Jon Burns (IG: @itsthepits_firepits
Welcome to this week's #weldershowcase - we had the opportunity to sit down with Jon from @itsthepits_firepits 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: Jon Burns Business Name: JSB Fabrication Location: UK Socials: IG: @itsthepits_firepits FB: itsthepits_firepits Websites: www.etsy.com/shop/ Specialties: Upcycled/Welding Fabrication |
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Tell us about yourself - what inspired you to get into your trade? And how long? I have restored classic VWs since my teenage years, through restoration I self taught myself to weld. Since covid hitting the UK I thought what I could do to bring families together in their household and I thought what better then to gather round the fire. So the idea was then born to use my welding skills to build firepits, but what firepits? With a passion for repurposing items and an abundance of car parts at my disposal I decided to create unique and beautiful upcycled fire pits using these parts.
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What keeps you motivated throughout the day? The thought of creating a unique piece in my workshop. |
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What is your favorite shop tool and why? Old faithful 4-1/2” grinder and BA flap disks |
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What's your favorite piece that you've worked on? My hanging basket firepit |
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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? Welding/ fabricating as a full time business so I can set up a fabrication business in Devon. |
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What BA product is your favorite and why? 4-1/2” paint and rust stripper |
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What BA product surprised you in terms of quality - what about it set it apart from the competition? The tungsten drill bits that you can use to grind steel edges are literally amazing |
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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? Try BAs full range of 4-1/2” consumables, using less pressure with their flap disks they last for a very long time |
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If there was one person you could collaborate with - who would it be and why? Eddie Hall the ex world’s strongest man, he is a massive inspiration to work hard at all you do. |
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Do you have any advice for the next generation that you wish you had when you first started? Do what you love to do in life as soon as you can. |
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What are your future plans for your shop? To grow the business within a commercial setting. |
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Thanks for sitting with us and sharing your story with the community - is there anything you'd like to add?
If you have an idea go for it
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A Note From Leo
Thanks for sharing your story with us, Jon! I love the firepits idea, it gives you a theme and something to work towards - creating variations and making it better each time. Looking forward to seeing your future firepit builds.
Jimmy Lee
August 14, 2021
Jon, your work is AWESOME and I like the idea of repurposing. I love to take what others throw out, as trash and turn it into a treasure for someone else. You have great vision and your talent is top notch and I to am, pretty much, self taught. I’m 64 and fell in love with welding in High School shop class. I’ve been throwing around the idea of turning old truck rims into grills and heaters but yours are way more impressive than my first attempt. I was looking at some struts in my friend’s dumpster, thinking I could use them to make stools or something cool and I see your picture of strut spring animals. Thanks for sharing your vision and wisdom. Keep up the amazing art.