Dan D. (IG: greasyboykustoms)
Welcome to this week's #weldershowcase - we had the opportunity to sit down with Dan from @greasyboykustoms 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 D
Business Name: Greasy Boy Kustoms
Country/State Location: North Carolina
Socials: IG: @greasyboykustoms
FB: @greasyboykustoms TikTok: @greasyboykustoms
Websites: www.greasyboykustoms.com
YouTube: Greasy Boy Kustoms
Specialties: Metal Art, Automotive Sheet Metal & Chassis
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Tell us about yourself - what inspired you to get into your trade (backstory)? And how long? The beginning of my passion for metal work and classic vehicles started with the purchase of my first truck at 16 years old in 2000 with a 1964 F100 short bed truck. Shortly after purchasing it I began to dive into what I could do to make it my own... and the same has happened with every car, truck or motorcycle I have owned since. Every time I saw some cool art project or home decor made from metal I would always think to myself "I could do that" and then I'd attempt it. I started off with some mig welding on exhaust at my first job as a mechanic at age 18 and shortly after I got some professional instruction from Gary Eary of Eary Ccustom Rods while I worked there for about 2 years. Then in recent years, some talented friends of mine and my brother Nick have helped me start to learn to run a tig welder and expand my skill set.
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What keeps you motivated throughout the day? Constantly wanting to improve my skill set, build better and challenge my limits. |
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What is your favorite shop tool and why? Probably my plasma, I'm so spoiled with it and don't feel like I can remember how to not have it at the ready. |
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What's your favorite piece that you've worked on? My favorite projects have been my personal ones (a 1931 Ford roadster and a 1946 Ford rat rod truck).. mostly because they have no limits other than my own and it's a way to take what I'm thinking and make it into something right in front of you. |
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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? Working as a metal art creator. This is something I want to expand my skill of and then apply it to the hot rod and rat rods I'm building to help them stand out and set me apart. I want to add style and unique touches that really shine.
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What BA product is your favorite and why? The 4.5" Cut-Off Wheels, they hold up way better than any other product I've used and do such a great job. |
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What BA product surprised you in terms of quality - what about it set it apart from the competition? The 4.5" Flap Discs. I expected something I would run down quickly, especially at that price range but I'm amazed at how long they last. |
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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? Using the carbide-burrs. They are not just for one task - they can be used for anything from opening holes up, shaping inside and outside curves, dressing, welding, and creating effects on metal to make it look worn or used to match the work you are doing. Don't be scared to use a tool the way it shouldn't be (safely of course). |
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If there was one person you could collaborate with - who would it be and why? I would love to collaborate with Gene Winfield. I know it will never happen but the thought of being able to learn and work beside a master and legend would be overwhelming. |
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Do you have any advice for the next generation that you wish you had when you first started? Don't be scared, don't do what everyone else is doing. Stand out and don't let your peers limit you. Don't hesitate to get instruction and learn how to do it correctly. |
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What are your future plans for your shop? My shop is currently going through a lot. It's been a part time gig for a couple of years. Just moved into a new property with my family (girlfriend Jaclyn, her daughter Ava and my daughter Addison). Expanding my shop to increase work space over the next few months and moving towards running my shop full time. |
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A Note From Leo
Thanks for sharing your story with us, Dan! It may take some time to get your shop in full-time mode but you'll get there eventually.. and when you do, we'll still be right here cheering you on!