Brandon Smith (IG: @burnin_metal)
Welcome to this week's #weldershowcase - we had the opportunity to sit down with Brandon from @burninmetal 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!
This week's #WELDERSHOWCASE is...
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Name: Brandon Smith Business Name: Burnin Metal Artworx Country/State Location: Georgia, USA Socials: IG: @burnin_metal FB: Burnin Metal Art Worx TikTok: burnin_metal Websites: www.burninmetal.com Specialties: Custom artwork created from reclaimed metal and car parts. |
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Tell us about yourself - what inspired you to get into your trade (backstory)? And how long?
In 2017, I promised my barber that I would make some trophies for the car show he hosted every year. That was on a Saturday and the following Tuesday I purchased my first welder off the Cornwell truck. One week later to the day I (tack) welded my first three trophies together. Until that day I had never welded anything in my life. I used YouTube and talked to anyone I could to learn how to weld better. After making the trophies, I made my first statue (Blue Man Chu). I was hooked. I knew I had found the thing I wanted to do.
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What is your favorite shop tool and why?
My mig welder.
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What's your favorite piece that you've worked on? Clank the Goat. He was commissioned to be displayed with a 1967 GTO at car shows. He stands next to the car on his platform with one foot on a coffin and has battery operated red string lights that illuminate his name that is built into the piece. |
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What BA product is your favorite and why? Toss up between flap discs and cutting wheels (4.5 inch) |
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What BA product surprised you in terms of quality - what about it set it apart from the competition? First it was how long the cutting wheels lasted. Then it was not only how long the flap disks last but that they are thicker than any other flap disks 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 (insert product)? Don’t doubt yourself. If I had, I wouldn’t be doing what I love. |
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If there was one person you could collaborate with - who would it be and why? Migle Duncikaite (@miglead) |
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Do you have any advice for the next generation that you wish you had when you first started? Make sure your helmet is turned on! |
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What are your future plans for your shop? I am working on expanding my existing shop and adding an office/hang out area. I’m also saving to be able to attend a welding course so that I can be a certified welder. This would allow me to start my own mobile welding service and give me more time to dedicate to my art. |
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A Note From Leo
Thanks for sharing your story with us, Brandon! I dig how you forced yourself to start welding by accepting a commission (or promising work) before even having a welder. That'll definitely kick procrastination to the side. I respect that.. I need to do that myself with my own welder.