Peter Swirsky (IG: @american_equipment_svcs)
Welcome to this week's #weldershowcase - we had the opportunity to sit down with Peter from @american_equipment_svcs and talk a little shop.
If you would like to be featured in our weekly showcase (100% FREE) please send us an email to leo.benchmarkabrasives@gmail.com to get you scheduled in an upcoming week. These showcases are intended to highlight your skill, your business, and your tips and tricks. Most of all it's to have a little fun!
Enjoy and Grind On!
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Name: Peter Swirsky Business Name: American Equipment Services Location: Hemet, CA Socials: IG: @american_equipment_svcs Websites: Website Specialties: Heavy Equipment, Welding and Fabricating |
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Tell us about yourself - what inspired you to get into your trade? And how long? I have been welding / fabricating since I was 15 years old. I graduated high school and joined the U.S. Army as a 44B (Metalworker). I deployed to Iraq in 2005-06 where I welded and fabricated as "Battlewelder" for Forward Operating Base Normandy. I am now a Deputy Sheriff and I own my own heavy equipment business where I operate heavy equipment and weld / Fabricate anything and everything imaginable. Looking through my welding helmet is spiritual, watching a weld puddle form is magical every time. Welding is one of the only things that I know that you keep chasing to be perfect every time.
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What keeps you motivated throughout the day? Thinking about the next project, the next weld and what item I am going to be making. |
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What is your favorite shop tool and why? My Favorite shop tool is probably my STV CNC plasma cutter. That machine with Fusion 360 has been a game changer. |
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What's your favorite piece that you've worked on? My favorite piece would be my D rings I cut out on my plasma cutter and currently use for my flat bed trailer when I haul my heavy equipment. At the time there were currently none available on the market that were USA made or constructed of the quality I can make. |
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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 would have my own welding / fabrication business in Texas where I build different projects out of all types of metal. |
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What BA product is your favorite and why?
There isn't really just one favorite. The 3" flap wheels are a game changer, the grinding hood is awesome, the 6" cut off wheels are amazing. Overall the quick shipping and readily available selection and quality is what sets BM abrasives apart from other companies. |
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What BA product surprised you in terms of quality - what about it set it apart from the competition?
The 3" quick change disc "Roloc" holder is definitely the best I have used.
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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?
The 6" cut off discs and 3" flap wheels will change the game for others. |
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If there was one person you could collaborate with - who would it be and why?
Austin Speed shop because who does not like cool Hot Rods.
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Do you have any advice for the next generation that you wish you had when you first started?
Never doubt your abilities! If you want to learn something, go out and do it. In this day and age everything is at your fingertips. |
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What are your future plans for your shop?
The plan is to quit my current career and move near Austin Texas where I will use my lifetime of fabricating knowledge to build a container house.
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Thanks for sitting with us and sharing your story with the community - is there anything you'd like to add?
Welding is probably the only career that doesn't involve politics. At my current career people are fake and if they just show up for work they are a good employee. In welding your skills and Talent speaks for itself. If you're Mr. Nice guy and a horrible welder, you're still a horrible welder at the end of the day. Welding is a career that the world depends on. Welding should be in every high school around the USA. |
A Note From Leo
Thanks for sharing your story with us, Peter! Welding is definitely that field where your talent is what matters and it's definitely refreshing. Cheers!