It was one of those perfect sunny days in Euclid, Ohio, when I hopped on I-90 West toward Cleveland. My destination? A hidden gem tucked inside the city’s industrial heart: The Urban Forge at 5401 Hamilton Avenue.

Outside, a hand-lettered chalkboard greeted me with the name “The Urban Forge.” I stepped through a steel door into something much more than just a workshop. I had entered Soulcraft Makerspace, a creative haven where hobbyists, small business owners, and curious minds come to shape wood, metal, and ideas.

Upstairs, I met Tim Cunningham, the man behind The Urban Forge. We shook hands, and I unpacked my gear to film a live blacksmithing demo. Sparks would fly—literally.

Tim fired up the forge with a satisfying whoosh, and the heat rolled in. As we waited for the metal to glow red-hot, Tim explained his journey as a blacksmith and how it all came together thanks to tools, grit, and a few key purchases from HGR24, Cleveland’s go-to destination for used industrial machinery and surplus equipment.

When launching The Urban Forge, Tim needed storage solutions and durable containers to organize raw materials, including steel stock, bars, and forging metals. Finding the right gear for a blacksmithing operation isn’t easy—or cheap. But at HGR24, he scored heavy-duty bins, steel racks, and worktables at a fraction of retail cost.

“Seven years later, and I still check HGR regularly. You never know what you’ll find.”

As the forge roared, Tim began shaping a glowing rod into a hook, hammering it with rhythmic precision on an anvil more than 100 years old. He explained the difference between modern and vintage anvil casting, revealing why many blacksmiths still prefer the older designs. Watching the steel bend to his will was like watching craftsmanship in motion—equal parts skill, tradition, and passion.

After filming wrapped, Tim gave me a behind-the-scenes peek at the upcoming IngenuityFest, which takes place right in the Soulcraft building. In the past, HGR24 has been proud to support this one-of-a-kind event that fuses industry, art, and imagination. Walking through the space, I saw how the team was transforming the warehouse into a surreal art landscape. It’s precisely the kind of grassroots creativity that reminds us why we do what we do.

As I headed back to Euclid, the sun still shining, I had a new appreciation for the powerful role used machinery can play in bringing dreams to life. Tim’s story is just one of many, and we’re proud that HGR24 could be a part of it.

If you’re in the Cleveland area and want to try your hand at blacksmithing, check out theurbanforge.com for upcoming classes—whether you’re a total beginner or looking to refine your craft.

And if you’re looking for affordable, high-quality industrial tools and equipment, make HGR24 your first stop. You never know where your next project will take you.

We’re kicking off our customer spotlight series with one of HGR24’s most loyal and long-standing partners: Todd King of King Precision Solutions. Todd has been sourcing used industrial equipment from HGR24 since the early days of printed catalogs and quirky warehouse   sales. Over the years, he has found everything from hidden gems of machinery to practical shop supplies—all of which have helped him scale and streamline his business.

The Question We All Ask: What Happens to the Machines After They’re Sold?

On a rainy morning in Euclid, Ohio, I left the HGR24 warehouse with one big question in mind: What do our customers do with the machines they buy?

To find out, I headed east on I-90 toward Erie, Pennsylvania, to visit King Precision Solutions and get a firsthand look at how Todd has utilized his purchases from HGR24. Spoiler alert: I wasn’t ready for how much he’s accomplished with what others might call surplus.

Walking Into a Well-Oiled Operation

When I stepped inside King Precision Solutions, I was immediately struck by the facility’s clean and organized appearance. Unlike the chaotic charm of HGR24’s massive showroom—where dust and grime are part of the treasure hunt—this space was pristine. And remarkably, much of the equipment, furnishings, and tools came straight from that same HGR24 warehouse.

This wasn’t just impressive—it was inspiring.

Meet Todd King: A True Power User of HGR24

Todd greeted me warmly and took me to his office to prepare for our interview. Along the way, he casually pointed out various items he’d bought from HGR24, eager to share the stories behind each one. I had to ask him to save the details for the camera. While I set up, he was already on the HGR24 website checking for new arrivals and monitoring products he had tagged—this is a man who truly lives the HGR24 experience.

Before the cameras rolled, he asked about the framing of a small pig statue for the shot. We found a good place for it, but I didn’t ask questions, and he didn’t offer answers. So now we both get to wonder about the pig’s backstory.

How Used Equipment Fueled King Precision Solutions’s Growth

Todd began by sharing his entrepreneurial journey. He explained how keeping overhead low—especially during the early stages—was critical. Instead of buying new, he sourced used cabinets, benches, chairs, and electrical components, such as circuit breakers, from HGR24.

Even before we got into machinery, it was clear: buying used equipment from a reliable supplier like HGR24 gave him a significant competitive edge. We wrapped up the interview and continued the tour of his operation.

A Walking Tour of Smart Savings

It didn’t take long before Todd started pointing things out:
“Cabinets? HGR.”
“Stainless steel top? HGR.”
“Birdbath sink? HGR.”

Even the leather office chairs and a custom glass wall partition came from HGR24. And we’d barely taken 10 steps.

In his first work area, he showed me a CNC machine—the first one he ever bought. He cleaned it up, repaired the door, and it’s been running flawlessly ever since. It was hard to believe this now-profitable machine once sat in a surplus warehouse, overlooked and dusty.

Value Beyond the Price Tag

Todd then pointed out a selection of inspection tools—all purchased for a fraction of their original cost. These tools, which would normally cost thousands, were acquired affordably through HGR24, allowing him to maintain backups and calibrate his systems with confidence. We passed pallet racks, hose reels, and countless other components—all sourced secondhand, but still doing the job.

Then came the robot.

A robotic assembly system sat encased in a cage, operating efficiently. Todd explained that the entire system was pieced together using parts from HGR24. A setup that would typically cost over $150,000 had been built for a tenth of the price. And it was working flawlessly.

A Company Built One Building at a Time—with HGR24

Todd took me to a second building where technicians worked at benches using microscopes, tool cabinets, and workstations—nearly all from HGR24. Even the breakroom bench and tables were used items bought at a steep discount.

Finally, we visited the third building. Every time King Precision Solutions expanded, Todd relied on HGR24 to outfit the new space. From inspection equipment to tool chests, machinery, and office furniture, everything had one thing in common: value. Many items were purchased for ten cents on the dollar compared to new.

The Takeaway: HGR24 Isn’t Just a Supplier—It’s a Business Growth Partner

As I packed up my gear and got ready to leave, Todd and I swapped a few more stories—ones I’ll save for the video series coming later this year.

But the biggest takeaway from my visit was this: HGR24 is more than a warehouse of used machinery—it’s a resource that empowers businesses to grow smart, fast, and affordably.

Whether you’re launching a startup or expanding your operation, King Precision Solutions is proof that buying used industrial equipment can be a strategic advantage. Todd’s story is just the first of many we’ll share.

Stay tuned as the series rolls out later this year—and don’t forget to check the latest inventory at hgrinc.com

Save All Week Long on Used Machinery

We have heard you. What about the people who can’t come in? Well, this one is for you.

A week-long industrial machinery and supplies online and in-store sale. What more could you want?

Items MUST be inventoried before March 15, 2025

50% off (pay and take only) for all items priced at $499 or less

40% off all items $500-999

30% off all items $1,000-2,999

20% off all items $3,000 or more. 

Through 4 p.m. on June 6th

All items inventoried on or before 12/01/2024, AND at our Euclid location, will receive the following discounts. 

$999 or less will receive 50% off current website price

$1,000 to $4,999 will receive 35% off current website price

$5,000 to $9,999 will receive 30% off current website price

$10,000 to $14,999 will receive 25% off current website price

$15,000 or more will receive 15% off current website price

See the sale items by clicking here!

HGR24 is raffling off a pair of Guardians tickets or a $200 HGR24 gift card.

Want to enter? Here is how you get tickets.

1. Check in with the front desk and visit our showroom at 20001 Euclid Avenue in Euclid, Ohio, between May 1 and May 27—one entry per day.
2. Make any purchase online or in-store between May 1 and May 27—one entry per day.
3. Purchase over $500 online or in-store between May 1 and May 27—one entry per day.

This means you can get up to 3 tickets per day. Each ticket will be placed in a barrel, and a winner will be chosen on May 28 at 1 pm as a Live broadcast on our YouTube channel, which you can find here. There will be one barrel for each prize. If you are here in person, you can bring the tickets yourself. Otherwise, your sales staff can enter the tickets into the barrel.

The Guardians game will be on June 27 at 7:10 pm against the Cardinals. The view is shown in the image at the top of the post.

The contest begins on May 1 so make sure you get your entries in!

Now start shopping today!

Join us for a Saturday Sale on April 26th. The doors open at 8 a.m. and close at 1 p.m. Free donuts will be available in the morning while supplies last. The following items are discounted.

Please browse our 14-aisle showroom to see if anything else can help your business. We have boxes of PPE like gloves, arm sleeves, face shields, and protective eyewear. Your company will spend top dollar for these items through services. Why not get them here for less? HGR24 has everything from small items to large CNC Machines, Band Saws, Welders, and more. Once you see our showroom, you will be back.

Save 20% on All Woodworking items inventoried before 3-1-2025

You can save 50% In-Store Only on the items inventoried before 3-1-25. You must pay for and take these items on the day of sale to get the discount.

Hardware
Motors – less than $500
Pumps – less than $500
Shop Equipment
Electrical

HGR24 will stop loading items at noon, so keep that in mind while making purchases.