Whats needed to outfit a welding rig?

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I am looking for small tools needed for outfitting a rig. I know tape measures, squares, hand tools but what are things you use on a regular bases that I haven't mentioned? I'm sure this is stupid but I'm gonna ask any way.
Reply:Hello mater, an answer to your question might include a bit more information on your part, what types or processes are you going to include on your rig? What sort of work are you planning on doing with your rig? General stuff might include: an air compressor, various types and sizes of grinders, cut-off tools, sawsall, porta-band, pipe cutter, pipe stand, lighting systems. You certainly want to include PPE, meaning, safety glasses, welding jacket and other body type protective clothing, face-shield, respirator and various types of filtering cannisters suited to different applications, ear-muffs or ear plugs. Chains, clamps, come-a-longs, various rigging tools:chokers, slings, etc., here again, many of these items may or may not be needed with the type of work that you plan on pursuing. Try to reply back to this thread and include a bit more detail and likely others will respond with more specific suggestions. Best regards, Allanaevald
Reply:Thanks I think im gonna be doing repair and fab work mainly. No pipelines down here!
Reply:The basics for "down there" might be a world of difference than what I would do up here on a daily basis, so if you can be a bit more specific it would sure help!For example.Farm lands versus swamp, mountainous country side versus big city and so forth!Last edited by Ken Dennis; 08-24-2009 at 03:41 PM.#1. If you don't like what I wrote, or if it offends you, then don't read it!#2. I am living life the way I see fit, if you don't like the way I'M living, tough sh**!
Reply:I am planning on rigging a multi purpose truck. To do steel builds, then maybe some repair work on the side. As for as were I live in the its small town country we have farms and gravel pits all around. I want to do pipeline one day but to do it I would have to pack my family up and move north. I live in Louisiana right at the Mississippi line. Sorry if I'm not still specific!
Reply:I guess my question should have been whats on your truck maybe. I could get some ideas and go from there.
Reply:Mater, Your question "Whats needed to outfit a welding rig?" Real simple answer,$$$$$$$ and more $$$$$$$$,  Sorry just couldn't resist.
Reply:what size truck are you talking about
Reply:Originally Posted by 7A749Ok. Without any real specifics, the general necessary tools:First: PPE. Gloves, jacket, eye protection, an ADEQUATELY sized ABC fire extinguisher, a hard hat is a good idea too. Harness with OSHA approved lanyard if working more that 6' off the ground.Portable AC/DC welding machine. Preferrably one that can generate an adequate amount of AC power in addition to weld current.Oxy/Ace torches. 50' or more of hose. Western quick connects are one of the handiest things one can attach to regulators, torch handles & hoses.Angle grinders (QUALITY ones). (With wire wheels, cutoff wheels & grinding wheels.)A couple GOOD quality extension cords & a good quality work light. A ladder is nice to have as well.A general assortment of hand tools (Hammers, chipping hammer, files, tape measure, level, adjustable wrenches, punches, chisels, etc.)A good assortment of C & Vise Grip style clamps.A sturdy vise mounted to your rig.A couple bottle jacks are nice, but not absolutely necessary.You can do just about ANYTHING with what I listed above. Sure, you can buy lots of specialized tools as you decide what kind of work you want to specialize in, but that's about the basics right there.I like to keep my tools in portable plastic tool boxes for ease of use. You do NOT need a ton of stuff to get started. Look at getting the basic things together first. The rest will follow.
Reply:My truck is a muti-purpose repair and fabrication rig.  I carry about 4000 lbs of tools/equipment on the truck, and less than 1000 lbs of that is the welder/generator.   It takes ALOT of tools, & alot of money, to do a little of everything!  I wish my rig could be as simple, light and cheap as a pipe welder's rig and still be able to do everything, but that's not physically possible.  I need a bigger, stronger truck and a few more thousand bucks to be where I want to be, but as they say, Rome wasn't built in a day, so my rig is always slowly evolving and improving, as my finances allow and needs demand.  MM350P/Python/Q300MM175/Q300DialarcHFHTP MIG200PowCon300SMHypertherm380ThermalArc185Purox oaF350CrewCab4x4LoadNGo utilitybedBobcat250XMT304/Optima/SpoolmaticSuitcase12RC/Q300Suitcase8RC/Q400Passport/Q300Smith op
Reply:Thanks I have a 1986 Ford F250 Diesel (couldnt pass it up a hell of a deal). I have 2 years to get everything. I just started school. I plan to get little by little so it want be a huge cost at one time. I am having problems at my current job (FIRE STATION) and I loved welding just didnt do it after school. I was just wanting to make a list and go from there thanks every one for all your help!
Reply:I seen some nice rigs(pics) on this site. You might want to browse around to get a good idea.Dont forget the BBQpit too!THE OLDER I GET! THE  SMARTER MY DAD WAS!Thermal Arc 185 inverter Tig welderABITIG 26  tig torchLotus foot pedalLincoln 225 stick welderClark 185SG Mig spoolgunwelderVictor torch/regulatorsHF36" shear,bender,roller.
Reply:Don't forget a chop saw, and I'd go ahead and spend the extra $$$$ and get a cold cut saw.  With a cold cut - the blades don't bend, they stay pretty true even when cutting angles.  Just my 2 cents.
Reply:Scribes and chalk are about all thats missing
Reply:just a lil input on your question. i put up metal buildings in oklahoma and a few tools needed for that is various angle and straight snips and also a circular saw designed for cutting sheet metal. just remember work smart not hard lol
Reply:I have ran into a few times that a porta power would have come in handy, I am thinking about picking one up just to have it for the next time I could use one!Oh!And a bigger hammer! #1. If you don't like what I wrote, or if it offends you, then don't read it!#2. I am living life the way I see fit, if you don't like the way I'M living, tough sh**!
Reply:I have a F-450 with a 14' Knapheide utility body loaded with 6500 Lbs worth of welder and tools in it and i still don't always have everything i need day to day.  And i don't even do any "repair" welding. Most days im VERY jealous of pipeliners for how little they have to actually carry around with them.you got to know what type of work your getting yourself into day to day.Vantage 500's LN-25's, VI-400's, cobramatics, Miller migs, synch 350 LX, Powcon inverters, XMT's, 250 Ton Acurrpress 12' brake, 1/4" 10' Atlantic shear,Koikie plasma table W/ esab plasmas. marvel & hyd-mech saws, pirrana & metal muncher punches.
Reply:Originally Posted by DesertRider33My truck is a muti-purpose repair and fabrication rig.  I carry about 4000 lbs of tools/equipment on the truck, and less than 1000 lbs of that is the welder/generator.   It takes ALOT of tools, & alot of money, to do a little of everything!  I wish my rig could be as simple, light and cheap as a pipe welder's rig and still be able to do everything, but that's not physically possible.  I need a bigger, stronger truck and a few more thousand bucks to be where I want to be, but as they say, Rome wasn't built in a day, so my rig is always slowly evolving and improving, as my finances allow and needs demand.
Reply:dont forget a plumb bob and an angle finder.  If you get into structrual work and use 7018 rod, dont forget a portable rod oven.
Reply:Originally Posted by 59halfstepYou gotta love that "Load N Go Utility Bed"
Reply:Originally Posted by 59halfstepYou gotta love that "Load N Go Utility Bed"
Reply:Originally Posted by denrepCould somebody please tell the dummy, in which post it is that he can see the Load N Go?
Reply:Originally Posted by 59halfstepThis dummy found it by clicking  on Desert rider's LoadNGo in his equipment list.  I am pretty sure it should get you there.
Reply:I don't think that would work.  Mr Magoo had Waldo not Alfred>Charlie
Reply:Here's my Load'N'Go...These pics are old, I've removed the air compressor and added a couple more JoBox's, more gas cyl's, the drawer is about packed full and now I need more room!  LOL  MM350P/Python/Q300MM175/Q300DialarcHFHTP MIG200PowCon300SMHypertherm380ThermalArc185Purox oaF350CrewCab4x4LoadNGo utilitybedBobcat250XMT304/Optima/SpoolmaticSuitcase12RC/Q300Suitcase8RC/Q400Passport/Q300Smith opVery nice.Thanks for the pics.Your truck must have one serious pack of springs!Good Luck
Reply:Thanks.Springs are aftermarket Daytons, rated 4300 lbs per side for the main leaf packs, which is equal to stock springs on a '97-down F-Superduty (F450).  I don't know what the overload leafs are rated for.MM350P/Python/Q300MM175/Q300DialarcHFHTP MIG200PowCon300SMHypertherm380ThermalArc185Purox oaF350CrewCab4x4LoadNGo utilitybedBobcat250XMT304/Optima/SpoolmaticSuitcase12RC/Q300Suitcase8RC/Q400Passport/Q300Smith op