EP 189: “Here’s Your Sign to Start Making Signs” with Jake LeGrand
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 Learn more about the Lincoln Electric Sprinter 180 Si - https://foxly.link/taIiwU Connect with Beau Weld App @beaudidit Instagram @beaudiditwelding Email - Beauw@weld.com Download the weld app today - linktr.ee/WeldDotCom