Chris Mora (IG: @chrismorarobots)
Welcome to this week's #weldershowcase - we had the opportunity to sit down with Chris from @chrismorarobots 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: Chris Mora Business Name: Chris Morta Robots LLC Location: Denver, CO Socials: IG: @chrismorarobots FB: ChrisMoraRobots Websites: https://www.chrismorarobots. Specialties: I weld, machine, and fabricate steel and stainless steel. Mostly in the form of my robots, but a little bit of everything else too. |
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Tell us about yourself - what inspired you to get into your trade? And how long? I primarily make robots. My main body of work consists of two series: very large, static, steel robots and very small, articulate, stainless steel robots. My start in welding is a little atypical, considering I followed a subject matter through mediums instead of letting the mediums guide me. I drew robots as a kid, then started painting robots in high school. Eventually, through that process I realized I didn't enjoy making two-dimensional art- I sought a three-dimensional form. My grandfather recommended welding, but I was resistant to the idea. That was around 8 years ago, the credit for getting me hooked goes to him. Now I weld all that I get my hands on. If you have spent money with my company, rest assured that I used the profit to build another robot.
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What keeps you motivated throughout the day? I can't seem to stop envisioning end results; I can't seem to stop pursuing them. I get a little obsessive. That's the primary reason anyway, the secondary is a desire to build my business. Making things for people is enjoyable too. |
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What is your favorite shop tool and why? My files I suppose. I have the most fun shaping metal with hand tools. I do all my refining of shapes/parts with files, as well as fix cosmetic issues and even hand-file gear teeth for my articulate robots! |
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What's your favorite piece that you've worked on? I don't really have a favorite, but if I had to choose it would probably be the two stainless robots that were commissioned for my friend/client's marriage proposal. One of the two robots was designed with a secret pop-out mechanism that revealed the engagement ring to his girlfriend at just the right time. I felt honored to be asked to be a part of such a memorable experience in their lives. |
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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? Any job in creative problem solving, fabrication and moving parts. |
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What BA product is your favorite and why?
40 Grit Zirconia High Density Flap Discs. They are most effective for weld blending and stock removal. I haven't found anything better for the same price. |
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What BA product surprised you in terms of quality - what about it set it apart from the competition?
Those zirconia flap discs really do last longer. It's been nearly a decade since I used a competitor's discs, and they weren't as effective.
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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?
I tend to use old flap discs to do most significant waste stock removal and use new flap discs only for surface conditioning (until they become "old" flap discs). |
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If there was one person you could collaborate with - who would it be and why?
Chris over at @clickspring1 without a doubt. He is a very talented machinist/craftsman and I have learned a great deal from his work.
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Do you have any advice for the next generation that you wish you had when you first started?
Move, get started, don't wait, now is the time, go, jump in. If you have drive, you have everything you need. |
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What are your future plans for your shop?
I currently work a job in fabrication, run my business and go to school. I would like to finish up school and pursue my fabrication/machining business full time. I have some massive projects in progress being updated on Instagram. A truck being turned into a mobile shop, a 16.5' tall robot; these are my biggest projects, and they are the direction I am pursuing.
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A Note From Leo
Thanks for sharing your story with us, Chris! I love the robot designs you got and style you have. And almost a decade of using our flap discs? Wow.. thank you so much for sticking around and for all the support throughout the years!