Travis Blankenbaker (IG: @atomicannietruck)
Welcome to this week's #weldershowcase - we had the opportunity to sit down with Travis from @atomicannietruck 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: Travis Blankenbaker Location: Glenrock, WY. Socials: IG: @atomicannietruck FB: @F600AtomicAnnie Websites: YouTube Specialties: Post apocalypse vehicle builds, sculpture, medieval armour, blacksmithing, and generally building whatever I want. |
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Tell us about yourself - what inspired you to get into your trade? And how long? I've always loved building things. Starting with Legos when I was 5-6yrs old. I started welding school when I was 16, and that led to build better and bigger things. 26 years later and I'm still building stuff.
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What keeps you motivated throughout the day? Striving to be a better builder. To learn new things, and solve new problems. |
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What is your favorite shop tool and why? I really enjoy the 5700lb power hammer I built. My Miller 212 Mig welder is probably the one I'm most thankful for. |
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What's your favorite piece that you've worked on? My Mad Max truck ATOMIC ANNIE! |
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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? Fabricating custom apocalypse vehicles, and I'd enjoy it! |
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What BA product is your favorite and why?
Hands down the 6" cutoff wheels. Best ones I've ever used, and the cheapest! |
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What BA product surprised you in terms of quality - what about it set it apart from the competition?
Again the 6" cutoff wheels. Last long, don't explode, all for the best price.
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Do you have any advice for the next generation that you wish you had when you first started?
Learn the hands on skills. So if you want something, you can build it! |
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What are your future plans for your shop?
A good cleaning!
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Thanks for sitting with us and sharing your story with the community - is there anything you'd like to add?
Nope. Thank you for all that BA does! |
A Note From Leo
Thanks for sharing your story with us, Travis! That Mad Max truck is pretty f**king gnarly!