into a job? Osato: You could definitely compare it. You do it because you love it and then it slowly turns into something that you can make a couple bucks at. Next thing you know it's your job. The best thing is, is that I am doing something I enjoy.
What kind of work have you created out of your own workshop? Osato: A little bit of everything such as various types of furniture, clothing racks, security bars, Olympic torch stands and bike racks. It's endless what you can create with metal and a welder.
Have you ever worked on bikes or fancied working for a BMX brand as a welder? Osato: I have welded parts and frames that have cracked and stuff but that's about it. As far as building my own bike it would be a fun side project, but not sure I would want to do it 24-7. A couple small runs here or there would be all right.
You're known as a "tech" rider, do you have "tech" skills in the workshop? Osato: I wouldn't say it would be tech skill in the shop but I'm always looking for different and faster ways to do things. That's where it gets to be the same as riding because there is no right or wrong way to do things. As long as the finished product is perfect it doesn't matter how you get there.
Do you have a tube bender or do you use your own muscles to bend the metal? Osato: I wish I had a tube bender that's one machine I've been dreaming of getting. As of right now I just use the muscles (ha ha) or I get a bending shop to do it up for me.
Does your strength come in handy in the workshop?
Osato: Having a little bit of strength always comes in handy around the shop. If it's too heavy you would have to use the right tool or machine to move it. It's really easy to mess up your back and you wouldn't want that to happen.
If you could pick one machine for the workshop, which one would it be? Osato: I would have to say a proper bender. There is so much you could do with it and not a lot of people have good ones. I get so excited just thinking of it.
Who has taught you a lot as far as welding is concerned? Osato: I guess it would be my high school teacher but other than that I am more or less self taught. I do the trial and error method and figure it out from there. The internet is always a good tool to help and I just finished doing my welding C-ticket at the British Columbia Institute of Technology, and of course that taught me a lot.
Have your skills come into play in the past where you were on the road and you had to weld up a frame or a ramp or something along those lines?
Osato: Not really as I didn't have a welder when I was on the road. If we had to get stuff done at least I would be able to talk to the guy and make sure he did a good job and not rip me off.
Best tool in your workshop?
Osato: I would say the welders or the angle grinder, I use this tool a lot and there is much you could do with it.
Last words?
Osato: Thanks to all my friends and family, I would not be where I am today without all of you. Stay positive and good things will happen!
Workshop Wednesdays back issues:
Episode 3: Scott Towne
Episode 2: Mike Laird
Episode 1: Harold "McGoo" McGruther
After doing a BMX 'zine for ten years (1987 - 1996) FATBMX made it on the internet. The year was 1998. Here to stay.