James Hurst (Cutting Edge Metal Designs)
Welcome to this week's #benchmarkspotlight (
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: James (Jim) Hurst Business Name: Cutting Edge Metal Designs Location: Clements, MD Socials: FB: Cutting Edge Metal Designs |
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Tell us about yourself - what inspired you to get into your trade? And how long? I'm a Navy veteran of over 22 years, I was an Aviation Machinist Mate (AD) working on various Navy aircraft engines and related systems. So, I have always worked with my hands, and enjoy restoring old cars and was actually a custom home builder in Maryland until I was injured. I was always building various wood projects, including custom furniture to make extra money. I have always enjoyed drawing and it was a natural transition to various software applications which has allowed me to design custom metal signs and artwork. Again, I use the sign business to fund my various car restoration projects and have been selling custom signs for a little over 3 years
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What keeps you motivated throughout the day? I enjoy seeing a customer excited when they discover the sign I have designed and they want to purchase. However, it's the custom work I do that keeps me going, for example; I just finished and delivered a sign for a young lady for her father for fathers day. He's a retired Air Force pilot, and his call sign was phoenix, so I made a custom sign with an image of a Phoenix bird, his aircraft, and his call sign "Phoenix", upon delivery the young lady could not thank me more for making her vision come to life for her father. This is just one example, there are many others. |
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What is your favorite shop tool and why? Plasma Table, it allows me to turn my designs into reality. |
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What's your favorite piece that you've worked on? A USN Veteran sign, for a shipmate that I served with. |
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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? CAD designer |
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What BA product is your favorite and why?
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What BA product surprised you in terms of quality - what about it set it apart from the competition?
Actually, the overall quality of the disc and longevity of the product. Also, I just purchased the new grinding helmet, and must admit it is without a doubt the best grinding helmet I have used. I for one, do not like using my welding helmet grind mode, so the new helmet is a game changer.
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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 product?
For me, I normally cut 16g/14g steel, so my dross is minimum, so being a Navy vet I use an air needle gun to very quickly knock off the dross and then follow-up with BA grinding disc. I quickly realized that knocking off the dross prior to grinding speeds up the process, the steel does not get as hot, and the disc effortlessly removes any remaining dross and allows me to achieve a smooth finish after the multiple step grinding process I use.
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If there was one person you could collaborate with - who would it be and why?
Hard question, I'm working with an engineer from GM that started his own business a few years ago but it's a remote relationship. I would love to be able to collaborate with him at his shop. Also, I know an air brush artist (Self Taught Kustoms), that I would love to collaborate with, which would potentially take my custom signs to a new level.
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Do you have any advice for the next generation that you wish you had when you first started?
Yes, don't be afraid to pursue something that makes you happy, You don't necessarily need a 20K plasma table on day one, to do what I do, you can start small and work up to the higher quality tools. The main objective is to do something you enjoy and if you work at it, you'll be surprised how far you can go. I wish I had started my Small Business earlier in life, but sometimes life dictates your path, but it can be changed.
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What are your future plans for your shop?
We're going to build a bigger shop to support the sign side, but also increase the size of items we can powder coat, and I need storage and a work area for my cars.
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A Note From Leo
Thanks for sharing your story with us, James! First off, thank you for your service. Second, it's really cool seeing the signs you've made and reactions you get from customers. Must be very fulfilling!