welding trailer?

admin

i am a hobby welder but i also use it on my farm for repairs. i was thinking about turning my 12 ft. tilt deck into a mobile shop(open air of course) complete with metal table and a cargo basket etc. i would also keep my generator on it for running the welder, grinder, etc.  is this a good idea. i think im gonna do it but wanted feedback.
Reply:I always worry about stuff gettin stolen, but here in Chicago, whatever isn't nailed down has the opportunity to get stolenMiller blue star 2eLincoln 175
Reply:As fear suggests, theft is a real issue, but so is the elements.  My dad tried to have a mobile shop on a trailer and ended up leaving it out a couple of times and messed up a bunch of tools.  One thing I would suggest is waterproof and lockable tool chest.  There are lots on the market...greenlee makes several different ones, but there are others.  Also in terms of theft prevention consider this...if you have cutting devices, make sure they are locked away...all of them.  If you plan to have an OA cutting torch find some way of keeping it from being used (lock the valves or something), it can be used to cut open your locks or containers.  A local welder I know had a lincoln Sa200+OA outfit stolen because he had thought a big log chain wrapped through it and around a tree would prevent its theft while he had it up for sale in his front yard.  Someone just came by, started the OA torch and cut the chain...and away it went.  That's an extreme case of a brain-lapse, but it's not unusual for your own tools to be used to steal more of your own tools.Smithboy...if it ain't broke, you ain't tryin'.
Reply:Well smithboy I feel sorry for him it's always a big Pi _ s off when someone steals from you..... But ROTFLMAO ..... He didn't think of that? Washman
Reply:i have thought about that. it would only be used around the farm, or in town a couple of times. i usually keep the generator and welder on a moveable skid that only weighs around 200 lbs. so i could move it into the shop when need be or when not in use. thanks for the feedback.
Reply:As stated by others I have lost over 10K in tools and a nearly new bobcat that way. The first day it was ever unhitched from my truck was the last day I saw it.  even with that I would still use another trailer but this time it would have to have a removeable toungeBuilding mudtanks and other oilfield equipment day by grueling day.---------------------------------------------------Victor preformerMillermatic 251Miller Thunderbolt 225Too many grinders and the likeGone but not forgotten Miller Bobcat 250Comming soon Lincoln Ranger 250
Reply:well, take a look at this. this is how we keep our rtv locked up at our farm. tractors at front and back, tiller on one side, steel beam on the other, and we run thick chains with locks through the chassis. we have had a real problem with theft here. two four-wheelers, two trailers, six t.v.'s (3 were flat screen) and a mess load of tools and gadgets have all been stolen this year! lets just say we have been taking security measures a little stricter this year. you see, we go up to our farm about 4 times a week and they know when were there and when were not. they come and go as they please. cops dont do a dang thing about it so now the alabama bureu of investigation is here seeing if the cops are involved. its all a big mess. but its only a litlle $300(maybe) trailer that was given to me by my father when i started my lawn business. theft is no real concern. i will lock it up nice and tight. Attached Images
Reply:I've seen some guys use an enclosed trailer for the same purpose, it looks like it would be real handy, especially if you don't want to tie up a truck with a welding deck on the back.
Reply:334 lawn coI am curious how big of a generator do you have and what is highest amp you can run it at?My father started his weld shop and the largest amount of work came from farmers who could drive equipment right to shop.He also had a 16 horse wisconsin engine set up to stick weld and took this to the fields.I can see where  having a mobile unit complete with everything needed would stop from having to make repeated trips back to shop.Are you going to carry a torch set up?If so you would have to frame up a portion to hold tanks firm.How about a small metal rack and a cut off saw you can run off the generator.If your intention is to have a mobile work unit I would put anything you need.And I surely would enclose a small area to lock tools.I am guessing at some time it could be left outside in weather.Why unload tools or have to pull into shed for security.Make it a total work unit to do anything needed in field.Breakdowns cost money and nightfall comes fast.Good luck and I would like to see a pict when you complete.
Reply:sorry it took so long to get back. i mainly use a small lincoln electric weld pak 3200 hd mig for use on our farm. the generator i use is the 6200(?) from snapper. the largest they offer.if i decide to go ahead with the project, i will post pics all along the  way.
Reply:Here's the link to the one I built http://www.weldingweb.com/vbb/showthread...elding+trailerI never did finish posting all the pics of it.  I need to do that,  i've been thinking about changing my table design though.  I keep it in the shed and I can't get into my toolbox without pulling the trailer out   Might give ya some ideas though.DewayneDixieland WeldingMM350PLincoln 100Some torchesOther misc. tools
Reply:thanks. very nice trailer. mines the same setup, but a little smaller and gloss black paint.Last edited by 334 lawn co.; 01-03-2007 at 03:51 PM.