July 11, 2025 Benchmark Abrasives

Joel Davis (@davishausofstyle)

Welcome to this week's #benchmarkspotlight (formerly the #weldershowcase) - we had the opportunity to sit down with Joel from @davishausofstyle 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: Joel Davis

Business Name: Davis Haus of Style

Location: Vandalia, MO

Socials: IG: @davishausofstyle

Website: www.chopclass.com

YouTube: Chop Class

Specialties: Flowmagineering, Metal Shaping, and Space-Inspired '50's Style Pinstriping

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

Like most car guys, I started with Hotwheels given to me by my Dad and Uncles, then I got into model kits, then I started chopping tops on model kits... 25 or 30 years later, here I am! I have had my own shop since 2016, and have been doing Chop Classes since 2018. Currently, I have done over 55 Chop Classes in over 14 states.

What keeps you motivated throughout the day?
I love seeing progress on projects. I'm a "make it shiny" kind of guy, so seeing a car go from a frumpy shell to a sleek, well-designed car is very satisfying!

What is your favorite shop tool and why?
I love my 1/2"x18" Cornwell mini belt sander for hard to reach places and grinding down welds.

What's your favorite piece that you've worked on?
I tend to fall in love with every project, and in the classes, I don't get to finish cars, that's up to the owner. But I love my own '40 Ford sedan because of the time spent building it with my Dad, Tom.

If you could have any job as it relates to question 1 what would it be and what would you do with that?
I think I have my dream job. Everyone who gets into building cars wants to get paid to build their vision of what a car should look like... and I get to share that vision as well as the skills and thought processes it takes to get there with my class participants. It is super rewarding! I would like to build high-end period-correct customs for those who really appreciate the style of the 50's and 60's.

What BA product is your favorite and why?

I really love the orange ceramic 36g roloc discs and the ceramic 1/2"x18" sanding belts.

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

The roloc discs and flap discs are great quality, and that's why I use BenchMark Abrasives products exclusively.

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

You'll have to find out in one of my classes near you! I have auto body, metal shaping, and chop classes scheduled from East Coast to West Coast!

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

Chip Foose. I think I could learn a lot from him about design, business, and custom car history!

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

Work as hard as you can, and work for yourself as early as possible. Take the leap, and don't be afraid of failure.

What are your future plans for your shop?

I would like to build one or two customer cars at a time, and keep travelling for classes. I would also like to continue building timeless custom cars and pickups.

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

I would like to thank Benchmark Abrasives for the opportunity, and I encourage anyone considering chopping their top on their custom car to order up a Meltypack! Please reach out to me on Facebook at Chop Class with Joel Davis or Instagram at @DavisHausofStyle if you'd like to get your top chopped!

A Note From Leo

Thanks for sharing your story with us, Joel! Some of these classics look great and I'll keep an eye out for one of your classes swinging by the West Coast!