Michael Hoops (IG: michael.hoops_bs)
Welcome to this week's #weldershowcase - we had the opportunity to sit down with Michael from @michael.hoops_bs 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: Michael Hoops Business Name: Coal Township Forge Location: New Straitsville, OH Socials: IG: @michael.hoops_bs Websites: www. Specialties: All around Blacksmith specializing in tools |
| When I moved hot steel for the first time, I knew I wanted to do it the rest of my life. Just taking any metal and being able to transform it into whatever I want. I have been a blacksmith since 2016. | 
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What keeps you motivated throughout the day? Just how much people enjoy my work makes me want to create even more! |
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What is your favorite shop tool and why? My 1945 Little Giant Power hammer that I restored . It forges bigger steel that would be difficult by hand. |
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What's your favorite piece that you've worked on? My Handforged bench anvils with The “Skull Motif” |
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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? Just working in my own shop is enough for me! Where I just zone out and create. |
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What BA product is your favorite and why?
The ceramic 36 grit 2x72 Belts. These touch almost everything I make.
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What BA product surprised you in terms of quality - what about it set it apart from the competition?
The BA flap discs. You can use them all the way to the end. The competition only wears the outer layer.
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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?
I cut my old 2x72 belts into strips and use the putter edges then hand sand the eye of a hammer head. |
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If there was one person you could collaborate with - who would it be and why?
Cypressville Forge. He is a great tool maker and I think we could share some knowledge.
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Do you have any advice for the next generation that you wish you had when you first started?
Take classes and learn from other shops. |
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What are your future plans for your shop?
To keep growing and creating Handforged items. |
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Thanks for sitting with us and sharing your story with the community - is there anything you'd like to add?
Do what you love and the money will follow.. |
A Note From Leo
Thanks for sharing your story with us, Michael! I love the trick of cutting down your used sanding belts to give them more purpose and as a lover of everything skulls, I dig how you're implementing a skull into everything.