Welding can come in handy if you want to create a simple new gate from some type of metal or want to join two elements together such as fencing panels. It can be dangerous to try it yourself without experience.

Why would I need welding services?

When people think of welding, they think of it being done in a factory with heavy equipment but the fact is that a welder can also provide you with welding services in and around your home. 

In general, welders work with metal and their job looks at joining two or more pieces of metal. Their services usually cover different types of metal including wrought iron, brass, aluminium, and cast iron, just to name a few. 

What jobs can a welder help me with?

Welders work on a range of jobs. You may already have a specific job that you want a welder for but while they are there, they may be able to do more than one job. 

Some common jobs that a welder can help you with include:

• Creating gates 
• Join together different elements of a metal fence or railing 
• Welding metal balustrades or handrails 
• Connecting metal staircases 
• Welding metal connectors for pool fencing
• Joining metal furniture 
• Joining metal pipes 
• Installing metal shelters or canopies 
• Repairing existing welds that may have loosened or degraded 

If you are likely to need someone to help with any of these jobs, you can get your welder to work on them as well. 

Welding vs fabricating

Though many people use these words interchangeably, they are not the same thing. Welding usually involves joining two pieces of metal while metal fabricating is the process of creating a product out of metal. Welding is often a part of this process. 

Though many companies that deal with fabrication will have staff that can weld, it’s not always a given. Likewise, a welder can take part in the fabrication process but if you need a fully constructed metal product, they may not be able to do the whole process. 

If you’re unsure at all about what your welder or fabricator can do, it’s always a good idea to ask.

What impacts the cost of welding?

Welders consider several things when they provide a quote for welding services. Generally, welders will take into account:

Size of job: Welders will be able to do most jobs but the size of your job can affect the cost. Bigger jobs will take longer to complete and that will raise the price. 

The number of jobs: if your welder is completing more than one task for you, they will charge more. This can work out in your favour if you have several tasks that need to be done though. The cost of doing them all at the same time may work out to be cheaper than if they were completed individually. 

Type of material used: working with different metals will change the cost of your welder. Stainless steel is generally the cheapest metal while cast iron can be twice the cost of steel. 

The complexity of the job: some jobs may be simple and take less time. Others will be more complicated. If your job is in a hard-to-reach area, including many joints that need to be balanced or require additional safety equipment, then it will generally cost more. 

Fixed costs: regardless of the above factors, there are a few costs that will always be present. Preparation of the materials and the metal, the welding itself and the cleanup will be parts of any job. They come with standard fees that are usually fixed. 

How much does a welder cost?

Welders usually charge by the hour. Many will be able to give you a total sum quote for the work based on the hours they think it will take plus their fixed fees. Their expenses, such as gas and materials, need to be covered in the job fee. 

In general, an experienced welder will charge roughly $62 per hour. For simpler jobs, this can go down to $50 per hour or it can be as high as $70 for complex or larger jobs. 

How can I hire a good welder?

Any jobs that require welding can be dangerous so you want to make sure that whoever you hire is responsible and won’t hurt anyone, including themselves, or damage your property. 

Check their credentials: there are a lot of engineering bodies or trade associations that regulate these industries. One of the best ways to make sure you’re getting a reliable welder is by making sure they have qualifications. 

Ask for examples of past work: Seeing the work they’ve done previously can give you a good idea of whether they will be able to complete your job to the required standards. 

Look for reviews and referrals: seeing how past customers have found their work can be a good way to learn whether they will be right for you. You can also discover what they are like to work with from reviews and referrals, not just the quality of their work. 

At hipages, we always recommend that you get at least three quotes from welders before you agree to anything. This way you can compare each tradies experience, reviews and pricing to get the best match for your needs. 

Can I hire a handyman for welding?

A handyman that can weld will prove surprisingly useful and you’d be surprised at exactly what they can do. 

If you are hiring a handyman for a welding job, it is vital that you check that they are experienced with welding and that they use the correct protective equipment, as well as having safe and well-maintained welding tools.

At hipages, we always recommend getting at least three quotes before settling on a service. Make sure to ask them what’s included in the quote so that you don’t find yourself paying additional fees after they’ve agreed to the work.