March 21, 2025 Benchmark Abrasives

Jake Wexler (@averagedesignedwood)

Welcome to this week's #benchmarkspotlight (formerly the #weldershowcase) - we had the opportunity to sit down with Jake from @averagedesignedwood 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: Jake Wexler

Business Name: Average Designed Wood

Location: North Charleston, SC

Socials: IG: @averagedesignedwood

Website: www.averagedesignedwood.com

Specialties: Self-proclaimed "Science Fiction Woodworker", UFO's, Woodturning, Woodcarving

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

I've been making things since I was a kid and knew that whatever I ended up doing, it would need to be something where I was able to "create". I figured my best chance at making this happen would be going to school where I got my degree in Industrial Engineering only to realize that isn't exactly what I was looking for so instead of finding a job in that field, I started something of my own. My first "business" was making and selling Wooden Beer Koozies (yes, you read that correctly) which grew into something bigger when my brother joined in. However, making the same thing over and over again got pretty redundant and it wasn't long before I was searching for a way out. It was at this point that I combined my love of science fiction with passion for woodworking and the first WOODEN UFO was born! That was about two years ago now.

What keeps you motivated throughout the day?
My motivation comes from the fact that this is truly something I love doing and I know that not everyone is able to say that about their careers. Knowing this makes me want to make sure I do not let this opportunity go to waste so I work hard at it every day.

What is your favorite shop tool and why?
Going to have to go with my Laguna Revo Lathe (although I definitely spend the most time with my dremel)

What's your favorite piece that you've worked on?
Last year I built a scale model of the Millenium Falcon from Star Wars. Gonna be tough to beat that.

If you could have any job as it relates to question 1 what would it be and what would you do with that?
Honestly, I can't see myself doing anything different...

What BA product is your favorite and why?

So far, it's the sanding belts! Very durable and long-lasting compared to some others I've tried. Also worth mentioning that they're cheaper but this in no way reflects their quality. Very heavy duty.

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

Having only used the belts so far, I will say that I was happily surprised by the quality given the price point!

What tips and tricks do you have for us that might be different or eye opening for others to try with BA product?

So, it almost certainly reduces the life of the belt, but when I'm trying to create texture for a landscape, I trim the sanding belt so it hangs over the edge of my belt sander and use the corner of it to create curves and other random patterns. The bending of the belt probably isn't great for it, but...oh well!

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

Zak Miskry. He uses "junk" to create giant animal and insect sculptures (and much more) and I just think his style of using old computer parts and random scraps of metal to give a unique "steampunk" vibe to a few UFO's!

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

I hardly feel like I'm in the position to give advice as I'm still figuring this out myself, but I think a good reminder is that it doesn't matter what you do, if you're the BEST at it, you can be successful. (Think about it, there's successful jugglers out there...) So, if you find something you enjoy, work really, really hard at it and you'll be surprised what kinds of opportunities present themselves.

What are your future plans for your shop?

Well, I'm currently working out of the garage in my rental since our house burned down last year so future plans are going to be to get a new shop! I do need a new bandsaw though...and a new tablesaw...

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

I'm always looking for cool brands to work with so having Benchmark Abrasives in my corner is awesome! They also have the absolute coolest sticker designs...

A Note From Leo

Thanks for sharing your story with us, Jake! The amount of detail you put into your UFO's and Star Wars sculptures is unreal. Then having them light up.. dope!