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Wanting to start up a little side business fabricating custom utility trailers, fences, metal art, etc... what would be a good welder and plasma cutter for me to start off with until I can upgrade to something bigger like a Ranger or Bobcat? Also any business advice would be greatly appreciated. Thanks fellas!
Reply:Be sure you have an accurate handle on all your costs to do a job before you throw out a price to the customer.On jobs where there is a significant amount of money going into materials, collect a materials payment from the customer before starting the job.  This way you don't get stuck with something you spent money to make and a customer that flakes out and decides to never show up to pay for and pick up his item.Be sure you collect payment in full for the project before you leave the job site or before the part leaves your shop.  Collecting payment later is a real b1tch.Starting out, a plasma cutter is one of the last tools you need to buy.  First buy a generator/stick welder, portable mig, oxy/fuel rig, chop saw, a few grinders, sawzall, rotary hammer drill, plenty of extension cords and all the other tools you need to work with.  There's a few thousand dollars right there.  Tig and plasma will come later as you develop your skills and a need for more specialized tools.My 2 best choices for a portable mig are the Millermatic Passport and Millermatic 211.  The dual voltage capability is great for a field rig and both are very good welders too.MM350P/Python/Q300MM175/Q300DialarcHFHTP MIG200PowCon300SMHypertherm380ThermalArc185Purox oaF350CrewCab4x4LoadNGo utilitybedBobcat250XMT304/Optima/SpoolmaticSuitcase12RC/Q300Suitcase8RC/Q400Passport/Q300Smith op
Reply:if you are gonna make trailers make sure you have ins to cover you its your responsibilty once it leaves your shop  i got burned pretty bad awhile back lucky nobody or nothing got hurt or damaged  any time you fix repair something thats not yours just be aware it could come back on youmiller maxstar 150   hobart handler 210 w mig conversion hobart 250 arc force plasma cutter    boston ind cutting torch miller performance auto darkening helmet milwalkee 14in chop saw 10,000 watt generator huge drill press and industrial band saw
Reply:Along with good insurance, get yourself a good accountant and a good lawyer.
Reply:Wow thanks for the advice guys, very helpful!
Reply:Not to be a smart a$$, but if you have to ask what machine you need, you probably are not ready for this step. You should have some idea what sort of process at least you are looking for, mig, tig, stick and if it's for shop or mobile use. I could pull at least 6 different machines that would do the minimum you asked for and all would be completely different.Your question isn't should I get a Bobcat or a trailblazer, or is a Ranger a better choice for my plans, where you have at least narrowed it down and are looking for pros and cons of specific models.What processes are you best with? What process fits best with the majority of the work you want to do? Have you had training in any of these processes or are you just learning? All these would help to narrow down just what you want..No government ever voluntarily reduces itself in size. Government programs, once launched, never disappear. Actually, a government bureau is the nearest thing to eternal life we'll ever see on this earth! Ronald Reagan
Reply:Originally Posted by DSWNot to be a smart a$$, but if you have to ask what machine you need, you probably are not ready for this step. You should have some idea what sort of process at least you are looking for, mig, tig, stick and if it's for shop or mobile use. I could pull at least 6 different machines that would do the minimum you asked for and all would be completely different.Your question isn't should I get a Bobcat or a trailblazer, or is a Ranger a better choice for my plans, where you have at least narrowed it down and are looking for pros and cons of specific models.What processes are you best with? What process fits best with the majority of the work you want to do? Have you had training in any of these processes or are you just learning? All these would help to narrow down just what you want.
Reply:Not to be a smart a$$, but if you have to ask what machine you need, you probably are not ready for this step. You should have some idea what sort of process at least you are looking for, mig, tig, stick and if it's for shop or mobile use. I could pull at least 6 different machines that would do the minimum you asked for and all would be completely different.         - I assumed most here would know that I would be running mostly MIG, fluxcore and stick and would answer accordingly. I'm looking for something smaller/cost efficient to run in the shop until I'm ready to upgraded. It wouldn't be running 24/7.        Your question isn't should I get a Bobcat or a trailblazer, or is a Ranger a better choice for my plans, where you have at least narrowed it down and are looking for pros and cons of specific models.         - See above response. I don't have the means to buy a 3000+ engine driven welder plus other expenses. I completely realize that Lincoln vs Miller is a personal taste choice.What processes are you best with? What process fits best with the majority of the work you want to do? Have you had training in any of these processes or are you just learning? All these would help to narrow down just what you want.           - I am trained in MIG, fluxcore, downhill stick, not much TIG but don't plan on doing much of it at first. Basically I work with large welders all day long, but don't have much experience with smaller ones and am looking for some guidance.
Reply:keep your eye on ebay for a xmt cc/cv, preferably with some accessories.  I have no idea what your budget is, other than less than 3k.  but you should be able to get into a pretty good used xmt with feeder in the 2k range.