Look for some much needed advice.

[firestorm13666]

Well i have the opportunity to have the space to weld in and more later on. A family friend owns a shop and right now it is empty and he is just going to use it to store his cars. The shop can hold close to 7 cars. I have been thinking about starting up a small buissness for some time now. I was thinking of a small fab shop. I want to start small and just make things like lawn art and such on the week ends and nights. After i get better at welding and more tools i can expand and do more. Right now have a good full time job and make ok money but this is a job i rather not do the rest of my life. I feel that i should jump at this opportunity and make things happen while i have the chance . Aim looking for all and any advice. Thanks Anthony

[yorkiepap]

Hey Anthony,
You'll never know unless you try. If you have the availability of some room for a fair size work area, basically a 3' X 4' welding table, a decent MIG(>140A), a decent stick(DC 200A), TIG if possible, plasma if possible, chopsaw or bandsaw, drill press, decent grinder, and the myriad of hand tools needed, and a good work table, you would have a minimal start. If you see that there is a substantial interest and some work coming in, you will be able to see if it is feasible and what additional tools that may be necessary. Good, quality work always is the best advertising as is keeping a lot of cards to hand out. Give it a shot.....Good Luck.....Denny

[firestorm13666]

Thanks. I guess i should add what tool i have so far. I own three welds so far. A 200amp 100% duty mig,100 mig,and a old 230 amp ac stick. I have the parts laying around to make the ac stick dc too. I have all kinds of hand tools,some power, and air tools and a compressor. I have a sand blaster. am looking to buy a oxy/fuel setup now. I have the parts to make a kick *** bench grinder(old school arbors with belt feeds).To be honest the only things i spend money on are tools and car parts. am not the usually 22 year old. When i talk to most people but this idea they think i am nuts to take it slow. My reasons for wanting to take it slow are. One i still need more skills need to make things really take off and well things just take time and i understand that it is not a good idea just to rush into things.Thanks Anthony

[Broccoli1]

Only concern here is his storage of vehicles and all the dust yer gonna make:)

Otherwise it sounds like a good deal. Just keep making stuff you like and check out the farmer's markets and Craft shows in the area- although with winter coming on I imagine not gonna be that many:)

You can also check out the small shops in Perrysburg as well as any other town that has the same feel- I think Maumee has a "Small Shop" set up- and see if they have any interest. Make a couple of items, take some pics and put them in a binder to show the shop owners.

You never know what will happen.

[Sberry]

I agree about getting a torch and sectioning off for dust.

[Wyoming]

Anthony,
Don't quit your day job. Going slow in a family friend's shop will keep your expenses down, but once you start doing more full time work there I'm guessing that your welcome will eventually wear thin. As long as you keep your overhead low and only buy equipment as needed for paying jobs, I don't see a thing wrong with your trying to further yourself in this manner. Remember there are a lot of folks out there that would like to feed on your carcass with the aid of a shyster lawyer or by stiffing you on your bill. Best of luck to you and keep us apprised of your journey into self-employment.

[Willy Victor]

What happens when you burn his shop down, bye bye friendship.


Willy

[Meach]

I'll tell you how I started 3 years ago. Had a very unique opportunity. Borrowed 50K at no interest bought a van, welding equipment etc. Got all my licenses etc. After about 6 months ended up getting a shop on a ranch in return for doing work on the ranch. Went strickly by word of mouth and lots of business cards. Takes quite awhile this way, however by keeping my day job and keeping expenses to an absolute minimum I am able to put all profit into equipment. Dont be real anxious to purchase equipment until you find out exactly what you will need by what jobs come your way. If I had the 50K to spend all over again I would go completely another way. Hind site is always 20-20. Just be careful what you weld on and the jobs you take and charge reasonable prices. I for instance stear away from welding on trailer hitches, vehicle frames etc. Be sure your desire to do a job doesnt cloud your judgement on your capabilities! If you end up with more work than you can do you can always raise your prices a little. I have gone from working a few hours per week to needing to hire help and/or quit the ranch and open a shop where the overhead will come in monthly no matter what state the business is in. Right now financially I am doing awesome but am maxxed out. The next step is really scary so I am taking my time and looking for the right shop with the right rent in the right location. After putting in all the work I have I would hate to blow it now. My humble opinion would be to take it slow and easy but give it a shot. If you have never worked for a welder you might consider getting a job in a fab shop where they will increase your skills and you can get a better look at how a welding shop is run.
Although I have welded for 20 plus years and owned other businesses the whole process is still kind of intimidating. Just my 2 cents, good luck

[Hotfoot]

Well, my first reaction was the partitioning off for dust, also...and that's no small concern. That "dust" can be iron , and lead to surface rust on the cars.
I also wonder if you are planning on picking up the electric bill and his insurance (which must note that welding is going on). It really does sound like away to strain a friendship...possibly getting the whole family hopping up and down...think it over...a lot!
Letting you use it to do some occasional dabbling is one thing, but you do sound like you intent to push beyond that.:)

[lars66]

Well, my first reaction was the partitioning off for dust, also...and that's no small concern. That "dust" can be iron , and lead to surface rust on the cars.
I also wonder if you are planning on picking up the electric bill and his insurance (which must note that welding is going on). It really does sound like away to strain a friendship...possibly getting the whole family hopping up and down...think it over...a lot!
Letting you use it to do some occasional dabbling is one thing, but you do sound like you intent to push beyond that.:)

Wait untill he hits the glass or paint with grinder sparks or weld spatter.