How much would you charge (part 2)

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Sorry to add a new thread but I didn't want to hi-jack paintman's.  I just got a call for a welding job and possible on-going work with this company. The job is structural reinforcment on cell towers. the gussets on the bottom I think I have a pretty good handle on though I think I hip shot him a little low on the initial price (labor only). Some of the future work will be above ground, like 160' to 240' up a tower. obviouly I will be renting a larger welding machine to get the fire higher. I was wandering if any of you guys have done tower welding and what a good hourly rate would be. I'm at $65 per on the ground and depending on the job, don't charge for material such as fuel or electrodes (unless it's a bigger job that's gonna eat me up in materials). Climbing isn't a problem for me and heights are just interesting element.  Like to know what you guys think.ScottMiller 225GLincoln 215Magnum Spool GunA/O RigIf I can step over it, I can weld it!
Reply:I'll stay out of the per hour portion, but it wouldn't be unusual at all to include a groundman (grunt) on tower/aerial work. Either that or they include one. If you provide one, his/her time gets padded a small amount.
Reply:Absolutely! Have already considered a ground person and possibly 2 (one of which would have rigging experience). I don't know all the in's and out's as far as liability for such a job. I did read all the fine print provided with the blueprints and will certainly have to do some "contract" drafting to protect my 6 above and beyond insurance.Miller 225GLincoln 215Magnum Spool GunA/O RigIf I can step over it, I can weld it!
Reply:I have done gussets and ports.  You are close on the rate for on the ground.  Its nice work.  GRIND all the galvanized off.  Its in the prints.  Those welds will be visuailly inspected by an CWI.    Its about an hour on and an hour off for gussets, but don't tell them that.  Travel time should be charged for.  3 gusset jobs and you will have a nice new ranger 305.  Does the contractor's name start wit a T?Its good money, go for it.The only reason I haven't done any in the last few months is they are working in another area.  I just read your profile.  I too own a garage and am turning it into a welding business.I did my first couple of jobs with a Lincoln 225 G7.  Its big enough, all you will need is LOTS of cable if you are going UP.DavidLast edited by David R; 02-07-2008 at 05:57 AM.Real world weldin.  When I grow up I want to be a tig weldor.
Reply:Originally Posted by tin_bender3Sorry to add a new thread but I didn't want to hi-jack paintman's.  I just got a call for a welding job and possible on-going work with this company. The job is structural reinforcment on cell towers. the gussets on the bottom I think I have a pretty good handle on though I think I hip shot him a little low on the initial price (labor only). Some of the future work will be above ground, like 160' to 240' up a tower. obviouly I will be renting a larger welding machine to get the fire higher. I was wandering if any of you guys have done tower welding and what a good hourly rate would be. I'm at $65 per on the ground and depending on the job, don't charge for material such as fuel or electrodes (unless it's a bigger job that's gonna eat me up in materials). Climbing isn't a problem for me and heights are just interesting element.  Like to know what you guys think.Scott
Reply:I have been up as high as 120 feet.  I took the LN-25 with me.  Ground on the base of the tower, 150' of lead.  I just adjusted the welder so I had a good arc.  When I did it, I worked out of  a bucket on the end of a crane boom.  Getting me up there was their problem.  I just ground and welded.  Use GOOD extension cords.  Power at the site is iffy, some times I had to use my own power. (Plug in to the welder).I did a LOT of gusset jobs (on the ground).  Things change at the site, so there is usually more work than they originally ask for.I got nicked on one job and had to go back for some "repair".   One time was when I bought my new ranger 250 and didn't quite have the hang of it.  It didn't pass AWS inspection.  I went over the 1/32" of undercutting.  Another was I used the wrong paint and had to repaint it.  Once I knew they would be inspected, I made double sure every thing was right.  It it took longer, then I charged more instead of going back for free.In another case I didn't do the job, a guy got zinged for over penetration.  The guy ran it too hot and burned the galv off the INSIDE of the tower.  I don't know how it was resolved.   The gussets I put on were 3/4" welded to 3/8" tower. Usually 18" tall and only 6" on the base which is welded to 1.5" plate.ONE job was $5,000.00  This was the biggest gusset job.  I think I removed 20 gussets and installed 24 when it was all said and done.  I did a little more work than that, but.....This is how I bought my invertec 350 pro.Here is a thread with a few pics.  These gussets were 48", I had to supply them   572 grade hot rolled steel.  I could do about 5 a day.  None had to be removed.  Most of it was done with .045 wire and Co2.http://www.weldingweb.com/vbb/showthread.php?t=9340DavidLast edited by David R; 02-08-2008 at 07:05 AM.Real world weldin.  When I grow up I want to be a tig weldor.