May 15, 2026 Benchmark Abrasives

Marcus Pilant

Welcome to this week's #benchmarkspotlight (formerly the #weldershowcase) - we had the opportunity to sit down with Marcus 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: Marcus Pilant

Location: Columbus, OH

Socials: FB: Marcus Pilant

Specialties: Fabrication

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

My grandfather inspired me to learn how to fabricate metal. Watching him transform an old boat trailer into a utility trailer over 30 years ago, that my dad and I still use, is my oldest memory of him.

What keeps you motivated throughout the day?
Knowing that my family relies on me, and not wanting to disappoint them or watch them struggle is number one. Number 2, watching my boys' faces when I ask if they want to go to the garage! "Are we going to weld something?" Number 3 is the sense of accomplishment when I'm done with a project.

What is your favorite shop tool and why?
I would say my favorite is my angle grinder. It's versatile because of the different wheels I can put on it.

What's your favorite piece that you've worked on?
I would say customizing my motorcycle with a 6' 2" sissy bar, because it's Merica.

If you could have any job as it relates to question 1 what would it be and what would you do with that?
Building frames, safety frames for racecars would be awesome.

What BA product is your favorite and why?

I like the flap discs. With the different grits I can accomplish multiple tasks from cleaning up a cut, to adding the finishing touches to corners or rounded surfaces.

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

Not necessarily the product but the price is what surprised me. Competitors' prices in big box stores are much higher.

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

That's trade secrets lol. I actually don't have much except this one thing that saves me time. Have a specific place for where you store your tools, accessories, etc. and remember to put them back when your done. Nothing kills motivation on a project than having to stop and look for a bit, or a chuck key, that you should have put back.

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

I think it would be cool to work with Bad Chad out of Canada. He thinks out of the box in his creations.

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

Don't doubt yourself. You can do this.

What are your future plans for your shop?

Continue to keep it clean, probably add more shelving and storage for organization.

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

I appreciate the opportunity to share and I enjoy using your products. I do wish your wipes came in a larger quantity vs the 25. They come in handy, I just wish I didn't have to use them so sparingly.

A Note From Leo

Thanks for sharing your story with us, Marcus! Don't put it down, put it away. Check! Also, we actually do carry bigger wipe tubs for our Scrubnutz - we have a 70 and a 110 bin available.