#WhyWeWeld: Donyboy73

Donyboy73 is a YouTuber with 15 years of experience and a business owner who runs a small engine repair shop in Muskoka, Ontario, Canada. As a small engine repair specialist, Don is also skilled in welding, an essential part of his DIY approach. We interviewed him to discuss his experience with welding.

Don is a small engine repair expert and is skilled in welding.

Don is a small engine repair expert and is skilled in welding.

Here’s our discussion:

So how did you get into welding? Did you take classes or were you self-taught?

I got into welding because of my business, and personally, I don’t consider myself a professional welder. I run a small engine repair business, and you can see most of what I do on my YouTube channel Donyboy73.

Donyboy73 was repairing an engine.

Welding is a small part of what I do, but it always creeps its way into my work, and I also do some metal art, but I don’t have any of that on my YouTube. I learned how to weld directly from a welder I had asked to mentor me. I really like MIG welding with the argon gas. It really makes your welds look professional because there’s no slag.

Donyboy73 fixing a hole with MIG welding.

What was the biggest project you’ve ever had that involved welding?

Probably the biggest project I have ever done was when I made my two welding carts. I actually broke it out into a small series on my YouTube, it’s called “How to Build a Welding Cart for a MIG & Stick Welder.” It involved a lot of precision as I had to grind down the steel and did my absolute best to keep everything as accurate and precise as possible. I wanted it to be really clean, you know. You can see the entire process on my YouTube.

Building a Welding Cart for a MIG & Stick Welder

Was that also the biggest challenge for you with welding? Or has there been any other project where you faced anything particularly difficult?

That wasn’t necessarily my most challenging experience with welding. That one was just a larger undertaking.

But I would say the biggest challenge I ever had with welding was definitely having to weld a pickup truck. It was the most difficult because it had to be extremely clean. The welds would be visible when finished, and for that type of thing, it is very important that it comes out looking good to the client.

Donyboy73 is a YouTuber and small engine repair expert.

With your strong social media presence and long-time role in the community, have you noticed any changes in your audience’s interest in welding?

Oh yes, I have. There definitely is an increase in interest in welding. I can see it in the comments.

TIG Welding for Repairs

I have also had people that had come to the shop, and they just wanted to check out the machines since I have reviewed so many welding machines in the past year.

I would definitely say that the machine I reviewed, the DP200, is definitely the best welding machine for do-it-yourself home welding. I actually had a kid come by that checked out the machines, and he asked me what welding kit he should get as a beginner welder, and I just told him to get the YesWelder, as it has everything you could need, and it comes at a good price point for people who are just coming into it. Also, the interface is very clear and easy for anybody to understand.

What advice would you give to people interested in getting into welding?

I would recommend that they get training. Whether it’s through college, trade school, or even in high school, they should try to learn it directly from someone.

Or they can even do what I did and try to find a welder who knows what they’re doing and try to learn directly from them. They really need to get the training and have someone to show them how to do it correctly.

Welding Repair on John Deere LA165 Lawn Tractor Deck

Given the growth and success of your YouTube channel, do you feel any kind of social responsibility in bringing awareness to the younger generation in trade work like welding and small engine repair?

Oh yes! Definitely! You know, I really like to teach. I didn’t really get into YouTube to try to make money. I just really enjoy teaching and getting things out there. Especially when the comments come in. It really makes me want to give back to the community.