Kolten Weaver

Here at CD, we have an array of customers that we contract for. We mainly MIG weld, both mild steel, a lot of aluminum with a spool gun, and the occasional stainless. My attention to detail and OCD led me to be the go-to guy for both precision welding and showing the new guys all the tricks and nuances of the jobs we do. I fixed everyone else's rejects, as I have a very steady hand for cutting parts apart without scrapping them, and I am very anal and attentive to not send out anything subpar. I did most of the aluminum and stainless welding until we felt it was time to teach others how to do so, to lighten the load on myself and get everyone in line to do all jobs. They had a high turnover rate. I am currently the second most senior welder they have, with three years of employment there.

• Operated MIG welding equipment to produce high-quality welds on various metal components.
• Interpreted blueprints and technical drawings to ensure accurate fabrication of parts.
• Collaborated with team members to optimize workflow and maintain production schedules.
• Conducted routine maintenance on welding machinery to enhance operational efficiency.
• Trained new employees on safety protocols and welding techniques for improved performance.
• Implemented process improvements that reduced waste and increased productivity in welding operations.
• Worked closely with quality control personnel to address any identified issues promptly, supporting a continuous improvement mindset within the organization.
• Assisted in training new employees on MIG welding techniques, resulting in increased productivity levels for the team.
• Upheld company standards for excellence in craftsmanship through consistent attention to detail and commitment to producing high-quality workmanship on each task performed using MIG welding techniques.
• Demonstrated proficiency in operating various cutting tools such as plasma cutters or oxy-acetylene torches, contributing to the accurate preparation of materials for welding.
• Achieved high-quality finishes with expert grinding and polishing skills, enhancing the appearance of final products.
• Prepared surfaces for welds through scraping, scoring, and other techniques.
• Collaborated with team members to complete large-scale projects within designated timeframes.
• Adapted to changing project requirements, demonstrating flexibility in adjusting techniques or materials as needed for successful outcomes.
• Contributed to cost savings through efficient use of materials and minimizing waste during the welding process.
• Assessed welds for specifications with work orders.
• Streamlined repair processes by identifying defective welds and executing corrective measures quickly and efficiently.
• Cut, grinded and bent edges of materials to be joined for snug fit using power grinders and hand tools.

This was my second time working for this restaurant. Before I got back into welding, I originally started cooking here to make ends meet until I found a better job. I ended up loving the people I worked with and for, as well as the job itself. I was there for nearly two years, from early 2016 to late 2017, where I became the head prep cook in the mornings, and the main line cook in the evenings. The morning crew was all adults, while the evening crew was mostly teenagers. They appreciated my attention to detail and ability to show the kids how to do things the right way in a more pleasant manner than others would. I enjoyed teaching them a lot, and having ultimate responsibility for their work.

I am always welcomed back by them in times of need, despite the rather low wages. Sole reason I left was they could not pay me more of what I was worth, so I decided to move back into welding.

Here at Flick's, this was my first welding job after 10 years of not welding since high school, and shortly after high school. We mainly made large and small parts for Krause/Kuhn, a major farm implement company. It was a very small operation run by an elderly couple who retired after 30 years, subsequently laying me off in the process. While I was here, I mainly MiG welded with gas, but they let me try other processes, including Pulse, Flux core, and TiG. Not alot of fab work was needed, as it was mostly jig work, but there was alot of preperation and assembly in accordance with bluepint and customer specifications.

• Welded in flat, horizontal, vertical, and overhead positions.
• Demonstrated versatility in various welding methods including MIG, TIG, Stick, and Flux Core Welding techniques.
• Operated hoists, cranes, and power tools to dismantle equipment to find and remove defective parts.
• Inspected welds and checked critical measurements to meet specifications.
• Utilized blueprints and diagrams to compare finished products against design specifications.
• Assisted in blueprint reading and interpretation for accurate alignment of parts during assembly process.
• Completed welding projects using gas tungsten arc, gas metal arc, flux-cored arc, plasma arc, and shielded metal arc equipment.
• Developed customized welding techniques for unique materials, optimizing fabrication processes.
• Maintained high standard of quality control, ensuring all welds met or exceeded industry standards.

I worked here as a CNC plasma operator in order to get my foot in the door to be a welder for this company. I absolutely loved the job, flourished in material management, and developed more inventory skills. As high-pressure vessels, every step of the process had to be highly coordinated and cataloged. Unfortunately, a freak accident led to me breaking my hand on the job, and they decided not to hire me after my 90 days.

• Operated CNC plasma cutting machines to produce high-quality components according to specifications.
• Monitored machine performance, identifying and resolving operational issues promptly.
• Interpreted blueprints and technical drawings to ensure precise fabrication of parts.
• Collaborated with engineering teams to optimize cutting processes and improve efficiency.
• Conducted routine maintenance on machinery to ensure optimal performance and reduce downtime.
• Reduced material waste through precise programming and accurate alignment of workpieces.
• Optimized nesting patterns for efficient material usage, resulting in significant cost savings over time.
• Skilled at working independently or collaboratively within a team environment to achieve shared project goals.
• Troubleshot issues with CNC plasma machines, resolving problems quickly to minimize downtime.