BID WELDING JOBS // THE FORMULA THAT WORKS
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- čas přidán 27. 08. 2020
- In this video, I take you along as I start a new project on a metal privacy fence and we talk about bid welding jobs. I’m Austin Ross of arosswelding and on this channel, I share my experiences as a rig welder and what I have going on in my mobile welding business. I’ve been working on more residential welding projects recently but not much has changed with my mobile welding rates or how I bid welding jobs. Mobile welding can be tricky especially if you are a new mobile welding business startup because you first need to know about how long projects will take to be good at pricing welding jobs. So if you are wondering how to estimate welding jobs, mobile welding hourly rate, and how much to charge for for mobile welding. If you are just starting a mobile welding business, starting a mobile welding service or just wanting to reevaluate, I hope my experience can help you a bit. However, I’m still new to the game so make sure to ask around, continue to get your own experience and test out what works for you and your customers. Subscribe for more tips in the future like how to find welding jobs to bid on, welding jobs, and rig welder jobs.
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This question I been asking for years, and some instructors just give me the run around...anyway I couln't have watched a better video! Thanks Austin Ross
On their behalf, it can be complicated. That’s why I don’t talk about it much. And like I said in the video, I’m still learning. The bottom line, in my opinion, as long as you’re not workin for free, or too cheap for your skill, you’re doin somethin right. I’m huge on charging a proper rate, but with that comes with very quality work.
@@arosswelding I think that's the best way, Austin Ross... I think charging what is just...not to expensive, but not to cheap, just right! Again I'm learning too, but I sure appreciate it all the I formation. I'll tell you a little bit about me, I lost my job to the covid-19 and I was getting certified when the college closed the welding shop, instructor said to return to college in July 2021 hopefully then I can get Certified for D1.1 3G and 4G on stick... meanwhile I need to find work, and I had a few offers on welding side jobs...that's the reason I was asking.
One again thank you for such informational video's and tricks...
@@extraNaz AWS is implementing CWB's new "inner circle".. its free to join.. kind of union looking but only a few union jobs on the CWB side but tons of work opportunities and connections..
@@kronicsoldier thanks a lot I appreciate it a lot.
I’m 16 years old and I only weld at night in our shop on scrap metal just piddling but I still find everyone of your videos interesting keep up the great work man 🖤
He'll yeah
Connections connections connections.
Get in good with contractors, owners, builders, employees
Also work your ass off and maintain quality service. People notice , hands down. Smooth sailing from there.
Great tips on bidding. Your method is what I used when I was a wood chip maker ( cabinet maker ) when the RR laid me off every time the freight train movement slowed down.. I know most of us don't like giving ALL of our tricks of the trade away for free but it would be nice to learn some more of your basic building skills. Cutting - grinding - tacking - 45's - how you used clamps and flat stock to hold crossmembers - squaring up builds - welding flat with no twist - and the making of the hardware (hinges, latches etc). Thanks for the ones learned from you so far.
I’ve been a welder/fabricator for over 40 years, and always struggled with the “welding flat with no twist” problem. About a year ago I was watching an April Wilkerson vid (maker) where she was building a sawmill with the help of several other maker friends. When they were preparing to tack up the basic frame, someone mentioned twist. Another of the group did one of those “watch this” deals. Of course they measured diagonals and adjusted until identical, then, and this is the biggie, he tightly stretched masons twine across diagonally opposite corners, and then looked at the middle where the lines crossed. If there is a gap between the strings, shim one end of the frame on the “low” diagonal until they touch. If they touch on the initial setup, move the lower string to the top and check for a gap in that orientation, and shim if there’s a gap. I just finished fabricating a large set of industrial steel doors using this method, and they were totally twist free!! Much harder to explain than it is to actually do! If you’re building something with crossmembers that it would be difficult to string without interference, run the string over a piece of 1/2” square bar on each corner to elevate it! This thing really works!
I drink about 6 pack an hour and some welding rods that's what I charge😂
30 rack of Busch, 2 bags of ice and an extra few $100s and you'll be good😂
looks like you got a bit of hangover on that last pass
@@MikeCupit 😆
Amen brother
Speaking from 19 years experience, I’m the world’s worst when it comes to bidding work. Time and materials is best. However, and understandably so, some customers want to know up front. I can’t blame them. Problem is, I do so much one-off kind of jobs and I always think I can get more done in less time than it actually takes. If I try to bid it high enough to cover myself, then I don’t get the work. Some people are great at bidding but I don’t have the gift.
I know your struggle all too well brother. I'm no good at bidding either haha
Someone told me once, that the job usually takes 4x longer than you think it will, It’s not 100% accurate but definitely worth keeping in mind
@william thomas I couldn’t have said it better myself. It’s definitely a challenge.
Yeap, 24 years of doing it and still can't bid, I figure a price and I think dang that sounds high and I'll cheapen it up, or I've done jobs that were not bid an when done I'll think that's to much time , It shouldn't have taken that long, and I'll cut some time off.
Judging from working for contractors etc, being a hand having to do the work, bidding jobs on a small scale like most folks do is a good way to set yourself to come up short especially if doing it solo. One thing I absolutely despise is weather not being considerated in bids. The difference between working in cat 3 heat and cat 5 is massive.
Right on Austin, hope your doing well and it’s great to see your smiling face every Friday!!
As always, you are very helpful. I commented on a previous pipe fence video about how I wanted to buy a engine drive to do pipe fence and more mobile work. Well, I finally bought a used ranger 8. I was tight on cash but scavenged up some savings and decided to risk it for the biscuit. I’m one step closer to the goal. And will keep watching your vids to help me get closer.
Lots of good advice, be careful if you're an optimist like most of us welders are, in that you believe you can get it done faster than you really can, keep good job notes during and after the job, so you can go back and review so you can have documentation of what you really did and how long it really took, just like you talked about in your advice, keep up the good work.
Every time I say 4 hours it’s 8 🤦♂️
Love your videos Austin I’m starting my own thing down here in San Antonio and really appreciate the intel you hand out love your work keep it up
Great video. Been watching you for a few years. Gained a lot of knowledge for you. Thank you very much!
Solid advise. I usually pull tape then draw it up in CAD and then get a quote on the steel. Next I calculate how many cuts I have to make along with welds.
This was my plan after high school i was working part time at this welding shop but it was mig welding ended up quitting needed more money went to another shop but this time stick welding but it was a far drive n little pay so I quit then I decided just to join the military lol now I’m just a 0311 😂 never became a pipelined as what I thought I be
Such a great video can't waite till every Friday for a new one 😁👍👍
I've only recently found your videos I love all the prefab you do I also love to weld in my home shop though it wasn't my means to earn a living, your work ethic and advice is a big deal for young people starting out thanks for part.
Huge Fan from Australia. Keep it up!!
Love hearing you bid the work based on the individual process then come up with a total. Being a estimator for a contractor bidding projects from 500k to 50million... you do the same thing just on a larger scale. Keep up the good content
yeah engineering ,getting material, cutting, and fitting take longer than welding usually . If a guy was to make up a rate sheet for all of the individual things that you do . Then other fill in the blank sheets for time taken (actual & bid) one could zero in times and costs . example welding can do so many lineal inches/hour/ weld rate /engineering /material /cutting / fitting . just some thoughts
Good video Austin I pulled a lot of late nights Bidding on projects. As long as you can finish under your time frame with minimal or no mistakes and your making money cause one mistake can caust your prophet but I have confidence in you and the gates came nice waiting on another video
This is a skill I would like to learn. I grew up in demolition, and for the last few years, my dad's method for bidding a demo job is to look at it, get a number in mind, have me look at it, then ask how much I think he should charge. So I tell him, he undercuts me by 500 bucks, and that's the bid. Lol. Now, however, I'm moved out and on my own in welding school, and would sure like to catch some side jobs welding (have my own machine) sometime soon.
Great Information. Have been thinking about how to bid for awhile now!
Great video A-Ross!! Good batch of info
Thank you, for sharing good tips!!!
Lol The picture reminds me of the Mcauley Culkin home alone covers. Only instead of home alone, your Welding Alone...get it? No? Aaahh that was funny 😬😬😬
This isn't the first time I've been referred to as KEVIN!! lol
@@arosswelding
Lol oh my 😱
Nice cool weather that y’all have been having lately!!!👍🇺🇸
I was picking up steel and a guy next to me had his steel laying on the ground. He drove over his pile of steel and tied it up to his bumpers. It looks illegal but he said he does it all the time. I have seen side racks that work okay but your overhead rack looks the best to me. On pricing a job I use the flinch system. You bid the job for a gate. If he doesn't flinch I then ask him if he wants hinges?
All this time I've been watching you and you live just North of were my kids live in Chandler
Great video Austin, thank you.
I started using laser tape measures, awesome for pulling exacting measurements
Sounds like it’s going to be a good one
Austin you mentioned gate latch and I wondered if you ever heard of Best Gate Latch? I installed one this week and I really like it. Might be something to offer as an upgrade on a bid.
Good advice austin
You get a new cummins! Looks good!
Awesome job!!
Austin I love your videos. Have you made a video on your stands? Did you make them, or were they purchased? They look like a game changer to make flat gates. Thanks for the great info.
Great video
I get what you mean it works and the trailer is great to have but when you can haul without it , it’s just so much nicer so hope you get that headache rack soon I know you got it now because this video is old but great video
Can u do a welding trailer set up can’t afford to buy a 80,000 pickup
Is that an evolution chop saw Austin? I've got an old Makita 12" carbide chop but I really like the angle adjustment on that one and the vice looks pretty robust
Could you possibly do a video about owning your own small business for someone wanting to start their business? Kinda going back over bidding jobs, the do’s and don’t, and how to get set up? Just a thought
Great video as always And think you for taking the time to explain the bidding process again. You do great work and from what i see you are a great guy. Good luck in the future and take care and stay safe.
Right on
You only said “rig welders” in the intro instead of “pipe-liners and rig welders”....is that a hint you’re not headed back to the cut!?
Hey Austin, how do you calculate loss of lifespan on your equipment? ie: welder, truck, trailer, saws....
Hey Austin are you going to be returning to the Right of way anytime soon ? I’m up here in Alberta, Canada and it’s slow slow slow . How is it down there ?
I enjoyed the video. Was that a Western Welder shirt you had on in the first part of the video? I recently started ordering those shirts. So far I am really liking them. I like the triple stitch and the deep pockets. Keep up the good work and be safe.
Yes it was. Just bought one to try it. I like it so far also
How do you like the evolution saw? My milwaukee has about had it and I was thinking about going that route... I have the s28 mag and it seems to be holding up.
What was your settings for welding that thin tubing
Do you have any tips for getting into the tig welding industry?
Side racks are handy
Do you have a beginners list off tools someone might need to start a business. I’m sure there are some tools to have on day one. And some tools you can get later on down the road. Just wondering if you have a list or even a video I could watch.
Do you pay for the materials out of pocket and have the customer pay for its at a marked up rate or do you make them pay for it upfront?
Hey Austin. Where do you get your jobs from. I’m a starting out rig welder but have no clients yet. Possibly give me some advice?
Well I helped you build them gates while watching this I need my cut 😀
I always wondered, but where do you go to bid on jobs?
I'm surprised you didn't know they make tapes with magnets on them for quite a few years now, like the Stanley fat max series.
I wish you would've shown hanging them gates , that's what I wanted to see most , less talking more content, but explaining the details like latches and hinges on gates , coping pipe, etc
I’m sure he will show hanging the gates in a future video!!👍🇺🇸
Estaria genial que tus videos tuvieras subtitulos en español son tan interesantes solo que no entiendo mucho
How would i get into the field with no experience?
Hey Austin, I'm looking for some soft doors for my SA200. I recall you mentioning them in a video. I dont remember the company that makes them. Can you help?
Tack & Hyde look them up on Facebook make great soft doors I bought a pair myself and they work great
Finally Friday 🎶 🎶🎶
Yes it is!
Austin Ross enjoy ur evening from the Navajo Nation, Az. Can’t wait until next Friday 💪✌️👍
Ok so I have little to no money I've bought a gasless flux welder and de desperately trying to figure out how to get started on welding my own business together is there a way to start making money using this kinda welder or do I need to buy a more expensive welder to get started I'm basically starting from nothing I have an angle grinder to cut metal with I'm just not sure how to get the ball rolling with this if you or anybody else can point me in the right direction I'd greatly appreciate it I'm kinda stuck at this point
Are you using flux core ?
Most if not all tapes will actually tell you on the back side how much to add for an inside measurement.
Im welding for a company but I've been thinking of going solo in Southern California, any advice?
Just curious, did you use any methods to check for square when building the frames or did you just trust that the miter cut fit up was accurate enough for this job?
Framing square. Pull corner to corner measurements.
I carry material like that on top of my Land Cruiser, not fun.... Got to get a pickup or a trailer!
Can I come work for you so you can show me hands on how it’s done? I have 4 years of welding experience but running my own business is hard and would love hands on training.
Hey I wanted to ask how’s all the pipeline jobs going on with this whole covid situation ? I’m currently going to Missouri welding institute and taking there master pipe welding and fitting course.
Over all I’d say it slow. But there’s still jobs goin on.
Hey bud I went to MWI in 2018. Best advice I can give to you would be to check the local union halls around the KC area, find a local shop job just to get you by and then head straight to an area that is hot with pipeline work. Meet some guys at a gas station, get some numbers and work your way in as a helper. Gotta start somewhere
Welderguy thanks for the advice man
Are you still doing pipeline work
I just graduated from college with a degree in Mechanical Engineering, and I've been trying to teach my self to weld. Have any advice on seeing the puddle better? I know what undercut, underfill, over reinforcement, and the other basics to look for. I'm just having a hard time with weld consistency and staying steady when I'm welding. Not to mention I can't weld anything other than horizontal... To make a long story short do you have any tips with stick welding since I can never see the puddle anywhere near as well as it is shown on welding CZcams channels.
Push your rod into the puddle. If you're rod is to far from your work piece the arc brightens around your puddle and makes it more challenging to see if you're new to welding. Imagine the rod as a fuse on a firework, apply a constant pressure where you're not burying the rod but you're not holding off the puddle either. It has a distinct sound and you'll know when you're applying enough pressure because your puddle will be more visible and it sounds different. Practice is the only way to improve, consistency is key, even pressure and steady travel speed and you'll get the hang of it man. Step out of your comfort zone, don't just work in one position because you'll learn tricks for different positions by doing things you're not comfortable with. Hope this helps.
@@WhatAboutU.S. Ya that does thanks.
I am a marine welder and fitter 25 years on vessels experience,can I find a land base job
I find this interesting because here in the UK these types of jobs do not pay good at all, £8-10ph if you work in a shop. In the USA $100!? Lol.
It has nothing to do with what the "welder" is getting paid. A customer is paying about $100 an hour give or take for labor regardless of the size of the company on most cases, this guy is taking on all the liability and being a the welder.
I'm trying to weld 2 inch square 1/4 in thickness 5ft x 32in in the shape of a T. This needs to be perfectly squared but I have tried it twice and no matter how much I clamp it down it gets off about 1/4 - 1/2in. What am I doing wrong?
Thanks
Tack weld a brace. Weld the part then break the brace off.
I’m a machinist. Worked in aerospace industry for 10. I hated estimating my time. Never came out on top. Tool and die is great but nothing ever works like you think. Always unknown variables. Lol
I recently got out of school and have decided I wanted to start my own thing and run my own rig I figured I’m 18 so nows the best time to start if I’m dead set on doing what I really enjoy but running my own business at the same time, what tips would you give me to start with ? Currently Ive got a 1974 Hobart gf250 gas engine drive machine thats on a trailer nothin fancy but its gonna do for my budget , grinders,and basic tools currently workin on getting a set of torches, nothings really cheap in this industry. That being said what kind of work do you suggest to be for lower level experience but yet still enough of a profit to build off of and upgrade to take on bigger jobs with better tooling but also job ideas that will help me gain more experience. Thanks to anyone that voices there opinion any ideas or tips are sure to help!
Man just 24hr welding service is good.... not sure where u are located but say for example around here in Oklahoma you can get in field work to repair heavy equipment and farm equipment.... just get your name out there and do the work to the absolute best of your ability and you’ll do great man. Financially plan for slow times advertise on social media and work of mouth....
Are you not ever gonna pipeline again??
what happen to the pipeline videos? and the videos talking about pipeline
Austin. What editing software(or app) do you use? Mac or PC?
We use Mac. iMovie
Ok. Thanks. I'm working on doing some. Just realized you were on the pipeline in West Virginia when I was working in Charleston, WV. Small world
Do you ever use a self darkening helmet?
Absolutely. The hood in this video has an auto lens in it.
czcams.com/video/G1JiVB41WPI/video.html
They are the best imo, I've had my miller for over 10 years
Where would you search for these jobs? I’m in another state and want to start getting into it but I don’t know where to look
Craigslist is one way to get advertising. But you gotta pay and put up with cheap people, and ignore scam texts, calls and emails. If you belong to a chamber of commerce, thats another way. Post fliers, meet up with businesess likes parks, cemeteries, car wash places. If you dont advertise, you dont get exposure.
Ruben Rios ah ok. I’ll research more into those options. Thank you
@@2Ahthelphi
No problem, im sure there are more people that will chime in and give advice. If you know of another start up business, work with them so yall can help each other out.
I also suggest hooking up with other businesses and things like the chamber. Mostly use any contacts you already have. Make sure al your family and friends know what you are doing and give them business cards to give others.
@@arosswelding appreciate it brother
Austin: You suggested 11Gage vs 14 Gage. What I do is use 11 Gage on the gate frame side that attaches to your hinges. Then you can go to 14 Gage on the rest of the gate frame. Remember you need the up-right gate frame at the hinge side to support the weight of the gate whether it has wood or wire on it. Also when the wood gate gets wet from rain it gets a whole lot heavier. Cross braces will assist in keeping the gate from sagging. Built two 16' gates last week. They hung perfectly balanced. No-sag. Just FYI...
My other situation on an hourly bid is, I'm 78 years old and it takes me about twice as long to build a fence or big gates as it took me when I was in my 20's. I have to set down every once in a while, drink water more often, and on average more bathroom breaks. Know what I mean? Doesn't look good charging $100 dollars an hour and set down 1/2 the time. Laugh, Laugh!! Best wishes to you and your spouse. Lynn
What kind of clamps were u using to hold up the cross members of that gate at end of vid
I guessed $800 before you said $1000 I was close just need more padding
How about contractors insurance?
Are you insured as a welding business?
How much are they squeezing you for, roughly?
My general liability is around 140 a month for 1mil/2mil ag. But if you're going to be working for other contractors they usually want you to add them on to your policy as "additionally insured" which will cost you more per year for the premium. I'm in NC though so I'm sure its different in other regions.
@@sevanski1135
That's for a welding business?
If so, does the insurance company know that it's a welding business?
@@AZ-kr6ff yes...but I'm not just a welding business...its metal fabrication which welding is lumped into.
@@sevanski1135
Yeah, that's a "welding business" as far as the insurance companies are concerned...especially if the word "welding" is in your company name.
That's pretty reasonable compared to where I am in the northeast, for an L.L.C. at least.
I'm assuming you don't do a lot of marine work, as that tends to jack it up much higher, probably due to the Jones act I would guess.
Thanks for responding, be safe.
Hey Austin with the growth of the channel are you ever gonna go back to the cut? Or keep building your outfit?
What welding rods do you use?
Lincoln or blue demon are always my go too filler metals...usually Lincoln rods
@@sevanski1135 what number rod?
@@johnsutter1497 7018
@@johnsutter1497 I like 3/32
Looks like my old asd flatbed!! Haha
i love that the little yellow workhorses driven by the grittiest type of men is labeled "Yale". poetic justice?
I can't find your contact information
Can always tell oklahoma roads... dont have to turn.....
ill die of a heart attack if I ever see any dirt on that white beanie.. can tell you're hard at'ere ;)
I'm looking to start my own fab shop. Been welding on and off for 10 years now. I've done jobs before for friends at 25 an hour with basic tools. Over the last few months I've put a whole bunch of money into getting better welders and tools. How would you judge a starting hourly rate? I feel starting up at 25 would be too low but I'm not sure of what is reasonable. Any help would be amazing
There has got to be some kind of bidding course because this is a total pain!😬💩
3:45 Shaking hands with danger...
I think those are cemented on the ground and are empty
How do you find your work besides word of mouth
wayyyy to many ads. nice video
Guys around here look at the size of the guys house and what kind of truck he drives.
Do you see any female welders because I am a female welder?
Why not use 12 gauge? Lol
Go find 12ga wall square tubing...I'll wait right here...🙄🤣
@@sevanski1135 I work in a steel shop. With tubing roll forming mills. It's one of our most common tubes
@@sevanski1135 it's .105 thou if you didn't know
@@georgeduckworth4452 actually 12 ga is .120-.125...11ga is .105 but thanks anyway
@@sevanski1135 11 gauge is thicker than 12 you idiot. The lower the number of gauge the thicker the steel. What are you 13 trying to be a big boy?