👍🏻👍🏻😎

[@richardkoontz8427]

Very good advice for all everyone I'm 60 I still say it to my kids and grandchildren ur never to old to learn

[@brucereimer1700]

VERY GOOD CLASS ON YOUR WELDING ......I AM 67 I STILL WELD AND YOU JUST SAID WHAT I HAVE FELT ABOUT MY CHOICE IN TRADE ....I AM IN ALBERTA CANADA........ LOVE GOING TO VEGAS IT IS ALWAYS A FUN PLACE

[@WelderUpVegas]

Next time your here, come see us at Welderup.

[@doubleaaaron]

You have great style and personality Steve. I enjoy watching your videos. I miss the TV show as I don't have cable anymore to watch it, so thanks for posting cool stuff on here. If I'm ever around Vegas, I'd love to check out your shop. Thanks again.

[@Str8sixfan]

Inspired me Steve. If I want to build Hot Rods tomorrow, I need to burn more rod today. I enjoy welding, but I need to force myself to do it more!

[@captainflatbed.7927]

Awsome story and ain’t nothing better than the old days our kids today don’t have a clue what they’ve missed

[@ministock88]

I am glad you shared your story. Love to here the background on successful people. It comes down to hard work.

[@jk_wrangler13]

Enjoyed your story. Its nice to think back on what you used to do with your dad. I know I love looking back.

[@georgespangler1517]

So true,,,l went in business for myself at 23 as a Designer/ Builder built over 50 custom homes and additions but my passion was always classic cars and motorcycles and now I have 11 classic cars I'm restoring and a rat rod that's won many awards in car shows,,but I learned all the building industry trades along the way,, and I also keep 4 charter boats running,,l love to build, fix and create.

[@WelderUpVegas]

I am with you George. I share your passion. Most rewarding and therapy for the soul for sure. Thanks for your comment.

[@georgespangler1517]

@@WelderUpVegas l miss your show Steve, l pretty much only watch shows about building cars and bikes and your show was my favorite l we share the same creative soul,, my father also taught me alot was a brilliant man, invented the landing indicator system for the C5 aircraft , air force wanted him to go to NASA, lost him in July, Take care buddy, hope to see more of you. George.

[@allantaylor3288]

Love your story Steve, I’m sure your dad is/was very proud of you and what you’ve achieved, a chip of the old block as the saying goes and great how you are passing your passion on to your kids just like your dad did with you.Always love your videos man👍

[@houseofautofab]

Hey mate. I took up welding as I watch my dad weld and build. Love it !

[@Duck-D-Koi]

Similar story my Dad was a Mason. I worked for him starting at 12. I lived in San Diego, and I can tell you how hot the rebar was there. Can't imagine Vegas.

[@francoisratte2952]

Thanks dude that is really positive I'm 35 years old and I honestly feel like I haven't done nothing with my life been to prison and I have a hard time to line jobs because of my record.i will for sure go back to college get my ged and take a course.i always was impressed by welding.

[@WelderUpVegas]

Thanks for your comment. Sounds like your on your way. Welding has always been good to me. Work towards getting your own mobile business. Work for yourself. Best to you in your future. Whatever you decide to do, work hard and become the best at it.

[@phillippaul8578]

Shop life is a lifestyle. Your always looking and learning and trying even when your not in the shop. No matter how old you are you never stop learning. If you have the mentality that you know it all, you really haven't learned a thing. Keep fabbing, welding and wrenching!!! Love the show and the youtube channel. One of my bucket lists is to see your shop. Til then I will be in mine

[@WelderUpVegas]

Yah! Words of Wisdom! Hope to see you at the shop!

[@donnkelley6823]

Steve, The best part of that story, is the fact that it's mine, yours, and thousands of others that grew up in the trades....... Almost forgot.....Scars.......

[@rsaraiva1]

Awesome story Steve of how kids were raised to accomplish something in their lives, kids today are lost and have no direction.

[@CrayFishHandMade]

Thanks Steve, truly inspirational. As I find my self in my late fathers workshop teaching myself to weld stick. So thankful for this privilege 😉. Thanks for the educations

[@WelderUpVegas]

That is awesome!

[@nycsk8r]

Great story I had a similar story worked with my dad in the iron work field since I was a kid wish I stayed with it.

[@chevylandt.v]

Dude that's a cool story. I remember my dad welding and he would say I am going to weld don't look at it and I said why and told me you will go blind. Ever since then I knew I wanted to know how to so I started my freshman year of high school and we were tought stick welding .after that my dad taught me mig it was so easy and it looked good.i am hooked.

[@trudiwilbur2838]

Love the story! I grew up in the same era and my dad had a trucking and excavating business which he spun off from his dad, 3 of the 4 of us kids worked the business until he sold it. There's just something about growing up in a family business. I think being brought up around the machinery is where I get my love of cars and trucks. I've often thought welding was interesting, who knows, I may be that 45/50 yr old learning a new trade.

[@WelderUpVegas]

Watch my Social Media in March for my upcoming welding course for beginners. Thanks for your story.

[@timfleenor3705]

Love it. He is a true success story of how to make it WITHOUT a college education. All it takes is hard work and determination.

[@gregcollins6061]

You got that right, nobody wants to do it ..I personally have been out of the trade for 7years..great story 👍

[@mkollander99]

Thank you for sharing your life with all of us

[@WelderUpVegas]

Your Welcome and thanks for listening!

[@darinthompson8534]

I never chose welding it chose me. I loved being the best when I could and learned more when the next guy was better .

[@ccjensen4670]

Sounds like my childhood working with my father in construction. I grew up in Santa Rosa where hot rods we're king. My first automotive job was sanding and polishing magnesium Halibrands for my buddies brother's 36 Ford. My first hot rod was a 59 Chevy Apache Fleetside I bought at 18 years old while a sophomore at Santa Rosa High School. At nineteen I was taking automotive classes at Santa Rosa Junior College while working at a Chevron Station in my spare time. Rebuilt a blown up 427" big block in pieces in shop and put it in A 59 Ford Galaxie....blew the 3 speed on the first power run. Found a four speed out of a wrecked 63 R 427 code Galaxie and turned the car into a "sleeper" Had fun suckering in the small block Chevy hot rods on 4th Street. Got beat by a Cobra on the 101 freeway and my buddy told me I would lose....my reply was "of course we're going to lose and when we did...my buddy said told you so....my response was "yes, but wasn't that fun". I've never grown up....

[@ssceverythingcummins2985]

Well said . Again again I get inspired by you to go work on my crazy cummins builds with I got to many of to get done . Cheers

[@belindalewis3444]

I love your video and your story . Planning to visit your place this week ! Congrats on your accomplishments !

[@rickcrusenberry7027]

Thanks for the pep talk. Headed to the garage now to work on my welding skills.

[@bettyro1959]

Respect! A great story and just goes to show what hard work, dedication, and a good work ethic can accomplish. So many people now days want things easy and fast and don't want to put in the hard work. I worked the oil field so I know where you're coming from. Great job!

[@WelderUpVegas]

Thanks Steve!

[@yamahaxs6501]

so true. no matter what, I can always work...because I can weld.

[@bruceg7384]

Great video Steve, Laughed like hell when you mentioned the slag down the back of the neck. So many times working under a wrecker body I got it from torching off the old unit on a changeover and then from welding on the new unit to the chassis. Never had the father stick around myself so I started in trade school. Learned the very basic stick and torch use along with woodwork and basic construction. Quit at 16 and went to work welding wrecker truck bodies, two years later went on to structural steel welding for a few years then economic slow down and I moved to home construction. Been a home builder and flipper as well as custom cabinet maker for many years now but I still have a big old miller stick welder and a newer sine wave mig unit as well as a band saw and abrasive saw in the garage. Built many a trailer and other project over the years. Being competent at any trade is and can be profitable after regular hours of working for a wage. At 67 I am looking forward now to building my 40 ft houseboat, got a lot of material and parts already and I suspect I,ll use every skill I learned over the years to complete it . My best advice is and has been to watch a real pro carefully when they work , doesn't matter at what trade if you watch carefully and keep your mouth shut you can learn. When they are done, then ask the questions and almost all are pleased to show and explain the real processes of the trade. Thanks for making an effort to teach and to let the younger generation see the trades can be cool and fulfilling a life choice.

[@WelderUpVegas]

Thanks Bruce, I enjoyed your comments. A houseboat! That's an undertaking for sure. I agree with your advise. Thanks for watching.

[@robertsummers753]

Ok 1st might need check your cam, it went black screen 6 times. But could still hear you talking. With that aside i love the show, dont get enough of it, you were so lucky have a cool dad that took time for you . and your skills are CRAZY!!!!!! So set me up a bunk in the shop , send me bus ticket and feed me once a day and im there!!!!!!!!! That you for sharing this dude, you should be PROUD of all You have learn and done!!!!! THANK YOU SIR!!!!!

[@rustedratchetgarage6788]

Wow that is so awesome that you worked on sod machines my dad drove a sod truck last part of his working career for about 10 years

[@mikefedele4521]

Cool message... You are totally right. You'll never starve with a trade. There is money in dirt/grease. More inportant than that it makes a better more humble individual I think....

[@jammils38]

Inspired! I just recently bought a mig and I have tried stick and didn't do so well lol. I want to learn how to do a little fab an get good at welding. I just stumbled on this video and I love your show. I can't wait to see the next episode. Thanks for sharing your story it was great.

[@WelderUpVegas]

Watch my Social Media in March for my beginning course, Welder 101 on line. Thanks for watching and keep practicing.

[@scottquasebarth677]

I enjoy welding learned on a stick and then mig, fab is awesome, thanks for your content and info,GOD bless you and your family. I never toss scrap

[@toddyb1525]

Thanks for all the effort......always look forward to your clips.

[@bendaves77]

3 years ago the pipeline welders who were company guys and living in huge campers but still moving from town to town with the pipeline were grossing 150k plus per year with union benefits

[@deeznutzz8375]

I’d like to hear Mackay and Deeter talk about how good of a person your are!

[@jeffbush37]

Thanks Steve. I hope I have instilled some of those things in my 2 boys. Just being around and present was more than some. Hopefully I can get back on my feet and get a cool car someday to. Was there but my wife had some serious health issues so got derailed. But praying it works out. Thanks for all the inspiration brother

[@WelderUpVegas]

My best to you and your family. Most important is the wife and boys. You will get that car build one day! Thanks for your comment and thanks for watching.

[@jeffbush37]

@@WelderUpVegas thanks brother.

[@1Buckluck]

Love listening to you talk!!! Keep making videos! Thank you!!

[@redcellrogue2824]

Great story and experiences!!

[@jeffclark5024]

Hell yeah man I’m a mechanic by trade amateur fabricator for fun. I’ve had people tell me I can’t do things and that’s more motivation to do it and shut them right TFU

[@garyparker2969]

Except for the BLACKOUTS ?? This Is a Super Inspirational Video Steve, Thank You for Sharing n God Bless You.