Dan Gallagher (IG: @goofballs_by_dan)
Welcome to this week's #weldershowcase - we had the opportunity to sit down with Dan from @goofballs_by_dan 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: Dan Gallagher Business Name: Goofballs by Dan Location: New Jersey Socials: IG: @goofballs_by_dan FB: @Goofballs_by_Dan Websites: YouTube Specialties: Carving |
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Tell us about yourself - what inspired you to get into your trade? And how long? My dad taught me how to carve. I was also in Boy Scouts and would teach woodcarving merit badge for several summers at Boy Scout Camp. Started out with Ivory Soap, 'graduated' to using knives and woodcarving. When I went off to college I needed to find something that didn't need as many tools so I started carving the inside of golf balls. I've been carving for over 20 years now.
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What keeps you motivated throughout the day? I find it to be therapeutic; carving saves on psychiatrist bills. |
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What is your favorite shop tool and why?
I have several, but I wouldn't be able to carve golf balls without my PVC pipe cutter.
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What's your favorite piece that you've worked on? For golf balls it would be my Marvin the Martian and out of wood it would be the head of a wolf |
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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 love to combine my day time job of teaching with my hobby of carving. I would love to bring the art of carving to others who don't think they could do it, as long as it also paid the bills. |
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What BA product is your favorite and why?
I've been interested in the wavy flags I've been seeing on Instagram and hope to tackle one myself. One of the products which help complete the project are the flap discs for sanding. They really hold up and do a fine job on the wood. |
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What BA product surprised you in terms of quality - what about it set it apart from the competition?
Again, I would say the flap discs. Mainly other sanding discs wear down quickly and get "clogged" with dust particles.
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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?
Just give 'em a try!
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If there was one person you could collaborate with - who would it be and why?
AJ Commaroto, his creations are amazing!
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Do you have any advice for the next generation that you wish you had when you first started?
Keep exploring different mediums, styles, tools, etc. |
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What are your future plans for your shop?
Right now, my shop is a table in my basement. I would like to improve on lighting and dust collection.
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Thanks for sitting with us and sharing your story with the community - is there anything you'd like to add?
Thank you for the opportunity to share my craft with others. Hopefully it will inspire others to try something new. |
A Note From Leo
I've never actually seen the inside of a golf ball nor knew that you can carve into them like this.. very cool to see and the final product looks outstanding. Well done, sir!