Need Welding Advice

[KartFab]

I have been slowly improving my welding skills. I am to the point now where I want to fabricate a few simple normal carbon and stainless steel parts (go kart related, or not..) and put them up for sale on eBay or here.

I want some input on what you all think is in demand/would sell pretty easily... or any general feedback on this idea.

The first few things that come to mind are headers, mechanical brake disc calipers brackets, spindles, spindle brackets and that's about it? I don't really know if there is a market for these things, or if there is any money in it. I am just shooting this out there for feedback (constructive and critical is welcome).

 

[Rustydog2010]

Not sure on the demand, I live in a far away land.

The only thing I would suggest is, make sure before you sell anything, that it is adequately tested/abused. This gives another selling point and piece of mind.
Also be wise in the way you word your auctions. Cover your ***, just incase. You never know what people would do.

Good luck anyway. Hope it works out!

 

[Doc Sprocket]

Yeah- We DO live in a litigious society, (rather unfortunately) watch your back.

 

[KartFab]

For now i am just putting ads on CL for welding, so far so good. Welded up stainless steel sinks, exhaust manifolds, bbq smokers, bumpers, wrought iron, chairs, etc... in 2 weeks a roll cage. Yea that's the only one I am a little concerned about, but I am confident in the penetration and build up of the bead.

I have turned down two people so far though, one guy wanted me to build a "small" bridge, (no engineer had looked at his plan). Another wanted me to weld his a arms that had cracked on a huge dodge work truck of his. After talking to him, he didnt even care about cutting a v in the arm and doing multiple passes to get proper penetration... yea i dont care how much i get paid to fix something if its not going to be done right.

 

[mckutzy]

Im going to say if there safety involved, I hope you have some certs behind you. Today the world has gotten so anal about liability, that small jobber guys like some of us on here have basically been eliminated.

I know this from personal experiance as Iam having a difficult getting into the welding field, They all pretty much want ticketed welders only. I have experience and when ever I go looking for a job I bring my gloves and helmet, but they first thing they ask is do I have a cert. So be careful what you do, and what you accept. Having insurance and good head about it is probably a good start.

 

[KartFab]

I have a college degree and a great job completely unrelated to welding. I just do welding for fun; whenever I want to do it.

The people who want certs/licenses/bonded employees don't contact me. On craigslist there is a box for licensed/unlicensed. I check unlicensed. I have been figuring out a lot of stuff though trial and error before starting to work small jobs for others. Got a lot of help though weldingtipsandtricks.com, and researching other projects. I know a lot about warpage, penetration, travel speed, correct amperage, measuring correct angles etc.... I could go get certifications, but i really don't care because my livelihood doesn't depend on it. That could bite me in the butt one day, but that's a risk I am willing to take... famous last words

 

[adeso]

If the roll cage is NHRA there are a lot of specs for it, they have it posted online

 

[KartFab]

If the roll cage is NHRA there are a lot of specs for it, they have it posted online

Yea I looked into it and got the basic info.The cage was a kit that just needs a few cuts here and there, and two more notches, then the plates welded onto the stock floor. I got 1/3rd of the way done with the cage and the guy didn't have his chair yet and wanted to put some plate in the rear of the car where the spare sits where he can put his fuel/battery. Ill be working on it some more in June. Basically from the videos/walkthroughs I saw online i am going to have to tack up most of the frame, then cut holes in the floor pan and let it drop down so i can get the top portions of the main hoop welded.... Then slide the plates back onto the floor pan and weld all around. After the frame is finished, I will be reinforcing it with some more 1/8 inch plate by welding the main hoop to the frame on the sides, and the back part to a part near the rear suspension. That will keep it stiff.

 

[realfast89gt]

Yea I looked into it and got the basic info.The cage was a kit that just needs a few cuts here and there, and two more notches, then the plates welded onto the stock floor. I got 1/3rd of the way done with the cage and the guy didn't have his chair yet and wanted to put some plate in the rear of the car where the spare sits where he can put his fuel/battery. Ill be working on it some more in June. Basically from the videos/walkthroughs I saw online i am going to have to tack up most of the frame, then cut holes in the floor pan and let it drop down so i can get the top portions of the main hoop welded.... Then slide the plates back onto the floor pan and weld all around. After the frame is finished, I will be reinforcing it with some more 1/8 inch plate by welding the main hoop to the frame on the sides, and the back part to a part near the rear suspension. That will keep it stiff.

what kind of car?

 

[KartFab]

Subaru Impreza

 

[jdmkid]

For now i am just putting ads on CL for welding, so far so good. Welded up stainless steel sinks, exhaust manifolds, bbq smokers, bumpers, wrought iron, chairs, etc... in 2 weeks a roll cage. Yea that's the only one I am a little concerned about, but I am confident in the penetration and build up of the bead.

I have turned down two people so far though, one guy wanted me to build a "small" bridge, (no engineer had looked at his plan). Another wanted me to weld his a arms that had cracked on a huge dodge work truck of his. After talking to him, he didnt even care about cutting a v in the arm and doing multiple passes to get proper penetration... yea i dont care how much i get paid to fix something if its not going to be done right.

This would scare me if you werent amazing at welding. I have friends with caged street/track cars, and ive seen cars flip, and if your welds arent good, your cage is going to split and it may cost a life. Be careful with welding things like cages where a persons life is dependent on it.

Good luck though!