Equipment and cold weather

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Ok, so I am having a debate with myself and looking for some input.I am thinking of venturing out on my own with-in the next year. Of course I want to start off the cheapest way possible, you know incase I bomb at being self employed. So I was thinking about putting everything in the bed of my truck or building a trailer, which would give me more room since I have a 6.5' bed. My dilemma is I live in Alaska and I am really not sure how the snow and ice will affect welder/torch outfit. I don't have the means to park inside to let everything warm-up and dry off. Has anyone ever experienced issues with similar weather and having your equipment exposed to temps that dip to -30? One other thing I was thinking about is getting a high back (commercial type) truck cap to keep everything out of the elements but I am worried I will have an issue with torch outfit not fitting and the pain in the tail it would be having to get them filled with the cramped space.We have a Dodge Promaster van at work and everything is kept out of the elements but I am not looking at spending that kind of money until I know this idea of being self employed is going to pan out for the best.Thank You
Reply:If temp is really an issue I vote trailer - use a vented propane heater like in an ice fishing house.Or just plug in a heater when parked at home.But, I don't think you'll have any temp issues if it's all protected in a closed trailer.Dave J.Beware of false knowledge; it is more dangerous than ignorance. ~George Bernard Shaw~ Syncro 350Invertec v250-sThermal Arc 161 and 300MM210DialarcTried being normal once, didn't take....I think it was a Tuesday.
Reply:I would avoid the cold to warm thing if possible since the temp change causes condensation, which means rust. The biggest issue would probably be cords, hoses and leads being stiff in the cold .
Reply:At minus 30 all the hoses would be very stiff and would probably break when you try to straighten them out. You might check with welding supply houses in Alaska/Canada and see if they have hoses and cables for extreme temp. Also if you have a gas or diesel welder they will be extremely hard to start unless they were warmed up first. Enclosed trailer would be the best for storage unless you can find a van or box truck that meets your needs. Propane/gas cylinder also loose most of their pressure at that temp and would require heating to get enough pressure to work.
Reply:Temperatures effect welding processes, welding gases, and humans.There are rules about welding below 32ºF. You need to read that information and it would be good to join the AWS.Do you have welding training?Do not store welding gases inside of a van.AWS certified welding inspectorAWS certified welder
Reply:Yes I have welding experience. I have multiple certifications and I do understand about welding in colder temps. I live in Alaska. The info I was getting input on with the effects the colder temps cause on equipment such as a welding machine when it's not in a covered area such as a van. I weld in the cold all the time but all of our equipment is in a van. I'm going to start my own business and just getting the input to make a decision on the direction I am going to go as far as a rig.
Reply:You can get welding leads that remain more supple in cold temps. The welding machine itself will start fine if you run 0w30 full synthetic oil in it. A gas engine machine will be much more forgiving when trying to start at -30. Keep a 20lb bottle of propane with a tiger torch/weed burner torch on it for preheating purposes.Welding doesn't stop in Alaska or Canada just because it's cold out. -30 has never stopped me. You just have to dress for it and be prepared.Last edited by snoeproe; 08-25-2015 at 06:49 AM.JasonLincoln Idealarc 250 stick/tigThermal Dynamics Cutmaster 52Miller Bobcat 250Torchmate CNC tableThermal Arc Hefty 2Ironworkers Local 720
Reply:I will have to look into the welding leads. I don't think we use them at work for our field van and it shows. We always have a rosebud handy in the winter when we go to the field. If I could find a good pair of gloves/mittens I would be golden but I still haven't found a pair to keep my digits warm yet so if you have any recommendations I would greatly appreciate it.
Reply:I use my regular gander 888's with a pair of the stretchy coloured tight fitting gloves (can't remember what they're called) underneath for liners.JasonLincoln Idealarc 250 stick/tigThermal Dynamics Cutmaster 52Miller Bobcat 250Torchmate CNC tableThermal Arc Hefty 2Ironworkers Local 720