May 29, 2026 Benchmark Abrasives

Connor Lund

Welcome to this week's #benchmarkspotlight (formerly the #weldershowcase) - we had the opportunity to sit down with Connor Lund 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: Connor Lund

Location: British Columbia

Socials: IG: @connor__lund

Specialties: Fabrication, mechanics, machining and creating something out of nothing

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

My name is Connor, I enjoy all things offroad. I’m a very hands on creative person and I’m never willing to give up on a project. For me I feel like the trades found me, from a young age I was always tinkering with something. It started with legos, then drift cars, go karts then dirtbikes and trucks. I always liked working with my hands, so when I was given the opportunity to compete for a full ride Millwright apprenticeship I went all in and got my red seal. I started as a millwright when I was 17, I am now 25 so it’s been about 8 years in the trade and still learning everyday fixing and diagnosing issues and mechanical work on submarines.

What keeps you motivated throughout the day?
Knowing that I have so much to look forward to and projects to complete keeps me motivated. I feel like I rarely struggle to find motivation, if you work towards what you are passionate about every day the motivation should come naturally.

What is your favorite shop tool and why?
This is a tough one, but currently it would have to be my JD2 model 32 tube bender that I have converted to be air over hydraulic with some custom modifications.

What's your favorite piece that you've worked on?
Definitely the box/bed of my Toyota Hilux. When the old box rusted out I knew I had to upgrade, this was a massive undertaking and involved a lot of thought and precision work. Especially to make the factory looking aluminum tail gate function and operate just like stock.

If you could have any job as it relates to question 1 what would it be and what would you do with that?
I do enjoy my job. However I plan to continue on the path I’m on right now with social media and can make money that way I will. So if you consider that a job, that would be the dream right there. Just doing the things I love and filming the journey.

What BA product is your favorite and why?

So far all I have used is the Zirconia and ceramic flapper wheels and I absolutely love them. I do a lot of grinding and shaping. I also don’t like to waste time if not necessary, and having the right tool for the job can be a huge time saver. These things rip through metal like no other disc I have used. And they last.

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

The 40 and 36 grit flapper wheels surprised me the most. I like how they are lightweight and durable, they seem to last a long time and not clog up to bad. Overall a great product, I’m keen to try out more BA products in the future.

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

Trade shows and events are always a great option. Another new age method would be social media sponsors, getting the name in a YouTube video can have a big impact on potential buyers when they see someone they look up to speaking highly of a product. And someone that actually puts it in to use and shows how well it works.

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

I would love to collab with Cleetus McFarland/ Garret Mitchell and get a tour of the Freedom Factory. That would be all time for me.