Welcome to this weekâs #benchmarkspotlight (formerly the #weldershowcase) â we had the opportunity to sit down with Peyton from @sweetsfabrication 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 itâs to have a little fun!
Specialties:Â Â Metal Art, Welding And Fabrication
Tell us about yourself â what inspired you to get into your trade? And how long?
I am 23 Years old and own a small welding and fabrication business in central Texas. Growing up I always loved watching my grandfather building anything and everything there wasnât anything he couldnât do. Ever since then I wanted to be unstoppable just like he was there was no challenge too big. I graduated Tulsa Welding School In 2022 from there I worked several welding positions to get my feet wet in this trade. After all the learning and repetition I decided it was time to work for myself and a year later Iâve done more than I couldâve ever imagined.
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What keeps you motivated throughout the day?
My fiance is my main motivation, she has always stood behind me in everything I do even when I didnât have a clue what welding was. She definitely is a big part of where I am today.
What is your favorite shop tool and why?
Evolution 15in Chop Saw. This was one of the very first tools I purchased when I began my own metal projects. The time you save with a fast cutting saw and precision cuts is untouchable.
Whatâs your favorite piece that youâve worked on?
My metal roses are by far my favorite project Iâve done to this date. I went from making one set for my fianceâs birthday 2 years ago to selling packaged DIY Kits for anyone to enjoy at a very affordable cost without the hassle of sourcing material.
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 be an underwater welder for a day just to experience it. I have a passion for marine life along with welding so to me that is the best of both worlds.
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What BA product is your favorite and why?
The (FREEMIX) set of flap discs. This product is by far my favorite. It just shows the relationship that Benchmark has with their customers, who doesnât love a free 10 pack of flap discs.
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What BA product surprised you in terms of quality â what about it set it apart from the competition?
The Benchmark Abrasives Cutting Wheels really stand out to me because of the blade life and quality of cut. These blades will out run all of your big box store blades no doubt. They are my go to and they really do cut like butter.
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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?
When using Benchmark Flap Wheels I will sometimes put my grinder in my vice blade up to remove burrs from cut pieces of metal. I feel that this will help those getting into the trade with an alternative to a belt sander or bench grinder.
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If there was one person you could collaborate with â who would it be and why?
I wish that I had the chance to collaborate with Anthony James (@meltinmetalmobile) He does a very good job representing real world situations in his content along with helpful advice when the audience may be inexperienced or new to the trade. Experience is one thing a school canât teach you and guys like Anthony give you a look at what you will run into when you start your own career.
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Do you have any advice for the next generation that you wish you had when you first started?
I think the only thing I have to say to the younger generation is, donât let anyone tell you that you canât do it. It wonât be easy by any means but stay hungry and look at the bigger picture and where you want your life to be. Itâs all in your hands. Donât look for approval, be proud of yourself and stand behind your work that will take you the distance.
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What are your future plans for your shop?
Iâd like to move to a bigger location eventually with a vehicle lift and a CNC Plasma table and some sort of overhead hoist for moving big projects around. A fixture table is ideal but not essential. I like to show my audience that you can do great things without breaking the bank. Time and knowledge is the key.
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A Note From Leo:
Thanks for sharing your story with us, Peyton! Not everyone is aware of our FREEMIX offer so thank you for mentioning that one. We appreciate you taking the time.
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