Dante Murillo (@murillofabworks)
Welcome to this week's #benchmarkspotlight (formerly the #weldershowcase) - we had the opportunity to sit down with Dante from @murillofabworks 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: Dante Murillo
Business Name: Murillo Fab Works
Location: Scottsdale, AZ
YouTube: @murillofabworks
Specialties: Classic Restoration/Air suspension/sheet metal fab
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Tell us about yourself - what inspired you to get into your trade? And how long? My name's Dante and I'm 33 years old. I'm an Army Vet and own a Hot Rod Shop here in Scottsdale, AZ. I've been in the metal fabrication industry for about 10 years now. I got out of the service in 2013 and was lost on a career path as I was a Cavalry Scout in the Army, which is unrelated to this trade. I started going to school at Universal Technical Institute and quickly realized that I wasn't learning much more than I already knew and dropped out. I was working in a Brake shop and wasn't happy with it so I reached out to a family friend who owned a Hot Rod Shop and begged for work. My mentor/family friend Jack Reigelsperger let me become an apprentice for him and I soaked up as much knowledge as I could. I left the shop a couple years later and bounced around in the metal fabrication industry where my other mentor Adam Quagliata gave me a chance and taught me alot about fabrication, and metal finishing. After lots of back and forth I finally decided it was time to open my own shop in February 2021. After almost 3 years of hard work the shop is doing very well and I am creating works of art for clients.
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What keeps you motivated throughout the day? Definitely a good playlist, and waking up knowing I get to work on something cool everyday. Caffeine definitely helps... |
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What is your favorite shop tool and why? My favorite tool in the shop is the Mittler Bros. 24" billet Jamey Jordan series beadroller. I have gotten very good with it and get to create some cool artwork for customers' vehicles. The possibilities are almost endless on what I can do and make with this machine. |
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What's your favorite piece that you've worked on? I did a full stepside bed for a C/10 with a diamond bead rolled pattern. It came out fantastic and took lots of time and dedication to making it. |
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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'd definitely be in the classic restoration industry. I absolutely love what I do, granted as a business owner there are ups and downs especially as a one man show here. I would love to elevate my craft and get into higher end builds which I think I am working towards. |
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What BA product is your favorite and why?
I use Benchmark Abrasives on everything, the ceramic fiber discs in various grits are awesome! The cut off wheels are great as well. I have yet to use a product I didn't like. Not to mention the grinding hood is so awesome!
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What BA product surprised you in terms of quality - what about it set it apart from the competition?
Definitely the fiber discs, as well as the roloc discs. They last longer than the rest of the competitors, and I've never had the backing pad break off in the grinder attachment which is an absolute nightmare for any fabricator.
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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?
Fiber discs for sure, a lot of people are still using flap discs which are far more expensive, and don't have the flexibility that the fiber discs do. |
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If there was one person you could collaborate with - who would it be and why?
I would love to collaborate with Morgan Clarke from Morgan Clarke Designs or Nick from Wicked Welds Custom Shop. Those are two fabricators I look up to and hold high respect for. True Craftsmen in the industry.
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Do you have any advice for the next generation that you wish you had when you first started?
Take your time and learn the trade, find what you're good at and stick to it. Work hard, and outshine the competition.
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What are your future plans for your shop?
I plan to continue to grow, and get into a bigger shop than my 2500 sq ft building. I plan to purchase a couple more tools to make fabrication and design easier. I have a couple of big builds for 2024 in the mix as well that I'll be posting across all social media platforms. I also am trying to grow my youtube channel. |
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Thanks for sitting with us and sharing your story with the community - is there anything you'd like to add?
Thanks for the partnership, you guys are fantastic and I look forward to growing with you guys!
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A Note From Leo
Thanks for sharing your story with us, Dante! Love hearing about everyone's start and look forward to your growth as well. Happy to be a part of your journey!