Bringing Sculptures To Life Through Texture with David Madero

In this episode, host Beau Wigington chats with artist David Madero (@madero_co) live at FABTECH in the Walter Surface Technologies booth. They dig into stainless MIG for sculptural texture, a step-by-step path to mirror polish (without those heartbreaking last-step scratches), and where automation fits in for grinding and finishing.

Key Topics Covered:

• Mirror polish without surprise scratches: working through ~5–6 abrasives and why a consistent sequence matters.

• Why he chose MIG on stainless (coming from oxy/acetylene) and what that unlocked for texture.

• Shielding gas on stainless MIG: opting for straight CO₂ to encourage artistic porosity and surface character.

• Pre-polish prep that won’t bite you: why sandblasting can pit stainless and how wire wheels & careful prep help.

• Tool stack for speed: Walter Big Buff, Linemate for line effects/cross-hatching, plus a powerful die grinder and wire brush.

• Workflow for the neurospicy welder: using strict, written step-by-step instructions to avoid backtracking.

• Automation vs. artistry: PushCorp’s automated grinding and the question of “can a robot grind with soul?”

• Safety & visibility: welding hood with side windows and gel-pack headgear for comfort and awareness.

• Community matters: why Walter’s “big company that feels like family” vibe supports creative work.

• Future builds: figurative pieces shaped with grinder-carved textures and cross-hatched finishes.

Memorable Quotes:

• “Don’t sandblast when you want a mirror finish.”

• “I’m looking for those happy accidents, that texture most welders try to avoid.”

• “People still appreciate hand-made, it has soul.”

• “With the right sequence, those last-step scratches don’t show up.”

Check Out The Walter Products Mentioned In The Podcast

• Walter Surface Technologies Finishing Tools - https://foxly.link/SLZ32J 

• Walter Surface Technologies Grinding Tools - https://foxly.link/mhF6s9 

• Walter Surface Technologies Abrasives - https://foxly.link/CS6grF 

• Walter Surface Technologies Welding Hoods - https://foxly.link/uWo6yg 

Connect with David Madero

• Instagram - @madero_co https://www.instagram.com/madero_co/ 

• TikTok - @madero_co https://www.tiktok.com/@madero_co 

• YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@MaderoCo 

• Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/MaderoCo 

Connect With Walter Surface Technologies

• Website - https://www.walter.com/us/ 

• Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/WalterSurfaceTech 

• Instagram - @waltersurfacetech https://www.instagram.com/waltersurfacetech/ 

• TikTok - @waltersurfacetech https://www.tiktok.com/@waltersurfacetech

• LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/walter-surface-technologies 

• YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCPYqYBAv0JZD0Zg0cm0sXcg 

Connect with Beau Wigington

• Instagram: @beaudiditwelding https://www.instagram.com/beaudiditwelding 

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in