Cant' find a welder to save my life

[deacon328]

I am building the trike that will tow my trailer first so we can use the whole garage for the trailer project. The pieces I have so far can't be moved because they are just too heavy.

So I went about looking for a portable welder service. I located one thruogh a friend, he came over, gave me an estimate and set a date to come weld. He stood me up.

Hired one through the paper, he came over gave me an estimate and again stood me up.

Two more hired through Craigslist, one disappeared altogether (found out he went home to mommy) and the other one stood me up this past saturday.

If I was lowballing these people I could understand their lack of interest but I am paying $50 - $60 an hour for a 5 to 6 hour project.

I can't believe how bad people's work ethics are now days. Does anyone PLEASE know of someone in the St. Louis area who has a portable welder?

The entire project is stuck because I can't get someone to come to my house and weld the two main frame pieces together. I don't have the knowledge or experience or I would give it a try. I tried to rent a 220 MIG welder but they want a $1000 security deposit whichI don't have (swore off credit cards 5 years ago).

So if you can help PLEASE send a suggestion.
Deacon

[cablerunners]

Hi Deacon,

Sorry to hear all the trouble you're having...

I rented and old arc welder for about $30.00 a day. Did most my welding over a weekend...

Later, I just bought off craigs list for about $85.00. It's not a MIG but it works...






-phil

[deacon328]

I wish it was just a trailer frame, I've got a 110 welder that can penetrate that thickness. The frame I need welded is 2" X 3" x 3/16th thick. The 110 won't even come close.

[toypusher]

Home Depot rents welders (Mig) that would do that. Might want to give it a try!!

[deacon328]

Toypusher, thanks, I called them and they only have a wire fed 110. I need a 220....appreciate the suggestion though

[cablerunners]

Hi Deacon,

The welder I showed above is 220... Plugged into my dryer outlet.

I got it from a local rental shop...

Good Luck...

-phil

[toypusher]

You could try the other equipment rental places in your area.

Also, have your tried to look on Craigslist in your area?? For either a welder for sale or someone that does welding. I have seen plenty of both in my area.

[boomer]

A 120 volt wire fed should do the trick. Otherwise check with the local Vo-tec school. Sometimes they will do jobs for a very small donation. If you were in N.Y. I would gladly do it for a cup of coffee. Boomer.

[Bronco302]

I know it would be a bit more work but if a 120 volt wire unit is all you can find bevel your joints and preheat the steel. You can get better penatration if the metal is already hot. They have their place but I would much rather have a stick welder than a 120V wire welder.

Joe W.

[jeep_bluetj]

I know, it's messy, but you can use fluxcore. You can pretty easily weld 3/16ths with a 110 wirefeed with fluxcore. I've done lots of jeep parts with mine, all are decent strength. Lots of cleanup afterwards, but it'll get it done.

Your welder likely shows 3/16ths as the thickest it can weld - all the heat you got, and a wirespeed that allows you to keep the heat on it. The slow welding will tend to warp though, so stitch alot.

[signs]

Could you tack it together with your 110 volt. Then take it to a welding shop to have all the welds finished?

Jay