marcusoverholtzer
Member
Wanting to make some side money with my welder to help purchase a tractor. Any ideas? Thanks
- Thread starter marcusoverholtzer
- Start date
Janicholson
Well-known Member
A welder (not described) doesn't allow us much room to help. What are your skills, what experience do you have, what do you know about material compatibility? Tell us more. Remember --- Non-certified welds on safety dependent equipment or hardware is a bad idea. Jim
flying belgian
Well-known Member
How about some free standing gating for the horse people. Or them corner hay feeders or any hay feeder for that matter.
MattCatlin
Member
Put an ad on craigslist under services with a hourly rate and a picture of a couple things you welded up.
Eldon (WA)
Well-known Member
Only work for rich people...they are the ones with the money. How about wrought iron security gates?? Don't call em rod iron or you won't get much business LOL!
old
Well-known Member
- Location
- Camdenton Missouri
There is many way to do that. Repairing stuff or making things like boot mud scrappers. Or if your artistic make metal animals or other such stuff. Been doing repair type stuff on and off for decades
Eldon (WA)
Well-known Member
David I guess you were never a teenager :shock:
marcusoverholtzer
Member
What piece of advice am I not listening to? Am I missing something? I do not like the church pew trade and am working on wway out oof it.
ztr mowers
Member
first you will need big ins coverage and certification papers in some areas.
Adirondack case guy
Well-known Member
Well, I hate to discourage you, BUT,,, If you advertise welding services, you have become a business. That being said, your business has to be registered in your state, and you will have to file business tax returns. Lots of paperwork. Also you will need business liability insurance, to protect yourself from frivolous lawsuits.
You need to put all things into perspective.
Just how far do you think you can "fly under the radar" before something comes back to haunt you.
I also do a lot of welding fabrication and I have pondered doing the same thing since retirement, but the negatives out way the returns.
Loren
You need to put all things into perspective.
Just how far do you think you can "fly under the radar" before something comes back to haunt you.
I also do a lot of welding fabrication and I have pondered doing the same thing since retirement, but the negatives out way the returns.
Loren
marcusoverholtzer
Member
I have no plans to buy a tractor at this point until I know if I'm going t be custom arming. I just want to save and be ready to buy a good one when the time comes.
marcusoverholtzer
Member
As much as I would love a good school education in mechanics I don't think it will happen. I talked to my parents about it and they feel it best for me to find a job with a local mechanic and have him teach me.
marcusoverholtzer
Member
David send me that link to the twitter page please. Thanks
Russ from MN
Well-known Member
- Location
- Bemidji MN
You need to slow down and proofread!
John M
Well-known Member
- Location
- Nunyafn business
Lighten up man. At least he wants to do something other than sit at home and play video games. Don't recall you ever making remarks like that towards Bryce. Marcus reminds me a lot of another young fellow who posts on here. Caught all kinds of grief from people here for the things he wanted to do. That kid is pretty successful in his life now. That kid is Lance.
I agree. I am a heavy equipment operator by trade and a small time farmer by heart. I grew up learning a lot from my dad who also was a heavy equipment operator and working around our small farm. I do many things at work now operating, welding, mechanicing. It took quite a while to get where I am at. I think if you could go to a trade school and maybe work on the side to help.pay for it it would be a really wise investment. That way you can learn about the new technology while still getting real world experience. Being in the real world and working is good but the new stuff, even tractors and other farm equipment is getting pretty sofisticated. Not everyone hung is as easy to work on as my 69 Ford f100 I bought when I was 16. Lots of technology out there.
Jaden
Member
- Location
- Eastern Nebraska
With advances in technology and pollution controls, a diesel "mechanic" is expected to do more than just turn wrenches. A good Tech school is a way to learn about the latest equipment. There will also be employers coming to hire graduates.
Dave H (MI)
Well-known Member
First, let me vet myself...CPA in Michigan, work with a lot of small businesses including contractors, have taught up thru the college level, own a farm which falls somewhere in the category between business and expensive hobby.
My first advice would be to scrap any idea of farming at this time. It is simply too expensive to get into and make money. You have no idea of the type and expense of equipment you would need to do it on a scale to make a significant income. If you cannot afford school, you cannot afford to farm. You can farm down the road...like I did...after you find another source of income.
If you have taken the time to learn welding skills, then you have a skill you can sell. May or may not require govt registration, insurance, etc. People who need a crack welded in a mower deck or similar will cheerfully pay you a discounted price. You can also fabricate items and sell them on ebay or at craft shows. Most people who do these things fly under the radar until it starts to roll. Or you can hire yourself as a subcontractor to larger businesses who may cover you under their comp and liability insurance. What you cannot do is start welding jobs that could result in safety issues. All of the above will generate taxable income. You pay the tax (or you don't and roll the dice). The first time you get a 1099, you better have that number on a tax return.
You should seriously look at getting some more education. If folks cannot pay for it, then find another way. I have a couple of nephews who started working out of high school and eventually had classes paid for by employers. Look around and be persistent. But forget about the farming for a bit.
My first advice would be to scrap any idea of farming at this time. It is simply too expensive to get into and make money. You have no idea of the type and expense of equipment you would need to do it on a scale to make a significant income. If you cannot afford school, you cannot afford to farm. You can farm down the road...like I did...after you find another source of income.
If you have taken the time to learn welding skills, then you have a skill you can sell. May or may not require govt registration, insurance, etc. People who need a crack welded in a mower deck or similar will cheerfully pay you a discounted price. You can also fabricate items and sell them on ebay or at craft shows. Most people who do these things fly under the radar until it starts to roll. Or you can hire yourself as a subcontractor to larger businesses who may cover you under their comp and liability insurance. What you cannot do is start welding jobs that could result in safety issues. All of the above will generate taxable income. You pay the tax (or you don't and roll the dice). The first time you get a 1099, you better have that number on a tax return.
You should seriously look at getting some more education. If folks cannot pay for it, then find another way. I have a couple of nephews who started working out of high school and eventually had classes paid for by employers. Look around and be persistent. But forget about the farming for a bit.
RobCons
Well-known Member
- Location
- Central Alabama
As others have said education should be a priority. This can be a college degree or trade school certificate. I went the college route and similar to Dave used that to let me afford what I do now. Small welding/fabrication shop and tractor for hire. Licensing will vary from location to location. I have a state issued home builders license, city license, county license, and 2 forms of state business license. Insurance and such are just cost of business. Equipment gets expensive also. Had I not been fortunate to have made decent money in my environmental/safety, saved what I could, and had a working spouse I would not be doing what I do now.
Good quality round bale feeders?? In my area I think they would sell well if priced fairly. The $159 box store specials last a few months. The $250-$300 quality feeders last for many years. I've got 4 or 5 that my dad and grandpa bought in 1983 that are still used every day.
I almost ran a large truck leaf spring through a corn chopper because I did not understand the chemistry/materials of welding. A magnet saved me and my job at a canning company. That was at my summer job when I was in high school. My point is welding and mechanics can have a high degrees of liability even in what appear to be the simplest tasks. That's what these guys are telling you. You need both formal education and experience to keep yourself out of trouble and proper credentials (and insurance) to help you when you do get in trouble.
So, you need a plan.
As a plan I suggest 1.) your first goal should be to successfully complete your high school education. Most of your time should be "focused" on that including mastering all the reading, writing, science, basic business, and math skills. Mr. Adirondack Case Guy could not do those fantastic projects without a healthy dose of each of these skills.
2.) keep your pew job (I assume you get paid.) until you line up or establish a job with a local mechanic. I am viewing this as a mentor opportunity. If he's any good he will realize the benefits and insist on a plan for formal technical training in your plan.
3.) start investigating and execute a path of formal technical training and credentials (e.g. Associate Degree) as was discussed in earlier posts. Marcus, you will never know it all through formal training or even experience, but you will know what questions to ask given a task or situation and how to research (find and read) answers to them.
Once you graduate from formal training, then you will be in a position to further define and extend your life plan.
Based on the little I know about you, I suggest the above three items as your "plan" that you continuously focus on in that order. Anything that does not support that plan is just "noise", e.g. it is not in the plan or does not support the plan. Said another way, the above is your mission and the three items I outlined are mission criticals.
Each of these guys talking to you know how to take a task or goal, break it down into it's component parts, and execute each part in a logical order to a successful outcome. That is a real skill. I think you are trying to figure out your next life steps. I know that is hard at your age, there are lots of shiny objects out there competing for your attention. I could go on, please consider the steps I outlined. If they are not right for you, then define what is, define executable steps, and then focus on executing the steps.
Good luck.
Paul
So, you need a plan.
As a plan I suggest 1.) your first goal should be to successfully complete your high school education. Most of your time should be "focused" on that including mastering all the reading, writing, science, basic business, and math skills. Mr. Adirondack Case Guy could not do those fantastic projects without a healthy dose of each of these skills.
2.) keep your pew job (I assume you get paid.) until you line up or establish a job with a local mechanic. I am viewing this as a mentor opportunity. If he's any good he will realize the benefits and insist on a plan for formal technical training in your plan.
3.) start investigating and execute a path of formal technical training and credentials (e.g. Associate Degree) as was discussed in earlier posts. Marcus, you will never know it all through formal training or even experience, but you will know what questions to ask given a task or situation and how to research (find and read) answers to them.
Once you graduate from formal training, then you will be in a position to further define and extend your life plan.
Based on the little I know about you, I suggest the above three items as your "plan" that you continuously focus on in that order. Anything that does not support that plan is just "noise", e.g. it is not in the plan or does not support the plan. Said another way, the above is your mission and the three items I outlined are mission criticals.
Each of these guys talking to you know how to take a task or goal, break it down into it's component parts, and execute each part in a logical order to a successful outcome. That is a real skill. I think you are trying to figure out your next life steps. I know that is hard at your age, there are lots of shiny objects out there competing for your attention. I could go on, please consider the steps I outlined. If they are not right for you, then define what is, define executable steps, and then focus on executing the steps.
Good luck.
Paul
I preached and preached at Bryce to get an education, finally gave up.
I remember getting on Lance too, seems that worked out well.
I travel all over the country working and see so many people without an education, or unwilling to move, without work. It frustrates me when I see smart eager young people making this choice when there are so many educational opportunities. There is funding if you cannot afford school. I guess maybe it reminds me of myself. I planned to be a mechanic, but others saw the potential in me and continued to push me to get an education.
I remember getting on Lance too, seems that worked out well.
I travel all over the country working and see so many people without an education, or unwilling to move, without work. It frustrates me when I see smart eager young people making this choice when there are so many educational opportunities. There is funding if you cannot afford school. I guess maybe it reminds me of myself. I planned to be a mechanic, but others saw the potential in me and continued to push me to get an education.
marcusoverholtzer
Member
Hi Lance!! Lets hear your success story!
coonie minnie
Well-known Member
Get a formal education. It is the best investment you can make- in yourself. Some might claim "it won't pay.." but that will only be true if you don't apply yourself during and/or afterward!!! You speak of buying tractors, etc... that money would buy you several semesters at a tech school, etc that could teach you a trade- be it mechanics, welding, or something like accounting or business management.
Unlike a tractor, your education will never need an overhaul, a set of tires, or a hydraulic pump replaced.
Keep bugging mom and dad about school. Don't back off.
Unlike a tractor, your education will never need an overhaul, a set of tires, or a hydraulic pump replaced.
Keep bugging mom and dad about school. Don't back off.
John M
Well-known Member
- Location
- Nunyafn business
That's a great way to get some experience. Keep your grades up and apply for some scholarships. If you can find a shop that will put you to work and teach you a few things along the way, save your money up as well.
Russ from MN
Well-known Member
- Location
- Bemidji MN
David, I agree with you 100%. That's why there is so much opportunity for immigrants, they are educated and willing to move! Unfortunately I have had a lot of dealings with doctors in the last few years, primarily oncologists. The only ones they can get in N MN are from Egypt, India, and Africa, and they are some of the best doctors I have ever met, and they were educated in their home country. Our education system has deteriorated so bad that we can't supply enough doctors for our country, thank goodness for immigrants!
Eldon (WA)
Well-known Member
What??? None from Mehico??
ptfarmer
Well-known Member
- Location
- San Antonio, Tx
A friend of mine who's a bit older than me went into the Air Force after he completed high school in 1970. He learned how to weld while in the Air Force. After he got out of the Air Force he has worked at, and made big money at big aerospace companies like Air Research. He's the best welder I have ever seen, if it's metal he knows how to weld it, even Waspaloy the hardest metal to weld successfully. Even when he welds using "the red Lincoln cracker box" with 6011 rods his welds has the "stack of dimes" look, and you won't break those welds either. When I have a question on welding something he's the first one I call.
tracto-man
Member
I started out kinda like you about 4 years ago. My big boost was my grandpa practically gifting a tractor to me. I always wanted to make a bit of cash, and finally figured out the most practical way was go to the nearby farms and tell them you're looking for some work. I love snowmobiles as well as tractors, so I bought a old snowmobile for cheap 4 years ago, and the next year sold it for a few bucks more. During this time, my mechanical interests grew greatly, and I got some awesome friends from my church, this site, and folks around the neighborhood that really got me going. I started buying and selling a few more sleds, and then with my dads help, did similarly on a couple ford tractors.
A budy and I now buy snowmobiles and ATVs (as our funds allow), ride them, fix them up, sell or keep them. With a head mechanic for a big shop in our area, I've now begun working on cars as well, even buying and selling a truck. I've not got rich in all this by any means, as the cost of parts and repairs must be factored in, but I enjoy doing it. Hardly any profit is made in all this, but we're getting experience, and I'm doing what I love to do. I'm in my freshman year of highschool, started dual enrollment college classes next year. Looking around at local colleges for a automotive tech degree, or possibly diesel tech degree.
Anyway, all that to say, do what you love to do. If you want to be a mechanic, give it a go. You've only got one life to live. Think of things you love to do, how could you make money by that? If you enjoy welding, I would agree with maybe making some yard art, and selling it. Some folks like that old rust in their gardens.
My long 2 cents worth
A budy and I now buy snowmobiles and ATVs (as our funds allow), ride them, fix them up, sell or keep them. With a head mechanic for a big shop in our area, I've now begun working on cars as well, even buying and selling a truck. I've not got rich in all this by any means, as the cost of parts and repairs must be factored in, but I enjoy doing it. Hardly any profit is made in all this, but we're getting experience, and I'm doing what I love to do. I'm in my freshman year of highschool, started dual enrollment college classes next year. Looking around at local colleges for a automotive tech degree, or possibly diesel tech degree.
Anyway, all that to say, do what you love to do. If you want to be a mechanic, give it a go. You've only got one life to live. Think of things you love to do, how could you make money by that? If you enjoy welding, I would agree with maybe making some yard art, and selling it. Some folks like that old rust in their gardens.
My long 2 cents worth
Marcus, these people here are all trying to help you out. I will not preach to you or any your age as I have a son that is a lot like you. Take some advice from here and go to school and learn a trade or a trade school as has been suggested. Everyone here is giving you advice from there hearts. We are for the most part supposed to get smarter as we age. Some of us do, some don't. If I would have followed all of the advice I was given at your age, I should have lots of money and be in charge of a country. Well maybe a small one. I did go to school as I am sure Most of the others here did also. Listen before you leap.
dr sportster
Well-known Member
If you are skilled all you need is a sign. For some jobs insurance may be nice to have . One welding book I have talks about an oil truck explosion. Keep a big fire extinguisher too.
"ChuckE2009" is doing pretty well with his welding and project videos on YouTube. Check it out on Socialblade.com. Enter his or any youtube name in the search box. The estimate of annual earnings is pretty broad but I've seen several youtubers admit that they are making somewhere in the middle of the annual range.
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