Basics for mobile welders

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Hello all, bare with me as I am new here. I am looking to start my own mobile welding biz in CA. Besides the basics, what are items needed in a truck?Here is my list, please feel free to add to it.*Welder (Miller Trailblazer 302 Diesel)*Air compressor/airtools*Chopsaw*Sawzall*Levels/squares*Clamps/Vices*Misc handtools/hammers*Oxy/Acel torch set*Plasma toys*Paint/Primer*Fire extinguishers/First aid kitThanks all.
Reply:I would include an assortment of grinders and wire wheels/brushes/ flap wheels as well. A good set of various sized crescent wrenches and pipe wrenches are also very handy for putting metal where you want it, especially on field repairs. I would add a couple of welding blankets and possibly a welding screen in case you end up welding with a lot of spectators near by (I think by law you have to protect others from arc exposure but Im not 100% on that)
Reply:Hey thanks, Im used to working in a shop. Didn't even think about the screens.If I can build it, I won't buy it.
Reply:a few welding blankets. Folks call for mobile welding a lot to fix things close to and on top of other things. Fire extinguishers - one for you truck, one for your welder, one for the jobs. 10 pounders at least. Plenty of cords, 3 ways and grinding wheels, cutting disks and tiger paws.Weldanpower 225 G7Ironworkers Local #24
Reply:For mobile welding, do most prefer elec grinders or air?Would it depend on the job?If I can build it, I won't buy it.
Reply:After you get your tools gatherd insurance is a good idea so that someone don't end up with all of your tools that you just got if something goes wrong!LarryMiller XMT 304 CC/CVSyncrowave 180 SDLincoln PowerMig 255XTTermalDynamics 52Lincoln 305GComlpete machine shop to back it up
Reply:A pressurized WATER extinguisher so you can soak areas down as needed and recharge with your air compressor. Great at home too.
Reply:And a good 1/2" elect drill and a good set of bits. There'll be times you wont cut all the holes w/ a torch/ plasma.                                               MikeOl' Stonebreaker  "Experience is the name everyone gives to their mistakes"Hobart G-213 portableMiller 175 migMiller thunderbolt ac/dc stick Victor O/A setupMakita chop saw
Reply:Unless you need a diesel for jobsite requirements, I might be tempted to save some serious money and get the gas TB instead.  A set of 4 pipe stands and you can make a level workbench no matter the terrain you're working on.  Don't know the type of mobile work you're planning on, but if it's going to be mostly steel, you can save some more money by not getting the plasma right away.  I don't own one at this point, and haven't even really felt the urge to buy one.  An air compressor is nice, but unless you're planning to arc gouge or plasma, you can run air impacts, etc  off of a cheap pancake compressor to start with.  I rarely even carry my pancake with me.  Just saying, all of this takes money and it's wise to cash-flow things that aren't bare bones essentials rather than take on a heavy debt load.  Especially with today's economy.  Now if you're independently wealthy on the other hand, have at it!You were asking about air vs electric grinders.  I use electric, and I haven't met anyone who used air grinders onsite, except die grinders.  Maybe someone who does will chime in.  I also carry an electric impact wrench.  I find air hoses and tools to be a pain to deal with on muddy jobsites, especially when it's cold out.  Electric tools could care less, and the welder's already running.  It's nice to have a different grinder for each type of wheel you usually use, and a bigger grinder for hogging with.  For example, I carry a 9" Milwaukee, and then 4.5" grinders with the following: grinding wheel, cutoff wheel, cup brush, straight brush, and flap wheel.  And an electric 1/4" die grinder, deep-cut porta-bandsaw, 1/2" drill, and an SDS Max hammer drill.Don't forget a metal bucket to toss rod ends and scrap steel into.  Traffic cones, a steel choker cable, a spare non-auto-darkening shield, a 20" box fan, wrap-a-round, layout tools including compass and angle finders, a full set of punches and chisels, caution tape, respirator, leather welding jacket, kneepads, earplugs.  Spare blades, wheels, etc.  Backups of anything breakable.
Reply:Thanks everyone!The gas trailblazer is about half the price of a diesel. Thats good to know its still worthy.Yes, insurance is a must. Dry season in San Diego is sketchy for wild fires.Plasma, just love the thing, don't need one but do want one.And, sorry not wealthy. So the budget thing makes logic!Again, thanks all!If I can build it, I won't buy it.
Reply:If you're not in a hurry and you have some money, watch ebay, CL, local welding repair shops, and local welding shops for a used welder. I am a Blue guy and wanted a TB, but I just accidently found a Lincoln Commander 500 diesel drive on a trailer for $2250.00. It only had 1744 hrs so to me it's like new. I don't think you will find a decent used TB for that price. Just keep searching, the deals are out there. You just have to be ready to drop the cash when you find a sweet one. Oh, and be ready to change colors. The difference between Blue and Red is not really that important!"Where's Stick man????????" - 7A749"SHHHHHH!! I sent him over to snag that MIC-4 while tbone wasn't looking!" - duaneb55"I have bought a few of Tbone's things unlike Stick-Man who helps himself" - TozziWelding"Stick-man"