Allen DeMoss (IG: @steelcraftsfma)
Welcome to this week's #weldershowcase - we had the opportunity to sit down with Allen from @steelcraftsfma 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: Allen DeMoss Business Name: Steelcrafts Forging and Metal Artwork LLC Location: Reisterstown, MD Socials: IG: @steelcraftsfma FB: steelcraftsforgingandmetalart Specialties: Custom forging and fabrication of various items. Enjoy making one of a kind items but also enjoy production run items |
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Tell us about yourself - what inspired you to get into your trade? And how long? My dad and his ability to transform blank pieces of metal into useful and functional pieces inspired me. He owned the original SteeIcrafts; which is how I got my company name. I remember him bringing blueprints home to quote jobs. I’ve been involved in some sort of metal working for close to 40 years. Working at my dad’s shop, machine shops, sheet metal shops, and now my own shop. Metalworking has been in my blood a long time.
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What keeps you motivated throughout the day? My family keeps me motivated everyday. They have supported me the entire time and understand the passion I have to build my business. They are willing to help me when needed, doing anything from picking up metal supplies to helping me ship parts. |
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What is your favorite shop tool and why? My favorite shop tool is my power hammer. Ever since I started blacksmithing I had wanted a power hammer. Finally in November 2021 that dream came true. It moves metal fast and saves a ton of time drawing out material! |
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What's your favorite piece that you've worked on? I think my favorite piece that I have worked on is breast cancer awareness ribbons. Although they may not appear to be much they have a lot of meaning to my family. I made my first one while my wife was going through chemo treatments. It is displayed in our house and is a reminder of her courage and strength. |
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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? My dream job would have been working with my dad longer in the family business and seeing it grow further. I would have been happy just to spend more time with him and learn from him. He was an amazing fabricator and was always up to new challenges. |
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What BA product is your favorite and why?
I love the flap discs for grinding welds! They do a great job at removing material quickly and providing a great finish. The wire wheels and cup wheels are awesome too! It’s like Christmas every time I get a package from BA! |
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What BA product surprised you in terms of quality - what about it set it apart from the competition?
The cut off wheels really surprised me! They last a long time and blow through parts quickly. Much better than what I was using in the past!!
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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 like using the cut off wheels to cut grooves in parts that I am preparing to twist. They leave a nice clean cut at just the right width. |
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If there was one person you could collaborate with - who would it be and why?
My dad, I always wanted to work on a big project with him. Unfortunately he never was able to see my shop in person. But I was able to share it with him with pictures and videos.
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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 afraid to take on challenges that allow you to be creative. And don’t be afraid to fail, use the failures as learning opportunities! |
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What are your future plans for your shop?
I want to expand the footprint of my shop by the end of this year. I plan to buy at least one major piece of equipment early next year. Possibly a 2” x 72” belt grinder for finishing parts.
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Thanks for sitting with us and sharing your story with the community - is there anything you'd like to add?
Keep forging, keep building, and keep moving forward! |
A Note From Leo
Thanks for sharing your story with us, Allen! I love what you did with the breast cancer ribbon and it hits home hearing about your Dad. I try to get as much time with mine as possible - especially doing projects together. Cheers!