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I have a question. Welding isnt my day job, and im not a certified welder, but I like doing it, and I think im pretty good at it. Ive done a whole lot of free jobs for friends and coworkers, and the like. Well, I think its time I start charging for this service. What is a good rate for weekend welding our of the garage? I was thinking 20 bucks an hour for MIG and maybe 25 for TIG. Advice? Suggestions?Miller Syncrowave 200Hobart Handler 140Thermal Dynamics Cutmaster 38E-Z Tube BenderPlasma Cam DHC2
Reply:hmm not sure I used to have a good circle of people in the "friend" zone who would frequent my house in need of a weld on something. Never charged a dime, but there was never shortage of beer or bbq on someone elses dime at my place. Anyway in northern Va the only thing I have to compare your price to is and old retired aircraft welder who tigs out of his garage and he doesnt do much fabbing or major prep work. He doesnt advertise either just word of mouth most people go to him for aluminum repairs...he gets alot of motorcycle related stuff. Anyway he is damn good and probobly doesnt charge as much as he should and he will do most anything for 75-100 bucks. My point being is at 25 and hour on tig you might be short changing yourself.
Reply:If your work is as good as the Monday - Friday shops, its worth MORE on the weekend.  You need to find Real customers.  "Friends" will always come around.  Customers pay the bills.  Perhaps if you could set a minimum charge, it would help with the zip jobs.  Like the guy that comes in and says "can you tack this for me?"  DavidReal world weldin.  When I grow up I want to be a tig weldor.
Reply:Charge whatever you feel your time is worth........ I wouldn't bother having 2 rates eitherjust stick with one, but like David mentions due a minimum so you don't end up short changing yourself. Nothing worse than backing out of a planned day to weld someting @ an hourly rate.... getting into it, seeing that is going to easier than you thought and your done in a couple hours vs the 4 or 5 you estimated._________________Chris
Reply:Well, here is the deal. I recently moved to a new state, and so I dont know anybody here, so there isnt someone over every other weekend getting something welded up. I figure its time to make a little extra money doing what not very many people can. But I definitely dont want to short change myself. I dont think im going to offer any FAB work at this time, just welding. I just want to get an idea of a reasonable rate, and reasonable minimum charge.Miller Syncrowave 200Hobart Handler 140Thermal Dynamics Cutmaster 38E-Z Tube BenderPlasma Cam DHC2
Reply:Is $20 an hour with a $20 minimum not enough, too much? I have nothing to compare it to. I know I can weld better than some legitimate exhaust shops, Ive seen some nightmares from some of those places, but I dont know what they charge since I would never go to an exhaust shop to get anything done. I dont plan on getting under any cars, or doing extensive fab work. Help me out here guys.Miller Syncrowave 200Hobart Handler 140Thermal Dynamics Cutmaster 38E-Z Tube BenderPlasma Cam DHC2
Reply:Originally Posted by lorenzoCharge whatever you feel your time is worth........ I wouldn't bother having 2 rates eitherjust stick with one, but like David mentions due a minimum so you don't end up short changing yourself. Nothing worse than backing out of a planned day to weld someting @ an hourly rate.... getting into it, seeing that is going to easier than you thought and your done in a couple hours vs the 4 or 5 you estimated.
Reply:I don't see how you can make any money charging $20-$25 per hour. Time, welders, electricity, consumables, cleaners and gas all cost money. Although I am new here, this type of work is what pays my bills. If you're in your garage, $40 per hour. With overhead, $65. Then again, cost of living is a huge factor as well. My 2c
Reply:$35 an hour is what I think I will eventually charge, but I think I want to do a lower rate for a couple of months so get my name out there. Like I said before, welding isnt my day job, just my passion. A lot of the little jobs I did before for free took 10 minutes of prep, and all of 5 to 10 minutes of actual welding. I dont plan fabbing up cargo trailers or bending up off road bumpers at this time, but fixing a step on an RV, or the fender on the occasional trailer aint so bad. Not to mention, I want to have more pictures to post on this website.Miller Syncrowave 200Hobart Handler 140Thermal Dynamics Cutmaster 38E-Z Tube BenderPlasma Cam DHC2
Reply:I am posting a poll and questions about  what everybody charges.  SEE new post.DavidReal world weldin.  When I grow up I want to be a tig weldor.
Reply:Don't charge to low of price to start as you will find it very hard to increase your hourly price only after a monthor two. Set your price and stick to it for at least a year. then decide where you want to be.Miller DVI2Lincoln Precision Tig 225Thermodynamics Cutmaster 38Everything else needed.