How much does it cost to start a welding business??
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 3 ต.ค. 2024
- All depends on you, and how much you can invest without getting into a bunch of debt.
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To the guys that are nervous to start up I have some advice. I started my shop in 98' with a Miller 185, a grinder, and a chop saw. Seriously..lol Did it for about 6 years. It did ok, but I learned a ton. I finally ended up going to work for my biggest customer. A unintended consequence but it worked out good. I got laid off, so I used what I learned the first time around and started another shop. This time with a specific goal and purpose. Years later I'm doing better each year, and it's been a great decision. Being in business has offered up great opportunities that I would never have gotten as an employee. You need a few tools to start, but don't get buried in equipment payments. Your best asset is between your ears. Don't be afraid to sub stuff out until you make the money to tool up.. That 100 ton press brake is sexy, but you won't like the payment..lol I started my business because I didn't want to sit when I was 70 wondering how it would've worked out. Regret what you do, don't sit and regret what you didn't do. Good luck!
It can absolutely be done. I started my business in 2016 with 500 bucks and a garage. 5 years later we are talking about rail builds all year round and mid six figure annual sales. Just have to apply yourself, do great work and treat your customers great. Also, it doesn't help to take advantage of pushing your business on social media as it is all free.
Great video, after working in the field as a pipe fitter/pipe welder for the last 6 years I finally decided to start my own small plumbing/fabrication/welding company, I just got done getting the llc and licensed/bonded now am ready to go out and start bidding work, wish me good luck ya'll
illestk24civic that’s awesome to hear. It’s not an easy thing to do leaving guaranteed income for the unknown. But I promise it’s worth the risk and the roller coaster ride you’ll take. Learning something new all the time is my goal. When you stop learning you might as well hang it up. Good luck let us know if we can help in any way.
Good luck man I just graduated highschool and currently I am fabricating custom elevator cabs hope to get some experience with different fab shops and maybe start my own shop some day hope it all goes well
Just found this video. How is it going?
How’s the business?
@@Chris-zl8yi going good, working on dairy farms, fixing all their stainless steel piping systems
Good video and good advice
It’s definitely going to take some hard work early mornings and late nights starting out
I had a $500 mig welder that my mom brought me as a gift for graduating high school then brought me a 96 dodge Dakota and saw a 8k watt gen at Home Depot for like $600 and bam I was a mobile welder lol I did grow some one of my problems was I was just a teenager with big dreams and life kinda got in the way but I didn’t give up!
Ended up getting married having my 1st son buying a house(with a garage “my shop”) brought another truck 93 F250 diesel sold the other one getting divorce lost everything I had (what tools I accumulated) got my house back brought my 1st “big” welding machine bobcat 250 for $1200 and it made it back in a month
Fast forward to now I’m remarried more kids still full time job but also run my business have 2 trucks getting ready to buy a third and just last year brought my 1st “brand new” welding machine bobcat 260 paid 6k for it only 27 hrs on it and it paid for itself and some before it’s 1st oil change!
You have to always invest in yourself and your business I have about 45k worth of tools and equipment of over a course of 8 yrs and don’t owe nobody now I can get that loan if I want to that’s how you want to be own everything you possibly can before getting a loan of some short
Wow that’s an awesome story. Never give up that’s for sure. Glad to hear your still making it happen.
Thanks for watching.
Love your video I'm starting up my own weld & fabrication shop I've been welding for 14years and work for a company now as there lead weld fabricator tig welding stainless steel it's a dream I've always had running my own and hearing your story just amps me up more best of luck and God bless
Michael Bussells this is awesome to hear. Entrepreneurship is not for everyone but if you have the drive and hustle you can make it. There are a lot of ups and downs being self employed. If there is anything I can do to help or any questions please don’t hesitate to email me anytime. MattcoMetal@gmail.com
I worked a shop as a welder and just bought a tool every paycheck and eventually bought an old bobcat welder from a guy that upgraded for $500. It took a lot of overtime and money, but I eventually had my rig and was able to transition to working for myself. Welding is not a cheap job to have but it is very satisfying work, and you can make a decent living. Keep at it and you will succeed as a pro welder.
im kinda in that situation right now. all i have is a welding machine my agron gas and a grinder and a few tools😫 no shop no truck just me myself & my tools.
Dark Vator you’ve got everything you need to get some work done. Don’t let the idea of having this massive shop and big trucks fool you into believing you can’t start your welding business. That’s all false. Many people weld in shops with dirt floors and minimal lighting conditions. If you want it bad enough you’ll figure out how to get it done.
It's cool though. I see guys who go out and have a small prefab garage put up, buy brand new everything and like Matt said, brand new pick up and piles of bills and piles of stress and what started out as a try at doing something they loved becomes a nightmare. What convinced me was there is a real need for a 40$ minimum shop, right and the fact that every pro welder I've met loves what they do! Never before have a seen successful people in whatever trade they're in do like welders do. When a 30 year 6G welder with a thriving business sees some hot roll plate or some pretty chrome moly bar stock laying somewhere despite having a shop full of stock stop what he's doing, pick it up and thinks what he can make or use it for, that wad my turning point. These pros feel the same way I do about fabrication, after a lifetime of burning themselves. That and people like Matt here make me know I made the right choice.
I just bought a deep cut dewalt portable bandsaw, not sure how I ever survived without it. Cuts through metal like butter and it's not loud or messy.
Take Mattco Metal Works advice - I own 3 companies now and have around 40 employees (not welding related) and started out small. Most people get caught up in the 'glitz and glam' of owning a business or whatever. The fact of the matter is that the clients, the good clients at least, pay for a product/service and a relationship. You can provide all of those with minimal tools. Also, always give a shit about your work (or when you have employees - their work as well), never turn over a completed project that you wouldn't be happy giving to your wife or parents and be proud of. Answer the phone every time it rings, even if you know the client is pissed (this is a biggie - many fail right here), and ALWAYS, I do mean ALWAYS - tell the truth. I learned from my dad and his business, it is better to tell a client the truth and they be upset right now for 15 minutes than lie to them (mostly saying something is done or will be done by a certain date when you don't know) and piss them off for a lifetime. Don't mar your client relationships - you never know if they $500 job you did for someone down the road has a buddy that is drinking with him on the weekend and asked who fixed his gate and then you get a call for a $20,000 job. This is how business happens - with relationships and good work.
Once you start making money - still live like you are not making money and reinvest in your business and yourself in a smart and methodical way. A $20,000 2006 Dodge 2500 with a 5.9 cummins will do everything (sometimes more) that a 2021 F-350 King Ranch will. After you get rolling, work on your brand and make sure you never lose sight of where you came from and always keep the work product the best you have ever seen.
Thanks for sharing your possession and business experience. I just got into welding by accident, I hired a guy to build a rolling gate and he said he had 20 years experience, I gave him half upfront as what we agreed to but after seeing the work he was doing I was very disappointed and ended the contract and told myself. I am going to learn how to weld, so I went out and bought a good welder. I learn not to buy cheap so I began to look at youtoube videos and learned how to well, that was 3 months ago and today I am loving welding and started to create projects on my property and been thinking about doing side small jobs and create a business out of this. Of course not until I get better. But your video did inspire me, so thank you.
That’s so awesome. Unfortunately their are some not so good welders out there. But of course that’s in all businesses. Please don’t hesitate to ask if you have any questions. I’ll be glad to help anyway I can. Hope the videos help that’s why we make them. Thanks for watching
Just starting out myself I'm self taught have the very basics though, a Lincoln buzz box a hf 125 fcaw and I'm hunting a decent mig that will suffice for a couple years. I made contacts thru my job that I just left and have had the past two years selling myself and my service before I considered a shop. That's where it stands, I'm on the cusp. It's nerve wracking but I found that to specifically sell welding alone would be tough, most of y'all have years of experience and skills I'll likely never have but luckily I'm associated more with farm equipment and utility trailer service repair fabrication and also tractor refurbs. I'll even work on your car. So I'm hoping to continue getting better as a welder whilest being diverse enough to keep my shop busy. Thanks for making these videos they are helpful in that I see I'm not the only one who started with a little less than nothin, and they are great confidence boosters. I like the ironman 230, or even the Viking 215, also considering the esab and the 180 Lincoln and I want an ac/DC stick unit.
Hey buddy nothing wrong with that, a lot of shop start out working on farm equipment or doing trailer repairs. That's what we did alot of as I worked part time evenings and weekends. Don't be ashamed of that at all. Do whatever it takes to get going and the rest will follow, you'll gain experience and confidence in your work along the way..
Matt, our story sounds very similar. I am only about 9 months into my business venture. I have a plasma table and also work full time at a power plant 12hr swing shift with the 8 day break. You said some sound advice in this video. Some of it is exactly what my plan is and the rest was good for me to hear. I have just stumbled upon your channel but I am loving the content! Thanks man! Ira, South Carolina.
Ira Peavy that is awesome to hear. I also worked at a power plant for a few years all while welding part time on my days off. It makes it tough as you work pretty much all the time. But doing it that way allows you to not struggle with the financial part of things which will end a small business as quick as it starts. I will tell you one major piece of advice and that is try your best to stay debt free the first couple years. If you have any questions I’d be glad to chime in and help anyway I can with anything I’ve been through since going into this full time 7 years ago. 👊🏻👊🏻👊🏻
@@MattcoMetalWorks I really appreciate that! As of now I have zero debt! I sold my racecar and trailer to buy my table. Then just like you mentioned, as I've made money I've bought tools. I work out of my 36x50 shop in my backyard. So right now it's all good. I need to rearrange the shop and make it more user friendly and organized. That's next on the list!
Appreciate the info bubba starting a welding business due to being laid off again because of Covid so I appreciate this video I feel like god is putting this on my heart and it’s been a dream but this video helps
Christopher I wish you the best of luck buddy. I have no doubt you can get it going and absolutely kill it. Please don’t hesitate to message me and ask any questions. Mattcometal@gmail.com I’ll be glad to help anyway I can. It’s a tough road but worth every long painful day you’ll go through.
@@MattcoMetalWorks I appreciate it bubba will do for sure weld on brotha
You were talking about the bank foreclosure buying you went through and I’m amazed at how difficult it is to buy property that is foreclosed
yes it sure is, well not that it's hard but you better have patience that's for sure, takes alot more time
Thank you. I’m just now getting started. It’s nice hearing your experience.
Thanks for watching
Thank you for sharing the specifics on your business growth. It really helps.
legalsolutions07 absolutely. Hope my experiences help in some way.
Thank you so much for taking the time to make this video.
Gerald Arismendez absolutely. Hope there was some information that was informative to you.
Keep the faith brother! 😊
I've been fabricating and welding for 8years and at the point in my life where I feel stagnant and playing with the idea of starting my own business instead of building someone's else's up. I really appreciate the tips and advice from your journey. Thank you
Very glad to hear that, try starting out part time if that's an option, do both for as long as you can and then when the time is right you'll know
I started with a Lincoln tombstone, chopsaw, metabo, and ppe.
Yes sir that’s awesome
Thanks for sharing your journey and advice mate. I'm starting a fabrication business too.
That's awesome to hear hope its going well for you
I love that you mentioned God leading you in your life and business. Stay in the Word and on the path that God lays out for you, give Him the glory and you will be successful.
God has it all planned out. Times when I lose faith He shows me he’s got it all under control.
Thank you for your advice. I started my welding busi ess a year ago and one of my biggest problems is payment. We have had a lot people wanting to pay with checks and most of them bounce at the bank and make all kinds of excuses to not pay. We did make a vontract but even that didn't help. I tried going to court for one big project we did and the customer refused to pay the remaining balance and we were basically shut down for not having a contracting license.
unfortunately that is going to happen in business. We have been very fortunate and we're also very picky about who we work with and work for to keep that from happening as much as we can, Sorry to hear that but don't let that stop you from moving forward Were here if you have any questions or if we can help in anyway
Thanks,
Your very Humbling.
🙏
Thanks Michael we’re just a family owned small business that puts God first in everything we do. Very grateful for then opportunities he’s provided and glad we can get up everyday and do what we love. I encourage anyone that has the itch to work for themselves to scratch it and go for it. Life is short. Thanks for watching hope you subscribed. We’ve got some new camera gear coming in January to hopefully provide some much better quality and more videos. Merry Christmas
Thanks again,
Merry Christmas!🎄
God bless y'all, and
Everyone!
🙏
As soon as you gave God credit for your work shop, I subscribed 👍
amen and amen
I’m in the same boat you were in 2006 I’m a welder at a shipyard in va but im hungry for more, and would like to get into starting a side welding business and moving up the ladder like you did. Definitely will be following along to learn.
Matthew McDonald that’s awesome. It’s not an easy road and being self employed isn’t for everyone. But if it’s what you want set a plan and go after it. I’ll be glad to help anyway I can.
Thank you for sharing your journey. I am looking to get my daughter set up to do exactly what your doing. Certainly appreciate your words of encouragement !
Brandon Suire thats awesome. It’s a very hard tough but rewarding career path. If you ever have any questions please don’t hesitate to send us a message or email. Be glad to help anyway we can.
Matt,
I have been teaching welding for about 22 years now. My shop is set up pretty well with CNC plasma cutter, benders in many different types of welders. I was wondering how do you get connected to do overflow work for other companies? Thanks
Brett Rickabaugh all you have to do is ask. Worst thing that’ll happen is they say no. Just make sure you’re honest when you tell companies your capabilities. Don’t deceive them. That won’t end well.
This really really helps thank you for sharing this.
Glad you found this helpful, Thanks for watching
what certifications do you need for small weld project? or do you even need to be certified
They aren't technically required but I would recommend them, it all depends on what you are doing and what the projects are being used for. If you're welding pressurized pipe, then yes certs are required and same goes for structural which is what we keep on hand "D1.1"
If you are referring to just hobby welding then certs aren't required but like I said they are great to have. It shows you are capable of fusing the metal correctly and it also helps with your confidence levels to know it's being done correctly. Hope this helps and thanks for watching
Very good video, well said about what it takes to start up a welding shop
Great video. Covered a lot of areas that you do not see on "How to get started in welding".
I've subscribed, so hope to see more.
Lynn Harris yes sir thanks for subscribing I really appreciate that. I’m planning to try and shoot a follow up video next week. I’ve had a huge amount of feedback, comments and emails on this video. It’s been my most popular one so far. Glad you found this helpful and stay tuned for more coming soon.
Thank you good advise
You're very welcome and thanks for watching
I've already got sunk costs in all of my everlast welders because welding is my hobby. I'd love to make money from the too.
Benjamin Moore you can do it. Don’t over think it just make it happen. If you’ve already got equipment then roll on with that. Good luck buddy
Hey, just stumbled on the video and love the info and how straight forward you are. I have a towing business that’s only a year old, but recently bought a decent welder to fix a couple things on the truck that shops wanted crazy money for. Any recommendations on what kind of hobby work to start off in for some side money? How did you advertise yourself in the beginning?
Ruslan Mamotyuk well I’m very glad you found us. We will have some more videos out ASAP. There are a ton of things that you could start building or heck you could even offer repair services for your towing customers. If you have the space tractor trailers would be a good place to start as they always have small repairs or custom items they want. Hope this helps but like I said there’s a ton of options for you to choose from.
Me and my father have a similar history and many years custom metal fabrication and Welding I'm just having a hard time figuring out which coverage best suits us insurance wise so we're covered And customer feels comfortable that if we work in his shop we're covered on all basis ya know.
This all depends on what you have going on and what your customers require. If you get into commercial and industrial work most large companies will required 1 million in covererage. If your just doing basic local stuff then you might can get away with a different route. Insurance isn't really that expensive in the long run and it could save you from alot of headache if something goes wrong. Best thing to do is sit down with a couple insurance companies and ask them if they even offer coverage for welding companies, you'll want someone that can grow with you. last thing you want is to outgrow and company and have to switch down the road.
Thanks For Telling Us...
Everything We Already Knew !
P.S. no matter how you work.
You Depend on others for INCOME !
That’s awesome thanks for watching. Hope you subscribed and pick up some useful tips. I always try to watch others and learn something. Have a great day.
Thanks
Very welcome. Hope you found some helpful information. Thanks for watching
Great video
And now inspired
Thank you so much
That's awesome to hear. We hope that we can help business owners or fabricators grow and do more with less. Thanks for watching
cool video but the title said cost of welding business and it was just one or two numbers. please elaborate. how much, what equipment are necessary, etc.
Is it worth getting a welders certification? I can weld better than most the people I know that are certified. If I’m doing pipe fences corrals pole barns and repairing farm and construction equipment is a certification really necessary? Does a welders certification effect your business insurance liability or does insurance companies even ask if you have a certification?
Call your local city
business & licensing division.
Ask about licensing requirements. I've seen good people
that understand
Safety & Common Sense get shut down. For not having a license.
Each state could have a different minimum & Maximum ? That you can earn before a license is required.
As per insurance state by state.
The ordinances and laws change.
Not so much at the national level.
I used carry the minimum...
ONE MILLION DOLLAR POLICY !
Over in these parts n pieces its $92.°° a month for piece/peace of mind !
🙂
I’m just starting welding as a junior in high school but I want to start my own business once the time comes,so do you recommend going straight to the work field once I graduate or get a degree in welding and then go on from there
Diego Castro honestly buddy there is no right or wrong answer for that question. It all depends on what you plan to do and how available jobs are in your area. I’ve never been one of those people that push for education but I will say this. If it comes down to you and someone else for a job interview having that extra degree, education or formal training will put you ahead of others. I hope this helps I think I’m going to make another video to address some of these comments. Be on the lookout for that. Thanks for the comment and following along. Have a great day. Keep hustling 💪🏽💪🏽
I have all the equipment but no qualifications, plus my welding is below average
Hey brother, wonderful video. Do you think 24/25 is too old to start weld school and pursue a career in welding? Thank you
Heck no buddy. That’s young. You have your whole life ahead of you. Figure out what your dream is and pursue it with everything you’ve got. You have one life to live so make it count.
OOra. know what your saying. I started with a 1971 international truck, 600.00 and a 1946 lincoln welder that I had to rebuild the engine to get it to run. A 9 inch grinder and a small angle grinder, and a few hand tools. Learned to buy machines that were broken and fix them and use them. If you are going to do this you had better be machanicaly inclined, because you will have to fix everything, that you use. Worth it, yes, I now own the welding works company. I drive a F700 truck with everything you can imagine on it. Got 5 trucks now. work everywhere. Best thing I dont owe anybody anything. Pay as you go and you wont go to far.
Thats some awesome information. Sounds like you've got it going on and headed the right direction
hey man, glad to hear your success story, I just got laid off and I'm determined it was the last time, I thinking about doing exactly what you did but I live in France, my question is how do I find clients?
I'm in welding school now, and working a full time job. Got a '46 Lincoln short hood that doesn't run yet that my dad gave me, and an old pickup truck. Crazy though it may be, I'm seriously considering doing some welding and fence work after hours, just some side gigs to get some experience, get my name out there, and lose (I mean make) some money at it.
That's awesome i would say go for it 100% That's how myself and many others started was part time. You work a full time job then evenings and weekends you hustle doing your side gig then eventually before you know it your side gig is paying more than your full time job. At that point you have a decision to make. With that i'll say this being self employed isn't for everyone there are alot of headaches that come along with it but in MY opinion it's all worth it, just be sure your going head first if that's truly what you want to do. There are tons of people out there including myself that will help you and answer any questions we can! HAPPY HUMP DAY
I’m thinking about going back into the welding field been away for to long it’s time I put that hood back on an chase a dream
Absolutely no better time than the present. Lots and lots of welding opportunities out there right now. Good luck my friend
@@MattcoMetalWorks much appreciated 🤟
Great content, thanks for taking the time to put out the info, Ive been welding for 5 years now, just got my first machine, multimatic 215, I can't wait to start taking on side work. I had a question, what are your thoughts on getting certified? What are your suggestions? Currently Inhouse certified to d17.1, but considering getting certs in structural, I also have level 2's in PT and radiograph and I'll be taking my CWI at the end of this year.
Yes certifications are great. Unfortunately our local community college pushed them too much. You’ll most likely have to certify wherever you got work. Unless your working solely for yourself then it all depends on what type of work your doing. We always carry a Strutural certification at bare minimum. That covers a lot of what we do. Then we have various others for special projects.
Thanks for this
John Moua you are very welcome Hope you found some of this information useful. if you have any questions feel free to post and we'll answer best we can
Have a great Day. Please subscribe and share
I just finished my certs, been struggling to find a welding job that will pay the bills in my area, been wanting to work for myself, but I've definitely not got the experience for it and it's quite scary to think about starting a business.
Starting your own business is definitely scary but it's very rewarding. You will need experience to do this though so i always recommend working for someone else for a while to get that knowledge. Work under someone and gain some skills before jumping in head first, you'll be grateful later down the road.
Hi Matt. great video you have here. Thanks for all the important info. I really like the way you give glory to God for your progress and success. I`m in the process of starting my own welding business and your video is quite helpful.
100% God is the reason I am where I am. He gets all the Glory. He has big plans. It's not an easy path to start your own business but I wouldn't want it any other way
great video. Lot's of heartfelt advice, thanks for sharing.
Thanks so much. I need to make another one with more recent information and try to answer more questions in the comments from this video. I’ve also thought about doing some LIVE streams on here to answer questions viewers might have.
@@MattcoMetalWorks so some 8 months later I came back to your video. Still appreciate your sound advice and honesty. When i first found you my nephew was just starting welding school. He is still going at it and will finish up in a few months. Just looking for some ideas and sound advice on how to get into the business. Appreciate your time.
@@915rm That's great to hear, not many young kids getting into the business these days or any blue collar trade. I would highly suggest figuring
out what direction to go and then go work for someone to gain the knowledge and experience. It will be critical in order to make it our your own unless your just going to get on the pipeline or something of that nature.
hey man about to get some stuff rolling up here in michigan getting my llc and ordering a esab rebel ac/dc. im aws certified and been welding and fabricating for 10 years. have good ideas on buisness and tax things. im worried about insurance? do i need it to weld thing for local companys? plan on doing side job repairs. and machine part components for a machine shop here in town.
Hey Brody that’s awesome to hear. If your going to be doing more than just backyard repairs then yes you absolutely need insurance. That covers you in the event something ever happens to someone using a product, tool etc that you fixed or built. I would check with a local insurance company but around here I can’t even step foot in a facility without General liability insurance and workers COMP. Now for the workers COMP
If it’s just you and you don’t have any employees there are things called “ghost policies” which is what I used just starting out. It basically looks like you have insurance but you don’t because they know your not going to file a claim against yourself. Hope this helps. There’s definitely a lot to know when starting a business but there are also a ton of people willing to help out so don’t ever be afraid to ask.
Next year 2020 Am looking forward to starting my own business ..right now I have some tools the basic but I want to buy me a generator and a metal bending machine for some fences.. I basically have it all..I have my welding machine ,my grinder ,my chop saw, air compressor ,spray gun ,paint hose I have my impact ,my drill , hammers, pliers ,clamps drill press etc...
Sounds like you're set and ready to go. Be glad to help anyway we can if you have any questions. Lots of work out there right now. Good luck
I started out in my grandmothers drive way. not even in the garage. now I still don't have a shop but am getting a bunch of calls to fix things on site. my trucks about to fall apart but it get you and your stuff to the job for now.
What was the first welder you purchased? Would you purchase the same one if you had to do it all again? Is there something you wish you did different in the very beginning?
Dean Elliott the first welder I bought was actually my Lincoln Ranger GXT 250 but that’s because I didn’t really have a shop so I was able to use that for shop stuff or field repairs. The first real shop welder I got was a lincoln 256 which we still have one in the shop today. To answer the question it all depends on what you plan to weld or build. There are some great little multi process welders that lincoln and Miller make. They’ll run on 110 and 220 and weld amazing. We have both a lincoln 210MP and a Miller 215 we use them in the shop and also out in the field. There’s probably lots of things I could have done differently in the beginning but I had to learn a lot on my own and still do to this day. Make friends in the industry and find older guys that you can become friends with. I promise you that most guys in this business will lend a helping hand and offer they’re advice. Hope this helps thanks for following along.
I've been a welder for 21 year and have thought about starting my own business for a long time you said it's going to take up to 3 to 5 years to pay yourself. My question is how did u pay rent, eat, provide food for your family if u cant pay yourself. This is the number one thing that has kept my from taking the jump I have a weld and 2 kids and I need to provide for them and if I can for 3 to 5 years what do I do
I'll give you an answer. Take a different career path.
What is usually meant by that is you don't pay yourself "extra". You should receive a wage just as any other employee of your company, but any extra your company makes goes into the company/equipment/expansion. So no quarterly distributions/bonuses until firmly established. But your personal wage/employee wages should always be part of the bid calculations.
100% correct, you will pay yourself something. It may not be what you want to start off and it will often go up and down depending on cash flow. CASH FLOW is always the issue for small business
Just ran across your channel today and cant believe I hadnt found it sooner! You've got some awesome stuff going on. I currently weld for a Caterpillar dealer and am looking to get a side gig started so videos like this are super helpful.
Erik Vogt glad you found our channel. Feel free to share and comment anytime. Our goal is to fill the void of information regarding welding and the welding business. Also show some cool welding videos of what we build in our shop and some “how to” videos along the way. Remember many very successful corporations all over the world were born as a side gig usual in a back yard garage. Just always keep your head down and hands moving. 💪🏽💪🏽💪🏽
I have an electric welder , and a little dc inverter welder , I thought about that since I already have these welders that I’d buy 8000 or 9000 watt generator and put it on my old 97 Chevy to run the welders and use my grinder to cut and grind metal , and later I’ll get a gas operated welder but use what the good lord gave me , that ac/dc welder will weld any Size rod I need
Gary Teague that would definitely work. I know plenty of guys that do onsite work or even just for installation. They use a generator to run some kind of mig welder. Works like a charm unless it’s really windy then you’ll need some plywood to use as blockers so it doesn’t blow all your gas away. Better option for that is just to stick weld.
Hi, was thinking of starting a small mobile repair welding type business... Maybe just have a generator that powered a small stick or flux welder... I am 60 and am not out to make a lot, just maybe $200 plus per week... any suggestions on how to go about it? i have been welding many years, but am no expert by any means..i already have a truck and a decent flux core i use for repairs at my house...Thax for sharing...
id like to start a welding/fab business with a shop I already have. I was told that my best bet for making more money is to do production welding. I was thinking of wrought iron fencing or gates. any info will help thanks.
Honestly there is money to be made in many fields. You could get into production style but it all depends on which direction you want to go. But I promise there is lots of work out there. You’ll have to go get it though it’s not going to just fall in your lap. Gotta hustle
Thanks for watching
Can someone give me some pointers. I’ve been looking for companies to start welding. I have my welding assistant certification and I’m still having trouble finding work. I love this craft and I’m currently working 40-50 hours at McDonald’s thinking to myself everyday: “what am I doing ?” I thought about starting a business but I would love to have some experience in a actual job other than school. See how other people work and just learned from what I see. I’ve been looking into AWS to add to more certifications to my resume
I’m having the same problem you are right now, stuck working at Bestbuy trying to find a welding helper position. I have 4 months of welding experience but plan on going back for blueprint reading and osha 30. If you were able to get into the field do you have any advice?
@@larenssx2710 Why don't y'all just get certified to be an actual welder?
@@maskedshinobi4314 I was actually able to bullshit my way into a factory mig welding job a month ago, but yea I gotta get certified too
@@larenssx2710 That's good my guy
I just started a welding business this year. My only question is that how did you go about as far as getting sub work?
The Welding Machine so when I first started the business and it was just myself I decided to go to the larger welding shops in my area. And what I asked them was would you be willing to sub out your overflow work. I didn’t deal with their customers. They quoted the jobs and we had built relationships that allowed us to discuss what the job cost and what they could pay me. Of course they made some off the top for getting the work which cuts into your profit but just starting out you’ll thank yourself later for not being greedy and taking the work. It’s a great avenue to get work in the door and if your not careful you’ll get more work than you can handle at times.
Mattco Metal Works thanks
What did u build when u started? How did u get youre company name out there?
Lots of handrails. Residential and commercial. Think about what you’d like to focus on in the future and try to go after that from beginning. Remember you can’t do it all so focus on a couple things and go get it. It’s out there but it won’t come easy. Gotta hustle and grind all day everyday if you have to. Thanks for watching
Read through some of the comments. I hope I didn't miss this and make you answer twice... What are some advertising options that you recommend? Maybe make a video on that. Starting, 1 year, 3 years 5 years etc... Thanks
Jacob Hohn thanks for watching. We are definitely working on some follow up videos regarding these topics. Might even just make it a series. Seems as though there is a ton of interest in this area. I’ll gladly share what we’ve been through the past 5 years or so in our start up and the ups and downs that come along with it. Thanks again and happy new year
Mattco Metal Works right on. I’ve been in business in central Nc for about 3.5 years now. I’ve used a bunch of apps, google maps, gotten around Facebook market place policy until someone reported the posting. All free advertising though. So far. A ton of word of mouth advertising. Really curious how to stay busy every day. I’ve had months where I have to sub or turn away work and other months where I get 0-5 calls. This has stopped me from hiring employees and growing like I want to. Same concept of not taking out a loan, I don’t want to hire employees until I land a contract or have more guaranteed work to support that expense. Thanks a ton for making this and putting info out there. If God has my business in mind to be successful, I might make a few videos and try to pass on some knowledge one day to pass it on brother. Happy New Year!
you were blessed by Christ .
How do you find your side jobs, what’s the best way of going by that for example all those farm jobs you got and fencing jobs
We started this business by word of mouth. Just be sure you do exactly what you tell people your going to do. That alone will take you a long way. Then after that just hand out cards and talk to anyone and everyone. It's tough getting started unless you just have some great connections out of the gate. Good luck, be glad to help anyway I can
Alot of great advice, currently working on starting my own shop, have been at it for the last year and a half working my regular job and every evening and weekend working in my shop. Long term plan to go out on my own. Have accomplished alot with a Hobart 210 mvp, probably the same dewalt chop saw, and a wal-mart grinder.
I think that's how a lot of people become self employed is by having a side hustle that they are extremely passionate about and then it takes over the full time job. Keep us updated on how its going.
I’m starting my welding company, the only thing that worries me is the way employees are supposed to get paid while we finished the projects
Yes sir there are alot of variable in staring a business. being able to pay employees or helpers before you get paid for the job is very common. You cant expect guys to wait until you get paid so you should always have money saved for things like that along with materials and consumables that will be required to operate and the list goes on. Hope this helps
You have to have a product or a service. The businesses that survive are the ones that get involved in markets that have a good cash flow(government, utilities, specialized work, inspecting). Welding is a very vast industry. Its literally in just about every market healthcare, dental, aerospace, ornamental, material science, automotive, engineering. You don't have to just build, fabricate and repair either. You can get your CWI and work your way up to a certain rank, and start your own thing. I've met guys that have a business inspecting, fabricating, and sell welding equipment/consumables. You can also rent your equipment/vehicles out. You can go to college and become a welding engineer, get years of experience and network with the right people. Then you could venture out and become a consultant. Remember to always pay attention to your numbers and calculate risk.
I am starting with a 30 foot by 60 shop with all new equipment and I buy more tools than anything I always invest on having more tools than better tools I am at $25k in tools and still do not have what I want yet. However I do not have to rent the shop and have yet to do anything with the equipment because if I start making $$$ I will lose money as a full time student so all I do is buy equipment and put it where I want it so far. But I have a mix of great tools and some crap tools some still in the box until I can get what I need to just go full blast. I know you think I am Privliged and yes I am but at the cost of buying tools over having a better lifestyle.
great info, thanks for this. This is the kind of info I look for.
Thank you so much. Please subscribe and stay tuned for more content
Is it critical to go to welding school? I get MIG experience at my work.
Welding schools are not critical but I would highly recommend. You will definitely learn most of your skills on the job but there are also some great pros that come from attending a school even if it's only for a semester or two
Dude this video was outstanding. It's clear that you put God first in your journey and it's apparent that He has and continues to bless you. So cool dude 🙏🏼🙌🏼.
That part when you said, "we put out alot of parts; we hustle and grind", I was like that's me! Highly motivating.
I do tree work 4-5 days a week, irrigation here and there and more frequently coming into summer, and I work for myself doing odd jobs on Saturdays. I have 9yrs of production welding experience and can drive/operate damn near any machine; I just don't have the confidence to take that step out on my own. Been praying for guidance in this and hoping for a response from Mattco Metal Works.
My experience boils down to this: -certified Mig (.035, .045 and 1/16 wire) every position short of 6g.
-school certified for Smaw welding but don't have much real world experience with it.
Very little Tig experience
No aluminum
Friend has a machine that I can borrow and I have most of the tools I would need.
Also wondering how much to charge people for my work- in this I am clueless.
Any and all advice from Mattco or anyone else still reading would be greatly appreciated!!
Hey my friend it sounds like you’ve got the first part handled. That’s having it in your head, after that it’s just a matter of doing it. The longer you wait the worse you’ll regret you didn’t do it sooner. Your going to fail at many things along the way, the key is the keep getting back up. It’s not easy, and if it was everyone would be doing it. So much of the journey is mental and one major key to success is networking. Glad to answer any questions I can and I sure hope this helps. Thanks so much for watching and following along. Have an awesome Sunday.
Great video bud
Good info!👍🏼
Thanks! 👍
So I work as a welder for an ag shop I’m 42 and I worked in a semi structural prepared red iron sho for 16&1/ 2 years. I realized I needed to learn so much more than what I knew. I love welding and I’m doing fire pits on the side and smokers. Did some odd jobs too but I’m in a single car garage with 220. You were really relatable here. Thanks.
Whatz up Welders that’s awesome my friend. Sounds like you’ve been doing this for a while now. Glad you were able to relate to this video. What I put is the real deal stuff, I should have a follow up video hopefully in the next week or two. My goal is to help people realize no matter the situation if you want it bad enough you can make it happen. Doesn’t matter if you start in a dirt floor garage or out on the gravel driveway JUST START the rest will follow. Failure will be part of it just make sure you learn from those failures and mistakes. Have an awesome weekend and a Merry Christmas. 🎅🏼🎄🎁
Thanks for replying I subscribed yesterday so I look forward to future videos. Good job on the blue semi rust repair by the way
Whatz up Welders absolutely. I’m thinking about making a completely separate video for the blue dump truck repair. I could explain more in detail of the process in what we did to remove the old rusty spots and replace with new sheet metal. Let me know if you’d like to see that.
Ya I would. Love the day in the life video too. I love welding and fabrication. Learning so much now and it’s more fun than anything. Love working in my one by of paradise. Ha ha.
Im interested in hearing how you became a welder. Degree or certification? I would like to start a business but im not sure if its best to get a degree or certification before I begin.
Mini-Bike Adventures well to answer that question I actually have both. I hold a two year associates degree in welding and I also have multiple certifications. Now with that being said neither are “required” to start a business. But I would HIGHLY HIGHLY recommend them. It will pay off in the long run to get as much training as you possibly can. Now the certifications all depend on what direction you want to go in as there are lots and lots of different certs. I started out at a hotrod shop 20 years ago and had never welded in my life honestly didn’t know what the heck welding was. But I picked up quick and loved every minute of it. Hope this helps please feel free to ask as many questions as you’d like and I’ll be glad to help anyway I can.
Sorry but a pedigree will not get you to far, so get in the trenches, and the mud, and learn how to weld on live gas lines and live steam lines, and become the best you can be. Learn that and you can become in demand at your price. I'm old school, 45 years and counting. Have been certified and have been a certified welding inspector. That never meant much to the end of the rod, or wire, or tungsten. My skill and ability to weld dissemilar metals together have got me to a minimun of 130.00 per hour. More on high pressure gas and steam. Never shut them down, to put in new valves.
Donnie Dale that’s all true information. Pursue a field and get very good at it. Finding people in the blue collar trades is becoming harder and harder to find. Any kid of pipe welding pays good money. A lot of it required travel so if you can deal with that part it’s a good route. Thanks for the good advice and sharing you years of experience.
Do americans only do a 1-2 year course to be tradesmen? In Australia you have to do a 4 year apprenticeship on 12-14 an hour
I'm using the small outside room where I practice welding. I do projects in the carport then clean the floor afterwards, we have a big outside room too with a bathroom but it's full of junk. May I clean it out and move the stuff of my dad's to the small outside room and move everything to the big outside room. It may take a week or two to do. I have a DC stick welder stick and tig 200 Amp machine and empty argon cylinder and scratch start tig and a cut off machine and ac 130 Amp stick welder and a small table with a vice and 2 grinders one for cutting, grinding and one for wire wheeling and sanding and a pencil grinder I got for training when I went for pipe welding that I failed the test. And basic hand tools and a bench grinder for my tungsten sharpening, would appreciate advice. I'm unemployed and ready to start welding in fabrication
Duncan Mac Farlane it sounds like your set up and ready to go. Just keeping hustling and working hard. You can achieve anything that you put your mind to. It’s not going to be easy but just don’t quit.
@@MattcoMetalWorks thanks. Only need to build saw horses. Got the material so that I can build frames for gates. Only need more clamps. Money finished. But I'll work with what I have. I received a small foldable welding steel table. Can clamp small frames and weld it. Thanks
I started welding up old cars for a living there alot more to it than just welding but you don't need a qualification for it here in Australia as long as you do nice work people will hire you all I had was a $1500 welder and a work truck I already had and a few typical things like grinders and air tools I started out at $50 an hour as I built my skills my price went up. I now just work out of my shed on my property and im mobile aswell
That’s awesome to hear. Sounds like your on the right track. Thanks for watching.
is welding school a must, or is i just a plus
Welding school is absolutely not a must. Unfortunately all schools are run differently, some have great leadership that teach real life skills and scenarios while others focus on test plates etc. like anything else there is good and bad. Taking at least one semester to get the basics would always be great. After that on the job training is the way to go.
Thanks so much brother! I needed this information and God put you in my path. I will probably be getting in touch with you with some other questions? Once I get all of my ducks in a row. I will call you possibly?👍 So I won't waste your valuable time.
Your welcome. Please feel free to ask any questions and i'll answer the best I can
What method did she use to bring in business?
We have tried different things over the years, but the biggest success is honestly just networking. Get to know your clientele General Contractors, shop foreman, maintenance managers. With social media as big as it is these days use that to your advantage to reach more customers
Thank you for sharing your story to a 23 year old welder with a dream
Absolutely buddy.
“The Dream Is Free, The Hustle Is Sold Separately”
thanks for watching, hope you subscribed we’re making videos weekly.
After watching your video, I am inspired but after reading the comments I’m a little nervous however starting a business is going to take a risk. I’m a good welder but I’m still near the amateur level, getting close to the intermediate level but I definitely need to take a few more classes. Welding business is my dream, I love to world, and while I love the company I work for, I’m ready to spread my wings and fly so I actually have something.
Nervous is definitely something you're going to have to get used to it will come around a lot when you make the leap to being self-employed. But if you pursue your passion and the need to help people it will all work out. It will be like a roller coaster for a while but just remember there are tons of people out there myself included that want to see others succeed and are here to answer any questions or offer advice. Don't ever hesitate to ask all someone can say is no.
A few quick questions. What type of welding do you mostly do. I'm thinking of doing some small jobs and make some small stuff business card holders ect. Or do you think I should skip the small stuff like that.
When we started we took in anything we possibly could to stay busy and that's honestly how much shops or businesses do for that matter. That will change as you grow, you'll be able to narrow down to the certain types of work you want to focus on.
Great video,very informational. I was debating on going back to welding school. I have been laided off due to company closing and downsizing.
Wouldn’t hurt that’s for dang sure. There is a huge shortage of welders across the United States. Are you welding at all now???
Dude
Thanks Fellow welder. The time you took out of your busy work/life schedule helped me keep my sanity on what this takes to build my up and coming business. God bless you financially in abundance. Thanks
Thank you very much. Hope you found some valuable information. Thanks for watching
Hi Matt.
This video is priceless.👍
Exactly what I’m looking for.
To start on the bare necessities.
I’ve Just came across your video’s.
Looking forward to getting stuck in as they say here in England uk.
I’m a welder by trade. Mig tig arc.
I’m looking to start a hobby/semi self employed side business
Fabricating basic steel gym benches, power cages & strongman apparatus’s.
What mig would you recommend.
I work with a 3phase megatron.
But for home/workshop, I’m looking for the following.
180 amp single phase mig welder & argon gas mix refillable tank.
9” 5” angle grinder’s with various drill & polishing attachments.
Steel workbench with vices & clamps.
DeWalt chop saw ( I already have this)
Grinder
Various hammer’s wrenches screw drivers & spanners.
Am I missing anything.
Advice appreciated.
Or is this quite a sufficient start up.
I’m looking to work with 3-5mm box sectional mild steel.
My work shop work erea. will be 30x12ft
Thank you for any useful advice you may be able to offer Matt. 👍
Just subbed by the way. :) 👍
Sounds like you’ve already got the essentials and a perfect shop. Just go after it and don’t quit. You’ll have lots of ups and downs. It’s worth all the long hours. Thanks for watching
Mattco Metal Works your welcome.👍
And thank’s for the input.👍
I started in 2007 we have moved twice and currently in same situation as yourself. 4 guys couple part time guys and we are out of room God has truly blessed me as well!! Good luck to ya !!!
Thank you very much same to you. It always seems as though there's never enough room
Thanks for the video
Absolutely sir. Thank you for watching. Please subscribe and share. We are working hard to make more videos.
Enjoyed your video. Went through welding school myself and working at a fab shop now for hot rods and drag cars now and have been thinking about branching out for part time work. Encouraging video. Wish you continued success!
Glad this helped. you'll face lots of ups and downs if you decide to venture out on your own whether it be part time or full time but it's all worth it in the end. Just stick with it and remember Rome wasn't built over night
What did you find to be the best way to first start getting your name out there? Just drive around and stop in places giving out cards or what?
Jake Arrington yes sir that’s correct. Talk to anyone and everyone you can. Stop by any manufacturing plants, scrap yards, tire shops, tractor repair shops. Etc... you’d be surprised who might need welding services. My local police Dept has hired us multiple times to cut stuff out with our CNC plasma table for there firearms range.
Alright thanks for the reply
Great video thank you
Thank you hope you found some useful information. Glad to answer any questions that you have. Happy Labor Day
Hey sir, unto what were you baptized?
Ty, great advice
Thank you hope you got some good information out of this video and can put it to use on your projects. Thanks for watching
Thank you so much!! I needed this!
AFNB SWAYY you are very welcome glad it helped
Hie am 20 yrs old now and I would like to start my own business in welding is it possible that I buy some welele equipment and employ some professional welders and play that park while I pay them and do advisement and quotations.......
Phakamile Dumile you absolutely can do that. There are lots of different companies all over the world that are owned and ran by people who have no clue how to even make the products they sell. They just know how to run a business and they hire the correct people to do those things. There are multiple ways to be successful in life. Find what your good at and make the test work for you. Thanks for watching our video.
@@MattcoMetalWorksthanks you so much sir for this video it is very helpful and provided me with inspiration.... thank you sir you quotable am waiting for your next post....
What’s you rate
Our rates differ. Anywhere from $65 and hour to $125 for mobile welding. It all depends on what your doing if your having to travel. Hope this helps
That’s American $
@@dennisisaac746 yes that is correct. US dollars
subbed after watching this, always dreamed of having a business but scared to jump in
M Radj yes its definitely a scary time. Lots of uncertainty but it’s worth you just have to be willing to put in lots of time and hard work. You’ll do great. Go for it. 💪🏽💪🏽
Get to the point.
Write down what you want to say. Break it down into steps.
And deliver without bloviating.
🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣
I’m glad everything is going great for you. I went to welding school and learned how to weld pipe,plate. Etc. I was wanted to travel but the place I was wanting to work for wouldn’t hire me because of lack of experience so I became a Tractor Trailer mechanic shortly after graduating. Did that on and off for a few years and now I’m considering making weld crafts and tables, etc on the side. I made my wife a horseshoe turkey and that has made me want to get that going. A few years ago I got ahead of myself and got my business license and LLC and had money saved up for my welder than a vehicle expense came up and I ended my business before it started. Now I am more cautious and thinking more ahead. I bought me a 375 amp AC/DC TIG welder for a killer deal but keeping it at work until I get me a garage. I’m using a little TIG/Stick Klutch welder my wife bought me for Christmas a few years back and I’m working in my father in laws garage. Your story is inspiring and thank you for your video. Definitely going to subscribe and looking forward to your future videos. God bless.
unfortunately starting out you'll run into the"experience" issue. That's pretty much any trade though, please don't let that stop you from pursuing your goal. Someone will hire you just keeping knocking on doors. It will pay off in the end to have that experience of working in another shop before starting your own business. I hope to have some more videos up very soon and hopefully more frequent. In the mean time don't hesitate to ask question and i'll gladly give the best answer i can