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Black Hills Metal Fabricators

James Krause isn’t one to take “no” for an answer. As a student at Western Dakota Technical Institute, he told a professor he wanted to build a CNC plasma table – a special computerized machine used to cut artistic metal shapes and custom parts. “He told me that people don’t do that in their garage,” Krause recalled. “It took me a long time to figure it out… but I built one.”

It’s that kind of persistence and willingness to “try anything” that characterizes Black Hills Metal Fabricators, the business that has grown from Krause’s ingenuity. And today, Krause and business partner Chance Cunningham use that same plasma table to create decorative driveway signs, railing inserts, and parts for custom-made machines ranging from tattoo guns to commercial bagel cutters.

Black Hills Metal Fabricators also makes custom bumpers, grill guards, toolboxes, farm implements, fireplace inserts and more from sheet metal, aluminum and stainless steel. Need a roll cage for your kids’ go-cart? They can do that. How about a combination fuel tank/toolbox? No problem. “People come in wanting all kinds of stuff,” Cunningham said. “We try to build it.”

Krause, who eventually transferred to South Dakota School of Mines & Technology, first began using his homemade plasma table to make signs for friends and for his former business, Image Metal and Design. Then he joined forces with Cunningham, a fellow Tech student, to purchase a TIG welder for welding aluminum and stainless steel and things grew from there. Together they formed Black Hills Metal Fabricators, which has already outgrown several garages and has now found its home at 2951 North Plaza Drive Suite 103. “The big thing we’ve been trying to push is custom bumpers and grill guards,” Cunningham said. “We’re trying to get the custom feel for not an outrageous price.”

Krause has a Mechanical Engineering degree and Cunningham a degree in Industrial Engineering. In addition to engineering knowledge, both men bring plenty of practical knowledge to the business. Cunningham grew up on a farm in Bridgeport, Nebraska and Krause on a farm/ranch in Burlington, Wyoming. “Learning how things ticked was part of my daily life,” Krause said. Cunningham has also spent time in Nigeria with his dad, working on large-scale irrigation systems to improve farming. Supplies there are often limited, meaning Cunningham has had to figure out ways to make things work using materials on hand. “You can get some pretty interesting stuff, that’s for sure,” he said with a smile.

The two men work well together. “I’m not really a big paperwork/office kind of guy, and Chance excels at that,” Krause said. “We’re both pretty good out in the shop. It always helps to bounce ideas off somebody.” “Between the two of us we can figure (things) out,” Cunningham agreed. “And we’ve got enough engineering friends we can always call and ask.”

Custom signs, such as the one over the entrance to Katmandu campground near Sturgis, are a good steady part of Black Hills Metal Fabricators’ business. But both owners thrive on the unique challenges that come their way with custom projects such as their current venture: creating a commercial bagel slicer for Black Hills Bagels. “It keeps it interesting,” Krause said. “We’re not afraid to try anything."

Black Hills Metal Fabricators now also offers a scorpion coating system. It is similar to Rhino lining but offers some more options such as different textures and 13 standard colors as well as custom colors. This system isn't limited to pickup boxes. It can be used on many applications. Such as structural coatings, floors, furniture and much much more.

Follow them on their Facebook page, Black Hills Metal Fabricators LLC, to keep up with what they are up to next, call them at 605-786-8857 or visit them online at www.bhmetalfabricators.com.

February 2016

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