About
Portland-based welder, metal fabricator, and handyman.
I'm Lars Rutkowski, an experienced welder, custom metal fabricator and fix-it guy located in Portland, Oregon.
Outside of work, you can find me swimming with the River Huggers Swim Team in the Willamette, shivering with the Yeti's (Portland's unofficial ice swimming group), playing underwater hockey, free diving at the coast and spearfishing around the world (spearos, I make custom spearguns).
I'm also an avid beer fan, and you can learn more about me on Instagram by following @nwbeerman.
Work Experience
Here's what I've done so far:
Welder, Fabricator + Boat Repair | Kamoka Pearl Farm, Ahe, French Polynesia (2020)
Metal Fabricator | Schooner Creek Boat Works, Portland, OR
(2019)Stainless Sheet Fabrication and Small Parts Lead | Portland Kettle Works, Portland, OR (2012-2018)
Welder + Machining Fabricator | Rebco Manufacturing, Eugene, OR
(2004-2012)Subframe fitter + Welder | Monaco Coach Corp., Coburg, OR
(2003-2004)
I speared this French Polynesian beauty with a speargun I built.
I've been welding for over 15 years: MIG, TIG, aluminum, steel, you name it.
It's hard for me to see broken things without fixing them.
I'm an avid sailor, and have done tons of fiberglass and custom metalwork for boaters.
Do you speak metal fab? Here's more detail.
Here are common tasks I've completed over the years:
Polish stainless parts to mirror finish for corrosion resistance
Fabricated custom boat parts using tubing bender and bench polisher
TIG and MIG welding for custom brewing equipment; operated a 100W laser etcher
Trained a team of craftspeople to fabricate to commercial standards, maintain production schedule
Upgraded shop equipment (rewiring, bracket building, installing switches or custom fixtures, etc.)
Updated and improved shop prints and drawing
TIG and MIG welding of aluminum, stainless, steel
Worked independently on jobs maintaining shop reputation
Equipment maintenance: disassemble, rewire, change fluids, replace parts/blades
Subframe fitting and welding
Welded dual shield MIG with tight turnaround
Completed Peak Performance Training (organization, safety, layout processes, quality control)