Shawn Mickelson (@kustom_mf)
Welcome to this week's #benchmarkspotlight (formerly the #weldershowcase) - we had the opportunity to sit down with Shawn from @kustom_mf 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: Shawn Mickelson
Business Name: Kustom Metalwerx & Fabrication
Location: Ridgefield, WA
Website: www.kustommetalwerx.com
Specialties: Automobile restoration and customizing
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Tell us about yourself - what inspired you to get into your trade? And how long? Since I was a youngster my dad has been customizing and painting cars. I spent every moment I could in the shop with him, and now my son does the same with me, so the passion is genetic I suppose. I've been modifying cars since I got my license. I have a motto....Stock Sucks hahaha.
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What keeps you motivated throughout the day? Knowing that I'm doing my part in preserving American History with the ability to repair/rebuild antique vehicles that some may have seen as trash at one point. |
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What is your favorite shop tool and why? My favorite tool is my TIG welder because it's a much cleaner weld process, I can weld any material that comes through my shop with it. And with TIG I'm able to hammer form welds on sheet metal to better shape after warping. |
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What's your favorite piece that you've worked on? Favorite piece that I've worked on would be 1939 Buick Convertible |
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What BA product is your favorite and why?
My favorite product that I use from Benchmark Abrasives is their 2" roloc grinding discs in 36grit and 60grit.
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What BA product surprised you in terms of quality - what about it set it apart from the competition?
The 6" cutoff wheels surprised me the most because they last as long, if not longer than the top other brands.
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If there was one person you could collaborate with - who would it be and why?
If I could collaborate with Gene Winfield I would jump at the opportunity, he is a master of this craft.
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Do you have any advice for the next generation that you wish you had when you first started?
Advice I could give is you can warp sheet metal with your grinder just as bad if not worse than welding, so be patient while grinding your welds.
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What are your future plans for your shop?
Future plans for the shop is to hire another well versed car builder and keep growing.
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A Note From Leo
Thanks for sharing your story with us, Shawn! Keep the tradition alive with your son!