When a Simple Job Isn't Simple

[@portupgrade]

3:00 imagine , you are having your coffee and two guys come and cut the fence of the coffee shop with cordless grinders ...and take it away... 😂😂

[@martyn334]

sometimes taking a hit and doing it properly and keeping a good customer is worth it..

[@chopperhehehe]

I second this comment 👍👍👍😜🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿🦄🎣😁✌️

[@keysislandhopper4768]

I once did a fail job, and lost the dude,,,

[@blly8325]

Going the extra mile will sometimes get you other customers from one referral.

[@rhinomite5203]

I am General Contractor by trade and there is 2 very important things I've learned in the 30+ years I've been in the business, 1) you do not sometimes get what you pay for, you ALWAYS get what you pay for, and 2) but definitely more important, always take care of the customer, even if you lose a few bucks to do it right. Customer service is super important, always. You take care of them and they will tell 5-10 people, if you mess up, they will tell everyone they know. Just words of advice and wish you all well. Subscribed

[@kaptein1247]

I advice taking a hit after the job

[@Farmboy1544]

$350 still seems pretty low. Hope your customer knows what a deal they got. The metal-fab shop I used to work for wouldn't send a truck out for less than $1000.

[@leso204]

call out charge minimum $1000 ? they still in business ??

[@Farmboy1544]

@@leso204 At the time we did mostly I.C.I. work. So the contracts would get into 5 figures very quickly. But perhaps it's not comparable to helping out the neighbourhood restaurant.

[@Farmboy1544]

Wages $34.00 /hr x 2 welders for 1day, $544. Consumables/materials, business ins., profit, vehicle exp. office exp. taxes, building/shop exp. (mortgage/lease), tool depreciation exp. business marketing exp. approx.$350+. All of a sudden you're at $900 for wages and expenses. That's why $350 seems way too low.

[@optomodesigns4278]

leso204 depends on your business model. If you’re doing an average of 100 ton jobs of fabricated steel why lose those workers and manhours for a $200 job where you’re best case is $50 profit

[@joshmiller3673]

@@Farmboy1544 I think you made those numbers up. In my neck of the woods unions don't even pay $34/hr, let alone a couple guys working out of a 20 year old jeep grand Cherokee with tools thrown in the back. I don't know how all the rest adds up to as high as you got it either. If you have a $100k service truck with built in air, welder, pay insurance for your guys, 401k etc, sure. But that's not what this guy has going on.

[@1pcfred]

A job is only simple when someone else is doing it.

[@PeteJDunham]

Ahahah ) Nice )

[@kaptein1247]

my new motto

[@davidmiller4594]

I always had a "unforeseen conditions" clause in bid contacts. And I explain to the client that it simply means anything that isnt viewable or known and considerably changes the scope of the job as it is written in our agreement. I also point out that if that was to happen, a change order is drawn up so the client is aware to the reasons for the change. In every case it was obvious, similar to this one. Taking a hit for a mis bid or any mistake made by myself is fine, and I've done that without sacrificing work we quality. But an unforeseen condition is no one's fault.

[@reganlundstrom7046]

S.W.A.G. Sorta Wild Azzed Guess

[@danj7348]

So you add half an hour of additinal paperwork for a job that thakes you 1 hour longer than expected?

[@davidmiller4594]

@@danj7348 Half an hour?

[@robertoangelocordoba1637]

Haha! Someone from my area wanted me to fix something like 10 chairs with similar looking rotten feet with my stick welder. She says it shouldn't take more than an hour and at first I was baffled because that is easily a 2-day job. Turns out she wanted us to just pile on weld beads on the rusted out square tubing and pay us (two men) 500php (about 10 ish USD) for it and when I told her that it's gonna be more like a 2 days and 100 USD she told us she was the boss and we knew nothing. We didn't take the job. Such a shame too, I had all the tools packed and ready to go. Not easy considering I had to walk 2 km to the job site.

[@richardhalsey6049]

Charge $1 an hour to do a job and $99 an hour for knowing how to do it.

[@Equiluxe1]

Someone forgot to put drainage holes at the bottom of the posts so water dose not build up inside.

[@johnmorris7960]

That is exactly right. The water is more than likely the result of condensation from temperature change and any hollow bodied project needs at least one drain hole in the lowest point. A hole drilled in the center of the footplate would have probably made this last longer originally than it did. Nice repair and a nice tip on using the diagonal cut for more weld and strength.

[@pooinyourass]

I agree with This statement but also I have run into multiple times where that 1/8" hole on thin wall tube or tubing has plugged up full of rust and other debris causing the steel to rust out premature or bulge after a good freeze

[@Equiluxe1]

@@pooinyourass That is why It should be quarter inch or even three eighth inch you will need the larger size if the railings are going to get hot dipped which is what I recommend although I have sometimes had them electro zinc passivated when a smother paint finish is required and or they are going indoors.

[@Ccorniit]

I tend to disagree this. If that tube were welded completely sealed, then no drainage hole needed. Steel is not permeable so water vapor cannot get inside. Also the amount of air that is in the tube during time of fabrication cannot hold enough water to rust it inside out. Also rusting process would burn the oxygen quickly and as the tube is hermetically sealed no extra oxygen cannot get in. However if you cannot weld it completely air tight then it is better to leave drainage hole.

[@Hammerjockeyrepair]

@@Equiluxe1 we cannot do large drain holes as this leads to yellow jackets and wasps building nests inside and stinging customers!! Its a tough situation but most of the time its gotta be welded shut!

[@Batti2323]

I really appreciate your real-world explanations of how you handle these situations. Thank you!

[@ManCrafting]

Interesting. I am actually listening to a Continuing Education Class on Customer Service. You provided excellent service in this case. Great job. See you in a week.

[@42Fab]

yep, another trip to Atlanta, I should just get a house there

[@ManCrafting]

42Fab - Metal Fabrication & Signage haha. For real.

[@douglasgoldstein8990]

The best advice I could give on providing excellent customer service is to treat the customer like you would want to be treated. Sounds too simple but it works. When installing custom gates or entry ways, I would explain how I would be building the support structure so that you don't see any of the mounting hardware, because that's how I would do it on my house. People LOVED when I would tell them that I would be treating their house as if it were mine while doing any work on it, and I did. 6 years after my business and I STILL get calls for work today, from old customers or referrals. Makes me smile every time :-)

[@ironwooddesigns870]

Two things: I am really happy to see someone else that does not charge for drying paint time..... I always thought it was stupid and a rip-off to do that. I really thought I was the only one that felt bad about some of the prices I've had to charge my clients, to the point that I have done the math 5 or 6 times looking for a way to give them another discount, lol!

[@Mikey-ym6ok]

if only everyone had that mentality.used to be a cab driver way before i was a welder and always tried to make their trip as cheap as possible. that's how you keep a customer and spread your business by word of mouth.

[@moth.monster]

makes no sense to charge for paint drying, you're literally doing nothin lol

[@curbo34]

@@moth.monster On the flip side of that, if you're taking up floor space in a shop, that's annoying to people working. It all depends on the scopr of your business. If I'm running a automotive repair shop out of 2 bays with 2-3 guys in the back, and one bay has paint drying on something, it easy to see why a shop would charge if they could have another vehicle in.

[@wcsairinc]

You are a skilled craftsman, with integrity. As a contractor I do a job walk, and if I have a questionable job, I will quote the customer a low, and a high price for unforeseen problems. Keep in constant communication. I have made mistakes on my spreadsheet as well and I am ok eating my mistakes. Some jobs you do lose a little, but it will come back ten fold in referrals going the extra mile. I make it a habit of not going back for more money, unless it was quoted as such. I will do the job right like you. Cost no longer plays a roll in my hard bids. Been in business since 1995, and I don't advertise, and took down my website. Just one mans opinion. Hope this is the food for thought you were looking for.

[@gerjaison]

2:26 - "So we make the executive decisions, our cost ...." Very honest and decent, i hope you have a successful business and enrich life, and all the best to the people around you and all that.

[@keithtynan7469]

It is damned decent of you to outline your process. For guys starting out - and you know this - getting the bid right is a challenge. Good for you!

[@velcroable]

In Germany such parts are hot zinc dipped, then painted. Great save for flimsy materials.

[@StopTeoriomSpiskowym]

Zinc go away too. give time. This closed profils can be anti rust paint inside with wax like cars closed profiles

[@gregwarner3753]

A anti rust technique from the early tube frame aircraft builders is to coat the inside of the tubing with linseed oil. In this case I would have given the inside of the pipe ends a shot of Rustoleun primer before closing off the ends of the tubes.

[@AlAmantea]

When you care about your work and the end product, the customer always notices. Especially when you are fair about pricing. This particular job could have gone a lot differently. The client could have seen taking the parts to the shop as simple price gouging once you were on site, as this happens a LOT in our industries. This case I'm sure the client recognized your attention to detail and work ethic. It may take a while, but I'm also certain that this job will pay you back many times over in recommendations from this client. Well done, Richard... Enjoyed meeting you here in Baton Rouge...

[@wansolve2036]

You might have made a little less on this job but you did all you could to be fair and provide an excellent product to your customer. A side benefit is you end up with a very satisfied customer that will be glad to send you referral business. The bonus is that your work is perfectly displayed in a high traffic area where customers and neighboring businesses will see it and perhaps ask the owner who did the work for them! Great job on the railings and great work ethic, thanks for the video.

[@robertalexanderhoffmann8229]

Doing the right, durable and inexpensive is not easy, but you did the right thing and gained a satisfied customer! Keep it up !

[@felixcat9318]

I really liked this video, good decision to RTB and carry out the remedial work. I particularly liked that you were aware of the possibility of disturbing your client's customers and worked around that. The newly improved railings will no longer pose a risk of collapse and the work was carried out to a high standard and without delay. Your pricing was very fair and its easy to see why your client chooses you to carry out his repairs. Subscribed.

[@markkiser5120]

I found that after drilling concrete you should blow the hole clean as the dust acts like a lubricant and does not let anchors seat well

[@nickacoutin2505]

Honestly and a happy customer will make you sleep at night. 👍

[@dathonlawler81]

Wow. You really run your company like one should be. No corners cut. Very professional. Proper PPE. Excellent craftsmanship. Beautiful work. Considerate of customers. I hope you’re killing your local market. I’m beyond blown away!!!! I wouldn’t do anything different for billing.

[@42Fab]

Thanks, we try.

[@curbo34]

There are only a handful of channels that can take potentially boring subject matter and make them incredibly interesting, and this is one of them.

[@804USAR]

You would definitely be at the top of my list for metal work. Good honest craftsman that cares about the quality of his work and his worker's work versus maximizing the buck.

[@42Fab]

Thanks 👍

[@scottdicker7051]

I love people who earns their customer’s repeat business. Pays off exponentially, bravo!

[@SophiaLauren23]

Another lesson: do not quote unless you see the job first

[@riddikssaga]

Not really the lesson to understand here...sometimes it's hard for a customer to explain what the job is...

[@SealofPerfection]

He saw the job. Thought it'd be easier than it turned out. Sometimes you don't know until you tear into it

[@michaelhughes2755]

I always look out job first before I give a quote

[@xfhnhhgjbvcfg]

Doesn't matter if you are charging by the hour.

[@dangoldbach6570]

350.00 for two guys, transportation, tools, steel, and consumables..... Jeezus that's a BARGAIN! I hope your customer was happy because you are break even on this one, at best. I would put you over like you're the next McGuyver if I got a deal this sweet!

[@isaacthomson683]

not sure if this was meant to be unlisted but I'd put it on your feed- I liked it

[@42Fab]

It's unlisted and currently available to patrons as an early release, but some people are smart enough to look at playlists and find things early! Good hunting.

[@solo636]

As long as your happy and the client is happy it's a job well done 👍

[@halfmoa]

I appreciate your transparency when talking about billing and your thoughts behind it. As a maker of stuff that occasionally gets commissioned to make a piece I really struggle. If I charged my actual time they'd never be able to afford it because it might take me 8 hours with my tools and equipment whereas it may take a properly outfitted shop only 2. I do it because I love it though.

[@DomagojMago]

I am so envious for how lucky you are to live where you do. Here in Croatia where I live i would have charged about $40 for the same job and some customers would still think it's a bit too much... (btw. gasoline is about $6/gallon here)

[@dunc71]

Is a US or UK gallon?

[@TheRealFOSFOR]

Don't know if people know of these tools, but I fell in love with it when I first stumbled across one. S-KA 6-10 SDS+

[@woody9101]

Hey for future you should get a vaccum for the holes instead of a leaf blower. Sucks up the silica instead of blowing it around by outdoor seating.

[@saineyjarju3293]

this is my job I really appreciate it this is my key of heart I like it

[@hddm3]

Great tips and great service

[@mtdewchallenger]

That customer should value the deal he got. Good Job and Good Work !

[@kennethsrensen7706]

Nice job and a good deal for the shop owner.

[@roydog8985]

Great job love the way you do your work and being specific with on how you do your job. I also like that you said how much you charged for the work you did and how much it was for in shop and at work charge.i do jobs like this but I alway under charge because I tell them a price with out looking at the work I’m put in and I always end up kicking my self in the ass for that but even when I look at what I’m doing their’s always something else that come along and make’s it take longer then what I would like it to. Thank you so much

[@42Fab]

If I control a job, we bid the job, if there are things outside my control (like old rusty fences of unknown quality), we work by the hour

[@nvlvdave]

Nice work. I really like your thinking and how you treat your customers and your employees. You have class and integrity - 2 very rare commodities these days.

[@ardvark84]

Common problem with this kind of structures is that there are no wentilation holes. Moisture is building up inside and it cannot escape so metal is rusting away. There should be a hole in the base plates to let the water out and there should be holes on the top, in vertical tubings. Fence would last much longer that way. But then of course, you wouldn't get that job. I have to say it would be a pleasure to work with you because you have amazing work ethics. Congratulation!

[@Tetracarbon]

Thanks for taking about the billing and thought process behind it. That’s quite interesting not only to see the fab, but also the process. Happy to subscribe to this great content.

[@johnw4590]

Going the extra mile always pays off in the long run... good lesson.. been in this position a couple few hundred times..lol

[@MrMrWrench]

Thanks for the video. It is very helpful to explain how and what you charge. I always wonder if I am charging enough or too much. Great video. Thanks again.

[@Ruben901]

2 years ago, i had something similar to this to repair. Not sure if its any help, but i just cut off the bad area of the tubing, and went about 2 inches higher to cut as well. Then i made a mock up square tubing with 1" flatbar, and welded it to the base plate. It held on pretty solid.

[@molleywood]

If I was you I would have pitched for new railings considering the shape they were in but never the less great honest work!

[@jaimemendoza5163]

Sparkly!

[@cryptobackupservices8995]

Take care of yourself and loved ones with no financial stress with forex ask me how

[@ant114213]

Love the video and quality of your work and your attention to detail. Just subscribed.

[@czarnyarek3124]

.... Simple job you compilcate it sooo much....

[@billp3914]

Great job

[@davidhenderson3400]

I learned a long time ago there is no such thing as a 5 minute job. It will always take longer than you could every imagine.

[@rolandocrisostomo2003]

I have to do the same for my house, but i waterjet stainless steel foot plates along with about 5 inches of square stainless tubing to be welded to each foot. Where i live it snows.

[@carlwhite8225]

Nice job done correctly.

[@timort2260]

Pretty dope break down. I'm moving back into a similar field pays better then art but I would highly recommend using a weed sprayer and drilling wet I always hate dry cuts or anything the makes dust with people around. Even a small shop vac setup will do a great job on active jobsites. Great video.

[@Faulpelz55]

That's the reason why I do such jobs either with stainless or galvanise and powder coat the steel. You can have the tubes coated on the outside with just paint or powder, but at least the humidity kept in the fully closed tube cares for rust. Not to mention small scratches on the lower part of the railing and the influences of dog urine and salt. Personally, I skip jobs, when the customer wants to save money on the coating.

[@DeeBee2013]

Good job

[@tonylee9832]

Going the extra mile is quality... Its a repairjob soo well done best u can do out of it at a low price. Extra mile would be sandblasting+duplex system. Greetings from Germany

[@unclefrankonap1953]

Outstanding channel , very honest dealing with your customers, very fair your gentleman

[@starpuss]

*You Gave them a Awesome Deal!!!*

[@42Fab]

take care of good customers

[@colincrooky]

Ventilation is the key to prevent corrosion like this. Great video, thank you.

[@Shakrii]

42Fab your thought about the customers and their customer and explaining why you made your decisions got my sub since it so often these days feels people do not think about there impact on others.

[@deejohnson5163]

Great work

[@andrewphillips3957]

Fantastic work my friend. Good on you for taking great care of the customer as well!

[@calimesacox]

I cant get enough of this channel..... You do great work and I see your prices are affordable.

[@42Fab]

Thanks

[@movaughn20]

Story of my life... It's also a variable for me, on tenant accommodation. Some times it's just easier to remove even take away from customers and work comfortably without johnny know it all putting in his too cents...

[@nickkk420]

As a salesmen, I can attest a good customer stays a good customer, because of good service, There was no need to swallow the additional cost for your client, as he'd have come to you anyways, but it's appreciated I'm sure, it's not what will keep him coming to you, it's whatll have him send his kids to you

[@gyrotech777]

Nice work.

[@auraminion]

Honest tradie. Great channel

[@DuncanAitken]

Taking pride and the time to do a job well done always pays dividends. You have a happy (repeat) customer plus you don't have to re-visit shoddy work.

[@solorider6229]

Good job guys!

[@ALEXANDERCRETA1]

Nice job and well explain.

[@jeffmay1332]

That mag chuck is brilliant!

[@42Fab]

total game changer, one of the few tools that is worth well over its price

[@jorgelucas1877]

You mentioned lowering your voltage to stop burn through, heat is controlled by the amount of current. Faster wire feed, more current...less wire feed less current. Tweak voltage to tighten or spread out bead

[@42Fab]

Completely wrong on synergies machines. Current is tied to wire speed. Heat is voltage dependent

[@aliasglilou7914]

Wonderful

[@dpyles9396]

Rare work ethic! Well done.

[@BillMacfarlane]

Oh yeah mobile is always more. What may not be obvious to some clients is there’s 4x load/unload time for every trip - load up the tools at the shop, unload onsite (and hopefully you don’t have to park too far away), load up at the end of the day, then unload again back at the shop. So even if you’re onsite for 1 hour, it’s a couple hours at least that you’re dedicating to that job.

[@duffhole6304]

When drilling anchor bolts, Drill all the way thru the concrete. That way you can just drive the cutoffs thru if you ever need to remove them.

[@markkiser5120]

but this would allow the bolts to rust from the bottom up from the ground dampness

[@buckhorncortez]

@@markkiser5120 That's how you get repeat work about 8 years later...

[@andylane2573]

Great video!

[@darrenboone681]

That mag chuck Im looking at buying one does welding on it mess it up I have small piece to tac and I think it would work

[@42Fab]

I have done tacks on it. I don't suggest it as a common practice without an auxiliary ground. Aka, don't have the current run through the chuck.

[@enlightened1onewon]

so glad i found this channel! great stuff!

[@handymanbrian8269]

you gave them a GREAT deal!

[@thestevestandardanthinggoe4170]

Your ethics are bad ass I'm the same way but in the mechanic world how ever I dig it keep it up

[@alangivens7983]

Thanks for the content I learn something every time I watch your videos.

[@jjppsanchez77]

At first i thought it was a DeWalt commercial. 😂 Great video guys!

[@adirondacker007]

Grinding around "civilians" is a huge liability. I've rehabbed a lot of railings over the years. I've found that 3/8" anchors break off pretty easily. I use a deepwell socket and breaker bar to overtighten them to failure. Heavy gloves are mandatory if you wish to retain knuckle mass... and blood...

[@Sffker]

The problem with that is you’re more likely to break the anchor free in the concrete as well if you can’t snap it. Grinding it off is a quick easy way to do it with less effort on your part because you’ll just have to cut and grind it down anyways if you’re moving the anchor location.

[@fleafrier1]

Where I work we only use stainless fasteners unless something else is spec'd out by engineers. We also spend a little extra and use stainless baseplates whenever we can. It's worth it to know that what we install will never rust out. Redheads are very strong but they will not last in the elements. Don't mean to knock your job. It looks like you did a solid repair overall.

[@42Fab]

Not an unreasonable comment. Just have to tailor the work to the customer and the budget. I expect this repair to outlast the fences, which is all the really matters in the end.

[@matthewgoodwin5911]

When you were wire wheeling the base plates is that a big magnet that you can turn on and off?

[@42Fab]

Yes, called a magnetic chuck, link in description

[@6miler]

I like your shop set up, working on a job myself, and I'm doing it in a car port haha. Gotta work with what ya got eh.

[@markfryer9880]

Carport is good, gets you out of the hot sun and the rain. Plenty of fresh air.

[@Red-Pilled_Steel]

6:32 Is that a magnetic table?🤔 Good job by the way.

[@42Fab]

Magnetic chuck, link in description

[@jacksonbanks910]

I was amazed by it!

[@jjsd250]

Great video

[@2secondslater]

Water in the tube, make sure you have a drain hole drilled at the bottom and a hole at the top for water inside to escape through via evaporation.

[@42Fab]

personally, I disagree. Seal the tube. if water can evaporate it can condense too

[@calimesacox]

I specialize in automotive Diagnostics and electrical.... my in shop rate. 125.00. Per hour my call out rate is 150.00 with a min of 2 hour. Now that being said I do a lot of trailer to truck light fixes. And I very rearly ever go past 2 HR. And if I am getting into a job and I see that the problem is bigger then 2 hr I will take it into the shop at the rate of 125.00..... I am so nice to my customers that most often I don't always charge full pop.

[@mirali4467]

Very reasonable rate!

[@erisi6204]

Love these sort of videos, very helpful, thank you.

[@billbaggins]

It's no fun if it's easy😁 I'm retired due to health reasons. Most things I do for people are quick jobs that I don't charge for but anything over a few hours I gladly accept beer.

[@Mikey-ym6ok]

thats true with welding. thats why i do not like mig as mush as like tig. its just way to easy. Zzzzzzz

[@billbaggins]

@@Mikey-ym6ok Both have their places but yeah I prefer TIG, much more satisfying. Strangely took me years and 2 welders till I felt comfortable with MIG but TIG was only a 5-10 minute "have a go " session and I was hooked 😁

[@billbaggins]

@Travis Thacker I missed out on the fun of learning properly. Younger days, I had the money but not the time and was mostly fishing. Sold the boat and bought a house in early 40's. Started accumulating tools and learnt and burnt, still got a ways to go before I can call myself good but i'm competent enuf for my needs. Now early 50's and in health forced retirement, got all the time but no money🤦‍♂️ Scratch start TIG sounds and looks pretty tricky, kinda glad I learnt with newer machines. Filler rod control is a pain with shaky hands and failing eyes but sometimes I get a few beads i'm proud of 😁

[@kenweld4544]

Most of the quick and Simple Jobs are NEVER quick and simple. But it is more satisfying when they are done and the customer is happy

[@cryptobackupservices8995]

If you not among any forex investment you missing out ask me howw

[@TheMetalButcher]

So did you all drill holes to solve the water issue?

[@42Fab]

Addressed many times in the comments

[@ISupportTheCurr3ntThing]

can you explain that magnetic place you used to brush the square base plates?

[@42Fab]

It's called a magnetic chuck, switches magnetism on and off without power, link in description. They are super cheap, but worth EVERY penny

[@shaneintegra]

Damn your shop is absolutely amazing. I've been wanting to learn how to weld lately n might try to order a cheapy to practice on now :p awesome work btw!

[@Haneix1]

"It's never easy", we say it at least once a day at work haha.