If you had $400 to spend for all of your tools.

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Assuming you already have proper apparel for welding and a mask/welder and basic mechanics tool set.. What essentials to get you started into the trade would you buy?  ...talk about an open ended question. Specific models are ok, or just general items like :grinder, saw, clamps. etc. etc.-Grady
Reply:Grinder with a grinding wheel, grinder with a wire cup, clamps, clamps, clamps."The things that will destroy America are prosperity at any price, peace at any price, safety first instead of duty first, the love of soft living and the get rich quick theory of life." -Theodore Roosevelt
Reply:Good 4-1/2" grinder: $75. Sawzall and blades $150. Hammer, prybar: $50. Clamps: $50. Level:$10. Drill: $70. Total: $400!!That's the best I could do for you, considering I chose decent power tools. A 3/8-1/2" Dewalt drill will go for about $70 for the base model. Any good grinder is right about there. A $100-120 sawzall and some blades. I figured cheap on a hammer and prybar, as well as the level. It's a start.And then, after so much work...... you have it in your hand, and you look over to your side...... and the runner has run off. Leaving you holding the prize, wondering when the runner will return.
Reply:got my portaband for 75, half inch hammerdrill for 45, 7 amp 4 1/2 inch grinder for 60 (all milwaukee) and the rest on clamps. watch pawnshops and clDynasty 200DXPassport plus w/ spoolmate 100victor 315c oxy/(act and prop)Miller digital elitemilwaukee power tools
Reply:I'd buy a really nice chair....Then sit down and cry.My name's not Jim....
Reply:Originally Posted by BoostinjdmI'd buy a really nice chair....Then sit down and cry.
Reply:HF cheapo metal cutting band saw ($150-175), clamps, 4.5" grinder, a large vice, and any other CL goodies i could scoop up for cheap.
Reply:Originally Posted by BoostinjdmI'd buy a really nice chair....Then sit down and cry.
Reply:Originally Posted by RojodiabloGood 4-1/2" grinder: $75. Sawzall and blades $150. Hammer, prybar: $50. Clamps: $50. Level:$10. Drill: $70. Total: $400!!..................
Reply:Originally Posted by CrawfordAssuming you already have proper apparel for welding and a mask/welder and basic mechanics tool set.. What essentials to get you started into the trade would you buy?  ...talk about an open ended question. Specific models are ok, or just general items like :grinder, saw, clamps. etc. etc.-Grady
Reply:What they said... plusFraming square, speed square, combination square. A few cheap welding magnets might come in handy. And if you're like me...a cheater lens for your hood...no matter what it costs.AlA man is judged by what's between his legs...always ride a good horseMiller DialArc HFLincoln Classic 300DThermal Arc 181iPowermax 45Scotchman Ironworker(2) BridgeportsOkomota Surface GrinderAutoCAD 2010
Reply:As everyone else has said, a good  grinder or 2.A saw of some sort, sawzall, abrasive chop saw, porta band...Hammer, prybar, clamps...$400 will not go far at all. CL, auctions, the used tool store, garage sales, pawn shops... are all good places to keep an eye out for tools. I usually like to try and keep $200-400 in cash on hand for deals that pop up that I can use, and start looking early for specific items that I know I need for upcoming work. The most expensive way to get tools is to have to buy them NOW! If you can afford to wait and keep an eye open for deals, you can stretch that money a long ways..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:Lots of good answers here, but it will depend on what you are working on. Fab? Pipe? Jack of all welding? My personal welding toolbox for only welding pipe consists of Grinder, tig cups, mirror, flashlight, 5 different files, wedges, vise grips. Maybe I am missing a couple little things here but you get the picture. If I am working from a truck and doing more than only welding, then many of the tools listed above are in order.UA Local 598
Reply:As mentioned, $400 isn't going to go far.I'd hate to think what it would cost me today to replace "all my tools" that I absolutely need and use on a regular basis.Heck.  $400 wouldn't even come close to buying clamps alone.Buy the basics first and then add tools as needed for a particular job.  Just don't look back at what your tools cost you.  The figure may scare you.Syncro 250 DX Dynasty 200 DXMM 251 w/30A SG XMT 304 w/714 Feeder & Optima PulserHH187Dialarc 250 AC/DCHypertherm PM 1250Smith, Harris, Victor O/ASmith and Thermco Gas MixersAccess to a full fab shop with CNC Plasma, Water Jet, etc.
Reply:Sundown, I'd rather prefer I don't EVER really delve into what I spend on tools.I'd spend $.42 and put the hollowpoint straight up through my chin and out the top if I ever had to replace my stuff!And then, after so much work...... you have it in your hand, and you look over to your side...... and the runner has run off. Leaving you holding the prize, wondering when the runner will return.
Reply:U don't buy all your tools in one day, it has taken me 40 years to accumulate a garage full.  Buy used, in GOOD shape from some old fool like me who has them laying around if you can. I suggest you not buy beaten up junk needing repairs. Quality counts, Makita is good and will last you a long time.I have that chair out in the shop, I paid $10 for it but for you Boostin since UR a good guy? ok, $400 and it's a deal.Last edited by PapaLion; 03-26-2010 at 11:54 AM.Lincoln Power MIG 215Lincoln WeldPak 3200HDLincon ProCut 25Lincoln WeldanPower 225 AC/DCIf all else fails... buy more tools
Reply:The amusing part is, CL has decently cheap tools and milwaukee sawzall's for 50-100 bucks, but by the time i drive up & try them, it's cheaper to buy a new one... I know $400 won't go a long way, hell it won't even go a short distance, but it's a start to get me into the ability to do a simple repair on something, or home practice. until i can find a better job and spend more $ on tools.Whuges- a little bit of everything, fab, pipe, plate, angle, repairs. looking at a lot of different projects but i think pipe will come plast.
Reply:I am like Papalion, I have accumulated tool over many years. I bought them as I need them.One "Trick" I have learned is that when people find out you weld you will be asked to fix everything in the world, for free. I have turned that often request into a profit on many occasions. "I could weld that for you but I do not have the proper clamp to hold it." "If you buy me the clamp, I will do the weld for free." It works for small tools and clamps. If you tell them you want $20 for the weld they will be offended but they will buy a $40 tool to make it possible to get the repair without realizing they are paying for the job. AND, they will go get it for you while you prep the project.Other than that just put the cash in your wallet and buy what you need when you need it.Craigslist is your friend, unless you are in Dallas, then Never buy anything off of Craigslist, I want my odds to increase.
Reply:Originally Posted by Bob WarnerI am like Papalion, I have accumulated tool over many years. I bought them as I need them.One "Trick" I have learned is that when people find out you weld you will be asked to fix everything in the world, for free. I have turned that often request into a profit on many occasions. "I could weld that for you but I do not have the proper clamp to hold it." "If you buy me the clamp, I will do the weld for free." It works for small tools and clamps. If you tell them you want $20 for the weld they will be offended but they will buy a $40 tool to make it possible to get the repair without realizing they are paying for the job. AND, they will go get it for you while you prep the project.Other than that just put the cash in your wallet and buy what you need when you need it.Craigslist is your friend, unless you are in Dallas, then Never buy anything off of Craigslist, I want my odds to increase.
Reply:Originally Posted by Bob WarnerI am like Papalion, I have accumulated tool over many years. I bought them as I need them.One "Trick" I have learned is that when people find out you weld you will be asked to fix everything in the world, for free. I have turned that often request into a profit on many occasions. "I could weld that for you but I do not have the proper clamp to hold it." "If you buy me the clamp, I will do the weld for free." It works for small tools and clamps. If you tell them you want $20 for the weld they will be offended but they will buy a $40 tool to make it possible to get the repair without realizing they are paying for the job. AND, they will go get it for you while you prep the project.Other than that just put the cash in your wallet and buy what you need when you need it.Craigslist is your friend, unless you are in Dallas, then Never buy anything off of Craigslist, I want my odds to increase.
Reply:Work for tools is pretty common.  I've got my fair share that way.  Just the other day I got a genny to run my maxstar by trading some work for it.Papa,  I've already got the chair covered.  It ain't pretty, it ain't really comfy, but it is heavy duty and free.My name's not Jim....
Reply:gunna run out to fastenal and take a look at some tools n such today, may purchase may not we'll see.theres a makita 2414nb for 50 bucks on craigslist, just not sure I want it.... doesn't seem to get very good reviews and like your saying, buy once & buy quality so... hmm...Last edited by Crawford; 03-26-2010 at 01:22 PM.
Reply:Old saying in the trades (not just welding).When starting out, you're working for your tools.Over time, your tools start working for you.Sometimes a tool pays for itself the first time you use it.  More often than not, it takes a little longer to get a "return on investment".  Few people are ever sorry they bought "quality tools".Syncro 250 DX Dynasty 200 DXMM 251 w/30A SG XMT 304 w/714 Feeder & Optima PulserHH187Dialarc 250 AC/DCHypertherm PM 1250Smith, Harris, Victor O/ASmith and Thermco Gas MixersAccess to a full fab shop with CNC Plasma, Water Jet, etc.
Reply:$400 for "all" your toolssurely you jestI have to agree with a few others here that $400 wouldn't get you much. Unless your one of those that runs off to the closest Harbor Freight and hopes that those tools will last through a couple of well paying jobs so you can afford some decent tools.Co-Own CNC shop:Miller :1251 plasma cutter, MaxStar 700 TIG/Stick, & XMT 456 Multiprocess Welder.&  2 Hypertherm HPR260's Plasma CutterSorry I had a bad stroke but now I am back.
Reply:You mention in your original post "started into the trade".  Made me think of my good friends that are union electricians.  When they started out they were given a "tool list".  That's what they had to buy to get started.  I would think a union that deals with welding would provide the same.If you're just doing it on your own...you'll figure out pretty quick what tools you need to complete a job or project.I just weld for fun as a hobby.  I seem to be able to come up with some humdinger projects that, so far, always seem to need that one more tool that I don't yet have.  For me welding is a money pit...I have no R.O.I. other than time in the garage away from my day job, away from the sometimes nagging wife, away from the somtimes crazy kids....OK I take it back, I have a huge R.O.I.I would save the $400 and buy whatever tool I needed to complete the next paying job.
Reply:I would save the $400 and have your first client buy you a tool. Often times your first clients are friends and family and might feel offended if you charge them money, but would gladly buy you a tool to do the job. I've gotten several nice tools that way. More than $400 worth.
Reply:Originally Posted by specter$400 for "all" your toolssurely you jestI have to agree with a few others here that $400 wouldn't get you much. Unless your one of those that runs off to the closest Harbor Freight and hopes that those tools will last through a couple of well paying jobs so you can afford some decent tools.
Reply:In addition to what other have listed I would get a good calculator. It seems that I don't go a day without having to add to number of people who can kiss my a$$.Tough as nails and damn near as smart
Reply:Originally Posted by tresiIn addition to what other have listed I would get a good calculator. It seems that I don't go a day without having to add to number of people who can kiss my a$$.
Reply:got that covered  good suggestion though.
Reply:one wp17v fixed torch head with valve, one wp17f flex head without valve, one handle,10 1/8 inch by 7 inch thoriated tungstens, 9 collet bodies(3x 1/16,4x 3/32,2x 1/8), 15 collets(5 each-1/16, 3/32, 1/8), 6 cups, one heat shield, one 25 foot hose, one power adapter, one short back cap, and one long back cap. see pics all of that would be $165 shipped to you Attached ImagesDynasty 200DXPassport plus w/ spoolmate 100victor 315c oxy/(act and prop)Miller digital elitemilwaukee power tools
Reply:Yea, I started with just all the basics. (a trip to sears, actually)Then bought what I needed afterward.Pretty glad I went with sears, because a guy was using a cresent wrench of mine friday and broke the head of it right off.He's going to go trade it in this weekend, haha.If it was a HF or some really cheap kind, I would have been pretty upset.But now I don't care, because I'll get a new one :]Some stuff I did buy from HF, however.Bought levels from there (cheap ones were better in my mind, because sometimes I have to keep them on parts as they're getting welded... so spatter ends up on them....), Some prybars, hammers/sledges... and grinding wheels.I used to get gloves there, but now I have a job that supplies them, so no need for that.
Reply:I'd grab the 2414NB Makita on Craigslist instantly. We use one to cut 2" carbon and stainless pipe coupons and even welding students haven't hurt it (other than dropping a plate on the cord!). In three years it only needed one set of brushes.As for what I'd buy with 400 bucks, the first thing is a Metabo 150 6-inch angle grinder for a couple of bills. Not the bigger ones, not the weaker 4" variety.  After that, "as required by job".
Reply:I would cry too
Reply:Don't forget the chop saw, and clamp on lead lights.CWI, CWE, CST for Miller, Lincoln, Thermadyne, Hypertherm & ESABMillermatic 350PLincoln Invertec 205 AC/DCVictor combo torchESAB PCM 1125
Reply:Originally Posted by farmallI'd grab the 2414NB Makita on Craigslist instantly. We use one to cut 2" carbon and stainless pipe coupons and even welding students haven't hurt it (other than dropping a plate on the cord!). In three years it only needed one set of brushes.As for what I'd buy with 400 bucks, the first thing is a Metabo 150 6-inch angle grinder for a couple of bills. Not the bigger ones, not the weaker 4" variety.  After that, "as required by job".
Reply:Originally Posted by Bob WarnerI am like Papalion, I have accumulated tool over many years. I bought them as I need them.One "Trick" I have learned is that when people find out you weld you will be asked to fix everything in the world, for free. I have turned that often request into a profit on many occasions. "I could weld that for you but I do not have the proper clamp to hold it." "If you buy me the clamp, I will do the weld for free." It works for small tools and clamps. If you tell them you want $20 for the weld they will be offended but they will buy a $40 tool to make it possible to get the repair without realizing they are paying for the job. AND, they will go get it for you while you prep the project.Other than that just put the cash in your wallet and buy what you need when you need it.Craigslist is your friend, unless you are in Dallas, then Never buy anything off of Craigslist, I want my odds to increase.
Reply:Originally Posted by Bob WarnerCraigslist is your friend, unless you are in Dallas, then Never buy anything off of Craigslist, I want my odds to increase.
Reply:how about a good cordless set or just have some steel delivered Attached Images
Reply:Ahhh, $400 would make a good start toward a welder.
Reply:Probably stating the obvious...but save a few bucks aside for consumables.  It sucks to be in the middle of a job and run out.Miller Dynasty 200DXMillermatic 210 w/ Spoolmate 3035Hypertherm Powermax 380JD Squared Model 32Multiple fabrication tools & equipmentFull Powder Coating Setup
Reply:400$ ? i don't think that would fill up my welders and trucks ......I'm sorry  I personally if i had it to do all over again i would do it the same way as i did it the last time , one tool at a time . Every job that pays money something always gets bought, I have way to much but never have enough it seems, probably ten 4 1/2'' grinders 3 or 4 , 7'' grinders and a couple of IR 9'' air grinders, my time is money and switchin between wheels gets annoying so i always have them set up with something different it seems, Start out with what you definitely need and move on from there i purchase quality Starret,Snap-on,AMERICAN,AMERICAN,AMERICAN as much as i can Vice-grip brand only, i just purchased a model 760 BURR KING belt sander new with a broken base plate from a lost cargo unclaimed freight place for 91$ it cost me a piece of 1/2'' plate 12x8'' to fix its 2000$ to buy it new from the internet. Keep your eyes out for deals don't try to buy everything at once and always keep a budget. Snap-on is expensive there credit is dumb but they do a deal with 1000$ financed no interest, i have never paid interest on anything, Craigslist can be your friend my big tig welder came from there i paid 100 bucks, first job it paid for itself its old its ugly it dont pulse but it gets the job done and is making money now. good luck and god speedI forgot how to change this.
Reply:just got my tools list for school last week. this is a MINIMUM list for my course...tool box 21" or moreawl3/4" flat chiseltip cleanerball peen hammerchipping hammersoapstone holder w' stonesslip joint plierscenter punchstrikercombo square10R vice grips(x2 minimum)11R vise clamps (x2 minimum)wire brush10" crescent wrench (x2)tape measure14" half round bastard file w' handlehack saw and bladesside cutters or mig pliersnote this list doesnt include any kind of protection or clothing.i'll be spending more on books for the course, as for the tools on this list...i can buy it all at school for $290  or on my own. Ive been shopping around, and i can save almost $100 by doing it all myself...
Reply:hack saw, lol save your money and buy a portaband....I forgot how to change this.
Reply:Don't believe anybody mentioned a Oxy/Ace setup. That would be what I purchased immediately after the welder. Can't do much without one (at least I can't). And if I had to spend $400< i would check on CL for a good used Victor setup, and hopefully have enough cash to buy a pair of private cylinders too. I see Victor outfits real often for very reasonable prices.
Reply:Dont think anybody said it yet....But all those tools are usless unless you have a Fab table to use them on....Good Luck!