I Made These Mistakes When Starting My Welding Business So YOU Dont have to!

[@gordjohnson70]

As an old retired welder, I'll be watching to see what you are up to. Watching these videos is almost like being back in the trade. You guys have some good ideas, new tools, new procedures etc. It will be interesting to see how you handle the same old problems and headaches that have cursed welders forever.

[@washburnfabco]

That’s awesome

[@gmacka6333]

I like this type of content. I know for me, two of the biggest things I’ve been thinking about, when contemplating starting a business are: 1) bidding a job. And 2) invoicing. I know some might not like a video like that, but I’d put money on it that the vast majority of people wanting to do this type of work would find a video on this topic invaluable. It’s one of the biggest barriers for people to cross. Not knowing how to do either. Even how to collect money and what if a check bounces on you. If you could address some of these topics, that would be awesome.

[@adrianajoleza2828]

I was a tank builder in oil refineries for about 10 years just started welding on the side for myself now and bro there’s a lot that goes on behind the scenes that people don’t realize! Yes we may charge a lot and we do make great money but its a lot of hard work Great video btw love seeing work videos and behind the scenes ones too 👌🏽

[@washburnfabco]

Thanks brotha. I can’t say the same about making great money thou 😅 my profit margin last year was garbage. I haven’t put in the number this year yet thou. I think it’s probably a bit better

[@mezoutdoors]

Please keep this type of material coming as well

[@codyfitzgerald2043]

Hey, my name is Cody, a little bit of background information on me is I currently work a full time job as a logger and have done so for the last 13 years. Through my time as a logger I have seen many repairs that require welding and fabrication and I have always been intrigued by the trade. For the last 3 years I have been building a business (haven’t started yet), but I have since bought a welder generator, a service truck, many tools, consumables and much more. I will finally be able to launch my dream within the next year. I am going to maintain my full time job for as long as I need to or can, while running my welding business on the side until it hopefully takes off and is successful. I spent 2 years in college working around my full time day job schedule in order to obtain all basic welding skills and was successful in obtaining 2 welding certifications. I have done a number of small jobs since at my house to keep relevant and help with some side cash but I’m almost ready to hit the road. My number one fear was to not be completely prepared to help a customer, and not be fully confident in my work therefore, I am taking the long road gathering all the necessary items and skills to become a professional welding entrepreneur. Anyways, I wanted you to understand that I’m not here on a whim or with an idea that just popped into my head 2 minutes ago, I’m serious in making a go of this. I have watched many videos like yours and I have to say thank you. You have the absolute best “business side” tips and tricks video I have seen so far and you seem very confident and extremely knowledgeable. And so I just wanted to say thank you for taking the time to spread what you have seen and learned, it certainly means a lot to me and I can’t explain how important I find this information to be. So thank you and yes, I would really really appreciate more videos like this in the future if you haven’t done so already, I’m going to look at your other videos now. Thanks again, have a great day 👍🏻

[@washburnfabco]

Thanks brotha.. I have really been discouraged on posting more videos bc of how slow business has been. I think I will upload another business video this week just because of your comment! Thanks for the motivation.

[@robertvaldez5403]

More videos please. I appreciate the business side all the tips

[@waiakalulu7544]

I like the fact that you timed in your loading and unloading. As a customer, I didn't understand why guys didn't want to come out or refused small welding jobs.

[@washburnfabco]

Yup it all count. Sure a job might only take you an hour once your there. But it could be an hour to load and unload and an hour drive. That’s 3 hours of the welders day not one

[@ranchroberts5976]

Nice, calm, and informative video. Good job on it. Keep doing these. Maybe some more in depth description of what you're doing as you're fixing.

[@ouroboros5378]

4:15 you are totally right

[@daltonhartsfield6271]

Like the field work, and you explaining what you’re doing! Keep it up brother

[@washburnfabco]

Thanks brotha

[@jefe913]

Keep doing videos on the business side! Awesome video

[@washburnfabco]

Thanks brotha!

[@waiakalulu7544]

I have a bunch of Lincoln stuff, but Lincoln uses the old business model where they use distributors to sell their gear. If you're not a distributor that sells hundreds of machines (or a celebrity welder), they'd rather you just go away. Far, far away. Especially if your welder is busted.

[@washburnfabco]

That machine is still in warranty claims 😴

[@johnw4590]

Lincoln Electric always stood behind their machines when they broke. Even an after warranty repair on one unit I own. The tech support has been great also!

[@washburnfabco]

@@johnw4590 wish I could say the same. They have had my machine longer than I have had it in my possession.

[@numberzthegreat]

I've learned in my 4 years of welding, Lincoln is just a name they slap on there 3rd party sourced product. The tig wire is sourced from at least 10 different countries. Even my helmet had Lincoln all over it but you try to sources the lenses and you find out the helmet is made by Metalman. The shop I'm in is team blue. Miller is a solid brand

[@waiakalulu7544]

​@@washburnfabco My friend had a SA200 and made the mistake of calling them for parts. For such a popular machine with a cult following and huge user base, you'd think they would capitalize on its virtues, but once they hear you got one - they pretty much tell you to go to hell. Thankfully the aftermarket has picked up the ball and ran with it. Lot of guys still have their machines running - but no thanks to Lincoln.

Great information on business practices. I am with you on staying away on brand name equipment . The quality is not there anymore, the electronics have sabotaged the reliability. I have a lincoln ranger 250 that needs a circuit board $1600 just out of warranty. Same thing on my lincoln mig welder . Some of he import welders aren't bad and you can have a spare if anything breaks.

[@washburnfabco]

Thank you. Yeah i definitely agree. I have only lost one import machine. Which reminds me I need to pull it apart one of these days and see what happened and talk about it in a follow up review. It was the best arc machines. I would stay away from them. I like my set up now with multiple machines on deck ready to go. Never any problems with my others still.

[@scrapmanindustries]

I also had my Lincoln 210mp break down on a job. Fan motors went out when I really needed em. The welder still worked but would overheat after like a minute of use. They did fix it though. We got a pretty good dealer that subs out the repair work to some guy in Columbus. Lincoln just pays the bill. I usually use fronius in the shop though. If you ever need a really decent machine check out the fronius transsteel 2200. It’s pretty much equivalent to them bigger roll around Lincoln’s like the 260 mp. I suggest finding a local dealer for em but bakers gas is pretty good too

[@washburnfabco]

I did take it to a local dealer. I think when I go grab it next weekend I’m gonna have to go to a bigger company like AIRGAS or something 😅

[@scrapmanindustries]

@@washburnfabco good luck with that.

[@jeremyferrell3555]

I will say this about yes welder. I had it for 3 months and had the power cord ground prong broke $20 fix and they sent me a new machine. I didn’t even have to send the old one back.

[@nathanjumperskeane3851]

Deffiantly will be watching on

[@kartchnerkustoms8768]

One of the best down to earth real videos about the industry I've seen in a long time. Thanks for sharing, you should definitely do more day in the life videos like this. How do you like the XR plasma table? looking at getting one myself....

[@washburnfabco]

Thanks! The xr is an okay table for the price range. Hard to get it really dialed in to be comfortable with doing production parts with but if it’s something your welding together your self it’s fine. It’s not so good with tight sections on detailed signs

[@amcustomfab]

Just found your channel keep up the great work!

[@washburnfabco]

Thanks, will do!

[@SeanCleary-i7n]

i appreciate all this brother. Keep on keeping on man!

[@washburnfabco]

Thanks man you too !

[@dakotahfisher9535]

Good stuff man! This video gave me a lot of good info. I sent a request to the group. Also, watched the review on the Arccaptain. Looks like a made a good purchase!

[@washburnfabco]

Thank you!

[@SidArteaga]

Great knowledge Thanks for all the knowledge

[@washburnfabco]

Thanks you 👍🏻

[@apeterson23]

How is your arc captain and generator holding up? looking to get started. thanks for your videos

[@washburnfabco]

Runs good!

[@dc85337]

At about 8:29 I believe you should have put end plates on the end caps on both sides. That's where it looks like something grabbed it and ripped it all up. And will possibly happen again. I would have. That would prevent it from happening again in the future. Maybe a trip back and tell them you were thinking about it but didn't and tell them you think it should be end capped.

[@washburnfabco]

I did haha. That was the next day.

[@dc85337]

@@washburnfabco Great Minds! 😀

[@ejsabcs2329]

New sub, just starting my own welding company.

[@washburnfabco]

Sweet good luck

[@tonyinhbolero4815]

Thanks for informing bruh , I’m start my welding business soon

[@washburnfabco]

Good luck 👍🏻

[@tonyinhbolero4815]

@@washburnfabco thanks 🙏 brush , wishes you and your family the best 💪

[@LilRockky23]

Make it like a podcast

[@washburnfabco]

That’s kinda what I’m thinking 👀

[@macdaddydiesel]

No shit man I love that group it really helped a ton

[@washburnfabco]

Yes sirrr glad to here !

[@fabianfrola1049]

Very informative video, thank you.

[@washburnfabco]

🙏

[@calebwilliams1389]

Just started watching today. Keep up the good work man. Be as Informative as you can everyone loves that s***, including me 😂

[@washburnfabco]

Welcome! I’m gonna try to make a video similar to this every week or so if I can.

[@johnw4590]

Good video and advice!

[@washburnfabco]

Thanks buddy

[@TigandmigRev]

Nice tips man I'm also starting to do mobile welding I have the yeswelder 250p Tig welder and it welds so good.question for u does that arccaptin weld aluminum with a spool gun.Cool video

[@washburnfabco]

Thanks! Yes I have a video of me using a spool gun on it. The spool gun is super budget priced to

[@Mulligan_golf03]

Would you recommend a yes welder to start with?

[@washburnfabco]

Yes most definitely all we use in shop is yes welder and arc captain because the preform just as good as the big brands

[@halahsmith9931]

Do you think it would be rough getting into welding as a women? Thinking about getting my associates in welding at my community college but a bit worried i wont get taken as seriously.

[@washburnfabco]

You’ll be fine! I had woman in my community college program that are still in the industry. How much experience do you have? If non I would recommend taking a few of the intro classes before diving super deep into it to see if your gonna like it. That’s what I recommend for every one. Some of the entry level welders jobs are pretty tedious and boring which can drive a lot of people fresh out of school to pursue another career.

[@halahsmith9931]

@@washburnfabco Thank you! Thats good to hear. Ill definitely look into taking some intro classes!

[@ericrandall8942]

Come on with my friend I like watching you do these videos I just started my business wildfire, welding fabrication. I’d love to connect with you, my friend.

[@washburnfabco]

🤙🏻

[@redbeardedviking8087]

How did you go about getting your name out there

[@AM-rz8uo]

More business information please

[@washburnfabco]

Coming soon !

[@2point..0]

Like the size of that arccaptain, love to win one!!! Liked#28 and subscribed!!!

[@michaelmarcus509]

great video thank you

[@washburnfabco]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@SidArteaga]

Thank I was 624

[@dahookmob]

Good video bro 💯

[@ArcticBlues1]

Thank you :)

[@washburnfabco]

Your welcome!

[@treygardner1164]

What kind of generator your running for mobile ??

[@washburnfabco]

My mpx 330 and predator 9000

[@MichaelOlaez]

Did you use that machine on 220v?

[@washburnfabco]

Not sure if your referring to the yes welder or Lincoln but yes I only use 220

[@Froggies505]

4 hour minimum is crazy especially if you’re charging drive time. I’d never have any business if I charge 500$ for a job that took me 30 minutes and had an hour of total driving. But hey if they’re willing to pay it more power to you.

[@washburnfabco]

I haven’t had any one turn down me doing the work over the minimum. I only charge 100 hr if I’m solo and in my area 150 is prob average for solo mobile

[@Froggies505]

@@washburnfabcoyeah I’m at 100 for steel. 125 for stainless and aluminum. I primarily do mobile repair work. It’s just crazy to me how different parts of the world charge different. I know some guys who don’t pro rate consumables, charge huge minimums, drive time ect. And that 500$ bill would turn into 800-1000$. Wild to me.

[@moto39x17]

do you have to be 18 to work at a fab shop or be a mobile welder, theres no way i can sit at a cash register til im 18

[@washburnfabco]

Be a kid while your a kid honestly. Don’t grow up to fast. But you could if you knew people. Besides that your gonna need to go to a community college with a welding program first. Which you can do while your in high school. And maybe you could find a job after that

[@kieranproven4874]

Cool video dude. New sub.

[@HerbertMoore-n9u]

What’s that hydraulic thang called? 📞 😂

[@washburnfabco]

Portapower

[@LeonelYepez-h4c]

Hey bro i see you are here from lodi how did you get your name ou there I’m in modesto area

[@washburnfabco]

Lots and lots of hours. In the beginning I had to bid jobs so low I often lost money on them. General fab is such a wide spectrum that there isn’t to many jobs you can get as an employee and learn everything you need to be able to do it on your own. Low prices because your learning and keep it fair. After that you will grow and so will your rates.

[@Trial-N-ErrorFarms-jk9iz]

If you get a motorcycle and like to cruise, you should ride to the job to look at it. Now the trip is a tax write-off. The excuse is better fuel economy. But now you can ride for free...

[@washburnfabco]

I do have a Harley lol.

[@Trial-N-ErrorFarms-jk9iz]

@@washburnfabco then you should definitely be letting the Fab shop pay you to ride it! I suggested that to a fellow that had a lawn care. He would always take his truck that got 12 mi to the gallon around and look at the lawns that should be ready to cut. He did not even check with his accountant to look into it. It was work-related. He did not need to carry any tools, so it should have been a no-brainer. I would bet that you could still get the 55 cents per mile write-off. It's probably going up since then. It has probably gone up since then.

[@Undisputedcomedy1]

You might be running through welders because the generator you are using could be putting on dirty power

[@washburnfabco]

I had one Lincoln fail at the power supply. But all the others have failed for other reasons (all Lincoln’s) displays, weak wire drive motors etc. These cheap machines like arc captain and get yes welder both run good and have for a few years now on my mpx 330 and my 9000 predator. No issues.

[@Undisputedcomedy1]

@@washburnfabcogood to know. I work full time in a shop and looking to start branching out on my own. Was curious if that was the reason because that would be most affordable to me. Tough to drop 4k+ on a engine drive welder when right now all i need is a generator to get started! You dont have any issues running stick or anything on it?

[@washburnfabco]

@@Undisputedcomedy1 no the predator runs all my welders fine!

[@devontaweicks1159]

Whats the name of that air pressure pump you used to straighten the railing? Thx

[@washburnfabco]

Vevor portapower

[@nathanthompson8120]

If you ever need subs I’m out of copperopolis. Awesome video

[@washburnfabco]

Thanks !

[@blackout7615]

Based on the sunglasses and gauged ear holes I'll pay you $5 to not weld something for me and instead steal my lawnmower.

[@washburnfabco]

You would never make a comment like that in person. Keep typing away bud it boost my algorithm. Real men don’t talk shit on the phone we do it face to face…

[@Rocastillotexbookbass]

Lincoln keeps breaking because they are junk and made in china. LOL.. those YES and ARC Captain welders are the upper class welders next to your other welder.. I say sell all your Lincoln stuff or take it to the goodwill.( anything with the lincoln logo has to go)..

[@washburnfabco]

I like how the 210 mp weld but the reliability is trash

[@wadewilde5456]

Love these videos

[@washburnfabco]

Thanks!