Jeremy Burdette (Burdworks)
Welcome to this week's #benchmarkspotlight (formerly the #weldershowcase) - we had the opportunity to sit down with Jeremy from Burdworks 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!
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Name: Jeremy Burdette
Business Name: Burdworks—Forge Tool and Fabrication Location: Bartonville, IL
Facebook: - BurdWorksForge
Website: Jeremy Burdette
Specialties: Ornamental Blacksmithing and Fabrication
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Tell us about yourself - what inspired you to get into your trade? And how long? Millwright for 28+ years. My main inspiration is my father, he was a Caterpillar Blacksmith. I completed a 4 year apprenticeship under him as well.
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What keeps you motivated throughout the day? Family support & the opportunity to create something new all the time. |
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What is your favorite shop tool and why? Tire Hammer that I made. |
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What's your favorite piece that you've worked on? No favorite per se, but I really like making the larger outdoor sculptures. |
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If you could have any job as it relates to question 1 what would it be and what would you do with that? Full time Blacksmith/ Fabrication shop |
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What BA product is your favorite and why?
4.5” 40 grit flap disc (gift from a family member) It lasted longer than any other I had previously used.
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What BA product surprised you in terms of quality - what about it set it apart from the competition?
The durability of the grinding discs. They really outlast/outperformed the competition.
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What tips and tricks do you have for us that might be different or eye opening for others to try with BA products?
If you take the time to make a Jig/pattern/fixture it will save you so much time in the long run.
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If there was one person you could collaborate with - who would it be and why?
I do not have a single person. I have a group of fellow artists who I follow and draw inspiration from.
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Do you have any advice for the next generation that you wish you had when you first started?
Take time to do research/development, attend classes and get involved with your local blacksmith associations. Facebook and Instagram have an awesome variety of artists/sculptors as well.
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What are your future plans for your shop?
Would like to add a plasma cnc table to my shop, hopefully retiring in 4 years and going full time.
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A Note From Leo
Thanks for sharing your story with us, Jeremy! I would love to retire and just be able to work in the shop!