October 4, 2024 Benchmark Abrasives

Anthony "Pappy" King

Welcome to this week's #benchmarkspotlight (formerly the #weldershowcase) - we had the opportunity to sit down with Anthony King 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: Anthony King aka Pappy

Location: Mount Washington, KY

Socials: FB: Anthony King

YouTube: Anthony King

Specialties: I'm a pretty good hand at whatever I do. My favorites would be welding and spraying paint.

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

Well I have always wanted my own shop. I didn't have time until I retired from the USPS a couple years ago. I guess what inspired me to start rebuilding trailers was wanting someone to get a decent build, that they could count on. Over the last 60 years I have acquired the skills so I put them to use.

What keeps you motivated throughout the day?
Honestly I am high strung and the shop helps release the energy in productive ways. Just the enjoyment of sweeping up is enough. I love my shop.

What is your favorite shop tool and why?
My favorite piece of equipment is definitely the welder. Followed closely by my sander/grinder. The welder just allows for so much creativity and practical applications. I could always work wood but adding the metal was a complete game changer.

What's your favorite piece that you've worked on?
My favorite project so far was a horse trailer for my granddaughter.

If you could have any job as it relates to question 1 what would it be and what would you do with that?
If age weren't a factor I would like to weld professionally. My goal would be underwater work. The welding and the unknown of the sea together, now that's a great job.

What BA product is your favorite and why?

My favorite BA product is definitely the flap discs. They made simple work of every sanding job on this trailer from thick rust to fine detail in the wood. I was completely amazed at the flap discs, the contours of the trailer were no problem with the 29's. I really didn't expect it to go so easily.

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

It would be my grandfather, he taught me so much about craftsmanship and quality when I was younger that just one project to share now would be a dream.