April 25, 2025 Benchmark Abrasives

David Christensen (Idaho Door and Gate)

Welcome to this week's #benchmarkspotlight (formerly the #weldershowcase) - we had the opportunity to sit down with David from Idaho Door and Gate 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: David Christensen

Business Name: Idaho Door and Gate

Location: Nampa ID

Website: www.idahodoorandgate.com

Specialties: Gate and door fabrication, automation and installation

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

Originally from San Diego, I’ve been in the trades for over 37 years. I’ve started successful door and gate businesses San Diego (successfully sold it) Sterling, VA, and Nampa Idaho. Inspiration towards beginning and remaining in my trade came with the satisfaction of being able to design and subsequently fabricate vehicle and pedestrian gates to exacting specifications. That satisfaction is what I strive for in every job…honestly, it doesn’t always come since we all know when we could have done better, nonetheless that’s the goal.

What keeps you motivated throughout the day?
Motivation is a moving target. some days are tougher than others. I’d love to be a true capitalist and say that money is the motivation, but it’s really secondary or even tertiary to one simple self discovery that seems to motivate me the most….and that’s simply being appreciated. It’s hard to explain to someone who’s ordered a nice custom gate installed on their property that only the steel is off the shelf (and half the time even the steel itself is imperfect. Everything else is pure craftsmanship. Honestly I’ve given up expecting to get a comment indicating appreciation from every client since people are all different. But, when a client goes out their way to kindly point out something that I know I anguished it’s perfection over, that makes the whole job memorably pleasant to me. And that client has a spot in my heart..

What is your favorite shop tool and why?
My favorite shop tools are my benders and rollers by SWAG Offroad. These guys make practical tools that work. They are cost effective and make nearly perfect radii when I need them.

What's your favorite piece that you've worked on?
This piece is a near match to my own gate at my residence. I always loved the gothic inspired designs. This one is in Star Idaho.

If you could have any job as it relates to question 1 what would it be and what would you do with that?
At the end of the day I would have liked to be just an artist. However, having an ultra practical father made that impossible. Be that as it may, my current trade allows a fair amount of artistic license.

What BA product is your favorite and why?

I happen to love Benchmarks 4-1/2” flapper discs and thin cutting wheels. These products solve the lion's share of finish issues with the variability of materials and makes my custom gates ready to meet the powdercoater with minimal highs or lows at the joints.

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

One obvious characteristic is the cost-effectiveness ratio compared to other manufacturers. I get the same, if not better, performance out of your discs and flappers that I would out of Home Depot or national steel supported brands at half the cost.

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

Well, one tip I’ve learned the hard way over the years is to keep the guards on when possible and keep 2 hands on the tool. Difficult to hurt yourself with both hands on the grinder.

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

Man…. There’s so much talent out there. It’s hard to pick one person. That said, there’s this guy in Spain, @cerraboj that I really respect. I don’t know his name, but if by some miracle, I could meet this guy and work with his company somehow, that would be a bucket list event for me. The guy is super talented and super practical… he made these 16mm laser cut horses that he fabs on. Pretty impressive and his doors are beautiful!

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

My advice for the next generation is to simply plug into your trade and commit. I have always operated in a vacuum and it took many years to learn things that may have come easier in a team environment. It’s helpful to network and learn from others. Additionally, I didn’t have YouTube growing up, so everything I learned was either on the job or through immense amounts of trial and error. Get out there to other fab shops and ask questions; ask for tours. Look at the available equipment out there that can make your products easier to produce, with a much higher quality level so you can enjoy more freedom later on.

What are your future plans for your shop?

Currently I’m expanding my little shop area by just adding another 1K sqft. I'm installing a 20x12 foot door in place of the two 10x10s that were there. This allows me to move large gates and structures in and out a bit easier. Also this new “wing” will house all rolling and bending equipment, belt grinders, discs and pedestal grinders in order to clear out more floor space for my fab area.

A Note From Leo

Thanks for sharing your story with us, David! I remember the days before YouTube was around and now I can't live without it. However, I feel this makes us more resilient in problem solving on the fly and on our own so we technically have the best of both worlds. Cheers!