Joshua Robinson (@ohiogrudgeracing)
Welcome to this week's #benchmarkspotlight (formerly the #weldershowcase) - we had the opportunity to sit down with Joshua from @ohiogrudgeracing and talk a little shop.
If you would like to be featured in our weekly spotlight (100% FREE) and have a chance at winning one of our Grinder Hoods please send us an email to leo.benchmarkabrasives@gmail.com to get you scheduled in an upcoming week. These spotlights 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: Joshua Robinson
Business Name: Ohio Grudge Racing Location: Columbus, OH Socials: IG: @ohiogrudgeracing FB: Ohio Grudge Racing Twitter: ohiogrudgeracing TikTok: @ohiogrudgeracing YouTube: Ohio Grudge Racing
Specialties: Jack of all trades, master of none, student of life, based around the automotive fabrication world
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Tell us about yourself - what inspired you to get into your trade? And how long? I have loved custom cars my entire life, any and everything about customization is rooted deeply in my DNA. Growing up poor I learned that if I want something I'll have to work hard and earn it... sometimes affordability necessitates learning to make it on my own. I have been making things automotive for nearly 25 years now.
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What keeps you motivated throughout the day? More than loving to win... I hate to lose.
Each day is full of challenges... refusing to let them beat me is what drives me when passion alone isn't enough
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What is your favorite shop tool and why? My Shear, all metal werk starts there |
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What's your favorite piece that you've worked on? My current street race car build, is not a masterpiece in the fabrication aesthetic department, it will however be extremely proficient in functionality |
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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 learn more european metal shaping techniques and practical applications from real old-world craftsmen in the coach-building world |
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What BA product is your favorite and why?
Flap disks, last surprisingly long for the price. I really thought they would wear quickly for the price.... and was VERY surprised at the "bang for buck" performance! |
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What BA product surprised you in terms of quality - what about it set it apart from the competition?
To date, I have only used the flap disks and have been extremely happy with them... I will try more BA products in the future based on my experiences with flap disks. |
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If there was one person you could collaborate with - who would it be and why?
Ron Covell, I would love to apprentice under him for an extended period of time (lottery dreams lol) |
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Do you have any advice for the next generation that you wish you had when you first started?
The most helpful thing I have EVER learned in metal fabrication is that I am not the boss, but rather someone who makes subtle suggestions to the metal in hopes it cooperates.... has saved me countless hours of frustration.
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What are your future plans for your shop?
More square footage, more tools... I have a serious addiction to tools lol |
A Note From Leo
Thanks for sharing your story with us, Joshua! I agree - growing up making things with what you have on hand that also functions exactly like something that is bought is such a fulfilling moment. Be sure to always finish off that quote though.. "a jack of all trades is a master of none, but oftentimes better than a master of one."