March 6, 2026 Benchmark Abrasives

Justin Stauffer (J&E's Fine Woodworking)

Welcome to this week's #benchmarkspotlight (formerly the #weldershowcase) - we had the opportunity to sit down with Justin from @jandefinewoodworking 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: Justin Stauffer

Business Name: J&E’S Fine Woodworking

Location: Tucson, AZ

Socials: IG: @jandefinewoodworking FB: J&E's Carpentry Paint & Stain

YouTube: J&E's Fine Woodworking

Specialties: Woodworking custom signage built in cabinetry, cabinets, photoshoot backdrops, shelving, remodeling.

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

My inspiration began long ago in my late teens—17, 18, 19—when I attended a welding and cabinetry school in Glenpool, Oklahoma, called Bethesda. I didn’t take to the welding but learned the basics; however, I did really well at the woodworking and cabinetry. My inspiration came from my teacher, who was very well-versed in woodworking and joinery methods—very old joinery methods I still use today on my cabinets, like dovetails and dados. Seeing this teacher build something from scratch into a million pieces, that suddenly became a full set of kitchen cabinets was amazing. Thinking, "Wow, this is amazing to see and have a chance to learn." As I got out of school and got older I worked for several contracting companies, doing everything from standard framing to pouring concrete. I thought, "Well, I’m doomed to work for the man for the rest of my life," and I didn’t want to settle so I took that plunge—something a lot of people find very hard to do. Yes, it’s still hard at times but it’s so worth it. Besides cabinetry, I build custom pieces: cutting boards, jewelry boxes, and signage for all different types of people from all different creeds, religions, and backgrounds and I wouldn’t change it for the world. I have had the opportunity to build a cutting board for NFL players' families. I contract for many doctors and facilities remodeling lobbies and staff kitchens. Because of this I opened J&E’S Fine Woodworking. Since I started my company it started slow but is growing and growing. We have been open for just over a year now. I've been able to donate a huge set of cabinets for toys to a school and remodel a kitchen for youth needing teaching classes. Opening this business has been the best choice I have ever made in my life. Things may get tough at times and tight but Tucson never fails; something always seems to come through when needed. This community is strong and vibrant.

What keeps you motivated throughout the day?
Seeing the job completed and seeing the smile on the client's face is worth more than any dollar amount. Bringing something back to life that has been in someone's family for generations, restoring it to its original state, or creating a room or kitchen that can open up—that's now clean and remodeled. Something important for the people.

What is your favorite shop tool and why?
My custom-built Grizzly table saw, with a custom melamine table surrounding it, keeps me safe, holds large material well, and provides a safe workspace.

What's your favorite piece that you've worked on?
The Virgin de Guadalupe of Tucson features a custom chamfered 45-degree mosaic back piece with a copper and steel top frame. It speaks to the soul of Tucson and its vibrant community. Made with Cherry Walnut and Padauk hardwood, this piece was commissioned for a very esteemed healthcare provider here in Tucson who wanted something that reflected her religion and spoke to her community and I think we delivered

If you could have any job as it relates to question 1 what would it be and what would you do with that?
I would like to create some very nice signage for a large company's lobby. I love doing signage and as I said before it’s not about the money it’s about the smiles. Seeing people light up when I deliver or reveal a product—the client, those smiles—is priceless

What BA product is your favorite and why?

5 inch premium purple film back 8 hole hook and loop is top-of-the-line abrasive. It lasts a long time, creates a smooth finish, doesn’t clog, and cleans easily after heavy use. It's priced very well—an exceptional product that fits all sanders. Couldn’t ask for better sandpaper.

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

5 inch premium purple film back 8 hole hook and loop. I know it’s repetitive, but it’s wonderful stuff. In terms of competitors, it outbeats every one; it has a much longer sanding life and it just creates such a beautiful finish as you see in my main project photos. Compared to Festool, it blows festool out of the water regarding sanding life and doesn’t clog nearly as fast as Dura Gold. This stuff is top of the line I have tons of it in my shop

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

Sand wood products with the grain, and use dust collection. Benchmark Abrasives are well-built and function effectively while aligning with other abrasive standards.

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

Tom Silva from This Old House. He is a master carpenter with extensive knowledge. He can drive a nail with one hit of a hammer; the man is a genius at joinery and mortise and tenon

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

Yes, work hard to make yourself stand out. Don't tell yourself that “it’s not possible"; everything is possible if you put your mind to it! There is always a solution to every problem and there is always someone in need of help. Be fair, be honest and be committed to your work. Treat everything as if you were working on your own house or home.

What are your future plans for your shop?

My future plans include getting a bigger CNC machine and upgrading from a benchtop jointer to a cabinet jointer. Those are my main goals for my shop right now.

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

Yes thank you for letting me share my experience with you as tradesmen people don’t often ask us our stories or do they care enough to want to know. Benchmark abrasives you are awesome for doing this. And giving us a shot to win that’s amazing thank you for this opportunity. Those smiles are worth it everyday seeing someone overjoyed and amazed in such a beautiful gift life has given us. Thank you love Justin.

A Note From Leo

Thanks for sharing your story with us, Justin! And thanks for all of the love towards our Hook & Loop Discs!!