Thinking about formal training beyond cert renewals. I’ve been on a Dynasty 200 doing 3/16 6061 and thin 304 with tight bead profiles and controlled heat input, but I want deeper metallurgy and AC balance/cleaning theory that sharpens puddle control and repeatability — what courses or instructors have moved the needle for you? Bonus if it’s a weekend option in the Midwest or an online setup with real feedback, not just videos.
Hobart Institute in Troy, OH is worth a look — pair one of their short GTAW clinics with AWS’s Welding Metallurgy I (AWS Education | Your Source for Welding Expertise) to get the theory plus booth time that tightens AC balance/cleaning control. Schedules are mostly weekdays with occasional compact sessions, so check dates; if you need strictly weekends, want me to flag a couple Midwest community-college options? It’s like sharpening your tungsten on the book side before you light up.