getting started/side jobs

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ok so....i have been tossing around the idea of advertising in a local classifieds and news paper for a while now, looking for some side jobs. i guess im just kind of looking for advice on if this is a good idea. i dont have a huge amount of fab experience but i have my first year ("C" level) welding ticket and feel competent in my welding skills. so...i have been saving up for and buying a fair amount of tools mostly for personal use, so far i have: millermatic 251 (set up for steel only), cutting torch, metal band saw and a wide assortment of other tools for working on my truck, i have also been looking at getting a tube bender. i have built stuff like a bumper, later modified it to accept a wince some basic tow points for a buddy's truck...that kind of stuff...im just kind of leery of getting in over my head on a job. so yea....im 19 and went back to school for mech engineering after finishing my first year of welding so its not like im looking to open up shop full time but it sure would be nice to put my welding skills to good use and maybe have my tools help pay for themselves, makes it easier to justify a wider array of tools. anyways, thoughts, comments, advice. any of the above would be appreciated.Guy
Reply:Im in the same boat as you, luckily i know alot of people that would give me some of there work. If you know anybody that is a welder ask them if they can send you some there little stuff for you to get started. Once you get a few of those it may just take off.
Reply:My best advice is dont build anything you are not 110 percent comftorable with.I do a ton of work for my buddies, for free.  I finally realized how much money im losing by working for free.  Just do little side jobs here and there, do them well, make them as best as possible to show the quality of work you are capable of.  Word of mouth will be your best friend...
Reply:I dont know were your located but around here the ranchers always looking for someone to build steel fences maybe go talk to your local dairies and places like that its boring work and doesnt pay real well but its jobs you can do in your off time. Advertising is tougher maybe try craigslist and the local thrifty nickel. just to get your name out there.
Reply:I started out with nothing but a oxy/acy torch and a trusty stick welder. I never had a certification when I started. I was honest with folks!! I would tell them what I was capable of, what type of materials I had and what I could work with. Word of mouth is a good start if comfortable with your work, trying craigs list is also a great spot. I have done many jobs off of that sites barter section where I traded my worked for everything from plumbing, drywall, to auto repairs and computer repairs. Advertising is good as well but remember be truthful!!! All its can take to put you out of business is one compliantant that spreds the word.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.