Mathieu Larocque (@toasted_metal_forge)
Welcome to this week's #benchmarkspotlight (formerly the #weldershowcase) - we had the opportunity to sit down with Mathieu from @toasted_metal_forge 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: Mathieu Larocque
Business Name: Toasted Metal Forge
Location: Napanee, Ontario, Canada
Specialties: Hand Forged products and small fabrication
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Tell us about yourself - what inspired you to get into your trade? And how long? I've been wanting to work with steel for as long as I can remember in one form or another. In 2021 (1 year after covid) sitting at home bored not knowing what the future holds I was gifted a set of tongs from my family - that sparked what would become my passion. I converted my single car garage into my shop and have been upgrading my tools and working on my skills as a blacksmith and fabricator ever since.
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What keeps you motivated throughout the day? The thought of making a product that makes my customers happy and learning new skills. |
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What is your favorite shop tool and why? My favorite shop tool is a recent purchase I have made of 2x 100 year old leg vises. I'm currently refurbishing them to put them to use in my shop. |
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What's your favorite piece that you've worked on? Copper roses and forced blue patina on copper. |
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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 blacksmith full time and hopefully pass on what I have learned to my son |
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What BA product is your favorite and why?
I'm enjoying the flap disks as they seem to be working better than anything I have used. |
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What BA product surprised you in terms of quality - what about it set it apart from the competition?
The flap disks have lasted quite long and remove metal leaving a nice finish
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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?
no tips and tricks but be sure to wear the proper ppe and respiratory protection.
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If there was one person you could collaborate with - who would it be and why?
Black Bear Forge. He has helped me a tremendous amount via his YouTube channel. He is a great teacher and a great source for any aspiring blacksmith. Meeting him in person and collaborating with him would be a dream.
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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 scared to get your hands dirty. Take your time do your research on safety and go make something. |
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What are your future plans for your shop?
My future plans are to expand the shop via building a bigger one or moving to the country where I will be able to work later and make more noise without bothering the neighbors. This would be my first major step into blacksmithing full time and getting bigger shop equipment like a power hammer.
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A Note From Leo
Thanks for sharing your story with us, Mathieu! It's pretty sweet being able to watch someone start out little by little. Looking forward to watching you grow. Cheers!