Here’s another video taken straight from the Iron Railing 101 course. In this video I show you exactly how to make your own reusable welding jig to make the perfect iron railing down rails every time.

Until I came up with this welding jig, I was spending way too much time checking everything over and over to make sure it all stayed in place before I welded it up. It would take forever to find the angles, mark everything out, and then try to clamp down all the metal and hope nothing moved in the process.

This video’s a little long, but it’s well worth it. I use this welding jig on every iron railing project I work on. I even use for other welding projects. It’s that good. If you plan on making money from building iron railing, this welding jig is a must for you.

I Want To Thank You

I want to take a minute to thank everyone who completed the quick 2 minute welding survey I sent out. It’s been hugely beneficial for The At Home Welder and it has let me know exactly what welding questions you need answered.

If you didn’t get to chance to ask the MIG welding questions you need answered, you should do that now by completing this really quick and easy 2 minute survey.

CLICK HERE to take the survey and get your MIG welding questions answered.

For those of you that took advantage of the Angle Grinder Mastery special deal earlier this year, don’t forget that you’ll get early access to the Iron Railing 101 course and at a much reduced price.

For everyone that missed out on that special deal, don’t worry. There’ll be some great bonuses coming up for everyone that takes action early.

How To Build The Down Rail Welding Jig

Click here to view the embedded video.

Have you built a welding jig that’s saves you time and money?

Let’s hear it.

Click here to view the embedded video.

This is the part 2 of the 3 part series in learning when to use what materials and why.

One of the easiest ways to waste your time, energy, and money is by using the wrong materials at the wrong times.

IN THIS POST

In this video we continue the learning which material options are available and when and how they should used.

Click here to view the embedded video.

COMMENTS & QUESTIONS

Like the info or half a question? Let me know by leaving your comments and questions in the comment box.

I love hearing what you have to say.

In This Episode you learn how to avoid the worst mistake you can make before starting any project.

We’ll also discuss when you should take deposits and for how much.

The Quick Tips in this episode are two great resources that will ensure that you have an edge over the competition when bidding for any project.

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Episode Length 27:30

Listen in iTunes

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TAKE ACTION

Download the Bidding Cost Check List and fill in your own amounts to ensure that you never underbid a job again.

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MENTIONED RESOURCES

King Architectural Metals

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COMMENTS AND QUESTIONS

If you have any comments or questions, please leave them in the comment box for this post and shoot an email over to comments@theathomewelder.com

Have you ever entertained the thought of having your art resting behind one the huge glass gallery windows, catching the eyes of the thousands that pass by every week?

Well, it’s easier than you think.

IN THIS POST

I visit a local gallery and show you the great things that are possible with minimal effort and little or no expense.

Click here to view the embedded video.

TAKE ACTION

Do you have some scrap metal laying around? Or maybe you know of a local shop that would love for you to haul off some of their leavins’. It’s pretty simple really, just grab some scrap and start welding it together. Sign up and I’ll teach you everything you need to create these wonderful works of art, and you’ll learn it in less than 20 minutes. If you need some inspiration, just Google metal art. You’ll be amazed at the crazy stuff you find.

If you have some local galleries near you, take some pictures and at least one smaller sculpture that would be easy to carry, to show the quality and originality of your work in person. If you don’t have any galleries around, try a popular local hang out like a coffee shop or restaurant. Anywhere where people will clearly see your work and your name.

PICS AND COMMENTS

Show us your original metal sculptures and help inspire others by leaving pics and links in the comment box for this post.

If you have any comments or questions, leave them in the comment box for this post.

In This Episode I officially introduce myself and give you a brief (maybe not brief enough) summary of who I am, why I am here, and what I am going to do to grow your abilities and your business.

I also answer the 5 main questions and fears of starting your own ornamental welding business from home and I give you 2 of the best resources you could have if your just starting out.

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Length 26:37

Listen in iTunes

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That’s right, it’s finally here.

For those of you who have been following me on Twitter, you know that I’ve been teasing you with the thought of an AHW podcast for while now. TADA!

Yes, it’s a little rough around the edges, but hey, I’m new at this.

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MENTIONED RESOURCES

Home Depot Rental Store Locator

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As always, if you have any comments or questions please leave them in the comments box for this post.

So what is the #1 reason why your wasting your time and working towards nothing?

The Answer:

Mass Production  (I call it “The Ikea Effect”)

The problem that most at home welding entrepreneurs run into is the mass production of just about anything you can think of. Now don’t go and get all discouraged and quit.

Here’s the trap, and I’ve fallen into it more times than I can remember. Let’s say you create an amazingly beautiful, original candle holder. One like no other. Lets say it takes you 2 hours from start to finish (getting materials, cutting materials, welding, finishing, etc.). Now you have 2 hours of labor plus the cost of materials to consider into your selling price. Your current hourly rate is $30 hr (which I think is low) and your material costs are $25. So far your up to $85. Would “you” buy a candle holder for $85? Of course not, you’d just say,”I can make that”, and go home and make it. But I think you get my point.

There was a time when people appreciated fine handcrafted art and were willing to pay  for it.  The appreciation is still there, but in todays fast pace, economically worried society, people want it cheap, quick, and easy and places like Ikea and Target are making a killing because they have the ability to supply stylish products cheaper and faster than anyone else.

So What Should I Make?

Keep making your original pieces. I’m not saying there useless, not by any means. I’m just saying that you cant expect to make good money for your time that way. Even if people don’t want to spend the money on something original, they can’t ignore originality and talent. Use those attention grabbers to bring in the bigger customers. At every little local festival I’ve set a booth up at, I’ve had anywhere from 15 to 50 all original pieces (candle holders, little mirrors, card holders, horseshoe art, etc.) Usually I’ll sell enough to pay for the fees and whatever food we eat while sitting around. However, after every festival I’ve done (yes every one) I get a call from someone that picked up my card and would like a custom railing or gate. And that’s insanely good money for the work involved.

TAKE ACTION!

Learn what the money makers are in your area. For mine (and probably most) it’s railings.

Find a couple of local festivals or free events going on in your area and set up a table. Take your pieces and also include at least little section of railing (or a sample of whatever your money maker is). I realize this doesn’t sound like the most exciting way to spend your weekend, but spending two days getting feedback about your creations could bring $1000 or more. That doesn’t sound so bad.

If you have any comments or suggestions click the link under the post title and leave them in the comment box.