The Fabrication Lessons You Only Learn Once You’re on the Clock

The Fabrication Lessons You Only Learn Once You’re on the Clock

From WELD by Weld.com

June 8, 2026 · 24 min · Episode 248

About this episode

EJ Naegeli shares her experiences and lessons learned while working as a welder and fabricator at Chuckles Garage.

EJ Naegeli moved across the country for a welding job, and two years later she’s building custom hot rods, race cars, and a whole new level of confidence. If you’re a welder starting a new job, learning fabrication on the clock, or wondering whether taking a big career leap is worth it, this episode gives you a real look at what that growth actually feels like. In this episode, you’ll learn: • How EJ handled the first month at Chuckles Garage while learning the tools, shop flow, and expectations of a professional custom car shop. • Why fabrication confidence takes time even when your welding skills are already solid. • What EJ learned about speed, fit-up, and efficiency when working on professional-level builds where time matters. • How custom engine swaps and race car projects force fabricators to problem-solve without a perfect template. • Why working on your own project car can build the confidence and reps you need to grow faster at work. EJ Naegeli is a metal fabricator and welder at Chuckles Garage in Northern California, where she works on custom hot rods, race cars, engine swaps, exhaust systems, chassis modifications, and one-off fabrication projects. Since her last…

People in this episode

Guest: EJ Naegeli

Topics covered

  • welding
  • fabrication
  • career growth
  • confidence building
  • custom car projects

Keywords

  • welding job
  • fabrication skills
  • custom hot rods
  • race cars
  • engine swaps
  • shop flow
  • professional builds

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: Chuckles Garage

Places: Northern California

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