John Drayer (@rocinanteforge)
Welcome to this week's #benchmarkspotlight (formerly the #weldershowcase) - we had the opportunity to sit down with John from @rocinanteforge 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: John Drayer
Business
Name: Rocinante Forge
Location: Whittier, CA
Socials: IG: @rocinanteforge
Specialties: Ornamental Blacksmithing
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Tell us about yourself - what inspired you to get into your trade? And how long? Searching for a new creative outlet, and I came upon Adams Forge, a blacksmithing school in Los Angeles. I took a couple of classes and I was hooked. That was about 15 years ago
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What keeps you motivated throughout the day? Looking forward to new projects |
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What is your favorite shop tool and why? That would be my 150lb Holland cast steel anvil. |
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What's your favorite piece that you've worked on? It’s hard to pick one, maybe a piece that I did for Whittier Art Gallery called Never Ending Story. It had forging, welding and fabrication. |
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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? Working as a full time blacksmith, although something like that is hard to come by. |
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What BA product is your favorite and why?
I have a 1x30 belt grinder, and it is good to know where I can get replacement belts in different grits
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If there was one person you could collaborate with - who would it be and why?
Heather McClarty. She’s great and has work shown all over Los Angeles area.
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Do you have any advice for the next generation that you wish you had when you first started?
Take chances and don’t give up.
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What are your future plans for your shop?
Hopefully expansion with some larger equipment.
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A Note From Leo
Thanks for sharing your story with us, John! Looking forward to seeing more of your creations!