Kevin Dickey (@custom_metal_creations)
Welcome to this week's #benchmarkspotlight (formerly the #weldershowcase) - we had the opportunity to sit down with Kevin from @custom_metal_creations 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. 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!
Enjoy and Grind On!
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Name: Kevin Dickey
Business Name: Custom Metal Creations
Location: Chisholm, MN
Website: Custom Metal Creations
YouTube: Custom Metal Creations
Specialties: Metal art made from car parts using Mig Welding/Frabication
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Tell us about yourself - what inspired you to get into your trade? And how long? My passion for art came from my mother, and I also had a passion for cars. About 15 years ago I took the two and combined them to create metal art made from car parts.
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What keeps you motivated throughout the day? My motivation comes from wanting to grow my business and share my creativity, and to inspire others to get into welding. |
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What is your favorite shop tool and why? My Milwaukee M18 Fuel grinder, I use it everyday to clean and shape my creations. |
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What's your favorite piece that you've worked on? The Gunner |
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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? My current job as a welder fabricator, because I am welding all day and it gives me access to scrap metal for my creations |
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What BA product is your favorite and why?
Flap discs, I use them daily and for every creation, they are a huge necessity for my business |
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If there was one person you could collaborate with - who would it be and why?
Thomas Patsis, owner of Cold Hard Art. I would love to learn tig welding and new techniques.
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Do you have any advice for the next generation that you wish you had when you first started?
Don't give up on your goals/dreams. Your imagination is endless.
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What are your future plans for your shop?
To expand my tools. Getting a CNC machine, more workspace/storage, and a tig welder.
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Thanks for sitting with us and sharing your story with the community - is there anything you'd like to add?
A huge thank you to Benchmark Abrasives for featuring my business!
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A Note From Leo
Thanks for sharing your story with us, Kevin! Your sculptures look simple but are very effective.. you really bring out the best out of the parts you use.