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Hey guys I'm looking pretty deep into starting a weekend business, and I was wondering what advice you guys can give me where to start. What obstacles did you have to overcome, and what your start up costs were and what you started with? Any advice would be greatly appreciated. right now I am a welder for a living but all I have is a little 140c lincoln which I think is the industrial model. I'm starting to realize I will never be happy unless I work for myself.Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalkif you can step across it I can weld it.
Reply:Originally Posted by DSWI see a lot of guys who start their own business fail, not because they can't do the work, it's because they can't run the business. I know the business side of mine is the hardest part for me to handle.To do things right there are a lot of expenses that need to be covered, whether you are bringing in work or not. Things like insurance, business licenses and so on. This doesn't change just because you "dabble" in this part time. In fact many places are really starting to crack down on guys who do side work in this economy. As traditional brick and mortar businesses close up, their tax revenues are falling. At the same time the communities keep demanding more and more services like they were getting when things were booming and the money just never stopped rolling in. Get caught doing work without the proper licenses and so on, declaring taxes etc, and you'll wish you'd taken all your money and tossed it in the paper shredder instead. get sued because someone wants to get something for nothing and it gets even worse since they can likely go after not only what you make, but what your wife brings in as well if you didn't cover your azz with basic liability insurance. ( my basic liability insurance costs me almost $2000 a year. That's a huge amount to soak up in small jobs. You'd have to do one small job about every 3 days,  ( assume 100 small jobs a year) to cut the cost down to say $20 per job.I see a lot of guys who do side jobs for say $50 and think they did well. However when you sit down and start adding up costs, they lost money big time. Did you drive to the job? If so. Lets take $5 out for gas. Did you figure in your cost of wire, rod, mig gas? Lets say $10 to cover all that. How about other consumables like grinding wheels, chopsaw blades and such?, How about we figure $10 for those. What about paint when you were done? $5 there. We still haven't added in insurance and the business license yet, and we already have eaten up at least $30 worth of stuff.  If we use my 100 jobs a year estimate above and figure the insurance cost was $20, guess what, you worked for FREE! It's even worse if something breaks and we need to repair it, buy gas for the generator welder as so on, pick up a tool needed for the job or small parts like nuts and bolts... You ended up paying to do the job for someone. You just lost money.I'm not trying to discourage you. You need to look at this as a business, big or small. Some things like business cards, licenses, insurance, taxes, accounting fees and so on are often the same if you are a small full time operation or just part time. You may be able to ignore some things like rent and electric when you are tiny, but if you start to grow at all, all of a sudden those missing items take a huge chunk out of your profit, or you have to raise your rates. Raise your rates and you might loose those customers you'd been counting on. All it takes is a neighbor who complains and all of a sudden your "free" space is gone and you need to rent a shop you didn't count on, complete with electric, heat, rent, more insurance....
Reply:appreciate the honesty, everyone needs a slap of reality and i have much more planning to do but currently im doing a full business write up, making connections with machine shops and other business owners that need a reliable welder. that leads me to ask mobile or in shop tig, and what kind of warranty do you guys typically offer with your work? one friend who was a motorcycle mechanic said if his work failed its lifetime but if they try and mess with it then the customer is SOL because of their own faulty work.if you can step across it I can weld it.
Reply:DSW is absolutely correct.If you have a business you have to eat-sleep-breathe it because if you don't it will fail. I manage a small fabrication shop during the day and the owner and I are always dealing with different requirements from customers and various other things such as plan changes and rush jobs. It is very easy to get lost in everything depending on how much work you take on. There are many times you will not be able to just "go home and finish it tomorrow" because what you are working on is holding someone else up. I looked into renting a warehouse mainly because I have out grown my garage with all the machinery. I thought of starting a side business because I already have all the welders/cutting tools/machine tools/inspection & measuring equipment that would be needed for a nicely equipped shop. The warehouse was 1000 sq.ft. with 3 phase power just to the breaker panel. Rent per month was $500. That was the cheap part, the warehouse only had a handful of 110v outlets. To wire in 110v & 220v 1ph and 220v 3ph power came to about $4000. The one other warehouse did not have 3ph but it would be about $8000-10,000 to bring it 50' from the road. Now you have to think about insurance because that is ABSOLUTELY NEEDED. This is where I decided to keep my hobby just that because the multiple insurance agencies informed me that they could not write a policy to cover the value of my equipment or issue liability insurance because this was not for a business. If I did want to make it a full business then it would have been some crazy price per month because of the nature of work (welding, sparks, torches, high risk of injury to yourself and others etc). Now being in Canada, I'm not sure how your taxes work but in Fl you can only make something like $600/person/year as a "hobby" anything more is classified as a business for profit. The funny part when I was reading through the tax requirements it said a hobby is not a hobby if the person performing it has the knowledge or skill required to make it a business.If you have what you need than go for it.TOO MANY TOOLS & NO MORE SPACE
Reply:I have a home shop where I have been doing side jobs for years. I have a pretty complete shop such as others, lathe, Bpt. Mill, MIG, TIG, bandsaws, hyd. tubing bender, 2 plasma cutters, yada yada. I should have my 4' x 8' CNC plasma table ready soon. I was going to make the leap to a shop but it still all fits in my home shop so I am staying there. I am getting more and more jobs though, some I even had to turn away. Again this is hobby money and I enjoy it. My Wife knows where I am and keeps me out of trouble. Good luck in your endeavor.T.J.www.tjsperformance.comDynasty 300 DXHTP 240HTP Microcut 380Hyperthem 85JD2 Hyd Bender and HF Hyd Ring Roller all in one =(Frankenbender)Bpt. Mill/DRO4' x 8' CNC Plasma TableInstagram: tjsperformanceYT: TJS Welding and Fabrication
Reply:keep it small, take it all, work off a cash only basis, if you get a check hit the bank a$ap.If the conversation isn’t money, then I’ll see you later.
Reply:Im pretty lucky, I work for myself doing more than one business. I also have a relative I can push work on or take work from depending on size and load.If the Job weighs over 3000lbs I just hand it over to my cousin. He has the larger shop. In turn if there are 100 of something small to make, he sends it to me.I have insurance! Don't ever think you can slide by without it.I'm not sure I could make a living working out of my small shop just welding/fab alone.Regards,RobGreat Basin WeldingInstagramBlue weldersRed weldersMy luscious Table DIY TIG Torch cooler
Reply:see this all makes me jealous, how old were you guys when you started your business?plan one run a tig shop doing smaller jobs gates exhaust aluminum repair small production runs for a friend who owns a machine shop i would need tube benders and what notplan two do maintenance and repair with a mobile unit such as a gxt 250 i have two half tons and im building and beefing up a 1968 c10 to be an in city promotional work truck. something light dutyif you can step across it I can weld it.
Reply:35 years ago, i was in my 20s and it sure as hell didn't happen over night. (Not saying is not worth it,  either)Regards,RobGreat Basin WeldingInstagramBlue weldersRed weldersMy luscious Table DIY TIG Torch cooler
Reply:thats about where i am now, im turn 24 this month and I dont want to get too old and have to say man i wish i woulda. so as of right now im paying down my debt and getting rid of some of my toys motorcycle guitars etc. all funds from that are going towards debt being eliminated. when im done with my c10 plan on selling the 08 sierra and going with no car payments adventually id like to be a purchase with cash in full kinda guy.if you can step across it I can weld it.
Reply:Originally Posted by MOE1keep it small, take it all, work off a cash only basis, if you get a check hit the bank a$ap.
Reply:Originally Posted by asdfYou might consider getting one of those credit card readers to swipe cards on your smartphone. There's a 2.5% processing charge but it might be worth it to avoid the hassle of taking a bad check.
Reply:If you deposit a hot not only do you not get paid, your bank charges you $35 maybe $50 by now for the bouced check fee.If you are going to accept checks only do so from local banks, that way you can take the check to the persons bank, ask them if that amount is in the account and cash it on the spot.Just look out because there are a lot of dead beats that will try to get you to work for fee.old Miller spectrum 625 Lincoln SP-135 T, CO2+0.025 wireMiller model 250 and WP-18V torchCraftsman 100amp AC/DC and WP-17V torchCentury 115-004 HF arc stabilizerHome made 4 transformer spot welderHome made alternator welder
Reply:I'm big on the whole cash deal myselfSent from my iPhone using Tapatalkif you can step across it I can weld it.
Reply:I've been working my side business out of my home shop for a couple years now.  It took a little while to get rolling, but mostly through word of mouth things started coming together.  95% cash business with no receipts but I still keep good records of the jobs/expenses and don't try to escape the tax man.  I figure it isn't worth getting in trouble down the road.  I still have a full time job during the week to pay the bills and do my welding in the evenings and weekends.  The welding money has mainly been turned right around into the business for better equipment and more tools to make the next job easier.  I have four years left at my "real" job and then I'll get more serious about the welding thing.  Right now I only take very low risk jobs....nothing structural.  I look at a job and if someone could get hurt because of one of my welds failing, I turn away the job.  Only exception is trailers. I have built a few utility type trailers and am confident in my work.  I'm not going to go out and build a 10,000# equipment hauler though.  Lots of basic repair work...  Aluminum is where the money is for me.  Seems like lots of folks do steel (some shouldn't....) but aluminum is a different story.  If you can MIG/TIG aluminum, you shouldn't have much problem finding work.  Print business cards and hand them out liberally (Vistaprint online for $10 is a great option).  Pin them on community bulletin boards.  Give your customers several to give to their friends. Charge a reasonable rate, I'm running $60/hr plus material and folks are happy to pay it since the local shops run $100/hr.  I make sure to mark up materials by 10-20% or so to help cover fuel and time for having to pick it up.  Throw in some extra $$ to cover consumables but be reasonable.  Try to have a quick turnaround.  Folks come to me because I can turn a quick repair in a day or two compared to a few weeks for the busy shops.  Just know your limitations and don't bite off more than you should...  I've done jobs for our local Parks & Rec and some other big shops that needed a quick job done but their own welders were tied up.  You never know where work will come from.  Good luck!Last edited by AKmud; 05-02-2014 at 11:20 AM.Miller Dynasty 200DXMiller 252 Miller 250xMiller Syncrowave 250Miller AEAD200 LegendMiller 375 Xtreme plasmaLincoln WeldPak 100Victor O/A
Reply:Nice write up, as a certified welder I'm currently certified all position stick and flat mig and fluxcore. In school I learnt how to tig stainless aluminium and mild. I actually have tig welding on a friends motorcycle frame and project car Frame and a stainless luggage rack for his spitfire. I build and repair tractor parts all day so the farming community would love me. Only think I need to learn more about is structural. Haven't worked in that field yet.Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalkif you can step across it I can weld it.
Reply:Until you go full time learn about how to become more efficient and flexable.If you are going to be mobile don't buy a 6mpg truck gas is going to be $4/gal soon, look into a power inverter setup to run smaller drills, grinders to save generator hours.If you are non mobile dont rely on a liquid fueled machines when electric will do. Find a big cheap 50 lb CO2 bottle if you are going to mig a lot of steel.Start shopping around for used equipment. Time is money, if you have time to look around you can save money.Take your used equipment and fix it up, fix those leaks on your air compressor, replace cords on your toys if they are tore up or missing the ground prong, change oil in something. If you have a tool thats to small or too far gone sell it before you kill it and it is worthless.  Do you have a scrap yard near by? If so visit often.old Miller spectrum 625 Lincoln SP-135 T, CO2+0.025 wireMiller model 250 and WP-18V torchCraftsman 100amp AC/DC and WP-17V torchCentury 115-004 HF arc stabilizerHome made 4 transformer spot welderHome made alternator welder
Reply:I have been looking at the local ads for used equipment usually it's half dead equipment or a 110 mig. Right now I'm building that truck up so I can eliminate car payments. Selling my motorcycle to eliminate that and paying off my debts. That's what happens when your young and dumb with too much money you buy toys... Unfortunately I'm realizing that now. And that it's time to buckle down. I don't drink often, party or do drugs, worst I do is smoke cigars and have the occasional beer or glass of scotch. My addiction is metal welding forming and hear a motor vroom.Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalkif you can step across it I can weld it.
Reply:I've been trying to start a side thing out of my garage as well. Currently what I am finding most difficult is quoting a job correctly in a way where im happy at the end. I am always too optimistic on the time it will take and im trying to give the customer what I think is a fair deal for the work. But more often then not when I count how much time it took to complete the job and all the required expenses I find my self working for sometimes half of what I make at my day job. But I try to look at it as with every job I am gaining experience, meeting new contacts, and keeping my skills up using free materials.I think many of us have this delusion that maybe this side hustle will turn into a booming business where you're just pumping out high dollar work outa your garage and eventually can quit our day job and fish half the day and weld for the other half. It would be great but I just don't see that happening...
Reply:Whats your c10 going to be like, aside from being 2wd?old Miller spectrum 625 Lincoln SP-135 T, CO2+0.025 wireMiller model 250 and WP-18V torchCraftsman 100amp AC/DC and WP-17V torchCentury 115-004 HF arc stabilizerHome made 4 transformer spot welderHome made alternator welder
Reply:I'm happy with my little delusions they keep me sane for whatever that's worth..The c10 is gonna be flat black white top long bed with rear airbags to help handle the weight. Gas tank relocation, oak bed side signs and a shop logo painted on the doors no drop that would be useless for a welding truck. I have however debated a flat bed which I thought might ruin the look because I in fact want it for cruising around in too. Thought it would leave an impression and good advertising.Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalkif you can step across it I can weld it.
Reply:I'm taking inspiration from these trucks..Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalkif you can step across it I can weld it.
Reply:I started hobby welding out of my garage. Just building go-karts and stuff. Neighbor saw me welding and and referred me to her ex-husband who was a carpenter and was looking for a welder. I'm sad to say it took me 20 hours to do a terrible job on his nice display for Starbucks and I ruined any chance for future work (which would have been a LOT) but I learned, and I learned fast! After the first year I filed my taxes and it was something like $27,000 in income and $20,000 in expenses. I don't have the most decked out shop but I'm happy with what I have. Started out with a welder, then bought a band saw and that did about 90% of all the work I had. Later I purchased a mill with a DRO (mainly used it for accurate hole positioning, not much actual milling), then a plasma cutter, a shop press, some sheet metal machinery and some more welders. I moved out of my 3-car garage relatively fast. Mainly because the wife got a spot, and we rent out our basement so they got a spot and I was left working in a single car spot. I decided to move out of the garage and into a shop after I was asked to build a platform to sit on tub of a school bus. Needless to say my neighbors complained pretty fast seeing that on the driveway. I pay $888/yr on insurance, which has the 1,000,000/2,000,000 limits and the extra coverage options (including theft, recall, etc). I went through a broker who insured me through Pekin Insurance. it was the cheapest option for me. My advice would be to start with the essentials for your business. I started with a welder and band saw because that was all I needed to make tables and benches. Don't buy equipment you don't need. If it's a one time job, farm out the processes you can't do, but if you see yourself getting a lot of similar inquiries, buy the machinery. I would also have to remind you of the "you get what you pay for" slogan. And usually buy the biggest you can afford. I would have saved myself a lot of money if I didn't keep buying bigger/better 110v machines and just invested in the 220 machine right away. I started when I was 21 and I'm 23 now. Still have a lot of learning to do, but that's where I'm at. The mental game can get to you too. you'll make mistakes and if you're like me, you take it pretty hard. But I learn from every mistake and that's what's important! Good luck! I say go for it.John 3:16(2) Miller Pheonix 456(2) Millermertic 252Dynasty 210DXHobart 210MVPDoringer D350 SA Cold SawScotchman 350LT Cold SawWebb 10x50 MillWebb 15x40 LatheGeka Bendicrop Ironworker
Reply:And that's my conundrum is the basics for in shop and out in the field are fairly different. I'm in manitoba so a fairly big farming community and lots of industrial. That's why I was thinking fieldOn the other hand I have a machine shop already knocking at my door for jobs that require tig anytime I put ads up it's always welding someone's stainless exhaust or aluminium something or other.Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalkif you can step across it I can weld it.
Reply:Kudos on your endeavor! I just started my my business four months ago. It has been going well. But the above posters are correct. Lots of 14 hour plus days. I have had a couple of 5 in the morning Sundays. Some days it can feel overwhelming, but when you see a finish product that came from your mind to reality it is very worth it. As the others have stated, account for all expenses, develop a taste for top ramen and hot dogs as you pour all of your money into tools. If you are good at tig and aluminum that will be a big help. Do the best possible work that you can and it will get you more work. I went through a similar debate as you did. I finally bit the bullet and got a shop after a couple of jobs. The first big one that i did, I was working outside with my 350p plugged into the power pannel. It was not fun working in the mud and gravel with my new welder. Actually it was used but new to me. I started out with a lincoln 140. I am trading some work for a 66 f250. It will be the shop truck. At some point after you have counted all the cost that you can, gotten your name out as much as possible and turned out the best work that possibly can, you then have to just go for it. Since you said that you live industrial farm country, mobile would be slick. But you are still going to need a place to work out of, put excess materials from jobs/store materials for new jobs, work on projects for other customers such the machine shop that you mentioned ect... Also try to set it up that you can cover expenses by doing what your day job is. When my work is slow im out digging ditches, dry walling ect... Hope this helps a little.This is oscarAttachment 709041Easiest way for me to price a job so I am happy now is, take what I think a fair price is,  double that and and 20%. Why?  I have  done a few farm equipment repairs for other farmer for 15 years. I did it full time last year. I made money but no profit. It takes me twice as long as I think usually because off someone else's half arsed mistake.  Guys will use the wrong size bolt, striped threads, standard in a metric hole, seized grease zerks, bearing needs replaced. Unforeseen stuff is the 20%. I make a profit now and still have work, I don't like to charge that but it has to be.
Reply:Speaking as an accountant, and a corporate controller, business is all about data. You only get that data by keeping good records. You will need to keep all your reciepts for anything you spend money on, track your miles, etc., etc. It may be worth your effort to also look at a decent little accounting system like quick books. You can't make good decisions on pricing, capital expenditures, etc., unless you have good data to work with.Miller Multimatic 255
Reply:Originally Posted by Louie1961Speaking as an accountant, and a corporate controller, business is all about data. You only get that data by keeping good records. You will need to keep all your reciepts for anything you spend money on, track your miles, etc., etc. It may be worth your effort to also look at a decent little accounting system like quick books. You can't make good decisions on pricing, capital expenditures, etc., unless you have good data to work with.
Reply:Originally Posted by Louie1961Speaking as an accountant, and a corporate controller, business is all about data. You only get that data by keeping good records. You will need to keep all your reciepts for anything you spend money on, track your miles, etc., etc. It may be worth your effort to also look at a decent little accounting system like quick books. You can't make good decisions on pricing, capital expenditures, etc., unless you have good data to work with.
Reply:makes absolute sense to keep track of everything. i was thinking of buying a stop watch too keep track of the time i dont want to count me grabbing lunch or having a smoke break etc. ill keep a log book of every job contacts names numbers etc. i want to adventually start a website to make things a bit easier a freind of mine does a lot of hosting. he needs some welding done himself so that could be my payment.if you can step across it I can weld it.
Reply:Just wanna say the best to ya! I agree with all of the above, especially the card reader for your phone... I have been doing repair work for the local steel/scrap yard. My first two jobs I made great money, this last I am not even close to being in the black... A lot of unexpected problems have come up, but I can't expect the place to pay the extra time, but they are great customers and always pay without a second look.....HMMMMM maybe I am not charging enough....TOOLS AND TOYSSMAW Mid States Inc. "MISSING LINK" 10-150 AMP Buzzer circa 1945ishSMAW Magic Wand 40-60 AMP Suitcase Buzzer circa 1939ishGMAW Hobart 210 IronmanOxy-Propane TorchMany other old and cold goodies"Rusty but Trusty"
Reply:Forgot to mention too,,, do a freebie for the neighbors to keep them happy... I am somewhat noisy, but it is surprising how much they put up with when they don't have to pay for the occasional car repair TOOLS AND TOYSSMAW Mid States Inc. "MISSING LINK" 10-150 AMP Buzzer circa 1945ishSMAW Magic Wand 40-60 AMP Suitcase Buzzer circa 1939ishGMAW Hobart 210 IronmanOxy-Propane TorchMany other old and cold goodies"Rusty but Trusty"
Reply:While working on my truck I've noticed they don't really complain all that much but currently I am looking for a house so that may changeSent from my iPhone using Tapatalkif you can step across it I can weld it.
Reply:What tools did you need for a tig Set up in a small shop? What was your must have starting point?Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalkif you can step across it I can weld it.
Reply:I have a pretty good full home shop and I must say that just a TIG machine is not going to be the end all be all piece of equipment you will need. I am working on a custom motorcycle swing arm project right now and  I used every piece of equipment I have in my shop for this project. I have 2 band saws, horizontal and vertical. South Bend Lathe, Bpt. Mill w/DRO. Hydraulic tubing bender, home made and factory dies, MIG welder, plasma cutter, Dynasty 300 DX, home made brake and a myriad of cutting tools and hand/air tools/bench sander, etc.. The more tools and equipment you have the more production ready you can be which gives you the capability be more efficient which in turn potentially  increases your profitability. This is one of the main reasons I am also building a 4’ x 8’ CNC plasma table. Yes it is costing quite a bit of money up front but will increase my capabilities and expand into other areas I was not able to get into.www.tjsperformance.comDynasty 300 DXHTP 240HTP Microcut 380Hyperthem 85JD2 Hyd Bender and HF Hyd Ring Roller all in one =(Frankenbender)Bpt. Mill/DRO4' x 8' CNC Plasma TableInstagram: tjsperformanceYT: TJS Welding and Fabrication
Reply:that is a pretty amazing set up. I would love to push for that but it seems like its a in due time sorta thing... it also seems that a mobile rig would be the way to go  since i already have 2 trucks and over all cost to start seems to be less, or am i mistaken?if you can step across it I can weld it.
Reply:from what i can see a basic start up for a welding rig would be..Ranger 250 gxto/a set uphigh lift jacksome pipe standsand tons of hand tools grinders clamps etcfor a tig shop i could see getting away with..dynasty 200 dx need ac and dc plus it gives me the capability of stick welding so i have both ends of the spectrum. not a huge fan of mig...chop saybench grinder/belt sanderhand toolsdrill pressgood work tableHeres the problem, right now i am looking at houses with garages for that reason. i need a place to either store things "base of operations" or a workshop. I feel if i dont make the right choice where to start, it will be over before i even begin. So my question to you guys is where do i begin... i kind of feel im stuck in rut here... i mean right now im building a shop truck in my parents single 15a garage and i know i would never be able to work with something like that. I'm worried the 200dx wouldnt have a good enough duty cycle for anything.. not sure if the 250 gxt is a good machine if it has enough juice. i dont want to make an *** out of myself at the same time here.. so i ask to you guys, help.if you can step across it I can weld it.