Stu Beavers (@into_the_rust)
Welcome to this week's #benchmarkspotlight (formerly the #weldershowcase) - we had the opportunity to sit down with Stu from @into_the_rust 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: Stu Beavers
Business Name: Into the Rust Metal Works
Location: Durham, NC
Specialties: Metal Art/ Mixed Media Sculptor
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Tell us about yourself - what inspired you to get into your trade? And how long? I've always had a passion for art such as drawing and painting and growing up my mom was a welder. She tried to teach me stuff but it wasn't til I took formal welding classes at Durham tech in my 30s that those lessons with mom clicked, and I understood her love of metal. That coupled with some inspiring metal artist really sparked my interest in metal art.
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What keeps you motivated throughout the day? I would say what keeps me motivated is learning. Learning new techniques. Learning new styles and ways to incorporate different scrap pieces and other materials into a piece. The excitement of learning something new is a huge driving force for me. |
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What is your favorite shop tool and why? I would say the plasma cutter. It makes the work so much easier and without it I would not be able to make certain shapes or cut outs. Close second is the grinder. |
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What's your favorite piece that you've worked on? I would have to say either the blue heron or the Mallard duck. Both were very challenging and I learned alot from the processes. |
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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? I think a dream job would be to teach people how to make metal art and how to use the tools to do so. |
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What BA product is your favorite and why?
I am fairly new to the BA world but the flap dics so far I find fantastic. They seem to last a long time.
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What BA product surprised you in terms of quality - what about it set it apart from the competition?
Again the flap discs. I use these quite often and they are definitely superior to other brands I've bought in the past. They're thicker and last so much longer. You really get alot of use out of them.
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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?
I don't think this is necessarily new or different but I love using the flap discs to make little gouges and flat spots in round rod to make it look like coral. Great for ocean themed pieces
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If there was one person you could collaborate with - who would it be and why?
I have 2, the first is David Groenjas and the second is Casey Parlette. Both have been extremely influential and inspiring in my works. They are the reason I started this life in metal creations and continue to strive at being better.
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Do you have any advice for the next generation that you wish you had when you first started?
Don't be afraid to ask questions and learn all you can from other artists. There are some really friendly and helpful people in the metal art community and most of them are happy to share processes with you.
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What are your future plans for your shop?
To keep growing and hopefully be able to make it my full time job one day.
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A Note From Leo
Thanks for sharing your story with us, Stu! I really hope you win the spider challenge with your piece! :)