TIG Welding Progress Over Time

From Day One to Pro TIG Welding: Why You Should Document Your Start

Everyone starts somewhere—and this was mine. Back when I filmed my very first YouTube video for Pacific Arc Tig Welding, I was standing in my shop after hours building a TIG-welded piggy bank for my kid. Nothing fancy. No fancy lighting, no editing team, just me, my torch, and a simple goal: make something, have fun, and share the process.

Fast forward to now, and the transformation is massive.

Looking back on that first video is humbling. The words weren’t perfect. The filming was basic. But it marked the beginning of something way bigger than I realized. And if there’s one thing I’ve learned over the years, it’s this: just starting is the most important part of your welding journey.

Why Your First Weld Matters (Even If It’s Ugly)

Too many people wait until they feel “ready” before picking up a TIG torch. Let me save you some time: no one feels ready. The welds will be shaky, the settings might be off, and your confidence will be all over the place. That’s part of the process.

In my first video, I was just messing around, trying to have fun with a small aluminum project. It wasn’t about perfection—it was about momentum. That one piggy bank led to hundreds of videos, thousands of students, and a full-blown welding career.

So if you’re hovering over your first piece of aluminum right now, unsure whether you’re cut out for this—just weld it. Document it. Keep going.

Consistency Beats Perfection in TIG Welding

What separates the people who “kind of” learn to weld from those who become great at it? Practice. I don’t mean a couple of hours here and there—I mean consistent, mindful, structured practice.

From that first video to now, I’ve probably burned through thousands of feet of filler rod. I’ve made mistakes, adjusted my technique, upgraded machines, and refined every step of my process.

But it all comes back to consistency. I didn't get better overnight. I got better one weld at a time.

The Power of Looking Back

Here’s something I wish I did more of early on: document the journey. My first video is a rare gem in that way. I didn’t know it then, but recording that piggy bank build gave me a timestamp. A “Day One” snapshot that I can now look back on and appreciate.

That’s why in my programs today, I encourage every student to take photos, record videos, and save their early projects. Not because it’s always pretty—but because it shows progress. It reminds you that you’re improving, even when it doesn’t feel like it.

If you’re just starting, do yourself a favor: save everything. In five years, you’ll be glad you did.

You Don’t Need to Be Perfect to Teach

That first video was also the start of my mission to share what I know. I wasn’t the best welder on the internet. I didn’t have a fancy studio or a YouTube strategy. I just wanted to show people what I was working on—and maybe help them get better too.

Since then, I’ve taught thousands of students, created full online programs, and helped people around the world level up their TIG welding skills. And it all started with a small aluminum piggy bank on camera.

If you know a little about welding, you already have something valuable to share. Don’t wait until you’re “perfect” to pass it on.

What I’d Tell Myself on Day One

If I could go back to that first video and tell my past self one thing, it would be this:
“Keep going. You won’t believe how far this can take you.”

So whether you’re just picking up TIG for the first time or thinking about starting a side project—start it. Show up. Stay consistent. You have no idea what’s waiting on the other side of your first weld.

And if you’re ready to build real skill, I’ve got free classes, structured programs, and resources to help you hit your goals faster—whether you’re welding in a garage or aiming for professional work.

👉 Check Out My Website Here 

And if you just love welding content and want to learn a little as you go, make sure you subscribe to my Youtube Channel - PacificArcTigWelding

Stay consistent. Keep learning. And always remember where you started.