July 4, 2025 Benchmark Abrasives

Daniel Janssen (@alchemistcraftworks)

Welcome to this week's #benchmarkspotlight (formerly the #weldershowcase) - we had the opportunity to sit down with Daniel from @Alchemistcraftworks and talk a little shop.

If you would like to be featured in our weekly spotlight (100% FREE) and have a chance at winning one of our Grinder Hoods please send us an email to leo.benchmarkabrasives@gmail.com to get you scheduled in an upcoming week. And for those of you that take the time to share your story with us, we'd be happy to provide a free BA banner. These spotlights are intended to highlight your skill, your business, and your tips and tricks. Most of all it's to have a little fun!

Name: Daniel Janssen

Business Name: Alchemist Craftworks

Location: Prescott, AZ

Socials: IG: @Alchemistcraftworks

Specialties: Metal sculptures

Tell us about yourself - what inspired you to get into your trade? And how long?

Most of my 20's were spent doing very specialized traveling work and living out of my minivan to rock climb as much as possible in between jobs. As time went on, I longed to not just see places; I wanted to know places. When I found Prescott, I realized my last decade of niche work didn't translate well into 'normal' society or hiring. So I decided to get into welding as it seemed like a cool and practical skill to have and something I could do pretty much anywhere in the world if needed. I signed up for the local community college's welding program 8 years ago and got hired as a welder/fabricator at a sign shop, and nothing has been the same since.

What keeps you motivated throughout the day?
That can really change depending on the day and task but when it comes to making sculptures, little motivation is needed. Oftentimes I will have a very clear idea pop into my head of what I would like to make and it feels less like I am forcefully trying to make something and more like I'm helping something realize itself. The hardest part for me with sculptures is the last 10% of it. The broad strokes and quick progress are done and there is nothing left but the meticulous tiny details and progress slows to a crawl. At that point I am maybe less motivated and more just determined.

What is your favorite shop tool and why?
My welder (Miller Multimatic 220). It's probably not an exciting or surprising answer but that thing can do it all : MIG, TIG, stick, aluminum, steel, stainless. I also own a CNC plasma table which is a close second, but it sees a lot less use than the welder.

What's your favorite piece that you've worked on?
It is a piece I made called "Iron Scryer". It is an owl (complete with rotating head) on a really cool, gnarled tree made of chains.

With eyes of rust, he sees all things
The flutter of the robin's wing
A whimsical hoot, though never heard
He watches over every bird

If you could have any job as it relates to question 1 what would it be and what would you do with that?
Making metal sculptures would be the dream and there are a few ways in which other artists have made that work. I have seen some grow famous on social media while others get commissioned to make sculptures for parks/businesses/etc. Seems like there are a lot of ways to make it sustainable and I would love to figure out my own way to do so.

What BA product is your favorite and why?

We have a set of BA carbide burr bits we use at the sign shop I work at. Those things hold up well to the severe abuse we subject them to.

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What BA product surprised you in terms of quality - what about it set it apart from the competition?

I haven't had the opportunity to try out a lot of different BA products, sadly. I can say that the BA carbide burr bits we use have been the same ones we have had at the sign shop for the last 8 years I have been there.

If there was one person you could collaborate with - who would it be and why?

Nicholas LoFaro at LoFaro Metalworks. He makes some really cool pieces and has been a great source in helping me navigate these new waters as I try to start building a name for myself.

Do you have any advice for the next generation that you wish you had when you first started?

It is easier to replace a heart than an eye. Don't skimp on the safety equipment.

What are your future plans for your shop?

The past few months I have been getting some super positive and supportive responses to my metal sculptures. I am making some big life changes soon and gearing up for "Phase 2" of my metal sculptures. Mostly I see this as the point where I really dig in and push hard to try and make my dream come true instead of idly tinkering on stuff in the background. It is a good feeling to have finally found something that calls to me and drives me deeper into creativity.

Thanks for sitting with us and sharing your story with the community - is there anything you'd like to add?

I would like to thank Benchmark Abrasives for offering the opportunity to do this interview. It's a great opportunity for community growth and involvement

A Note From Leo

Thanks for sharing your story with us, Daniel! It's great to see you finding additional passion for the craft as you continue to grow. That's gotta be one of the best feelings in the world when working. Cheers!