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!
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 |
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. |
What is your favorite shop tool and why? Old faithful 4-1/2” grinder and BA flap disks |
What's your favorite piece that you've worked on? My hanging basket firepit |
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. |
What BA product is your favorite and why? 4-1/2” paint and rust stripper |
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 |
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 |
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. |
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. |
What are your future plans for your shop? To grow the business within a commercial setting. |
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.