Making Big Money Doing Small Welding Jobs! $1000+ / Day!

[@IdealArc]

Great work. My personal best was charging 175 bucks to bring my mig welder into a Barnes and Nobles kitchen, for 2 minutes worth of welding. I added a single piece of quarter inch bar stock, and it was done. Total time on the site was about 30 minutes which mostly involved bringing my cart in and out. Field repairs command a premium

[@FreeYourBrains]

you actually left money on the table, for sure a big welding company wont come out, so you could have charge $1000 easy, and it is Barnes and Noble, they have money

[@IdealArc]

@@FreeYourBrains I did it for a guy I know who owns the company who they contracted with, and I think he charged 4 or 500. If it had been me personally I would have charged more. But it's a good lesson either way, never undersell yourself. They want it bad enough they'll pay

[@panzer_d1v]

too cheap

[@sappireflames0009]

My God, it's literally a competition for who can rip someone the most for you losers.

[@FreeYourBrains]

@@IdealArc exactly

[@ralphcampbellmobilewelding6583]

I have to say nice work I run my own mobile welding shop and my rate is $200 an hour. I'm booked most of the time 2 to 3 weeks out and my customers don't mind waiting for a nice job. Been fabricating for 43 years now happy welding.

[@Sunrayman123]

what jobs are you getting and how do you find them?

[@J_B_97]

Got any advice? I'm just about to finish my apprenticeship in January. I'm planning to stay with the company I'm working with for now. They are good. But I'm slowly building up enough tools to start small things on the side. But would love to work for myself one day.

[@James-e3g]

I would be interested in seeing you post a few videos

[@jonathan1613]

What are the jobs you do to charge 200/hr?

[@lonewolftech]

@@jonathan1613none 😂 unless he’s producing parts for a factory

[@scottcarr3264]

I'm a Fabricator, and I agree with the way you did it all, I'm especially happy with your care of the Owners property and protected everything near your work area, some people wouldn't go that far, but you did, and that shows.

[@ismaelramirez4803]

I'm a fabricator too and this guy did a fantastic job. I couldn't help but be a little judgmental at first because of all the niche gadgets and tools he has. They are extremely expensive and i personally have never thought of using a fixtures. The whole thing looked so cluttered and like a newbie with too much money. I guess I am still judgmental haha. I don't know, it's interesting to see someone who is from a completely different trade naturalize themselves as a metal worker. I bet I have a lot to learn form this dude

[@niller2811]

mixing normal and stainless is a nogo and spending 2 days on that should be a crime honestly

[@diamonddetails9445]

In behalf of all welding rookies, TYVM for teaching in SIMPLE LANGUAGE. We don't have welding vocabulary 👍💯

[@pancake5830]

google is your friend :)

[@thatautogarage3644]

I found it amusing when you were talking about "non ideal" position to weld in. I was just reminiscing about the days when I was pipe welding building ethanol refineries having to wrap my body between small pipes, on my back, and needed to weld with a mirror. I'd take the positions you were welding in any day, and I'm not discounting what you're saying in the least. Also, nice work on the pre-fab items to make the field fit much easier!

[@andyd2960]

I've mirror welded stick and dual shield, but I can't imagine how I'd go about doing tig. I guess I'd get the hang of it.

[@tommyjones1357]

Thank you for being a welder. I have absolutely no interest in the skill and you are promoting others into learning. It is your way to serve others in this world and a service I will always be willing to pay for. Thank you!

[@malaina681]

That’s so interesting to hear, I’ve just started and I thought everyone loved this too!

[@zjedinite]

I find your comment strange honest and funny at the same time. For whatever that’s worth 🤷🏻‍♂️ I liked it 😂

[@tommyjones1357]

@@zjedinite you know, the video came up on my feed and my first reaction was: “Aye, IDGAF about welding.” I clicked on it and saw a hardworking man being genuine and supportive of other welders. All I could rationalize is: Thank God for all the people out there who have interests different than my own because if everyone was like me, a lot of important necessary things would never get done.”

[@escapetherace1943]

I have no interest in the skill because welders die early. Almost statistically every single one of them, or they get 10 cancers. Turns out metallic gas isn't good for you.

[@zjedinite]

@@escapetherace1943 yes, you know what also causes cancer. All the garbage we eat at fast food places. If you are careful you should be ok, It’s not like he’s a union welder working on ship building, that seems to be more dangerous. Welding hours at at a time in close quarters at times. I really hope those guys use good ventilation 🤞🏽🤞🏽🤞🏽

[@juliannasvideos7903]

Thank you for the motivation. I been doing tig welding for more than ten years for someone else. I need to put up my own business. Thank you

[@chuchojimenez1576]

I apply the same criteria on small hydraulic repair, luckily clients always leave happy no matter what I charge, your videos always inspire me to learn more, thank you and keep up the good work!!

[@jongraziano7408]

Love this. Thank you for filming and posting. I’m a farmer with 10 yrs experience and still not getting payed enough to pay a mortgage so I’m planning a list of side jobs to bring in more money and justify me doing the underpaid day job I love while using some of those skills outside the job to make up for lost pay. I would definitely have done this job and undercharged. Love the details in the craftsmanship and also the discussion on the pricing. Brilliant and thank you again

[@jeremyspecce]

I love how honest you are about your fees and expenses.

[@whatthedeuce091]

Good work. One suggestion is switching to either just a torch switch or if you really want/need to control heat on the fly, a thumb control. The pedal is really only meant for fab at a table.

[@scrapmanindustries]

Fronius makes really sweet rig machines with a thumb switch

[@zachkarr6686]

you definitely don't have to explain your cost so much it makes complete sense brother. we have people coming to us weekly asking for specialized work and sometime when they think the price is too high or they believe they can find someone to do it cheaper we just nod our heads and tell em thanks for stopping by. now a days specialized work is incredibly expensive as people who truly know what they're doing start to phase into retirement and so on. if anything you're on the low end price wise id say

[@mattbentley8958]

Get yourself a tig button. It is a button on your tig torch that works like a foot peddle, the harder you push the button the higher the amps. A must have for out of position work. Your rates seem pretty reasonable. I just wish I could find more clients that understand what fab work like this costs.

[@mattbentley8958]

@@lm2174 the welding process is exactly the same you just eliminate the foot peddle. I guess you are just so good you use the foot peddle while 20ft up on a ladder or are laying on your stomach in the bilge of a boat with your feet above your head.

[@mattbentley8958]

@@lm2174 you sound like a really good welder too bad you suck at being a person. Glad this is our only and last interaction.

[@mandoky1647]

@@mattbentley8958 I've been 45ft up inside the corner of a building with hardly and reach and unable to reach the back side of a weld with my dominate hand. I learned to TIG with both hands, and I bet I can lay down a better weld without a peddle any day. Try welding hastelloy out of position its like welding 316l stainless where you have to watch your heat, but with a watery puddle like aluminum. Real pipe welders don't need a pansy button. Learn to weld and control the heat by visuals and heat settings instead of taking the easy way out.

[@mattbentley8958]

@@mandoky1647 good for you. Welding is only a part of my job. I will use the capabilities of my machine to get the job done. My comment is for the majority of people like the guy who made the video that would benefit from it.

[@USAweldingart]

"The way you shaped the metal at 13:13 was so smooth! It really shows the art behind welding. Thanks for sharing such great content!"

[@bertlord]

Your prices are very reasonable for the type of work you are doing. I would charge $150/hr minimum for a rural area and $215/hr for urban areas. Most high rise commercial work I did was often at $250/hr. You do very clean work. I am proud to see that level of care in the work you do.

[@jenniferwhite6089]

For most commercial jobs you need a trade ticket to weld on any jobs here it is if i have to do any structural welding flat rate is a thousand dollars per hour i charge from when i leave my house and return home i retired now and want to work on my farms lol now i am amazed I still get called to work lol

[@maxjordan2625]

Good christ 🤑

[@bertlord]

@@jenniferwhite6089 - really?

[@jamescrud]

@@bertlord $1000 an hour makes no sense. The shop I send our strutcural designs to for welding is CSA certified and their rate $125/hr.

[@bertlord]

@@jamescrud- yes. I do not believe the $1,000 per hour either. Unless that is their only fans account.

[@ozman888]

I was just welding in a dimly lit area today, I was holding a flashlight, that headlamp on your hood is a great idea. I'm definitely gonna do that to mine.

[@MakeEverything]

I use it all the time!!

[@vesslewis9166]

@@MakeEverything I added that to my hood after watching your video about it. I got the same make and model from your video. Works great and I turned my welding buds on to it also. I do weld repairs on heavy equipment where a lot of times I'm in the bowels of some mechanical beast and it's really a necessity.

[@hatchimafful4235]

As a brand new welder, these are the kind of videos i need to watch

[@Kene_journeyman]

how are you going with the journey?

[@malaina681]

Never thought I would see the day I got excited over a pipe polisher. THAT SHIT LOOKS DOPE

[@BrendaJenkins-b5t]

I love how honest you are about your fees and expenses.. I love how honest you are about your fees and expenses..

[@jpelonrun6692]

Great job and tutorial. I especially admire how you’ve invested in your trade. I’m a handyman and just purchased a Tig I have no experience in this but I’m learning from KZbin. Thank you for sharing

[@Dbean48]

I throughly enjoyed watching how you went about doing you setups and procedures on welding MIG/TIG most my old friends used the MIG and had no idea why they did not use TIG till I watch your clip.. It does take a certain type of hand eye coordination and special skill set for each type of welding, besides your safety procedures to follow when welding. Great clip, Thank you.

[@avant-gardemarmalade7605]

It also requires more preparation, and is generally slower than other methods. It's not necessary when you're making something like a trailer to use this method

[@stoyan.velinov]

This is the American dream! You can't charge more than $50 for this job in my country without people thinking you're crazy

[@leoespa244]

Yes

[@azerty97212]

Fr

[@nickbag6po]

i had a dream I was consumed by slow motion raccoons last night, that is one part of the american dream

[@cooliodiablo4571]

Naw I’m a maintenance man myself here in the U.S. and this guy’s prices are high compared to most for this work. He’s not doing anything complicated here. Guy had to make like 3 cuts of pipe and do about 6 tiny welds and he’s charging that? That’s a rip off here too. Me personally I don’t take pride in how much I can scam out of my work. It’s not good karma.

[@tsl7881]

Its America, we stick it to them all we can. Better if you can stick it to the government.

[@LauftonCahill]

Love to see quality work and a break down of cost Aswell as good explanation as to why and how you can make the money you do on jobs , most people don’t see what goes into jobs like this without trying to build it themselves

[@wwtrkr3189]

Dude, you're just awesome! I love the way you present your videos. I love the lack of ego and the openness with your skill set and development. It's truly inspirational. I'm doing a regular employment job for now, because I know I can earn, but where you are is where I want to be. Not specializing, just individual projects, constantly pushing my boundaries and extending myself. I'm not going to become a millionaire doing this, but I will be entertained. I love watching your videos.

[@jackmarage8138]

I use to build freestanding staircases and ornamental handrails . What you charged was not a bad price . You can make some really good money by building ornamental furniture like coffee tables and end tables with glass table tops. I did a lot with smoked beveled edge glass tops. Not much materials but high-end return. Plus you get to use your creative skills .

[@davidwilliams9386]

Hey buddy do you have any specific examples of what you made that sold well? I'm a 12 year Fitter/welder/hobby machinist

[@chuckthebull]

I'm always undercharging and my brain never caught up from the 80's prices lol...Really nice work here and a great price,,I just put up a small radio 40 foot tower for armature radio enthusiast friend and only charged around a thousand for re-welding a new square plate base and crank up system that was cemented into the ground about 4 feet with 3/4 threaded rod embedded into the concrete (i bent the ends 90 degree with a torch before setting them in) friend is supper happy and is throwing me a bunch of more work around his place. He might get the friend rate but people are paying for not just the time and materials but a life time of acquired skills and experience, so its essential we lay it out for the client what to expect ahead of time.

[@DOUGLIFE-Caintmakethishitup]

Funny story…I started in 2000 as a Trim Carpenter, and I am also working towards mild ads to generate small amounts of work. Seems I’m not the only one that realized learning all the trades gets the most $ now! Rock on dude

[@DOUGLIFE-Caintmakethishitup]

Not sure how you have time for these videos….but keep killin it

[@JRsVsO]

Thanks for the video. I'm not interested in tig welding, but the use of your different shop tools for the fabrication was very educational. I've taken 2 semesters of welding, and as an older guy (51) who's a 100 disabled vet, I've found that me welding, Stick and FC/mig has been a bit therapeutic. I haven't done anything for pay yet because I'm still learning what I can and can't do well. But in my area, small job welders are not around much. So this year I am planning on putting my skills out there. So thanks for the break down of how you charge for jobs.

[@raibrazil8305]

What would the experience be like to find a job as a welder in your region? I have been working with welding for 20 years, I am thinking of seeking experience outside my country, Brazil

[@kenonsavage]

As a recent disabled veteran myself currently taking welding, I too find it pretty therapeutic. It closely compares to the relaxed feeling I got on the range smelling the gun powder burning

[@jonny4182]

This is actually hilarious to me. I'm in the exact same situation where I am a retired vet andHave taken up welding as a form of therapy. I'm absolute garbage at it so far but I love it for some reason.

[@aliettienne2907]

The neatness and accuracy of this welding job is highly satisfying and commendable. Impressive work! 😎💯💯💪🏿👍🏿

[@carlfriesen4888]

I own a Lincoln 200 as well. I bought a thumb controlled remote that I can swap out with the foot pedal for awkward positions. I like your shop!

[@oBseSsIoNPC]

My man, you charge very fair and make yourself available to a lot more people that way. Nice tool selection and good call on the process.

[@adamjarrold5548]

Great work, great pricing. I'm learning automotive and welding currently, it's awesome to see how versatile the ability to weld and fabricate can be!✌

[@walterashley149]

I was plagued with not charging enough, you did great! Instant subscription

[@E621_Rule34]

as someone who's kinda still new to welding I'm actually surprised no one thought of doing small jobs. like i always think how helpful it would be to just weld something together

[@SacredHeart0520]

Bro you are a. Amazing. Craftsman. And make all tradesman and multi trade pros proud . Don’t know how I didn’t see your channel sooner . But I will be watching for some ideas and solutions

[@DCweldingAndArt]

Love the Monster garage rewind lol good to see you still killing it brother. I had to search you out, YT stopped showing me your videos cuz the range of stuff I listen to at work. But I'll never forget PATW! Peace

[@bohdanko90]

Finally someone that understands the trade and value your skill set. So many fabricators don't charge enough for their work, it blows my mind. My shop rate is $125/hr for welding and fabrication. I mainly specialize in the automotive performance industry. Sometimes people think it's a lot, but those are usually people that don't have a business and work a normal job. The Firestone mechanic shop down the street from me charge $140+/hr to do your brakes and things like that. Now how is $125 too little for welding and fabrication? I have a question for you though. Did you present the total to the customer after the job was already done and you added up all the time or did you quote him ahead of time. I'm asking because most people want a quote ahead of time and sometimes it's pretty tricky to estimate how long it will take to do the job. Great video, keep it up!

[@zjedinite]

Great question at the end. Tagging along for the response 🤙🏽🤙🏽🤙🏽

[@Matt-kt9nm]

One thing to think about is what you're working on . With construction, either new, or remodeling, it's financed with a large loan or mortgage. This makes it easier to charge more. When working on someone's car it's paid out of pocket.

[@peetky8645]

auto shops here charge 175/hr

[@RGV2300]

Im a mechanic, and yes, people like the cost of the work ahead of time. Many don't understand why you charge a lot, and if you get good, you invest in more equipment, etc etc, your value just increases, so you gotta find a middle ground. Been a mechanic is much easier tho, as im not fabricating, im just diagnosing and replacing parts. Diagnoses are usually free as i don't spend too much time on them (if i do, i charge for them, of course), and replacing parts is often a fixed labour time based on my hourly rate, it's way easier for me. I know a guy who does the same as you, more or less. This guy fabricates a lot, has a really good skill set and equipment, and is not cheap at all, but he gives the entire cost of the job upfront, i think because he has plenty of experience. Quick story: a customer of mine also has used this other guy's services, and he says he just charge a lot, a total rip-off. Watching his works on exhaust lines (the fabricator guy), he uses stainless steel pipes, does beautiful small tig welding beads, nice performance mufflers... A real delight to the eyes. Meanwhile, this customer of mine usually has mid rusted mig beads on his exhaust lines, not carefully done, because i have seen really beautiful mig beads and my customer's are nowhere near those, actually look like noobie welds. That's quite a rip-off to me.

[@zjedinite]

@@Matt-kt9nm I was in construction for about 30 years and find your comment inaccurate.

[@wwtrkr3189]

How nice to see somebody not balk from the subject of money. Thanks Chris. Nice job

[@darrellmellott6096]

Practice changing hands for your torch and wire. It will make it way easier to get to joints that are tight to a wall like the ones at the top of the rail if you can put the torch in your left hand. When I was welding on power boilers, there were often joints with access for your body to only one side. We would put the root pass on the inaccessible side by feeding the filler wire through the gap. When the root was all in, you taped a mirror behind the joint to get the fill and cap passes on the back side. Also a good skill to learn, is mirror welding.Hard to not stick the tungsten when everything is backwards to your brain. Nice job on the rail BTW.

[@bencapobianco2045]

I think you may have sold yourself short. I don’t know what the demographic is like there but to haul everything to the job site is at least $2000 by itself for the field work. I would have added in the shop time on top of that. But you did A+ work at a very good price! The premium you can get is for the quality and care of your work and that very few will even bid on a job like that. Great job and video!!!

[@DanielinLaTuna]

I love that kneeling creeper you used at the customer site. How can I get one? Who makes it? Thank you, Daniel

[@MakeEverything]

It’s called the kneel it, there’s a link in the description of the video for it

[@oneangrycanadian6205]

So you made $2000 for two days work which is GREAT!!!! So if it was me I would take some of that money and buy a finger amperage control for that tig welder and then when your out on job sites you won’t have to use your knee lol. But hey that’s just me my friend lol!!! Great job!!!

[@chasebarragar6961]

A tip for glare in your hood that you mentioned around 13:00 mark take your lenses out and color in the outer edge of the clear lense with a black sharpie. Takes away seeing double and usually glare

[@tubeonline629]

Are you talking about coloring just the thin outside edge or a border , which would make your viewing area smaller? I hope you understand the way I'm asking.

[@chasebarragar6961]

@@tubeonline629 the very outer edge. No border

[@tubeonline629]

@@chasebarragar6961 I've been a welder for 38 years and never heard of this. Thank you i will definitely try this tip.

[@peetky8645]

i think he was talking about the sun coming thru that big window behind him. Pipeline welders use pancake hoods to prevent sun intrusion. If you don't have a pancake, buy a black cotton hoodie and putt the hood up over your welding helmet-makes it pitch black inside helmet so sun in helmet does not compete with the puddle. Some white people also Velcro a hanging strip of black canvas or leather to the chin of the helmet to prevent reflection off the neck and also sunburn from the arc. I have pretty poor eyesight and i have found the hoodie trick to be very helpful seeing the puddle.

[@tubeonline629]

@@peetky8645 That's another good idea. Thank you.

[@geneticdisorder1900]

As a self employed Mstr. Plumber, I approve of this video. Keep up the great work fellow tradesmen !!

[@michaelwillis1440]

Something that has helped me when TIG welding on site is ditching the pedal and using a TIG button. So much easier that using the pedal with your knee

[@chrisgenovese8188]

i also went from woodworking to metal working, but not professionally or this degree. it does seem like a natural progression to go from wood to metal, and it seems like proficiency in one shortens the learning curve of the other. thanks for sharing how you charge. its the perennially difficult question for amateurs.

[@EngineerMikeF]

Frankly, I think $2k is underpriced, at least in my area. Finding someone qualified for a small job is nearly impossible, & then there's the risk factor which is NOT minimal. The hourly rate is a local thing, as is shop rate (where IIWMI'D divide by # of working days/mo rather than calendar days). Time & materials for protecting customer's premises is super important, great emphasis there, as is cleanup of your work & area. Nice job, especially with the close fit spuds inside the 1st section tubes, definitely a craft worthy touch!

[@Voltomess]

for real you are an idiot

[@jarlnieminen4307]

Qualified?

[@EngineerMikeF]

Anybody can slobber some weld together, anybody can start a job, anybody can... A qualified welder quotes the job including time frame, shows up when s/he says s/he will be there, protects the clients property from accidental scrapes gouges dust etc, does work with reasonable finesse, completed the whole job without complaints or cost overruns (except those the client demands or are legitimately unforeseeable because they required some demo but which were discussed in the welder's proposal). Qualified is a tall order but good craftsmen strive for that in their physical work & in business process.

[@jarlnieminen4307]

@EngineerMikeF no that would be a contractor. Nothing about the trade qualification involves quotes time management ect ect. That's all down to being a responsible business manager.

[@yvesf5355]

I.m a new welder and ,to do all you did ,take's time and good equipment ,and know how , so yes you have to charge accordingly ,plus you did a really nice job ,thanks

[@MakeEverything]

Thanks! Good luck!

[@srgore67]

Nice work and interesting to see how you and other welders bill out their time. Great job on and good to see someone who cares about giving 100% to the client and their job. You don't always see people put quality first.

[@tfsbuilds93]

I love the genuine approach to your videos. You have a wealth of hands on and tool knowledge. You have an honest love of tools and it shows! Peace

[@quentinulysses8237]

You are so professional. I really enjoyed this video and learned a lot. You really set a standard, bro. Hope one day I can do stuff like you do

[@MegaHellstrike]

I'm in the process of giving up my line of work to start from 0 in metal working, this was a good explanation on how much work goes into it and I appreciate all the information on how you estimate your prices. I've recently by chance agreed to do two fixes on shoes a store couldn't sell, I agreed on 20€ for about 1-1,5h of work plus delivering them back next day 15 minutes away by car, selling my time far too cheap as I always do. A friend of mine is a tattoo artist and can make up his prices as he pleases and is very well off, should my education work out I will be looking to earn extra on the side but I will definitely have to train myself to not sell myself under my value again.

[@scottsherwood8555]

Really nice workmanship. Great explanation of everything you are doing. 👍🏻👍🏻

[@boofosrs]

"Portaband benchtop version." Ah yes, the band saw lol. Great video man, you're a hell of a fabricator! Thanks for tips on pricing

[@stevenbelue5496]

I guess I’m the only one that thought those prices were extremely high. I run a frame machine/auto collision and honestly would rather do 2 days of those rails vs what I do and I only charge 25 per hr. I’m in the wrong business and from these comments looks like people wouldn’t complain if I charge out the rear. Props to you sir for pulling it off. Never blame a man for bettering himself.

[@joshpoole6056]

Steven, you need to raise your rate. Not sure what sets the pace in your industry but that seems really low if you're the one operating the business and not working for someone else.

[@peetky8645]

car shops around here start at 150/hr

[@Rayden440]

With that rate, I cant even keep the lights on in my shop. Even if you're a mechanic working for someone else, $25/hr is a bargain price.

[@stevenbelue5496]

Where are you guys from? I'm from north AL and the only place charging those prices are the dealerships and knowbody wants to take their shit there unless it's under warranty. It's so bad here now with the inflation nobody has money to get their shit fixed. I hope things get better soon.

[@mikebroom1866]

Thanks for going over pricing. So many people are scared to talk about it.

[@HumorousHearsay]

I didn’t realize work like this is so expensive. Thank God I can do this type work myself lol!

[@TankedFarms5151]

It’s not he grossly overcharges

[@zacholson3429]

​@TankedFarms5151 this video pissed me off many times

[@bostondye3736]

Great job. The customer got a heck of a deal. Way cheaper than an entirely new hand rail!

[@floofsale]

Not really... They shoulda knocked it out and just put wooden rails. Easier to work with material wise and labor. Not sure why they needed metal fence looking rails lol

[@alanmagyar6941]

Love the Kneel-It. I know what my wife is getting for Valentine's day!!!

[@handymanny3006]

Good video! What will help you out greatly for Tig field welding and awkward positioning is a Tig torch thumb roll switch. You may also want to get yourself a “leather welding monkey mask”, this would help your line of sight greatly so you don’t have to fight your plastic welding hood which makes your head size bigger by an inch in almost every direction.

[@mangecko7412]

Hey man, Excellent video! I love seeing content like this because it really gives perspective for everyone interested in starting their own business and for those needing repairs. One thing I would recommend for firld TIG work is to change from a foot pedal to a thumb switch, I find it to be much more precise and I don't have to use my knee when welding close to the ground. Let me know what you think!

[@martinsaunders2942]

So, I’ve got to say how impressed I am ! You do a really nice job, and are very clearly a very conscientious guy. A nice video, and my you be forever filled with profitable work. Many thanks…From Italy. 👍

[@soulsharts]

This is exactly the type of job I'd like, doing smaller residential jobs. Do you have a business license and insurance? How and where do you advertise? I'm about halfway done with welding school so I've got time to think about it all, but man I'd love to be independent from an employer, but I really have no idea of how to go about it and everything I need to do to be legit.

[@MakeEverything]

I personally only advertise through word of mouth and social media, and I don’t even really advertise. I just show what I’ve done and when people need similar or adjacent work done they find me. I used to chase work crazy and then I found myself doing jobs for underpaying clients, now I’ve generated a commodity that people want to be able to get… and I am not very available. It’s worked out really well for me. Share your work and then clients know exactly what they are getting when they hire you. Social media is a really powerful business tool that traditional blue collar businesses under utilize. Good luck!!

[@soulsharts]

@@MakeEverything awesome. Thanks for the info!

[@southafricancannabis1674]

Yeah man love the professional and premium quality job you did there. It deserves to be well compensated. In the same line of work here in South Africa. Really underpayed job here which leads to alot of real nasty work around. In the end you get what you pay for. I also have pride in my work, please never ask me to half arse a job. If im doing it its gonna be done propper and that costs. Hope you have tons of work!

[@jesusloaiza3032]

Thanks for sharing. When you produce quality results then you can charge as much as you want, provided you find the clientele. Find the clients that value your work as much as you do yourself!

[@joshuafieger283]

You got skills. I do railing for a living mostly shop. Your on point

[@PewPew9mm]

I’ve built like 9 of these in a day. But at the same time. Everything was cut by another department and we just pick it up, bevel the ends, and then fit it up according to the blue prints. Still had to work out all the math though for stronger rails, or whatever it was we may have been building. Still had to use math to find our pitch, diagonals, strait pulls, level offs and so on.. built a ton of stuff for famous people like Blake sheltons bar ole red here in Tennessee , Florida and so on.. the ones I hated the most were the ones with a ton of pickets between the legs 😓 if you don’t have a Bosh angle finder .. I would highly recommend one. They make fitting up rails for stairs and stuff so much easier.

[@leftedgemethod]

Masterclass on assessing, laying out, and finishing the job, with crystal clear explanation throughout, thank you for making this video!

[@tangobravo203]

Good work! I would honestly want to see a breakdown of how you price a job like this just for reference. I believe the pricing to be accurate considering the potential for damage. some of those movements with the angle grinder at the end had me wincing lol.

[@EOTG_AK]

I’m not a fan of tying hours to a quote. The price to do this job is $2000, the price not to do this job is zero dollars.

[@tangobravo203]

@@EOTG_AK Which is fair. I’m more or less talking about how you came to the number $2000. somehow a combo of material cost and estimated work hours led to $2000. is this a material-heavy number? or is it purely based on the amount of work involved

[@rayg5445]

​@@tangobravo203 Did you skip through the video? He gave a breakdown

[@stephaneaudette6665]

Your fees are verry good. People think 100$/hour is expensive but they don't think about the level of experience that the worker have. They don't think about the price of the tools, quality of them, ect. You have to charge the price you're comfortable with. Verry nice job

[@philreynolds7216]

The only problem I have with what you charged is that when you consider your travel time and loading/unloading at your shop, you probably actually have two full days in this project, and maybe more. You charged your per day cost for the day you spent in your shop, but unless it’s not in what you showed us, you didn’t charge your per day cost for the field work day. You are still paying rent, insurance, heat, electricity, etc for your shop, even if you’re working in the field.

[@incolink]

I certainly agree that having a skilled man on location with gear should incur a similar day rate to the work shop how ever I think you mentioning rent insurance etc related to his work shop is absolutely outrageous getting on sight incurs different expenses.. Do you you want to be competitive with a guy who has only a shop and another guy who has only a well kitted out truck/ trailer yeh i know the shop expenses are still there when your on site i just think you need to manage the balance of sight and work shop work

[@paulstuartwilson485]

Great point. I would suggest (and I have done this previously) incorporating a "half day" of shop fee because 1) You have (basically) half of your shop with you and 2) Your on-site time never seems to account for "lost time" moments that are beyond your control on a typical job site. I. E. other contractors/subcontractors moving past your work area, unforeseen interruptions, etc.

[@Tech-oc5uv]

I do underbid… but small jobs are my thing i use a 110 harbor freight welder that people will knock but i promise you ive built tons of exterior railings and have mad 40k to 50k in 2-3 years with it… welding and fabricating is a passion for me!!

[@brianswelding]

Personal preference but I ditch the pedal in favor of a trigger in the field. Also typically we need an insurance policy if working (especially welding) in people's houses. Like you said, what if you do some damage, or get hurt, or God forbid burn the house down. Plus you can't pull a permit without it (at least here by me). If the inspector finds out, shuts down the job, fines you, etc. These are more contributing factors to the "high cost" of these kinds of jobs. Great video, thanks!

[@larryvollmar8763]

When people find out I can tig weld things safely in the home they love it!!

[@olsen3499]

Can I add you on Instagram? I would like to ask you a few questions please?

[@thegarbagegladiators4735]

I've had 3 jobs on the same truck over a period of 6 months. Just started welding a year or so ago with literally 3 hours weld time. I welded small plates of metal in the trash truck hopper. All done with fluxcore 035. 4 visits 60 each time and, 2-3 hours of work. Those were my first jobs and first time . The owner likes it but I think my welds are terrible. 😅 But it was practice and a little bit of biscuit dallors. Wasn't hard, just smelly and nasty. Lol. If I had more experience I would have definitely charged more than what I did charge. But being the fact that I only have a limited amount of experience I didn't want to lose out on my first job . I definitely need more practice. But it is what it is and there's my two cents. Good video.

[@b0zz1380y]

10:18 I remember complaining in a workshop that they couldn’t do a job due to the tools required to get a quality finish weren’t available there. The owner said “a bad tradesman always blames his tools” to which I replied “a good tradesman doesn’t have crap tools”

[@rmTheWalrus]

Omfg… I curse and fume when I can’t get a great angle while tig’ing in my own shop… the contortions you must have had to do on that site… you’re a hero 😊

[@vincemarstellar3692]

I’m in the same boat you were in grew up a carpenter now mixing welding in. So your video was great just what my wife and I needed to see cuz she says I don’t charge enough. I greatly appreciate your time in making it. I had a few questions if anyone can answer. How are you charging for the material? Just your cost,no mark up? What about drive time or delivery fee for material?

[@ericswild]

I love the Kneel it V roll! adds a lot of comfort to a crappy position.

[@peteyb5150]

Beautiful work, great video! Tons of editing, filming- Wow!🤯

[@mariongreen9065]

I'm a union pipewelder and you're right about the charge.

[@505speeds]

Great work man 💪🏻. I would agree with the other shop that you didn’t charge enough especially with your extensive attention to detail! This video will serve as a great advertisement for your business. I need like half the tools you have 😂. Without the right tool, you are just a fool.

[@mattcasoni]

Just a side note: Most business divides by 21, actual avg working days.

[@GrayRaceCat]

I was taught 365(days-year)-104(52 2 day weekends)/12(months)=21.75. Definitely not 30 unless you never take days off, and then it's 30.42.

[@TRGFBC]

@@GrayRaceCat or be like me and only take 1 day off a week.

[@zjedinite]

Hmm, retired contractor here and I just learned this. Well I was self taught, and made up my ignorance with hard work. No high school, busting my as since 17 years old. Retired by 38, so now stay home dad. PLEASE HELP ME! Working outside is way easier then home care! 😂 it’s no joke! I have lost my balls 🤣 Well my kids and wife love me, that’s all it matters. Thanks for the tip, BTW I’m on coffee break now bahahaha 🤦🏻‍♂️

[@mattcasoni]

@@zjedinite that’s awesome. I’m 48 still working. Hard work, ignorance and mistakes is exactly how I’m still working

[@zjedinite]

@@mattcasoni hey you wanna trade?!😂 Let me tell you the respect I have for women that stay home is now very present in my every day life. You know learning by making mistakes beats any college course imho any day of the week. I was never good with books anyways 🤦🏻‍♂️ Truly wishing you the best of luck on your business endeavors.

[@all_thingsinteresting]

I 100% agree with you, Good job! and honestly that was a great price for that job.

[@Creationadmiration]

Been welding/fabricating for 10 years now. Finally pulled the trigger on my own business and landed some bids. You do good work man, wish I worked with more guys like yourself that think a step ahead.

[@mummyjohn]

Man did I get pissed when you said the railing gap was "not to code." Those looked great, and I can't imagine putting them closer. Code is great, but if it's up versus style...well, there's no contest.

[@justinguarino201]

18:00 Instead of doing the miters (if that’s what the outer pieces are at the tip), couldn’t you have cut that pull further back and done those pointed tips at your home base (shop) and then did what you did with the first part (lower portion of stairs)? And just add it all together after? Would make the welding easier, since you could see all around the pole(s)?

[@ismaelramirez4803]

I think technically that would have been better, however this might make them a little more seamless

[@oldowl4290]

In case anyone is wondering why new railing spacings have to be 4" or less between rails (vertical or horizontal), its to prevent children and pets from squeezing through and potentially falling. So no cool James Bond mod floating stairs for you..unless you want to remove them after inspection. But at least wait until your kids are grown lol.

[@GrayRaceCat]

The 4" figure was determined to be the maximum gap that still (ideally) prevents a child from getting their head trapped between the bars.

[@obfuscated3090]

That's also why outdated floating stairs are removed as they're stupidly dangerous. Stairs of any type eventually guarantee at least one fall but fewer is better.

[@noidretlaw]

Nice work. Seems like a reasonable price for the job but could be more depending on the area you live in and cost of living. I have had good results with some small welding jobs and being able to make money in the shop is always a win. Maybe I should look to do more of these jobs......now to find them ;)

[@peetky8645]

welding tip--you can use a 2 gallon garden sprayer to dampen that cardboard on the floor and make it fireproof. do the same with cardboard sheet you lean up against vulnerable wall surfaces.

[@tsl7881]

That's what I do welding in the hay barn, but I go a little more than damp....

[@masonfox9070]

Was going to come ask about your kneeling stool. That kneel-it looks pretty great. I struggle to find good stools to work down low. Crawlers or other small shop stools never get it quite right.

[@brianhawes3115]

Great video, I agree that lugging equipment around a job sucks, it’s about the only time my stuff gets damaged

[@kalleblom5564]

your rate is perfectly fine. I'm in a different field doing custom work and charge about the same

[@TheRealSlowhand]

Great video Chris, I enjoyed watching it... I get a lot of in some cases simple ideas from your videos that have helped me in my projects... Thanks, I appreciate your willingness to share this stuff...

[@MrCamrinBailey]

I've always wanted to work for myself as a welder/fabricator. With everything being so expensive with the startup (maybe I'm just over seeing what I'd need). What do you think in funds would be needed to start a company like this? Love the step by step processes you show, along side with explaining prices, self value, and expenses.

[@34525314]

harbor freight is your best friend

[@trollindirty8983]

Nice work. Great video. I am an artist and I know how to weld. I’m not certified in anyway. Never thought about doing a little welding jobs for money. Thank you

[@mddenis1]

I like your video and I like that you get pretty good money for this relatively small job. The country where I am from 2000dollars is like a salary for 3 months of normal work

[@danielzihala7391]

All great points apart from the ‘break my neck’ method lol try using mirrors when welding in tight spaces with little to zero possibility to get it done on comfortable level. 😅

[@LennonFitness]

We use the roller switch instead of the foot pedal when we get into awkward position on the rocket. I wasn’t a fan at first, but once you get used to it, it’s easy.

[@devinl.reynolds151]

I just started my journey into welidng a couple days ago currently working with a guy hes teaching me mostly stick welding currently working with 6013 rod