My Secret Welding Side Hustle

[@chucksterock]

I'm on the verge of starting my own side hustle after being forcibly retired. Videos like this are very valuable to me. Thank you!

[@august7324]

How does one become forcibly retired? Just curious as to how that works.

[@TheFabricatorSeries]

I can chime in! I personally had a life changing injury that forced me to reconsider my career since my body would no longer function the way that it did prior to the injury. So I had to pack it all up and figure out what to do. About a year into forced retirement, and being bored with "existing" in this world, I created TFS. It's different for everyone.

[@VoidedWarranty]

@@TheFabricatorSeries and that's how you became the entire reason I was fairly successful at my first few hours on my new Tig today. Thanks for making TFS!

[@chucksterock]

@@august7324 I was laid off from a very specialized engineering job at the age of 60. I had been developing space flight experiments for 30 years. Most places still dream of hiring someone who will stay with the company for decades and automatically discount me. And breaking into a different industry is very hard when they want someone with prior experience. Starting over from scratch after making very good money is a tough pill to swallow. My only real option is to get back in when my prior employer loses the contract and a new company takes over management. Getting laid off late in life is all about the money. My employer is convinced younger, cheaper engineers can do the same work. The more hours charged, the more money they make. It's a cost plus contract. Ageism comes into play when looking for a job. My resume only showed 21 years of experience, but when I say I have 37 years in total, there is a pregnant pause while they do the math. And then the conversation turns to a no. It sucks. And it happens all the time in the corporate world.

[@chucksterock]

@@TheFabricatorSeries and I thank you for it's creation. So far for me seven months in now it's been a series of realizations that are pushing me into my own business, BMF. I've been accumulating equipment, but should have built the building when I first. Still working towards it.

[@jonbob585]

Mechanic and hobby welder here: The thing I often tell people when a repair goes sideways for some unforeseeable reason is this -- " if I had it to do all over again, I would not have done anything differently". Of course this only applies if you actually feel you were taking the best approach. But I think it helps go a long way to explain to the customer that you tackle this in the most professional and competent way you could and this thing was going to happen regardless of procedure. Great video!

[@dansautorestoration]

I used to work in the auto glass business, and had my own shop for a few years. When I gave a customer a quote on any job, such as a windshield, I always quoted the complete amount of what was a potential cost to complete the replacement. For example, some windshields are installed with the mouldings as a unit, and the mouldings were difficult to impossible to save and reuse. I would add them in the quote and explain to the customer that if I didn't need to replace them then the cost for them would be deducted from the final bill. I always felt that it was better to prepare the customer for the potential higher cost so they wouldn't be surprised later. You can never know what that person can afford to pay, and if you quote them one price, then throw an additional cost on the bill, it could be a real burden for them or be more than they would have wanted to invest in the vehicle. Some mouldings could be $150 alone! And I always found that people appreciated the straightforward quote. I did have one guy call me for a quote one day, and he told me my price was to high, that he got a price somewhere else for $80 less. Which was roughly the price of the moulding for that car that was impossible to save, so I asked him if the other place had mentioned the moulding and he said that they never mentioned it. He called me a couple days later to tell me he should have came to me after all, that I was right about the moulding. The other shop got the windshield out and destroyed the moulding in the process leaving the customer with no choice but pay for a new one. They then screwed him for an additional $180! Which put them $100 over my quote. Honesty goes a long way with customers, and can lead to a great deal more business from one whether from them personally or through their referral.

[@KevinHarjakas]

Completely agree:) should have quoted a larger range then, with the possible maximum amount 10-35$ in that case Would feel like a ripoff i get quoted 10-20$ and then getting charged 30$ per hole

[@manamal1988]

Facts, rather tell them 250 and it’s only 175 then the other way around.

[@joeolejar]

One of my first welding experiences was repair of a cracked exhaust manifold. I was green as Kermit. Fortunately I remembered that ages ago, my uncle preheated a casting before torch welding it. Ran the engine for about a half hour, ground out the crack, and welded it with my MIG setup. I didn't have much to lose. That was 12 years ago and it is still holding up.

[@seansmith1725]

Nice man

[@darmichar73]

I'm not a welder/fabricator, but I love watching this channel. I respect the fact that you are open an honest about what you charge customers for the repairs you do in an effort to help others succeed in doing the same. We need more people like you on KZbin.

[@zied5663]

Finally a video ❤. Greetings from tunisia

[@BobVan]

Old timer told me a few years back “Time” is something you’ll never get back. You can always get more money but never more time. It’s another reason why we charge for trip fees, labor and materials. It was all purchased with our time.

[@kirstenspencer3630]

I had a fuel tank off a large offshore fishing boat. The area of repair had a salt inspired corrosion. The tank was 5052 aluminum marine grade. As aluminum oxide has a MELTING point of about 3600 degrees F. So I completed the repair successfully but I had my concerns as the corrosion fought my efforts. I flooded the puddle with rod to dilute the corrosion enough to carry a puddle. Its been 16 years and still no leaks. Got lucky mesay....

[@davidlee2221]

Not even a welder and this video was incredibly helpful for me. This is valuable info for any labour based side hustle. Thank you so much!

[@allensketchclub8579]

i probably would have been one of the customers that would have cleaned the part prior to shipping as i have a parts cleaner and (usually) acetone. not as a way to save money but just because i hate working with dirty parts. i never would have considered why it would be advised to *not* do so, and am glad that you explained the reasons why. yet another little nugget to tuck away on the memory for future use. thank you for sharing your knowledge with us.

[@Will-No-Co]

I always like a little insight to what other welders charge and how they handle things, but I would never ask. Thanks for a great tutorial.

[@davidparker9676]

I used to charge a minimum of $40 to gear up and turn my TIG on. The price went up from there.

[@MeltinMetalAnthony]

Try sand blasting with a hand held unit. That’s worked real well for me. Just have to be careful to not get media in your passages

[@VeeLazer]

Now thats what I call a fair deal. I first off would have expected that to cost way more after actually seeing the work you did, and for the fact you did it as a trade is pretty awesome !!!

[@deweyknight9093]

I just recently got placed on disability due to work injury and have been watching your videos and really like them. I bought a tig welder and started learning it all over again. I went thru the Army metal fabricating course back in 1980 and boy have welders changed. You make learning to weld again interesting. Thanks for what you do.

[@wadepatton2433]

Excellent info on the realities of making money while being straightforward with the customer from start to finish. Not everyone gets how much different a welding business is from a welding job.

[@EricCalebCullen]

Love that you put a literal dollar amount on every minute you spend, never seen ANYONE do that seriously very informative 👌

[@michaelkane8220]

I just got my welder yesterday!!! Now I am a REAL ROOKIE but I am looking forward to learning everything I can!!! Thanks for your insightful video's.

[@gilberttwaterfield6389]

It is great that you made a video on the procedure it protects you of all lawsuits or all claim of damage if the motor was ever to fail on his boat well done

[@rickycarter8892]

I loved this. I run a hustle on all kinds of work and I love doing it. I tig because it's just what satisfies my heart. To see how close in comparison the hustle is, is so badass. I hella enjoy watching your stuff. Sometimes I need help and you answer, other times I find no answer. Regardless I love to tig simple simple I just love it. F YA this was good content. Thanks man

[@Doogsturr]

The way you break everything down with the numbers is so detailed. Very helpful and great insight! Love the content!

[@alexisgalarza202]

This guy is committed to succeed! Amazing work by the way!

[@phendrix9476]

Great info & always a joy to see a craftsman work

[@philipburrows]

Justin this was 1 of the best ways on how to price your work. Beautiful job, it was very interesting and I enjoyed the way you explained the process of pricing your work.

[@toddgiberson1190]

Thanks for all the valuable content that you create it’s truly is a great deal of help for guys like myself just starting out trying to build up my own business there’s not alot of people willing to help or tell you anything in way of information you can use to grow your business thanks alot your a first class gentleman

[@Maelthorn1337]

I do some metal work just to entertain myself, BUT... I also do voice over and other similar work on camera. Your information and input on customer service, what to charge for and how to charge as well as your personal reasoning behind these things... Oh and just sometimes turning down work; has all been extraordinarily helpful. I had gotten to a point where I didnt even want to check my messages because I didn't want to deal with some weird request and trying to figure out whether or not I could pull it off. Thanks to your advice I think I'm going to dive back into it!

[@AnonymousFab]

Never thought about the cleaning part. I will always clean now and not rely on customers for that 🙌🏼

[@williamlane2126]

One caution when building up a pillar on a sheared/twisted off bolt in castings, thread locker may be present. It becomes gaseous as soon as the puddle forms, nasty stuff.

[@grumpycricket]

Certain brake cleaners when heated create phosgene gas, which is extremely toxic!

[@1waukesha]

Man. I really enjoy this sort of thing. I recently started my own company as a Heavy duty mechanic, running a service truck doing mobile repairs. My Biggest struggle is billing. Trying to keep it fair and not have to high of a Bill, but at the same time, I’m trying to run a profitable business too. With being a mechanic it’s hard to foresee all the different things that can really eat up time, so the time can spiral outta control quickly and then Im left trying to write up a fair invoice without eating a bunch of time for the sake of keeping the bill low.

[@chrisallen2005]

Fair, do you think they are going to be fair in trying to lowball you for the repair? Don't give your work away. Respect what you are worth.

[@OrangeeTang]

This level of detail is really useful. Thanks.

[@monkeybarmonkeyman]

Your customer probably felt like he won the lottery! Your tips on dealing with customers works with every single job you care to talk about. Great video!

[@conorhackett5698]

Some of the most valuable videos on this channel or videos like this. Discussing how to work with a customer and pricing. Where I am from people "charge plenty" to cover their bases..

[@kirkragland7563]

This is one of the best videos I e watched about running your own business. I feel the part about not charging someone to waste there time is common sense but I also see a lot of welders who do it. The other part is don't lie about your ability.

[@rickster5224]

I just started mig welding a few months back and I gotta say I love it and I love your videos. Just started practicing stick hoping a few years down the line to be either a weld inspector or a weld robot operator. Keep the content coming man my days off work I gotta feed my welding fix somehow

[@glennmorrissey5309]

I found this video really helpful in estimating and pricing work. Cheers for that Justin!

[@peterboyles5376]

First of all love your videos. I’ve been welding for 4 years and slowly gathering tools to start a good Side hustle. I would love to see more videos like this. To help Guide me through this journey. Thanks so much.

[@leftturnschaos667]

I'm really enjoying the dive into the business aspect of the fab business! thank you!

[@whippasnapppa]

I don't weld but I watch this for the mental wellbeing. This did help me figure out what I need to charge when working.

[@FreeskierSean]

very cool. appreciate how transparent you are when presenting your info

[@DonQuixotedeKaw]

This was excellent. Not just for a welding biz. I think this info is great for any type of industrial artist, who wants to expand to a larger market. Thank you.

[@levienns1796]

Thanks for the clip, as a Mechanic who does side work your videos really help me quote out and consider all costs and labour despite being welding videos which I also love learning from.

[@jrcicirello]

Justin, having the experience level you have made it easier for you to make the determination to take on the job. Your warning of don’t take on a job if you have no clue about the job parts needing repaired was the main caveat of this video. I am self taught mostly with some pointers from welders that have 20 to 35 years in the field. In most cases I can weld most anything and have all three disciplines down. However, there are times I don’t have the experience in some kind of job and I have those guys I can pass the project by and they will tell me to walk away or sure you can handle that. Making friends and developing a network of other welders has saved me some real headaches.

[@bradpage8967]

I needed this video! Getting close to retirement age and looking to do fab work as a part time gig. Love your videos and really love the business side that you show!! Thank you!

[@paulkurilecz4209]

Great presentation. One thing to keep in mind with repairs is that the replacement part is often not available or the replacement is not affordable. In this case, the customer likes the boat motor that he has and repairing/overhauling is far less expensive than purchasing a new replacement motor. Another thing that I would recommend as part of the pre-job inspection is to offer dye penetrant examination on the part (for a fee of course) in order to detect prior to your repair any cracks that may result in the part having to be scrapped or need to be repaired. For example, your repair on the bolt holes is quite good and acceptable, but there are cracks in the main bearing webs that have to either be repaired or that they are unrepairable.

[@E.G.FabWorks]

Thank You for all the work You put into Your Videos, I have definitely learned a lot from You. Best part is all the Little stuff that one doesn't think about, until You mention it. All those small hidden items can make You or break You. Thanks again Budd 😎😎👊🏽👊🏽👊🏽

[@John_thirty]

Great vid, nice break down of how you went about pricing everything out too keep it up

[@LokDog808]

Really cool of you to not charge the customer for the repair so you could make this video for us. Thank you good sir 👍🏼

[@jakemasterson4344]

Been working at a side gig for about exactly a year now. Finally starting to snowball, this info was great! Thank you!

[@melgross]

Excellent, as always. You are a big help to those contemplating going into business. Some will go into it because if your work here, and just as importantly, some will not, now knowing all that it involves. That us just as helpful as it will same some from disappointment and frustration. Not everyone is equipped, mentally, to go into business. That’s not a dig, but it can take a lot out of a person, and if they’re not willing to go through that, or understanding that they will have to, it better that they don’t. Having had two businesses over the years, I can say that dealing with customers isn’t always a positive relationship.

[@basbastian2998]

I'm in the process of starting my side hustle. And a video about pricing is very appreciated. Thanks.

[@theimprovementsguy8871]

i absolutely love your honesty and ethical business practices. awesome to see and i WISH everyone was like this.

[@Low760]

This is good advice in general for fabrication jobs by mail. Thank you.

[@aggie91kuenemann76]

That’s great info for any type of business, not just weld repairs.

[@denniselenson560]

I love all your welding and business education videos, really great content, I allways learn something from your videos

[@therealq10]

I love your content. Thank you for what you do.

[@mikesmidlifemisadventures]

Nice explanation even for those of us who don’t have the side hustle.

[@CSD_Jobo]

This is very insightful, i’m going to be studying welding and machining soon. And getting an understanding for what to expect when doing repairs is quite the life saver. Right now i work in an electrical motor repair shop, and i will say understanding your own skills and capabilities is what pushes jobs forward. Even among people who have more experience than i do, it seems like we all can play a role in our area of expertise to help one another. The part that gets me is usually the fact that even a thorough inspection can’t guarantee there won’t be any trouble in a repair that needs to be taken care of. As always clarity is a necessity.

[@davidparker9676]

Always leave room in your quote for the unexpected, otherwise you will be working for free when you can least afford it.

[@daveleach4357]

I liked your explanation of why, and how much. Thank you.

[@vladimirpodlesak]

Thank you for the valuable content. It was mainly you and your videos who helped me to learn the most TIG stuff so when I bought my welder, I was ready to go on - and after a bit of steel practice I went for aluminium no problem! 🙂👍

[@randyabbitt9953]

You are so helpful with your leads and information. It really helps get ideas moving

[@slimdog72]

Appreciate your honesty. Entertaining as always.

[@stephen271]

Another great video love your honesty it’s becoming a thing of the past great to see👍👍

[@n8mac876]

Super valuable content for those of us making similar decisions in similar industries. Thanks for your videos!

[@stevenmitchell6347]

Excellent video! Very informative and answers many questions for aspiring welder/business people. Also another welding cast aluminum video for those I send to this channel when they have questions/issues! Thank you, Justin.👍💪

[@Barney-hk3es]

You seem like a straight shooter legit guy. Like your videos!

[@michaelbarefoot6334]

I entirely undercharge for the fabrication and welding of parts. Usually it's the same few people as repeat "customers", but since it's more of a hobby for me, done out of my garage, with nearly no overhead, I feel safe in my prices. The "I'm still cheaper than the nearest fab shop" has been a saver. When the big shop can get it done in a week, but charges $2300 for intercooler pipes, intercooler mounting solution, and blow-off valve bung/flange, I can make some decent side cash by doing equal (if not way better from what I'm told) work and only charging $350-$400. That includes the material, consumables, and whatever bungs, flanges, or extras needed. I also can do it in less than 2 days. I swear I need an actual shop, but I also don't want to charge more because of it.

[@johnbutterfield6052]

I’ve been doing side work for a while now and actually a few weeks ago have a customer overpay… I wasn’t home when he came to pick up his pontoon (one toon had a crack) but he left my money (+$25 over what I told him) under 2, 30 packs on the back of my pontoon lol I was super excited the wife not so much lol but I was able to show him what repairs I did to my pontoon which were very similar to what he needed so I think that helped a lot.

[@sirnearlyheadlesnick]

Thank you Justin shout out from South Africa

[@lynchingacers]

I love the vids you do on bidding and time, you do great at breaking it down

[@stevepereira8898]

Good job covering from the start to the finish

[@Carlosalmanza760]

Bravo. I'm just starting out on my side hustle. Just welded a fence for my pastor friends church . Solid 😉🙏

[@aerialrescuesolutions3277]

Excellent video. Very well done, thank you, Jim

[@faroironandcustoms6577]

Hey, I just narrowed an 8.8. I went back and rewatched your video a couple of times. Unfortunately, I'm not confident enough to have TIGed it so I burned it in with the MIG. Thank you for the awesome content.

[@stevusbeavus720]

I am a welder fulltime. Tried to do it as a side hustle but didn't have the proper workspace. So I got an llc and started doing handyman services. More small work but faster money.

[@brew_wy1375]

Great information. As always thank you for taking the time to explain the business end also.

[@roberthoffman7130]

Enjoy your vids I've learned a chit ton for you.. new to tig bought a PW 225 from them after watching you demo it... Not near good enough to start a side hustle. Maybe I'll find something else until I'm better at it. 😃 I'm a dedicated veiwer.. thanks a bunch .

[@mrokray]

great video! I am working in a fab shop and one thing our management is struggling with is pricing. I want to start doing work on the side, and this helped me a lot, thank you.

[@gstmanjr]

Just here doing my part to keep the content flowing

[@macmcmillen6282]

Very helpful content. I was thinking of trying a similar endeavor with machining; basic machining that doesn't require a $100,000 CNC. Thanks for making this video.

[@davidparker9676]

As long as it passes the straight edge test, the gasket doesn't care how you got there.

[@kentsexton4175]

Still have my primeweld 225. Thanks for the suggestion

[@bohdanko90]

Really awesome work Justin. Much appreciated. For the amount of time that I've had my business going I always try to stick to the quote that I give the customer and especially in the beginning I have been burnt in the process, lost some money because I underestimated the work. However, due to this I've improved and manage things better now. Your video also made me realize some important points that I have been missing also, that being it's ok to go over the quoted amount as long as it's reasonable and honest. I really appreciate these videos that you're making now. It helps a lot!

[@matthewmcclelland709]

Thanks for the run down!

[@robertcapewell7545]

Good stuff I like your Positive direct way you approach things, I am retired and am not looking to create a business. Oxy/Acetylene, Mig and stick trained I can't wait to own a Tig AC/DC setup and who knows I might earn beer money from time to time..Great Video!!!

[@madcapmagician6018]

awesome content. i see now some of the mistakes i made when i had my own welding business . thanks for the info.

[@rodan2852]

My first job was welding a guys exhaust flange on his van with my rinky-dink HF flux core mig. Did surprisingly well, once I actually got some heat into it

[@ypaulbrown]

outstanding.......can't say any more........Paul

[@juanescalante9972]

This is pretty cool little side hustle to do it's actually a smart idea to bring ur side hustle online so that it has on online presence very smart good job 👍👍

[@Timo-y5f]

That's really a great hustle you got yourself I'm a welder I want to start my own workshop

[@topstar3]

Great video Justin, thanks for breaking this down!

[@s.s.productions]

Thank you for creating your educational videos! I have also learned a lot from you and other content creators and this has helped me with my welding work as I am self-taught. I also like your style and down to earth approach. You are a good creator and I wish you further successes.

[@jessekasper7486]

Thanks for the great video Justin very informative and helpful. Keep up the great work

[@WOLFPACK0144]

Keep this up please!! Love to see it

[@nickjones7737]

I've followed your channel for a few years now back when you were shooting at what I think was your garage at home. I was laid off in a redundancy in May last year and hated the type of work I was in, I decided to give working for myself a go, I now own a cnc plasma cutting table thats a great addition to the few welding rigs I have and your videos on pricing jobs and now this one have been an excellent aid and motivator. Thank you for what you do. If I get over to America from England I'd definitely try and find your shop to say thank you in person!

[@Honeyddripdiddler]

I’ve been welding for about 6 years now . I’ve completed all for levels of trade school and have my red seal endorsement... not sure if that’s only for Canadian welders . Having a side hustle is a goal of mine ... videos like this help so much . I must admit tho I’m always nervous about taking in jobs because of distortion.... working in shops they really break it down in assembly lines... fitters fit and the welders weld what the fitters fit... anyway I’m ranting cuz it’s midnight and my brain doesn’t work anymore .

[@JustVoss]

Great ideas in here!

[@TheFabricatorSeries]

Copyright, patent pending, I did it first! 🤣 Thanks, Justin!

[@JustVoss]

@@TheFabricatorSeries 😂😂

[@speedwayengineering457]

Awesome insight 👍 on what to charge the customer and customer service

[@mr.cangieter8758]

I like the way you break your content down.

[@rackemwillie7421]

This is what people need

[@kurtpalmer3674]

Fantastic content, love the variety of repair, technical and business content 👍

[@johndeninger8905]

very informative video ,👍👍

[@AutoservisSALE]

great video as always, greetings from croatia

[@ypaulbrown]

always fantastic Justin......