What kind of welding projects sell?

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I was wondering if anyone would like to share welding or blacksmithing projects that sell pretty well. Maybe even books or videos demonstrating projects that have sold well. Thank you.Last edited by Need Advice; 1 Day Ago at 01:37 AM.Lincoln Pro MIG 180Chicago electric 225 ArcHarris oxy fuelEveryone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved. Romans 10:13
Reply:Most people like custom cut out and holiday decor. I sell a lot of these during Nov and Dec. Custom name tree ornaments too. I was trying to get into some town green Holiday festival sale stuff but since COVID hit, all that was pulled back. I see a couple now.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:I’ve tried selling little things but you can’t pay your expenses most of the time. If you enjoy it or just want practice you should do that as hobby/side work. Once you have a welder and learned enough, look for projects like porch handrails that you can charge enough to make some money. From your posts, it seems you are a long way from offering welding services for pay. Friends and family will give you some good practice work but they usually won’t pay a lot. In a couple of years, find a designer and offer your services. If you have good ideas and skills they can keep you busy. I have 3 designers that would keep me busy full-time if I wanted it. And I make pretty good money on this. I try to only have 1 project at a time because I do not want 3-4 people telling me to hurry up. For that work, you need to be neat, respectful, competent, and add value to the project. They won’t bring you to a client’s home otherwise. You need to be able to front the money for materials and subs and be able to deliver and install. I often have much more than $1000 tied up in stock and services. Also, tools, space, materials, and consumables require a significant investment. So don’t quit your day job. I think it would be nearly impossible to make a good full-time living as a 1 man shop unless you are doing structural, commercial, or specialized welding. People want custom designer items at IKEA or Walmart prices. I’m retired so my work is for added income and something interesting to do. I’m not depending on it to provide for my family.Last edited by wb4rt; 19 Hours Ago at 08:46 AM.Burt _____________________Miller Syncrowave 250Millermatic 211Miller 375 Plasma Cutter Hobart Handler 12010FtDrillBit.com
Reply:I find there are 2 types of welding projects I have sold, tools and art type(wall hangers and plaques).  One problem now is the cost of shipping has gone up.  Some of these things I built with the hope of selling other I have been contacted to do the project.  Some things are small dollar and others are much more, smaller projects can be used as fillers of your time between larger ones.  If you had a CNC table you can expand your project base.  There is a site called PlasmaSpider.com guys there sell a full range of projects, from fire pits to wall hangers, trinkets, to commercial signs.  I have used my CNC table for plasma cutting and routed wood sign, and plaques, I'm retired and just do things to support other projects.




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Reply:

Originally Posted by TJS

Most people like custom cut out and holiday decor. I sell a lot of these during Nov and Dec. Custom name tree ornaments too. I was trying to get into some town green Holiday festival sale stuff but since COVID hit, all that was pulled back. I see a couple now.
Reply:

Originally Posted by wb4rt

I’ve tried selling little things but you can’t pay your expenses most of the time. If you enjoy it or just want practice you should do that as hobby/side work. Once you have a welder and learned enough, look for projects like porch handrails that you can charge enough to make some money. From your posts, it seems you are a long way from offering welding services for pay. Friends and family will give you some good practice work but they usually won’t pay a lot. In a couple of years, find a designer and offer your services. If you have good ideas and skills they can keep you busy. I have 3 designers that would keep me busy full-time if I wanted it. And I make pretty good money on this. I try to only have 1 project at a time because I do not want 3-4 people telling me to hurry up. For that work, you need to be neat, respectful, competent, and add value to the project. They won’t bring you to a client’s home otherwise. You need to be able to front the money for materials and subs and be able to deliver and install. I often have much more than $1000 tied up in stock and services. Also, tools, space, materials, and consumables require a significant investment. So don’t quit your day job. I think it would be nearly impossible to make a good full-time living as a 1 man shop unless you are doing structural, commercial, or specialized welding. People want custom designer items at IKEA or Walmart prices. I’m retired so my work is for added income and something interesting to do. I’m not depending on it to provide for my family.
Reply:

Originally Posted by acourtjester

I find there are 2 types of welding projects I have sold, tools and art type(wall hangers and plaques).  One problem now is the cost of shipping has gone up.  Some of these things I built with the hope of selling other I have been contacted to do the project.  Some things are small dollar and others are much more, smaller projects can be used as fillers of your time between larger ones.  If you had a CNC table you can expand your project base.  There is a site called PlasmaSpider.com guys there sell a full range of projects, from fire pits to wall hangers, trinkets, to commercial signs.  I have used my CNC table for plasma cutting and routed wood sign, and plaques, I'm retired and just do things to support other projects.



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Originally Posted by Need Advice

Thanks. I don't plan on offering welding services, if i did i would go to welding school first. My welding is ok but not professional. I just want to make things and try to sell them.
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Originally Posted by N2 Welding

Get good at making pretty bead profiles and spot welds.  The better the items look the more likely you will get repeat customers or free word of mouth advertising for new customers.  Get familiar with all the places to market your products.  Etsy, OfferUp, eBay, CraigsList, Facebook etc etc.  always charge more on places like eBay or Etsy to cover the cost to sell there.
Reply:Check out the "Sticky" thread for ideas.I do a few art/craft shows. This year in my area covid is still an issue,so not many going on. I found most priced from $15.00 to $50.00 sell the best. One show I'll sell all my silverware dragonflies or birds. The next show, didn't sell one. Everyone has different tastes and sees things differently. I started making saw blade owls this year. I sold all three my first show and had one buyer call me for two more. I made three more and sold two last show. I sold the first ones for $40 made with 7 and 1/4 saw blades. The next ones I raised price to $60 made with 10" blades. That take with spike head sell well too. I welded a 3/8" rod coupling on the inside. This allows a 3/8" rod to be screwed in and you can stick in ground. I provide a 3/8" Al thread rod too.Like this USA sign, I provide a base, a rod for in ground, or you can hang on wall.Various wine holders sell well for me too.

Whatever you make, look at multiple uses for it.

I do well with my wine holders too. It depends on where you sell too. My horseshoe art is popular in the Equine area. If you are considering art/craft shows as a vendor, many NOw are requiring proof of insurance. It was never mentioned at any of my shows until this year. Just mentioned as a heads up.

Sorry about photos.
Reply:

Originally Posted by BD1

Check out the "Sticky" thread for ideas.I do a few art/craft shows. This year in my area covid is still an issue,so not many going on. I found most priced from $15.00 to $50.00 sell the best. One show I'll sell all my silverware dragonflies or birds. The next show, didn't sell one. Everyone has different tastes and sees things differently. I started making saw blade owls this year. I sold all three my first show and had one buyer call me for two more. I made three more and sold two last show. I sold the first ones for $40 made with 7 and 1/4 saw blades. The next ones I raised price to $60 made with 10" blades. That take with spike head sell well too. I welded a 3/8" rod coupling on the inside. This allows a 3/8" rod to be screwed in and you can stick in ground. I provide a 3/8" Al thread rod too.Like this USA sign, I provide a base, a rod for in ground, or you can hang on wall.Various wine holders sell well for me too.Whatever you make, look at multiple uses for it. I do well with my wine holders too. It depends on where you sell too. My horseshoe art is popular in the Equine area. If you are considering art/craft shows as a vendor, many NOw are requiring proof of insurance. It was never mentioned at any of my shows until this year. Just mentioned as a heads up. Sorry about photos.
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Originally Posted by Need Advice

Thanks. I put the wine bottle holder on my list. I like all your stuff. I plan on making various candle holders.
Reply:Since no one else will say it, you have been given all the advice you need. Get off the computer and start making items or practicing your welds.You have started a dozen threads on multiple topics. One thing you have not done is give your budget or time restrictions.A common theme is that you can't afford the suggestions given or don't want to spend the money required. I started with a Miller mig welder, Dewalt 4.5 inch grinder and Dewalt 14 dry cut saw. That was sufficient for many years as I improved my technique and artistic style. Sent from my SM-G996U using TapatalkMillermatic 252 MIGMiller Dynasty 200DX TIGMiller Spectrum 625 PlasmaAltas 12x36 Metal LatheBridgeport Milling Machinewww.psacustomcreations.com
Reply:Pat of PSAcustomcreations, is right Need Advice. We've shared enough for you to start fabrication. It's time to do something, even if it's wrong.I can have an idea on what and how to build it, and then change my mind as I build. The first one of anything will take longer. IF you plan on making multiples of the same item, make up a jig if it helps. My wine balancer guy takes about 20 minutes using jigs that I made. OK, let's see something before we do a member ban......  

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Reply:   But, before you go and get started, take time to hear what the villageblacksmith has to say. You are wanting ideas for things that "sell really well". In all reality, anything you wish to make will sell really well. It is all a matter of buying $800 worth of gear, $100 worth of steel, spending all your free time carefully and lovingly crafting your "gizmos", painstakingly polishing them, meticulously marketing them, and then, pricing them out at $1.99 each. They should "sell really well"!!  And quickly!! I can almost guarantee it. But should sales lag, put up big flyers offering your items at a 25% discount.
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Originally Posted by villageblacksmith

So there you have it! The secrets of the old masters!   But if you are wanting to know how to make money at your venture, you should start another thread with a different title.  One other thing - a customer of mine, who has been very successful at the selling things quickly thing at festivals, fairs, and similar events, told me that they soon saw that it wasn't the crafters making the money at the fairs. It was the people with food items. Guess what - he doesn't sell craft items. Sent from my E6810 using http://tiny.cc/Forums_reader
Reply:   I sure don't know why my message posted like that as if I was quoting myself. Sent from my E6810 using http://tiny.cc/Forums_reader
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Originally Posted by psacustomcreations

Since no one else will say it, you have been given all the advice you need. Get off the computer and start making items or practicing your welds.You have started a dozen threads on multiple topics. One thing you have not done is give your budget or time restrictions.A common theme is that you can't afford the suggestions given or don't want to spend the money required. I started with a Miller mig welder, Dewalt 4.5 inch grinder and Dewalt 14 dry cut saw. That was sufficient for many years as I improved my technique and artistic style. Sent from my SM-G996U using Tapatalk
Reply:I'm in the process of building one of these.  I'm sure you could sell a couple of these if you got good enough with your mock up, Layout, Cutting, fit up and welding skills.


Lincoln, ESAB, Thermal Dynamics, Victor, Miller, Dewalt, Makita, Kalamzoo.  Hand tools, power tools, welding and cutting tools.
Reply:Just my opinion FWIW, make or do something that you enjoy or else you will come to hate doing the work.Miller 350 DynastyMiller TrailblazerMiller 625 Plasma Lincoln Power MIGVictor oxy/acetyleneHyperthem 85
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Originally Posted by psacustomcreations

Since no one else will say it, you have been given all the advice you need. Get off the computer and start making items or practicing your welds.You have started a dozen threads on multiple topics. One thing you have not done is give your budget or time restrictions.A common theme is that you can't afford the suggestions given or don't want to spend the money required. I started with a Miller mig welder, Dewalt 4.5 inch grinder and Dewalt 14 dry cut saw. That was sufficient for many years as I improved my technique and artistic style. Sent from my SM-G996U using Tapatalk
Reply:Im pretty much out of thread ideas anyway. I have no more questions. Thanks for your help folks.Lincoln Pro MIG 180Chicago electric 225 ArcHarris oxy fuelEveryone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved. Romans 10:13
Reply:I look at furniture and trailers If live in farming it harder to things build most farmers does welding too. Dave

Originally Posted by Need Advice

I was wondering if anyone would like to share welding or blacksmithing projects that sell pretty well. Maybe even books or videos demonstrating projects that have sold well. Thank you.
Reply:

Originally Posted by N2 Welding

I'm in the process of building one of these.  I'm sure you could sell a couple of these if you got good enough with your mock up, Layout, Cutting, fit up and welding skills.



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Originally Posted by smithdoor

I look at furniture and trailers If live in farming it harder to things build most farmers does welding too. DaveIt is a suitcase weight bracket for the early John Deere hydrostatic garden tractors from models 120 through 332Being able to build things like this is fun for me and the primary reason I came back to pick up where I left off in my high school years of learning to fabricate and weld.Last edited by N2 Welding; 8 Hours Ago at 07:36 PM.Lincoln, ESAB, Thermal Dynamics, Victor, Miller, Dewalt, Makita, Kalamzoo.  Hand tools, power tools, welding and cutting tools.
Reply:Im not exactly a beginner welder. I learned how to weld years ago from YT videos posted by welders. I just dont consider myself a professional and im not because there is much to welding that i dont know. My welds dont look bad, i suppose my only problem is when i stop a weld its hard to blend it when i begin again, it has an overlapped look instead of one continuous weld, but im not sure if that's avoidable or not. I started out with a grinder as well, but now i want something better. I dont need to use a noisy grinder when i can use a bandsaw instead. I'll save the grinder for when its necessary.Lincoln Pro MIG 180Chicago electric 225 ArcHarris oxy fuelEveryone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved. Romans 10:13
Reply:I made gym equipment for years. I sold to schools, home gyms, professional gyms. I would go to CrossFit Events and take sleds and stuff to sell. The gym would put my name on fliers as a sponsor, if I gave equipment to the winning team. I did this for years. I really don't recommended it. As  my LWS said "You can not beat china, or a robot". The price of gym equipment is low compared to the cost of steel. If you go this route skip making squat racks, too much time and too little money. Make custom stuff for gyms. I made my best money on storage racks, the little gyms have storage issues.Lastly it did pan out, I became friends with the steel supplier and now I subcontract for them. I'm making good money, but small production jobs are boring. I just made 2,500 finished pieces it looked like an 18" letter E. I'm a retired teacher so its money to purchase car parts with. As said by others act professional, and polite. It takes time.
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Originally Posted by Reebz

I made gym equipment for years. I sold to schools, home gyms, professional gyms. I would go to CrossFit Events and take sleds and stuff to sell. The gym would put my name on fliers as a sponsor, if I gave equipment to the winning team. I did this for years. I really don't recommended it. As  my LWS said "You can not beat china, or a robot". The price of gym equipment is low compared to the cost of steel. If you go this route skip making squat racks, too much time and too little money. Make custom stuff for gyms. I made my best money on storage racks, the little gyms have storage issues.Lastly it did pan out, I became friends with the steel supplier and now I subcontract for them. I'm making good money, but small production jobs are boring. I just made 2,500 finished pieces it looked like an 18" letter E. I'm a retired teacher so its money to purchase car parts with. As said by others act professional, and polite. It takes time.
Reply:These were cut out using a plasma cutter by hand.  Oxy axe can get same results but the learning curve requires more time and patients IMO.  It took me a lot longer to mark out and cut these pieces clampes onto the edge of a portable plastic dewalt construction table :/



Last edited by N2 Welding; 3 Hours Ago at 11:59 PM.Lincoln, ESAB, Thermal Dynamics, Victor, Miller, Dewalt, Makita, Kalamzoo.  Hand tools, power tools, welding and cutting tools.
Reply:Ornament iron is good too. The biggest problem is selling small items, you have sell a lot of small ornament iron. Most time I seen items is at flea markets. But is fun work and get you started with a low budget. Dave

Originally Posted by Need Advice

Thanks. I'm more into crafts or maybe i should say ornamental work, i think.. They are usually small and people love them. Things like candle holders and such.
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Originally Posted by smithdoor

Ornament iron is good too. The biggest problem is selling small items, you have sell a lot of small ornament iron. Most time I seen items is at flea markets. But is fun work and get you started with a low budget. Dave
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Originally Posted by N2 Welding

These were cut out using a plasma cutter by hand.  Oxy axe can get same results but the learning curve requires more time and patients IMO.  It took me a lot longer to mark out and cut these pieces on a plastic dewalt portable table :/
Reply:

Originally Posted by N2 Welding

I'm in the process of building one of these.  I'm sure you could sell a couple of these if you got good enough with your mock up, Layout, Cutting, fit up and welding skills.Attachment 1731652Attachment 1731653
Reply:Those are the side pieces from the drawing I shared earlier to the weight bracket.  I don't recommend using the dewalt portable table for welding projects but i did because my welding table is a big cluster fk of things piled on it atm.Lincoln, ESAB, Thermal Dynamics, Victor, Miller, Dewalt, Makita, Kalamzoo.  Hand tools, power tools, welding and cutting tools.
Reply:When started  there was no plasma. Oxygen cutting cost more for setup than plasma. Dave

Originally Posted by N2 Welding

These were cut out using a plasma cutter by hand.  Oxy axe can get same results but the learning curve requires more time and patients IMO.  It took me a lot longer to mark out and cut these pieces clampes onto the edge of a portable plastic dewalt construction table :/




Reply:I think maybe rocket stoves for camping might sell good. Its worth a try.Lincoln Pro MIG 180Chicago electric 225 ArcHarris oxy fuelEveryone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved. Romans 10:13