How much should I charge to tig weld some aluminum?

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A guy at work found out that I have a tig welder and wants me to weld some aluminum for him.  He is building some motorcycle ramps and wants to know what I would charge him to do the welding.  What is a reasonable hourly tig welding rate? He said he would get the aluminum and cut everything to size so all i need to do is the welding. He wants me to weld up 4 ramps for him and I think each ramp will take 2-2.5 hour to weld. I am thinking about telling him around $75 for each ramp. Is that reasonable? I will be using my own welder, gas, electricity, and shop so I will be out more than just my time.Thanks for any comments
Reply:I think 2-2.5 hours is a long time......I think $75.00 is good for one hour, but that is all it should take per ramp.bottom line, get what you can.My Two cents.David Real world weldin.  When I grow up I want to be a tig weldor.
Reply:It's my opinion that welding alum is expensive and magic.  But NO ONE understands that. Too bad.  china can make 100 ramps for what it will cost you in argon. 9-11-2001......We Will Never ForgetRetired desk jockey. Hobby weldor with a little training. Craftsman O/A---Flat, Vert, Ovhd, Horz. Miller Syncrowave 250
Reply:Originally Posted by David RI think 2-2.5 hours is a long time......I think $75.00 is good for one hour, but that is all it should take per ramp.bottom line, get what you can.My Two cents.David
Reply:For a friend, a guy at work?? Maybe 30-45 an hr. and then $30 minimium for consumeables and power . If I turn on the tig welder to AC for you, it is going to cost you $25 just to hear it whine and go Brrraap. For a regular customer? $60-80 an hr. It always depends on the situation, a lot of us would weld a kids' bicycle frame for an hour for free just to see him/ her happy and enjoying themselves. In the end, you also weigh what is the right thing to do for the situation.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:If I turn on the tig welder to AC for you, it is going to cost you $25 just to hear it whine and go Brrraap.And:It always depends on the situation, a lot of us would weld a kids' bicycle frame for an hour for free just to see him/ her happy and enjoying themselves. In the end, you also weigh what is the right thing to do for the situation.Rojo:Yep, that's pretty much my outlook.    Last edited by Craig in Denver; 10-11-2008 at 12:28 AM.9-11-2001......We Will Never ForgetRetired desk jockey. Hobby weldor with a little training. Craftsman O/A---Flat, Vert, Ovhd, Horz. Miller Syncrowave 250
Reply:Who's DESIGNING the ramp?  Who's butt is on the line if one fails?  How much does one cost if he went out to buy a similar one?
Reply:If its a REAL friend, I would do it for free.  If its a "buddy" (which I have too many of) well, then its going to cost him.Tricycles and kitchen chairs have always been free......    I have done plenty.DavidReal world weldin.  When I grow up I want to be a tig weldor.
Reply:Originally Posted by RojodiabloFor a friend, a guy at work?? Maybe 30-45 an hr. and then $30 minimium for consumeables and power . If I turn on the tig welder to AC for you, it is going to cost you $25 just to hear it whine and go Brrraap. For a regular customer? $60-80 an hr. It always depends on the situation, a lot of us would weld a kids' bicycle frame for an hour for free just to see him/ her happy and enjoying themselves. In the end, you also weigh what is the right thing to do for the situation.
Reply:It also depends on your cash flow and time frame. If you are busy and broke then charge him fair $$ for your work. If you are surviving then that is a diffrent story. What I would do, You said Motorcycle ramp, Then he pays for a weekend motorcycle trip. Also for some side jobs for friends and neghbors, I have said pay me what you think it is worth to you. If they say something to low, then I say it took X hours, and $X in materials. ( I also have the shop hourly rate hanging in my shop). That way they don't feel hosed by not knowing the real costs/ value of a welder.
Reply:Charge whatever you feel like and then come back in 2 years and let us know how it all worked outEd Conleyhttp://www.screamingbroccoli.com/MM252MM211 (Sold)Passport Plus & Spool gunLincoln SP135 Plus- (Gone to a good home)Klutch 120v Plasma cutterSO 2020 benderBeer in the fridge
Reply:Might be where I live, or the people I deal with..........."Hey, if I buy the steel what would ya charge me to make that?".Tell 'em more'n a hundred bucks, and they look at ya like ya just crapped in the driveway.But they'll go marchin' into Wally World and plunk down 6 bills for a flat screen TV.  Go figger."Any day above ground is a good day"http://www.farmersamm.com/
Reply:some people want first rate service for pennies.  stuff i use you can't buy at walmart.
Reply:My favorite: "Will you build me a BBQ pit on you day off? I'll buy you a case of beer for doing it".
Reply:I charge $1 per minute with a $20 minimum. Its expensive to run a tig.. Argon, Electric, Comsumables, Filler material.. Charge a rate that you and your customer are happy with..
Reply:family, and ONE friend go for free, because they are always there if i need a hand.Everyone else is $40 and, as others have said, running that tig welder is expensive.