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On Crosby Heights with Heliarc Welder Michael Booska

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Tuesday July 15, 2008

By Cookie Steponaitis

    As you travel the back roads of Vermont, you often find yourself presented with a simple sign listing the talents of the individual at the residence that remains hidden from the main road. Words like artist, craftsman, welder, mason, or painter give a hint of the potential talents that lie just off the traveled path, but do little to prepare you for the scope of the skills of the individual. Such is the case with visiting the home shop of Heliarc welder Michael Booska, who in 2009 will begin his fortieth year as a welder.

    Mike first began his craft in 1969 with on the job experience at Simmons Precision and has continued there in that capacity to this very day. “Welding technically is the joining of metals at the molecular structural level,” responded Mike, when asked for a functional definition of what he does. “It was developed first during World War II to join exotic metals like aluminum, copper and titanium.”

    Mike's home welding business began in 1978 as GTA Welding by subcontracting some projects for Simmons Precision. He began by welding spark electrodes for electrical furnaces and was working out of a one car garage on the side of the house. Within a couple of years the business needed more space and Mike built the two car garage/workshop that currently houses Michael Booska's Heliarc Welding business. Over the years, he has welded just about everything you can imagine and was quick to point out the ever changing nature of the projects brought to his workshop. “My main focus is marine applications, boat propellers and such, but I weld milking machines equipment, automotive parts, aircraft parts and in reality almost anything.”

    While technology has drastically altered many trades and industries, Mike remarked that Heliarc welding has remained virtually unchanged since the 1940's.

    “Today's MIG welding is done mostly on a production basis,” stated Mike. “It is faster, but not as clean or precise as Heliarc welding, and that is why there will always be a need for Heliarc welding.” During the interview, Mike's phone rang several times with calls of boat propellers and other needs of his clients. One man came to the door and asked hesitantly, “Do you have time for a quick project?” The night time hours on Crosby Heights are busy with Mike's shop being open Monday - Thursday from 4:00 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. and all day on Saturday.

    Besides master welder and craftsman, it is clear that the term artist also applies to Mike and his craft. Over the years special projects have called upon his strength as an artist and his knowledge of many other systems including electrical, hydraulics and a willingness to treat each project with a special zest and creativity. When asked about some of his favorite special projects of the past Mike readily listed off several. “ One of the best had to be building jet tractors for pulling competitions, modifying Gator vehicles to meet the needs of a quadriplegic, building airplane engines, working with exotic automobile engines, and welding connections with gold wire and fixing gold rings. Each project is part art, part science and part creative and that's why it never gets old or boring.”

    About 25 years ago, Mike's skills were used to build to design and build a wood stove for his own and inadvertently set off another side venture. His wood stoves are well known around the area for their functionality, durability and styling. Once again, part technology, part art and the use of master craftsmanship. Mike also commented on the fun involved with the creative process of each project. “I love it when people come up with a drawing and ask me, can you make this, but with a few little changes.” In addition to the customers, Mike commented with enthusiasm about the conversations and conferences he has with other welders from across the state and region. “After all these years it is still fun,” he reflected. “Each project is new and requires a little of all parts of my skills.”

    As we concluded our interview, I couldn't help but ask if he ever got to work on projects just for himself or his family. He smiled and talked about building custom go carts with his grandchildren and took the time to show me a “Pyramid Lamp”, which he designed for use as a lamp in his home at 65 Crosby Heights in Vergennes. Once again, you could not but help but be struck by the craftsmanship and diversity of the projects and products produced at his home shop.

    So, if you are on the hilltop overlooking the city of Vergennes, or in need of the services of this unique artisan, come by his shop on Crosby Heights or call him at (802)877-3160. As I started from the yard I was reminded of the other reason I came down for a visit and asked on my way out, “Mike, can you make me a platform with wheels for my mom's filing cabinets.” And, so the next project begins…

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