Cooper Jones (IG: @tumbleweed_metal_and_more)
Welcome to this week's #benchmarkspotlight (formerly the #weldershowcase) - we had the opportunity to sit down with Cooper from @tumbleweed_metal_and_more 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!
 |
Name: Cooper Jones
Location: North Texas
TikTok: @tw_metal_and_more
Specialties: Welding
|
|
Tell us about yourself - what inspired you to get into your trade? And how long? My name is Cooper Jones. I’m 18 years old. I live in texas at the moment. I’ve been welding for almost a year now and I am naturally talented at it. I've never really considered myself good at much but when I’m welding something takes over that just creates an amazing end product. I was inspired to get into my trade because the thought of making my own metal item’s excited me.
|
 |
 |
What keeps you motivated throughout the day? Throughout the day I stay motivated by my dreams. I dream of having a beautiful wife one day and some land and happy children. Thinking of that gives me motivation to keep chasing that dollar. Another motivating factor though, is the satisfaction of having created something beautiful. |
|
What is your favorite shop tool and why? My favorite shop tool would probably be my great grandfather’s stick welder. This is my favorite because it was my great grandfathers. When he died in the early 80s it was given to his son and then when his son died it was given to me. |
|
 |
What's your favorite piece that you've worked on? My favorite piece that I’ve worked on is the meat smoker I am building right now. I am making it out of all scrap metal. So far it is made out of a water heater, teachers metal paper trays, and some carbon steel bars I found. I also added a Texas “hood ornament” that I plasma cut out of a scrap piece of metal. |
|
If you could have any job as it relates to question 1 what would it be and what would you do with that? To be honest if I could have any job in the world I’d definitely be an Egyptologist and archaeologist. I didn’t ever try to do it though because it’s a lot of schooling and schooling isn’t for me. I’m happy with the career choice I’ve made however and I wouldn’t change a thing. |
 |
 |
What BA product is your favorite and why?
My favorite product from BA is the flap discs but that’s just because it’s the only item I’ve bought from them so far. The quality of the flap discs surprised me especially considering how inexpensive they are compared to the ones you can pick up at local retailers.
|
|
What tips and tricks do you have for us that might be different or eye opening for others to try with BA product?
My best tip for anybody who wants to buy products from BA is to buy in bulk. It’s always good to have extras on hand. |
 |
 |
If there was one person you could collaborate with - who would it be and why?
If I could collaborate with anyone it would probably be Dr Weldz or A Ross Welding. Both seem to be amazing men with tons of good knowledge and experience for me to learn from.
|
|
Do you have any advice for the next generation that you wish you had when you first started?
My biggest advice to people is to choose a career that you like. You can make the argument that you need a high paying job but if you ask a welder that hates welding they won’t stutter when they say it’s not worth it. I love welding so I don’t have that issue.
|
|
|
What are your future plans for your shop?
I have big plans for my future in terms of my shop. I plan on having a big peg board full of different discs for my angle grinder and multiple nice toolboxes for me to put my tools in. A plasma cutting table and fabrication table will also be in there.
|
A Note From Leo
Thanks for sharing your story with us, Cooper! It's always nice seeing a youngblood like yourself be hungry and have a vision of the future that they can strive for. Good luck with your endeavors and we're honored that you choose our products to go along with you on your journey. Cheers!