Elwyn Zim (IG: @theonezim)
Welcome to this week's #benchmarkspotlight (formerly the #weldershowcase) - we had the opportunity to sit down with Elwyn from @theonezim 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: Elwyn Zim
Business Name: Zim Investigations LLC
Location: Virginia
Socials: IG: @theonezim
Specialties: Welding Brass/Copper
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Tell us about yourself - what inspired you to get into your trade? And how long? My grandfather was a stick welder for a truck body company here locally, so from a young age I was interested in the craft of welding. I was introduced to welding in a small metal shed out in the back of my grandparents home when I was about 5. I began welding then. I began my career in the trades in 2014 when I started as a builder of water coil and plate fin heat transfer equipment. Eventually I learned how to braze, then moved into welding.
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What keeps you motivated throughout the day? Music! It's that simple. I have a never ending stream of music playing constantly. I listen to everything from bluegrass to reggae to edm. |
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What is your favorite shop tool and why? Ck worldwide 230 tig torch, can handle all the high temperature abuse that I put it through daily when welding my brass and copper. It's an extension of my hand. It's how I express myself not just in work, but also my art. |
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What's your favorite piece that you've worked on? I did a weld art of my favorite punk band's logo (MxPX) . It's definitely my favorite piece of art so far. It won a contest a while back which actually got me in contact with some of the band members who I am still in contact with today. |
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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 literally have the job I want and I couldn't be any happier doing anything else. What I do want is to finish taking all the tests there are and to gain as much knowledge in my field as possible. Eventually I would also like to acquire my CWI for fun. Although if for any reason I was unable to continue my current job, I would love to go full time creating metal sculptures. |
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What BA product is your favorite and why?
Definitely the sanding belts, I am constantly using them and they last forever. I really don't have to change them very often, I was initially very surprised at how long they would last, now I have come to expect nothing less. |
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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?
Have a set of each product that is used only for one of each type of metal that you're working with to avoid cross contamination. Something I have learned the hard way. |
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If there was one person you could collaborate with - who would it be and why?
Bob Moffet for sure is the top of that long list, the man is a mountain of knowledge. Not to mention a down to earth guy with quite the personality. |
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Do you have any advice for the next generation that you wish you had when you first started?
Ask the old heads at your job all the things you want to know about. Listen to their answers and advice carefully. Forget everything you think you already know.
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What are your future plans for your shop?
Right now I spend most of my time working for a large company and only really have weekends to work in my shop at home, but eventually I would like to just spend more time in there. |
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Thanks for sitting with us and sharing your story with the community - is there anything you'd like to add?
Never stop learning. And always be better today than you were yesterday. That's kinda my motto.
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A Note From Leo
Thanks for sharing your story with us, Elwyn! It's pretty rad that you got the attention of MxPx from your piece and are still in contact with them. That's a pretty legit way to get their attention. lol