Who was your inspiration in metal shaping or welding?

I was a nuclear component welder in the Navy, but when I first started if you werent a coded welder than you were a plumber. More affectionately known as a turd chaser in the Navy, so my motivation to become a good welder was to get out of "the shit work".

 

Good one....that guy is amazing

 

I was inspired by the work of the Barris Bros, Art Ingels, and the Alexander Bros. Read the article on Jim Jakob Chopping 'Jake's Coupe'. My brother was a pretty good body guy and I got the bug. I could already weld having taken a city and guilds, I spent the next few years chopping and changing everything I could get my hands on.
Went to college and was taught by some of the best craftsmen. I have been making my living from it and teaching it ever since.