Starting a Rig

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OK so... I know that I do not have the 1 ton or higher truck. What I do have is a payed for '07 Chevy Silverado V6 5 speed work truck model. To put all the tools needed in my truck will not happen. I've read here and there and seen a trailer might be a better route for me at this time, no problem I understand.My question/s:What tools aside the welder and leads did most of you folks get or use the most on a rig? Lets keep in mind the work I would be trying to get are gate repairs and such for now. It is also possible that my boss will pay a lil more to use my truck and welder (still need to confirm that). Anyhow tools, did you buy one here and there until you had enough to do some basic jobs? I've been tossing this idea in my head for over three years now. One more question, type of welder you started out with? I have been eye balling the Lincoln Ranger or the Miller TB. I can weld all processes SMAW,TIG,& MIG. So I'd like to get a machine that can do all.Some insight on this would be very helpful.Melt-n-Metal
Reply:I have the TB, the GTX 250 is a POS IMO, mainly leads and a milwaukee circular saw and basic other items, grinders etc, and the wire feeder and the bottle of gas, most the time i dont even use a torch anymore.I forgot how to change this.
Reply:I'd strongly suggest you think twice before using your personal vehicle for work. Chances are you'll put more wear and tear on it than you will get back in added pay. Same goes with personal tools. On average, most employers won't adequately compensate you for tools etc unless you end up listed as a sub, and even then I've seen plenty of guys who think they are making "big" bucks until something takes a crap and they are looking at needing to replace it. Then all of a sudden they find themselves behind the 8 ball as they didn't bank that extra cash against something like this.Just make sure you know what this all might cost before you dive head first into it. It's often tough to back out once you are in..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:Based on your post, I would start with a cross bed tool box.Then I would add some grinders. I have 2 6" Metabo's, one for cut off discs and one for wire cups/wheels. 2 4 1/2" Dewalts, one with flapper style sanding discs, and one with rubber backed sanding discs. Also have 2 9" Dewalts, one with grinding wheels and one with rubber backed sanding pad. But, you could get away with just one grinder to start, I recomend a 6". Have lots of discs on hand.You will need a least 100' of welding cable, 2 50' sections or 4 25' sections. 2 10' whips, 1 with ground, 1 with rod holder. Add cable and spare whips and you expand.Lots of clamps, vice grip clamps, c-clamps and bar clamps. 2 of each, bare minium. Adding more asap!!!A bunch of rod storage containers with 7018 and 6010 rods.Place the welder in the back of your truck as needed.Basic hand tool set, wrenches, screwdrivers and a plybar.That should get you making money and not overload your truck.Expand from there, good luck.
Reply:Depends what you are doing with it.Around here most guys use a p/u truck like yours with a chest style job box in the back and an overhead rack for long mat'l, and tow an engine welder to the job, or for industrial sites bring in a 3 phase welder and plug it in.If you are going into business, then do it.  No money in just supplying a truck and equipment unless it is worth your while to do so.  You have to be making your wages + return on investment + expenses + profit or else keep working for your boss and let him supply the trucks, tools and welders."The reason we are here is that we are not all there"SA 200Idealarc TM 300 300MM 200MM 25130a SpoolgunPrecision Tig 375Invertec V350 ProSC-32 CS 12 Wire FeederOxweld/Purox O/AArcAirHypertherm Powermax 85LN25