In this week’s episode, Beau Wigington chats with self-taught fabricator and structural engineer Jake LeGrand about his journey from college research labs to hand-cutting custom metal signs and flatbeds in his Kansas City–area shop. Jake shares how learning a broad range of skills—from plasma cutting to welding—opened new doors and fueled his passion for “collecting” techniques. If you’ve been curious about taking on sign-making, turning your hobby into paid work, or just leveling up your fabrication game, this episode is for you.

In This Episode, You’ll Learn:

1. Jake’s Beginnings

• How a college job in a research lab led Jake to discover a love for welding and fabrication.

• The crucial first “yes” moments that sparked his passion for fabrication.

2. From Hobby to Side Business

• Making pheasant silhouettes and farm signs for friends and professors—and how word-of-mouth grew his clientele.

• Balancing a day job as a structural engineer with an after-hours metalworking hustle.

3. All About Plasma Cutting

• Going from a compact Hobart unit with an internal compressor to setting up a larger shop space.

• Why dry air and proper equipment maintenance can save you money on consumables.

• Hand-cutting vs. CNC: Why Jake still loves the artistry and freedom of freehand plasma cutting.

4. Building Large-Scale Projects & Shipping

• Creating oversized signs and the shipping challenges that come with them (including freight costs and oversize fees).

• Safety tips for cutting into tanks, including thorough cleaning and venting.

5. Sign-Making Logistics

• How Jake sketches sign designs using an iPad and overhead projector to achieve accurate proportions.

• Lighting options (like Govee LED strips) for durable, easy-to-control sign backlighting.

• Simple mounting solutions that help customers install heavy metal signs.

6. Tool Talk & New Adventures

• Jake’s recent partnership with ESAB and how it aligns with his preference for genuine, “non-salesy” endorsements.

• Venturing into building custom truck flatbeds and the opportunities on social media platforms (like TikTok) for new projects.

7. Mindset & Advice for New Fabricators

• Keeping the passion alive and avoiding burnout: why loving what you do is key.

• The importance of doing your own research and respecting others’ time when asking for help.

• Embracing a “skills collector” mentality—never know which skill you’ll need next!

Connect with Jake

• Instagram: @LeGrandMetalWorks

• TikTok: @LeGrandMetalWorks

• Facebook: LMW LeGrand Metal Works

• YouTube: LeGrand Metal Works (Shorts & upcoming full-length project videos)

Thank You To Our Trusted Partners

Upgrade your plasma cutter to a Thermacut EX-TRAFIRE - https://foxly.link/KnrZrx 

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Connect with Beau

Weld App @beaudidit

Instagram @beaudiditwelding

Email - ⁠⁠[email protected]

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