Joey Collins (@millcreekfabshop)
Welcome to this week's #benchmarkspotlight (formerly the #weldershowcase) - we had the opportunity to sit down with Joey from @millcreekfabshop 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: Joey Collins
Business Name: Mill Creek Fab Shop
Location: Austinburg, Ohio
YouTube: @MillCreekFabShop
Specialties: Metal Fabrication
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Tell us about yourself - what inspired you to get into your trade? And how long? I am 53 years old. I am the proud dad of 4 awesome kids. My life has had more twists and turns than what you will experience on your favorite roller coaster. I started out in High School at the vocational School learning welding and fabrication. It wasn't until 2020 when covid crippled our nation that I decided to try my hand at welding. I figured if I am going to be locked down, I might as well enjoy it with something I have wanted to do for over 31 years. During my time alone at home I learned I can still weld. From there my son and I built a motorized bicycle. I fabricated an engine plate and welded it to the bicycle frame. With that experience I decided to keep this going as my hobby.
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What keeps you motivated throughout the day? My faith in God has been the catalyst that has sustained me every day in everything that I do. With that mindset I can face any challenge that is set before me. When I say challenge, I do not use that word lightly as you will see in getting to know me. |
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What is your favorite shop tool and why? My favorite shop tool is pretty much everything. All of my tools are purchased for a specific purpose and reason. I suffered the loss of my left arm in 1997. Many of my shop tools you will find in other shops. However, My Ryobi angle grinder for example is specific. The handle can be rotated to the perfect position for comfort, and I can use it at any angle. It is literally my left arm with a power cord. I can add to this list of tools that are really ideal for anyone. However, when you have a disability and you enjoy what you do, you must shop around. |
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What's your favorite piece that you've worked on? I have to say Trike Zilla. This is a custom-built trike that I have built from the ground up. The frame jig sitting behind me in this picture was built in-house as well. Holding the tubing up as I weld it would not have been possible with one arm without the help of strong magnets. Trike Zilla is not completed yet but when it is, it will be powered with a Kohler V-Twin engine that I snagged off of the marketplace. This project has tested my every skill, and the challenge bar has been worth the progress. |
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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 enjoy working with mild steel. I find it satisfying to build pretty much anything from raw material. Building shop carts, dollies, flatbed trailers are my bread and butter and I enjoy it, it is the only time I get paid for enjoying a hobby. |
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What BA product is your favorite and why?
Your paint and rust removing cup wheel is my favorite. I hate stripping old paint because it is messy, and it is time consuming. With your wheels I don’t mind the mess anymore because your wheels cut my work in half. The wheels do not hurt the metal and leave a beautiful finish that is ready for new epoxy.
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What BA product surprised you in terms of quality - what about it set it apart from the competition?
Again, your paint and rust removing cup wheel. I purchased the 10 pack. I have only used one wheel so far and I have stripped two truck doors and two fenders. I will begin stripping the cab soon and the first disc still has a lot of life. This product stands up to the beating vs the competition, hands down I believe it is the best stripping wheel I have ever purchased, and they do not heat the workpiece up very much at all like competition discs do.
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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?
One of the things I hate about vehicle restoration is using a propane torch to remove seam sealer. With your stripping discs I can remove it with ease and save time and propane. These discs really are a dream come true for the one arm guy and saving time and effort.
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If there was one person you could collaborate with - who would it be and why?
Stacey David from gears nation. He is already a great friend. It would be nice to have a one-on-one conversation with him about his projects and the hurdles that he has faced in each one. Plus, he is an all-around awesome guy, I have enjoyed talking to him over the years, Plus, he calls me Batman, haha.
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Do you have any advice for the next generation that you wish you had when you first started?
When I think back, I wish someone would have told me to find a hobby that I love and turn it into income. I could have been earning an honest living doing what I love. So, my advice is do exactly what I just mentioned. And no matter what life throws at you. Your attitude and how you handle it will determine your future.
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What are your future plans for your shop?
My plans are simple. Keep it fun and inspire as many people as possible that I can. They can do this with or without a disability.
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Thanks for sitting with us and sharing your story with the community - is there anything you'd like to add?
Thank you for this time. I do feel I should tell you this. After losing my arm in an electrical accident I was given no hope of living. However, I am here. I have overcome everything that they said I cannot do now. I love shooting my compound bow and it seemed impossible after the accident. With determination and refusing to quit I mastered the art of archery and made my own devices that I can use and became a national archery champion. Moral of the story is, never let anyone tell you that you cannot do it. You can do it just like I have and will continue to do until the Lord calls me home.
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A Note From Leo
Thanks for sharing your story with us, Joey! Really an inspirational story with your disability - reminds me of my own father who has one leg with many twists and turns in life as well but still has the grit and determination to outlive all of the doctors expected "predictions" by 40+ years! Keep at it, Joey!