Nate Bowman and Kyle Worzala join Dan Davis and Josh Welton to talk about 3M Clash of the Grinders, a student-based competition sponsored by 3M that teaches proper grinding techniques and safety. It features 12 contestants who receive hands-on training from industry experts.

Bowman, known as the Weld Scientist, hosted Season 2, and Worzala, a welding instructor at Gateway Technical College in Kenosha, Wis., served as one of three judges.

They look behind the scenes and talk about how the competition aimed to teach contestants the importance of proper abrasive selection, tool angle, and pressure control when grinding.

The guys also talk about learning from mistakes, the power of a trade school education, and the Power Rangers.

This episode was recorded at FABTECH 2024 in Orlando, Fla.

Email us at podcast@fmamfg.org with any comments, questions, or suggestions.

BlueForge Alliance Chief Strategy Officer Tim Shinbara joins The Fabricator Podcast to talk about how BFA serves as a neutral integrator for the U.S. Navy, focusing on improving the capability and capacity of the submarine industrial base.

The conversation delves into BlueForge's outreach and workforce initiatives, including Build Submarines campaigns and partnerships with organizations like Major League Baseball, NASCAR, and the WNBA, aimed at raising awareness and inspiring new talent. Tim describes the challenges small businesses face in joining the defense supply chain, noting that many lack awareness of how their work impacts defense projects. He emphasizes BlueForge’s role in offering “free consulting” to help smaller companies address pain points and improve processes, ultimately increasing capacity within the submarine supply chain.

Tim also reflects on his early career in the Navy and how he later developed an appreciation for the intricacies of manufacturing.

At the top, Dan and Gareth highlight metal artists Christina and Darren Thompson of New Jersey-based Thompson Craft. They created a metal sculpture of a hammerhead shark named "Sledge."

This episode was recorded at IMTS 2024 in Chicago.

Email us at podcast@fmamfg.org with any comments, questions, or suggestions.

Drew Crowe shares his inspiring journey from a teenage felon to a leading manufacturing advocate and speaker to creating The New American Manufacturing Renaissance.

Crowe stumbled into the metalworking industry by chance, finding a job at a machine shop that put him on a path to success that he never expected. He now travels the country inspiring the next generation to embrace modern manufacturing careers, emphasizing the limitless possibilities available. Crowe also discusses his work developing a workforce recruitment and retention app to help manufacturers connect with qualified candidates and support their career development. His story highlights the transformative power of manufacturing and the importance of investing in people to build a robust, diverse talent pipeline.

Crowe also talks about his time as an instructor of advanced manufacturing technology at Ranken Technical College, how his "MFG" moniker came about, creating jewelry and grills, and the importance of true industry advocacy that goes beyond just talk and LinkedIn clout.

And stay around for Dan's rendition of "Stick 'Em" by The Fat Boys.

This episode was recorded at IMTS 2024 in Chicago.

Email us at podcast@fmamfg.org with any comments, questions, or suggestions.