2010 Re-Posted 5: "Workshop Wednesday" Episode two: Mike Laird

Dec 29, 2010

Written by Bart de Jong

Read 12431 times

Name: Mike Laird
Hometown: Greenville, USA.
Occupation: Pro rider / ECC Metal

Rider or welder, what comes first for you today?
Mike: A couple of years ago it would have been rider, but today I'd say it's 50/50. They both pay the bills and I love them both in different ways.

What are some of the ramps that you have welded up?
Mike: Mainly King BMX Stunt Shows ramps. Portable stuff. Jeremy Fanberg and I built JayCee Skatepark here in Greenville. I've also have done some TV weldin' for The Discovery Channel "Stunt Junkie's"

Do you design the portable ramps yourself or do you weld things up that others designed?

Mike: I've done both.... Built my ideas and from someones blueprint.

Have you ever considered working/welding for a bicycle company?
Mike: When I was in high school I thought I might work for Hoffman Bikes or something like that, but that's about it. Not much here in the US.

You had a bit of an accident with a grinder a while back. How has your hand healed up?
Mike: It's all good now. I don't have a thumb nail on my right hand and the top of my thumb is sensitive to touch, but it's fine.

What's more dangerous, spending time in the workshop, or spending time on the ramp"?
Mike: That's a very good question...... I'd say time on the ramp, but not by much. My thumb accident was the most painful accident.

What safety equipment do you use in your workshop?
Mike: Safety glasses is a must. Ear protection on the chop-saw and grinding. Standard stuff for a shop life.

Do you have a special place (catalog/website) that you look at for tools?
Mike: Most specialty tools I'm looking for are not going to come from one place. So the answer is no. Internet is awesome.

What company makes good tools?
Mike: I LOVE Miller welders, Milwaukee power tools, and Craftsman hand tools are fine for me.

What machine is missing in your workshop?
Mike: Mandrel tubing bender and CNC plasma cutter.

If you had $ 1000,= USD to spend on new equipment for your shop, what would you get?
Mike: $1000 wouldn't buy any machinery I need, so I'd just buy some more hand tools.... clamps, grinder, a drill....etc.

What special toys have you welded up for the kid so far?
Mike: I've made a platform for her side of the crib to hold the monitor. I'm thinkin' about making her first bike.

What's the secret of getting your hands clean after a day in the shop?
Mike: I religiously wear my pig skin gloves (weldin' gloves).

Any projects coming up?
Mike: Mirra's building a new house, he's got a staircase, coffee table, railings and more things I can't remember right now.

ECC METAL