My Journeyman told me on my first day working under his tutelage.... "Good enough is NOT Good Enough - Perfection is Good Enough!!! And that's why we strive for Perfection, every day!!!" But he also told me one other bit of advice.... "Never be so proud or arrogant to not take advice from another Craftsman and Constantly learn and research!!!" Steve Fleming, 1958 - 2018. I miss him everyday.
First I just want to say thanks. If you permit me I would like to add something about what passion is. Please don't take this as blowing my own horn. I've have had 3 cerebral strokes and 2 cerebral anurisms. The results of which is that I'm partially blind and have lost my ability to balance myself making even walking difficult. As a side effect of the brain damage I have stress related nightmares every night. They always deal with repairing or fixing an unfixable problem related to my career and hobby of building custom cars. When the nightmares wake me up, I lay awake there in bed and keep trying to fix the unfixable problem. My point is that if you have real passion, nothing can ever take that away!!! And that's a wonderful thing!
This is great advise just like you gave in another video about setting shop rules. Telephone and doorbell off, sign on door explaining appointments necessary etc. Both videos are spot on explaining each topic. I learned flooring installation from my grandfather. I helped him on a number of jobs during the summer. I started full time the morning after graduating high school....... in 1975. I'm 66 now. Grandpa retired in 77 or 78. He was the most patient of teachers. I was completing a seam.... Grandpa was holding one side of the carpet and i was holding the other side open as i slowly removed the 350 degree seaming iron from the tape. I set the seaming iron to my side and we each lowered our carpet edges i to the hot adhesive on the seam tape. It was looking beautiful.... It was 4:30 and this would finish our days work. ......but then i noticed the hot seaming iron didn't snap into its protective tray. It had been setting there right on the carpet for a good 30 seconds. 😱😱😱😱😱 Grandpa looked at me and calmy said......... "well you'll have to know how to fix things like this" No yelling, no nothing. I knew he was probably upset, but didn't show it. We had another hour in fixing the damage, and thankfully this was in a new apartment complex. To employers out there.... Had my grandpa yelled and screamed, my young ego would have been shattered..... and id have always been looking over my shoulder hoping i wasn't making another mistake and get yelled at again. If you see potential in a new young employee....... nurture it and guide it. Im 66 now, mostly doing home measuring and material estimations. ......but today I completed a 5 piece stair runner. Not that I wanted to, but nobody else in town wants to tackle the difficult jobs. Ive always had way too much patience, and once i begin a difficult job with difficult materials...... I'm not going to be defeated by it. I just wont let that happen. Ive never have put in long hours. Life on your knees takes its toll. I do however spend entire evenings looking on the internet for information, tools and methods for a particular job im working on. It just doesnt stop when i get home....... even with almost 50 years under my belt. I live what i do and im still learning. Excellent idea for a video. You told the cold hard facts without even slightly offending anyone. .....to be honest, i wish grandpa was a metal fabricator instead of being a flooring contractor. Burnt metal smells better than burnt carpet. 😁
@@cornfieldcustoms Sorry for writing a novel. We had sometimes worked around hot headed home contractors and I couldn't imagine being young and attempting to learn from someone barking orders or yelling at me.
It’s a fantastic message. I recently completed a career as an airline pilot. Generally a group of very goal oriented, hard working people who take great pride in doing the job correctly every time. Now I’m restoring grandpa’s ‘49 Suburban. Though my skills will never approach anything like yours, I find watching you create these beautiful machines motivates me to do my best work. Mentoring young people (and old guys!) is such an important part of what successful people should do. You’re doing it well. I’ll continue watching and (hopefully) improving.
Being in the trade for 38 years I can’t say how much this hit home. How different it would have been if this platform was available in 1977 when I did my first car. Not being fit enough to do that anymore I can really appreciate what I was able to do for so many years and be good at it.
Mike, I hope everyone notices that your ability to share your thoughts in virtually one video take is an example of how knowledgeable and dedicated you are on the subjects you discuss. Thank you for taking the time to lay it out there 🙏
Thanks, there a few stumbles i had to cut out and had my LTL driver show up half way through and had to load up some frame rails. I try to most in one take to keep the continuity through the video.
I agree with this message. I have been close to the level of obsession of my craft as a product designer. And it got me into one of the best design agencies in the world at that time. I also realized at some point that I did not have the obsession to become “the best”. And nowdays I have an extremely fulfilling life where I can live off of that near-obsession and still spend time on other really fun stuff like hobbies and family. Sometimes I envy those who can make their hobby their job but I also fear having to feel like your hobby becomes something you HAVE to do to survive. And there’s another aspect of it - daring to start a business of your own. I grew up with parents running their own business.
Absolutely True Mike! Being passionate in the craft is going to be 100% necessary to keep you going! When I was first starting out I was constantly going to shops and offering to work for free to just be around the trade, fast forward to today I’m still trying to learn every single day. Thanks for the share!
100% agree…!! Everyone wants perfection, rare few are willing to work their ass off to get it. We live in an instant gratification society, now, now, now….!!!
@@cornfieldcustoms my grandpa taught me that a rookie/amateur will Do something until they get it right, but a professional will do it until they can’t do it wrong. Few professionals in this world, however, you sir are one. Thanks for sharing your passion and talents.
Good talk and validation for those of us that are obsessive thinkers about their vocation. Also the importance of making “mistakes” that are really just learning opportunities 👍👍
Well said. Also, the more you do something and study something, the more interesting it will become to you and the more you will want to battle on in pursuit of perfection. It all starts with the doing.
You are spot on with your advice. I hope many people listen to your message and take it to heart. Hard work, dedication and perseverance will ensure a rewarding career. Thank you for your insights.
Great video Mike! I have had this same conversation with my kids, nieces and nephews numerous times. Whatever you want to be, just strive to be the best at it and you’ll be successful. If you want to drive a garbage truck that’s fine but you be the best darn garbage truck operator there ever was and you’ll probably own your own landfill and waste management company someday.
I’m 40 yrs in the panel beating trade and alway say that I’m the best panel beater in our town as I put 100% into every repair I’m self employed got all the tool I need and love repairing and painting and yes it’s hard to get young kids motivated to spend time on each repair and get it right first or second time ,all the kids I’ve taught after 2-3 yrs start to really enjoy their job
Just got done going through this subject with my 11 yo who wants to play college football. It means, very little video games, and homeschool, and 5-8 hours a day beyond school with football related activities be it tape, weight room, cross training, and football. It really translates into anything. Craftsman, athlete, businessman etc. You wanna be the best, you gotta work harder than everyone else
When you mentioned in your sleep, dreaming of it. I was like finally im not alone 😂 Been a welder/fabricator 20+ years. Im always learning, researching, new techniques, latest tools and machinery......and yes i design stuff in my sleep. Most people I've told that i dream metal work look at me weird
I don't comment much on videos but I totally agree. I try to give my kids a vehicle addiction rather a drug or alcohol one. Been telling them for years that life isn't easy, and if it is your doing something wrong. Unfortunately these generations everything is given to them never earned. I thought my 2 oldest were on the right track, but being teenagers, wanting to be popular, knowing everything, and poor choices, the shock will catch up with them in a couple years when they are on their own. Lucky my youngest ones are still wanting to play their animals, motorcycles and fixing cars. Really enjoying the videos, and seeing/leaning different ways of doing things.
I’ve been doing this trade 55 yers nd still have the drive I dig it Sunday painty 65 mustang fastback can’t wait to get that gun in my had body man metal paint fiberglass nd more
if u dont fall asleep every night thinking about the process for the next job on you project, you're not at the right level. i spend waaaaayyyyy more hours planning every single part of a project than i do anything else. and the '59 apache i'm building right now shows it. 👍
Once someone has a passion for something, the commitment comes much more easily, I'm always in my shop building or designing something, because I love being here.
I've been called a "craftsman" before in this industry. It never really felt right because I'm so hard on my own work that sometimes i can't see my own quality level. Others can, I guess. I'm only in year 12, though. I made a big career shift at age 38 (I'm now 50) into this kind of work. I have worked to the point of mental and physical breakdown. In my case, I've tracked the drive for perfection back to mental abuse that I've endured consistently since I was a child. It's a blessing and curse. On one hand, it's debilitating. On the other hand, it gives me an outlet to thrive as a result of that abuse and provide for my family. Seeing my perfectionism manifest in my daily life put me on a path to understanding that abuse and healing it. Now, hopefully, I can have the best of both worlds - a quiet mind and skilled hands. Mahalo. 🤙🏼
Totally true! This applies to every part of life, far beyond just our craft. If we carry this same mentality into how we treat our craft, our relationships, our businesses, etc., we make a far better life for ourselves and for everyone who we choose to have around us.
Yep, I knew a burger flipper who was absolutely memorizing to me and, the burgers were the best I've ever had. I agree with everything you said. My biggest issue is I tend to procrastinate and not get things done because I know I'm not going to be happy with the result. I love my trade as a fitter and machinist. 👍
Very well put. You have to be passionate about what you do to the point where the sacrifices are no longer sacrifices. The long nights, missed vacations, missed meals, financial sacrifices are all part of the plan. These are the things that people don’t see or understand when they say “must be nice”. But you also have to make sure to take mental and physical breaks. It’s a marathon, not a sprint.
Mike, As a retired Autoshop Teacher I have to say that you hit the nail on the head. In my experience, about 1 out of 10 of my students would out forth the effort to become an automotive technician. Of those, probably one in 10 again, of those, had the passion to be good at it. One in 10 of those were 'DRIVEN'. When counselors sent kids, it was generally accepted that they could work with their hands and that they probably didn't have the mental ability to go to school and get a regular job. As we know, there's a lot of brainwork required to be able to do what you do. That being said, cars are so different today that I would probably not go that way myself now. But, I am consumed by all aspects of fabricating, machining and engineering. My hat's off to you and those that do what you do. I just have too many passions.😁😁
Perfectly stated !! I've thought of myself being cursed for being a "perfectionist" all my life, but was finally able to accept myself as the way I was meant to be. I can't wait to be in the shop every morning and my wife has to pry me out at night. I keep a pad & pen by my bed so I can write down thoughts that come to me at night, occassionally. Thank you for putting your thoughts out ! Nice to know I'm not alone !
Applies to every Trade! excellent advise and info Too many of today's kids Don't get it at ALL! goes for customers as well all too often they say I don't need perfect or I don't need a show car BUT yet are first to complain when they don't get just that.
Some of the nicest work I’ve seen has been done by hobbyists. I believe it’s commitment to quality workmanship combined with talent and a love for what one’s doing. I built furniture professionally for over 20 years and while I took pride in my work and consistently turned out a quality product the finest pieces I’ve ever made came when I took the price tags off and just did it for fun. There are lots of incredibly talented people out there that aren’t cut out to pursue that trade/skill/craft as a profession. Whether it’s a lack of business acumen or lack of money making opportunities in a given field (starving artist) pursuing excellence as a hobbyist is usually the best way for a person to approach nearly any creative endeavor. Coming from the skilled trades myself I’ve seen so many talented guys burn themselves out trying to monetize their dreams when they should have worked a normal job and made awesome shit in the evening and on weekends. Mike is obviously an exception to my generalization and he seems to be having a great time and doing quite well.
Great message. I'm a mechanic with secondary skills in welding, machining and fabrication and feel the exact same way. To be good you can't just turn it on and off when going to work. I am passionate about what I do and have been fortunate to make a good living by continually improving my skillset and not "settling" for good enough. Mike
Loved this one Mike. I often hear "I just don't have time to do this stuff" Just admit you clearly don't want to put in the time and effort to learn the skills required, and the excuse makes that blazingly apparent. And "how'd you learn how to do all this stuff, school?" the only way anyone acquires any sort of skill, by trial and error- failing enough times to learn. Drives me crazy lol
I think these type of videos are awesome, and boy can I relate. I didn't think there were many people around that were as obsessed as I am hahaha , If I have trouble sleeping (which is most nights) I listen to the sound of metal being past though an English wheel, that certain sound of a smooth panel being wheeled just instantly relaxes me and I drift off to sleep , Ok maybe I am a bit weird hahahahahaha
I was aware of you years ago when you were a member of Rat Rods Rule. I could sense then that you were highly motivated and would develop your skills to the max. Then you were in a rod building video. It appeared you didn't say much but were the most productive member of the group. More proof. I do believe that not just anyone can develop the skill proficiency that guys like you have. And not from lack of motivation or drive. It might be motor skills, vision, intuition, physical limitations, intelligence. Achieving the "best that you can be" in a specific endeavor might result in being just good, not achieving greatness.
Hey, I'm a lifelong student also. When I'm feeling uncomfortable in my abilities, which is almost my favorite part nowadays as that's where the growth is, I think of the 'Man in the arena' quote by Theodore Roosevelt, and feel better about stepping in..... “It is not the critic who counts; not the man who points out how the strong man stumbles, or where the doer of deeds could have done them better. The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena, whose face is marred by dust and sweat and blood; who strives valiantly; who errs, who comes short again and again, because there is no effort without error and shortcoming; but who does actually strive to do the deeds; who knows great enthusiasms, the great devotions; who spends himself in a worthy cause; who at the best knows in the end the triumph of high achievement, and who at the worst, if he fails, at least fails while daring greatly, so that his place shall never be with those cold and timid souls who neither know victory nor defeat.”
There is a big difference between having success and being at the highest level in your craft. I know bunch of people who are successful but are deeply unsatisfied
Any suggestions on how to surround myself with the high level ppl? It a long distance to any from where i live. I try taking a course a year to learn been buying tools and practicing as much as i can at home. Not easy to just go shape a random piece when there are no requirements for its end result. Thanks for putting all tou do out for ppl to learn from.
with the way social media is just reach out people. I dont have local people that share the same goals as me with the craft so i have a network of people all over the world I follow, support and chat with. your circle doesnt need to be next door. if you set personal goals you can do a lot by yourself. I am self taught and had no one in my area to learn from. I looked at work at shows and online to push myself to that level and beyond
I would add one thing....start small, and learn to work metal BY HAND. I taught chassis fabrication for years, and I cant tell you how many times someone would start a shop, get overextended buying the latest and greatest tools, and have to blow out a bunch of jobs to make the bills...before they were ready. That is a perfect recipe for JUNK. And ince you get into that mindset, it's very hard to improve your work. Most customers don't know better, and they're "happy " with less than excellent work. Keep the overhead to a minimum until youre capable of doing quality work with a hammer and angle grinder. THEN buy the tools that make the jobs go faster. Just my $.02 from 30+ years of fixing other people's mistakes....lol
you have to do everything such that no one else can do it better. period. too many times these shops hire guys that do 85% what it should be, and you see it in the welds (and everything else) on all of these tv shows. do better. (and personally, i hope it turns the majority off......because they aren't there yet.)
I love your craftsmanship I love what you do and I love your video.......................HOWEVER WHAT IF YOU HAD THAT PASSION THAT DRIVE AND YOU LOST IT SOME WHERE ??
For you wanting to be at the top of your game ... I think your pretty much there ... ofcourse theres always room for improvement ... good commentary ...
This guy asked me, do you have your own business? I replied yes. He said so you only work a half the day? What? You can pick any twelve hours you want to work. That's about it.
I Think the US has failed in not having an apprenticeship program as they do in Europe. The other failure has been the closing of high school shop classes. 50 years later... I still use skills that I learned in high school shop classes. I now have multitude of skills but sometimes I think my friends that had the same job for 25 or 30 years and retired with a pension are much smarter? Unfortunately, I'm just not wired that way.
i feel our education system is just one of the many things that have failed society in the US. We are going to be in real trouble in the next 20 years as tradesman ( and craftsman) start to die off more and more
I belive trying to say being the best at what ever is a way of life, your married to it so to speak, your soul goes into it, essance of say a master bladesmith or woodcut maker from japan, or perhaps an italian artisan, all about the whole idea best their skills can produce fundamentaly even if it isn't the frillest design, quality over quantity and a part of their soul goes into it. you love it you breath it, its said most of all what you love will consume you you will burn and yearn for it it consumes you. that said I dont always get the time to do it to my satisfaction when on someone else's clock, my passion for telling the history of the railroad that put us on the map and its heyday, I have spent way too much time at it but I have turned over every known stone of information about what was there, and about when it was and when it changed,
"Wake up dead on the floor," you want to be consumed by your trade, Don't want It be a idol then stand before 'the Almighty" and him saying ",I never knew you away from me you worker of iniquity"😢
its a great message you are saying as an owner. but the no stop, full drive is the message an owner themselves need to have. asking an employee to have the same drive and determination you do, is typically not that reachable. sometime great workers just don't want the reasonability of owning a business. you can't expect employees to give everything to something thy will never own and never reap the benefits of the ownership. you might miss out on some of the best employees with that level of expectations
Great message! Like Gene Winfield says "Every day is a school day!"
Thank you
Mike - what a fantastic job you have done of articulating the commitment it takes to achieve excellence in any endeavour!
My Journeyman told me on my first day working under his tutelage.... "Good enough is NOT Good Enough - Perfection is Good Enough!!! And that's why we strive for Perfection, every day!!!"
But he also told me one other bit of advice....
"Never be so proud or arrogant to not take advice from another Craftsman and Constantly learn and research!!!"
Steve Fleming, 1958 - 2018. I miss him everyday.
First I just want to say thanks. If you permit me I would like to add something about what passion is. Please don't take this as blowing my own horn. I've have had 3 cerebral strokes and 2 cerebral anurisms. The results of which is that I'm partially blind and have lost my ability to balance myself making even walking difficult. As a side effect of the brain damage I have stress related nightmares every night. They always deal with repairing or fixing an unfixable problem related to my career and hobby of building custom cars. When the nightmares wake me up, I lay awake there in bed and keep trying to fix the unfixable problem. My point is that if you have real passion, nothing can ever take that away!!! And that's a wonderful thing!
This is great advise just like you gave in another video about setting shop rules. Telephone and doorbell off, sign on door explaining appointments necessary etc. Both videos are spot on explaining each topic.
I learned flooring installation from my grandfather. I helped him on a number of jobs during the summer. I started full time the morning after graduating high school....... in 1975. I'm 66 now. Grandpa retired in 77 or 78.
He was the most patient of teachers. I was completing a seam....
Grandpa was holding one side of the carpet and i was holding the other side open as i slowly removed the 350 degree seaming iron from the tape. I set the seaming iron to my side and we each lowered our carpet edges i to the hot adhesive on the seam tape. It was looking beautiful.... It was 4:30 and this would finish our days work.
......but then i noticed the hot seaming iron didn't snap into its protective tray. It had been setting there right on the carpet for a good 30 seconds. 😱😱😱😱😱
Grandpa looked at me and calmy said......... "well you'll have to know how to fix things like this"
No yelling, no nothing. I knew he was probably upset, but didn't show it.
We had another hour in fixing the damage, and thankfully this was in a new apartment complex.
To employers out there....
Had my grandpa yelled and screamed, my young ego would have been shattered..... and id have always been looking over my shoulder hoping i wasn't making another mistake and get yelled at again.
If you see potential in a new young employee....... nurture it and guide it.
Im 66 now, mostly doing home measuring and material estimations.
......but today I completed a 5 piece stair runner.
Not that I wanted to, but nobody else in town wants to tackle the difficult jobs.
Ive always had way too much patience, and once i begin a difficult job with difficult materials...... I'm not going to be defeated by it. I just wont let that happen.
Ive never have put in long hours. Life on your knees takes its toll.
I do however spend entire evenings looking on the internet for information, tools and methods for a particular job im working on.
It just doesnt stop when i get home....... even with almost 50 years under my belt. I live what i do and im still learning.
Excellent idea for a video. You told the cold hard facts without even slightly offending anyone.
.....to be honest, i wish grandpa was a metal fabricator instead of being a flooring contractor. Burnt metal smells better than burnt carpet. 😁
Thanks for watching and the insight into your personal experiences
@@cornfieldcustoms Sorry for writing a novel. We had sometimes worked around hot headed home contractors and I couldn't imagine being young and attempting to learn from someone barking orders or yelling at me.
It’s a fantastic message. I recently completed a career as an airline pilot. Generally a group of very goal oriented, hard working people who take great pride in doing the job correctly every time. Now I’m restoring grandpa’s ‘49 Suburban. Though my skills will never approach anything like yours, I find watching you create these beautiful machines motivates me to do my best work.
Mentoring young people (and old guys!) is such an important part of what successful people should do. You’re doing it well.
I’ll continue watching and (hopefully) improving.
Being in the trade for 38 years I can’t say how much this hit home. How different it would have been if this platform was available in 1977 when I did my first car. Not being fit enough to do that anymore I can really appreciate what I was able to do for so many years and be good at it.
Thanks for watching
Hard to get younger people to get that message now days. Thanks for the post
i find it hard for most people no matter the age to get the message. Thanks for watching
Mike, I hope everyone notices that your ability to share your thoughts in virtually one video take is an example of how knowledgeable and dedicated you are on the subjects you discuss. Thank you for taking the time to lay it out there 🙏
Thanks, there a few stumbles i had to cut out and had my LTL driver show up half way through and had to load up some frame rails. I try to most in one take to keep the continuity through the video.
I want to do this.
You're motivating all of us here.
Thanks, Get out there and make it happen
I agree with this message. I have been close to the level of obsession of my craft as a product designer. And it got me into one of the best design agencies in the world at that time. I also realized at some point that I did not have the obsession to become “the best”. And nowdays I have an extremely fulfilling life where I can live off of that near-obsession and still spend time on other really fun stuff like hobbies and family. Sometimes I envy those who can make their hobby their job but I also fear having to feel like your hobby becomes something you HAVE to do to survive. And there’s another aspect of it - daring to start a business of your own. I grew up with parents running their own business.
Been a pipe fabricator,pimple line welder for 36 years need the passion for any of this.
time to dream but don't waist time , develop your mind to achieve the skills - to enjoy your dreams "well preformed Mistro" Bravo Mike
True words !! 20 plus years here in advanced Paintless Dent Repair, Watching, learning more about understanding metal, Thanks for sharing !! 👍💯
Thanks for watching!
Absolutely True Mike! Being passionate in the craft is going to be 100% necessary to keep you going! When I was first starting out I was constantly going to shops and offering to work for free to just be around the trade, fast forward to today I’m still trying to learn every single day. Thanks for the share!
100% agree…!! Everyone wants perfection, rare few are willing to work their ass off to get it. We live in an instant gratification society, now, now, now….!!!
What really throws people through a loop when chasing perfection is realizing there is no such thing but chasing to get as close as humanly possible
@@cornfieldcustoms my grandpa taught me that a rookie/amateur will
Do something until they get it right, but a professional will do it until they can’t do it wrong.
Few professionals in this world, however, you sir are one. Thanks for sharing your passion and talents.
Good talk and validation for those of us that are obsessive thinkers about their vocation. Also the importance of making “mistakes” that are really just learning opportunities 👍👍
Well said. Also, the more you do something and study something, the more interesting it will become to you and the more you will want to battle on in pursuit of perfection. It all starts with the doing.
Exactly, the most important part is doing it, even if wrong at least your making progress and learning
You are spot on with your advice. I hope many people listen to your message and take it to heart. Hard work, dedication and perseverance will ensure a rewarding career. Thank you for your insights.
This is something that a lot of young people need to hear in high school (maybe sooner).
Great video Mike! I have had this same conversation with my kids, nieces and nephews numerous times. Whatever you want to be, just strive to be the best at it and you’ll be successful. If you want to drive a garbage truck that’s fine but you be the best darn garbage truck operator there ever was and you’ll probably own your own landfill and waste management company someday.
I’m 40 yrs in the panel beating trade and alway say that I’m the best panel beater in our town as I put 100% into every repair I’m self employed got all the tool I need and love repairing and painting and yes it’s hard to get young kids motivated to spend time on each repair and get it right first or second time ,all the kids I’ve taught after 2-3 yrs start to really enjoy their job
You made me laugh...."some day I will just wake up dead on the floor." Probably wake up long enough to work another day, right?😂😂
Just got done going through this subject with my 11 yo who wants to play college football. It means, very little video games, and homeschool, and 5-8 hours a day beyond school with football related activities be it tape, weight room, cross training, and football.
It really translates into anything. Craftsman, athlete, businessman etc.
You wanna be the best, you gotta work harder than everyone else
exactly right. No one gets to the top by accident
When you mentioned in your sleep, dreaming of it.
I was like finally im not alone 😂
Been a welder/fabricator 20+ years. Im always learning, researching, new techniques, latest tools and machinery......and yes i design stuff in my sleep. Most people I've told that i dream metal work look at me weird
i get the same looks when i talk about solving problems in my sleep
Well spoken sir! The old saying goes, it takes 10 000 hours to become good at something
I think it takes way more than 10,000 hours
@cornfieldcustoms 10k on the TIG, 10k on MIG, 10k on the English wheel etc. Then it starts making sense!😅
I don't comment much on videos but I totally agree.
I try to give my kids a vehicle addiction rather a drug or alcohol one. Been telling them for years that life isn't easy, and if it is your doing something wrong. Unfortunately these generations everything is given to them never earned.
I thought my 2 oldest were on the right track, but being teenagers, wanting to be popular, knowing everything, and poor choices, the shock will catch up with them in a couple years when they are on their own. Lucky my youngest ones are still wanting to play their animals, motorcycles and fixing cars.
Really enjoying the videos, and seeing/leaning different ways of doing things.
Thanks, its tough to get the message across to many people.
Knowing you, that fraternity of FRIENDS you like and respect is critical. Love the 73-76 F-100 frame rails on the website BTW.
I’ve been doing this trade 55 yers nd still have the drive I dig it Sunday painty 65 mustang fastback can’t wait to get that gun in my had body man metal paint fiberglass nd more
Thats great you still have the drive
I wish I could have heard this when I was a teenager. As an old retired guy, a bit late.
Wise words for life😀😀
Thanks for checking it out
if u dont fall asleep every night thinking about the process for the next job on you project, you're not at the right level. i spend waaaaayyyyy more hours planning every single part of a project than i do anything else. and the '59 apache i'm building right now shows it. 👍
Once someone has a passion for something, the commitment comes much more easily, I'm always in my shop building or designing something, because I love being here.
I've been called a "craftsman" before in this industry. It never really felt right because I'm so hard on my own work that sometimes i can't see my own quality level. Others can, I guess. I'm only in year 12, though. I made a big career shift at age 38 (I'm now 50) into this kind of work. I have worked to the point of mental and physical breakdown. In my case, I've tracked the drive for perfection back to mental abuse that I've endured consistently since I was a child. It's a blessing and curse. On one hand, it's debilitating. On the other hand, it gives me an outlet to thrive as a result of that abuse and provide for my family. Seeing my perfectionism manifest in my daily life put me on a path to understanding that abuse and healing it. Now, hopefully, I can have the best of both worlds - a quiet mind and skilled hands. Mahalo. 🤙🏼
Thanks for watching
wish it was 40 years a go had to try by my self sort of got some talent needed more talks like this then great job keep up the good work
Thanks for watching, never to old to get after it
Totally true! This applies to every part of life, far beyond just our craft. If we carry this same mentality into how we treat our craft, our relationships, our businesses, etc., we make a far better life for ourselves and for everyone who we choose to have around us.
Yep, I knew a burger flipper who was absolutely memorizing to me and, the burgers were the best I've ever had. I agree with everything you said. My biggest issue is I tend to procrastinate and not get things done because I know I'm not going to be happy with the result. I love my trade as a fitter and machinist. 👍
Yep as long as you have passion and work at honing your craft the rest will follow.
Very well put. You have to be passionate about what you do to the point where the sacrifices are no longer sacrifices. The long nights, missed vacations, missed meals, financial sacrifices are all part of the plan. These are the things that people don’t see or understand when they say “must be nice”. But you also have to make sure to take mental and physical breaks. It’s a marathon, not a sprint.
Great message of life. Thanks.
#STAYSAFE
#PHILLYPHILLY 🇺🇸
100%. There are no shortcuts and it takes an insane time investment to get beyond the average.
Exactly
Thanks for this..i think you have just motivated alot of people today...
I hope it did, thanks for watching
Mike,
As a retired Autoshop Teacher I have to say that you hit the nail on the head. In my experience, about 1 out of 10 of my students would out forth the effort to become an automotive technician. Of those, probably one in 10 again, of those, had the passion to be good at it. One in 10 of those were 'DRIVEN'.
When counselors sent kids, it was generally accepted that they could work with their hands and that they probably didn't have the mental ability to go to school and get a regular job.
As we know, there's a lot of brainwork required to be able to do what you do.
That being said, cars are so different today that I would probably not go that way myself now. But, I am consumed by all aspects of fabricating, machining and engineering.
My hat's off to you and those that do what you do. I just have too many passions.😁😁
Perfectly stated !! I've thought of myself being cursed for being a "perfectionist" all my life, but was finally able to accept myself as the way I was meant to be. I can't wait to be in the shop every morning and my wife has to pry me out at night. I keep a pad & pen by my bed so I can write down thoughts that come to me at night, occassionally.
Thank you for putting your thoughts out ! Nice to know I'm not alone !
Well said brother, very well said. Thank you for a video I will pass on to some young people.
Thanks
Applies to every Trade! excellent advise and info Too many of today's kids Don't get it at ALL! goes for customers as well all too often they say I don't need perfect or I don't need a show car BUT yet are first to complain when they don't get just that.
Nothing but great advice.
Some of the nicest work I’ve seen has been done by hobbyists. I believe it’s commitment to quality workmanship combined with talent and a love for what one’s doing. I built furniture professionally for over 20 years and while I took pride in my work and consistently turned out a quality product the finest pieces I’ve ever made came when I took the price tags off and just did it for fun. There are lots of incredibly talented people out there that aren’t cut out to pursue that trade/skill/craft as a profession. Whether it’s a lack of business acumen or lack of money making opportunities in a given field (starving artist) pursuing excellence as a hobbyist is usually the best way for a person to approach nearly any creative endeavor. Coming from the skilled trades myself I’ve seen so many talented guys burn themselves out trying to monetize their dreams when they should have worked a normal job and made awesome shit in the evening and on weekends. Mike is obviously an exception to my generalization and he seems to be having a great time and doing quite well.
dedication and pursuit of the craft doesnt need to be in a professional setting.
@@cornfieldcustoms I agree. I love your work and you’re a natural when it comes to teaching.
Thanks for watching
Wish I could give you a thousand likes.
Thank you
It had to be said , step up or step back . I to will wake up dead on the floor. Thank You
Thanks for watching
Great message. I'm a mechanic with secondary skills in welding, machining and fabrication and feel the exact same way. To be good you can't just turn it on and off when going to work. I am passionate about what I do and have been fortunate to make a good living by continually improving my skillset and not "settling" for good enough.
Mike
God Bless You keep on going
Thanks , good talk,
Loved this one Mike. I often hear "I just don't have time to do this stuff" Just admit you clearly don't want to put in the time and effort to learn the skills required, and the excuse makes that blazingly apparent. And "how'd you learn how to do all this stuff, school?" the only way anyone acquires any sort of skill, by trial and error- failing enough times to learn. Drives me crazy lol
Yep i hear the same stuff as well as " Must be nice". Drives me up the wall. we all have the same 24 hours to get things done.
I think these type of videos are awesome, and boy can I relate.
I didn't think there were many people around that were as obsessed as I am hahaha ,
If I have trouble sleeping (which is most nights) I listen to the sound of metal being past though an English wheel, that certain sound of a smooth panel being wheeled just instantly relaxes me and I drift off to sleep ,
Ok maybe I am a bit weird hahahahahaha
Thanks for watching and support
Very well said
Thanks
It's really great to hear this
Aspiring CFC Dedication ..BEYOND WORKS GROWING CFC DRIVING
Thanks
I was aware of you years ago when you were a member of Rat Rods Rule. I could sense then that you were highly motivated and would develop your skills to the max. Then you were in a rod building video. It appeared you didn't say much but were the most productive member of the group. More proof. I do believe that not just anyone can develop the skill proficiency that guys like you have. And not from lack of motivation or drive. It might be motor skills, vision, intuition, physical limitations, intelligence. Achieving the "best that you can be" in a specific endeavor might result in being just good, not achieving greatness.
Thanks again
Thank you too
Well said great video great advice!
Hey, I'm a lifelong student also.
When I'm feeling uncomfortable in my abilities, which is almost my favorite part nowadays as that's where the growth is, I think of the 'Man in the arena' quote by Theodore Roosevelt, and feel better about stepping in.....
“It is not the critic who counts; not the man who points out how the strong man stumbles, or where the doer of deeds could have done them better. The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena, whose face is marred by dust and sweat and blood; who strives valiantly; who errs, who comes short again and again, because there is no effort without error and shortcoming; but who does actually strive to do the deeds; who knows great enthusiasms, the great devotions; who spends himself in a worthy cause; who at the best knows in the end the triumph of high achievement, and who at the worst, if he fails, at least fails while daring greatly, so that his place shall never be with those cold and timid souls who neither know victory nor defeat.”
Well said sir and so true and thats why i subscribed to learn alittle off a true craftsman
Thanks for checking it out
It's an addiction, if you've got it you can't help it!
Yep its all consuming
Very well put !!!
It is the constant drive to be more than you .
100% correct
Thanks
Great video!!!
Great stuff on your Channel.....cheers from Florida, Paul
Thanks for the visit
Great video man something I’ve been thinking about lately
TRUTH!
100%
You have to put out a 100% effort to produce a 99% piece of work and continue striving to up your game .
pretty much i always do my best to give over 100% effort
meh. 100% ain't enough. but it's a start.
Always awesome 👍
Thanks for checking it out
Well said!
Thanks
Well Said!
Thanks
50 seconds in and im all ears. Never seen a walk through of your projects before. Incredible.
....ill shut up and listen.
....
Thanks for watching
Thank you for the schooling mister, now I know what I´ve done wrong. Having said that I find it peculiar I have had such success in my life.
There is a big difference between having success and being at the highest level in your craft. I know bunch of people who are successful but are deeply unsatisfied
@@cornfieldcustomsSure.
@@h-j.k.8971 you dont have to believe me.
💯
Any suggestions on how to surround myself with the high level ppl? It a long distance to any from where i live. I try taking a course a year to learn been buying tools and practicing as much as i can at home. Not easy to just go shape a random piece when there are no requirements for its end result. Thanks for putting all tou do out for ppl to learn from.
with the way social media is just reach out people. I dont have local people that share the same goals as me with the craft so i have a network of people all over the world I follow, support and chat with. your circle doesnt need to be next door. if you set personal goals you can do a lot by yourself. I am self taught and had no one in my area to learn from. I looked at work at shows and online to push myself to that level and beyond
I would add one thing....start small, and learn to work metal BY HAND. I taught chassis fabrication for years, and I cant tell you how many times someone would start a shop, get overextended buying the latest and greatest tools, and have to blow out a bunch of jobs to make the bills...before they were ready. That is a perfect recipe for JUNK. And ince you get into that mindset, it's very hard to improve your work. Most customers don't know better, and they're "happy " with less than excellent work.
Keep the overhead to a minimum until youre capable of doing quality work with a hammer and angle grinder. THEN buy the tools that make the jobs go faster.
Just my $.02 from 30+ years of fixing other people's mistakes....lol
This video was more about the mindset of craftsmanship. I plan to do one of the over extension side down the road.
you have to do everything such that no one else can do it better. period. too many times these shops hire guys that do 85% what it should be, and you see it in the welds (and everything else) on all of these tv shows. do better. (and personally, i hope it turns the majority off......because they aren't there yet.)
I love your craftsmanship I love what you do and I love your video.......................HOWEVER
WHAT IF YOU HAD THAT PASSION THAT DRIVE AND YOU LOST IT SOME WHERE ??
Then you were not all that passionate about the craft at hand.
thank you for the honesty and the kick in the butt lol @@cornfieldcustoms
I would love to get some insight on getting into the business. Long time car guy that spent a lifetime farming and ready to get back into what I love.
What a supergreat video Mike!
Thanks
For you wanting to be at the top of your game ... I think your pretty much there ... ofcourse theres always room for improvement ... good commentary ...
Thanks but I have a long way to go to be any where near the top. I am happy being a small fish in a big pond but always pushing to grow
Cool shop.
What's the red thing hanging up there?
Its a boat
This guy asked me, do you have your own business? I replied yes. He said so you only work a half the day? What? You can pick any twelve hours you want to work. That's about it.
I Think the US has failed in not having an apprenticeship program as they do in Europe. The other failure has been the closing of high school shop classes. 50 years later... I still use skills that I learned in high school shop classes. I now have multitude of skills but sometimes I think my friends that had the same job for 25 or 30 years and retired with a pension are much smarter? Unfortunately, I'm just not wired that way.
i feel our education system is just one of the many things that have failed society in the US. We are going to be in real trouble in the next 20 years as tradesman ( and craftsman) start to die off more and more
I belive trying to say being the best at what ever is a way of life, your married to it so to speak, your soul goes into it, essance of say a master bladesmith or woodcut maker from japan, or perhaps an italian artisan, all about the whole idea best their skills can produce fundamentaly even if it isn't the frillest design, quality over quantity and a part of their soul goes into it.
you love it you breath it, its said most of all what you love will consume you you will burn and yearn for it it consumes you.
that said I dont always get the time to do it to my satisfaction when on someone else's clock, my passion for telling the history of the railroad that put us on the map and its heyday, I have spent way too much time at it but I have turned over every known stone of information about what was there, and about when it was and when it changed,
"Wake up dead on the floor," you want to be consumed by your trade, Don't want It be a idol then stand before 'the Almighty" and him saying ",I never knew you away from me you worker of iniquity"😢
Leave the religion out of it. It has no place here
@@cornfieldcustoms Sorry to have offered, I'm just articling my view it's not religion it's life or death my point of view and again sorry 😔
its a great message you are saying as an owner. but the no stop, full drive is the message an owner themselves need to have. asking an employee to have the same drive and determination you do, is typically not that reachable. sometime great workers just don't want the reasonability of owning a business. you can't expect employees to give everything to something thy will never own and never reap the benefits of the ownership. you might miss out on some of the best employees with that level of expectations
Your clearly missing the point of the video, but thanks for watching
Waking up dead sucks.
I design my better ideas while sleeping.
Same
Would you have time for a family kids wife and wood they understand and tolerate your commitment?
I have a wife and she is fine with my commitment. We have no plans to have kids
I need spell check. Pipeline welder. I wish I lived in your neighborhood
Just asking, you do know you can edit your comment don't you?
Just don't drink, don't do drugs, any put 1,000% into your career, or craft as you put it.
Seems like a simple concept but its a challenge for many
@cornfieldcustoms very true.
I've only been sober for 13 years now.
How badly do you want it.
Soooo … no sex before welding?
Certainly not during welding...😅😅😅
Sorry, You won’t wake up if you’re dead!
How do you know? have you ever been dead to know if part of you is aware?