The End Is Near !!

[Icarus]

[Sonora Iron]

I’m not sure what’s trying to be proven here. Can someone explain to me what difference any of this makes?

Seems as some people take this Internet gig way to seriously!

[davedarragh]

"Energizer Bunny"

Been out of town for a few days, and this thread just keeps going, and going, and going.........................

Dave

[reggie]

Reggie,

I don't know how to copy that post here from another thread.

If someone could explain the process, or copy that post here, I would appreciate it.

Frankly, I just don't understand where the "30 year Ironworker" , 43 yrs comes from. Not only that, the questions he asks don't seem to be coming from a guy with that experience level.

Nice guy, everybody's buddy, snappy when questioned. Guy I'd turn to for guidance. I don't think so.

BINGO!

A few more experienced guys are beginning to see the light.

I asked the same question several posts back. Why was a "experienced welder" trying to weld a 1" plate with an undersized welder using a wire he had no current experience with?

The OP continues to state that "He's a thirty year ironworker". I suspect that's to impress the newbies. Problem is, if you go back and read his posts (a bunch) he asks questions more like a guy new to the business. Big disconnnect here.

Also, I guess he thinks everybody on this forum is stupid or can't add/subtract. I've done a little homework here.

Norm has stated (over and over) that he is a "thirty year ironworker". Now lets see how that shakes out.

On 8/3/09 (In the tale of woe thread) he states he started welding at 16. Did he drop out of HS? Did he join the union then? Maybe in Canada. Not in the US. Back in the 60's you had to be 18 to join a union in the US. But, let's give Norm the "benefit of the doubt". Say he joined at 16.

On 8/3/09 (same thread, different post) Norm said he cashed out of the union because of 1300 members, 1000 were out of work. That was in the late 80's (his words). Let's see now. If Norm is 58 now (2009), that would have put him at 38-39 in the late 80's when he left the ironworkers. Looks to me like he was in the ironworkers union at most 23 years (check my math).

On 8/3/09 (same tale of woe thread) Norm states that for many years he did various types of work (small welding shops, taught driving, sold men's clothing, worked in a meat packing plant). Further states, ask me about type of work and I've probably done it. (or words to that effect).

Where the he11 does the "Ironworker for 30 Years" come from? Sorry. If the statement was made to impress me (or other members of the board) I'm NOT IMPRESSED. Never was impressed with BS. Show me, don't tell me how great you are.

Now, fast forward (from the late 80's) to about three years ago. Guy who's been out of a trade for nearly 20 years (about as long as he was in it) goes out and buys a little buzzbox welder, a portable generator, a small mig, and a pickup truck and starts a "mobile welding business". Oh yea, gets a line of credit set up for $20,000 and runs up another $15,000 on credit cards. Sure doesn't sound to me like the line of credit went to buying equipment to use in the business.

In business for three years. Market goes south. No work. Couple months go by with no work. Turn to the internet for guidance. At wits end. So down. Gets a bunch of rah rah advice from a bunch of "buddies" on the internet.

Along comes JSFAB and calls it like he sees it. Clear as day. No rah rah, no attacks, just point blank facts. Man, let the witchhunt begin.

This whole tale of woe, pits to pinacle, jaba/jaba, is better than a TV serial.

Bottom line. If Norm had followed JSFAB's advice three years ago, he wouldn't be where he is today.


PS, I'm still waiting for someone to explain how Norm has "30 years as an Ironworker". Looks like a max of 23 to me, and then 20 years or so of "bumming around" not being able to hold a full time job. Sounds like his wife though, put her nose to the grindstone and secured that pension. Hope Norm doesn't blow her house.
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More grinders than hands

[SundownIII]

Reggie,

I don't know how to copy that post here from another thread.

If someone could explain the process, or copy that post here, I would appreciate it.

Frankly, I just don't understand where the "30 year Ironworker" , 43 yrs comes from. Not only that, the questions he asks don't seem to be coming from a guy with that experience level.

Nice guy, everybody's buddy, snappy when questioned. Guy I'd turn to for guidance. I don't think so.

[reggie]

Mulu, Thanks for your kind words.
I never thought about teaching or instruction before. That might be something to think about ? As I've been in and around the Welding Industry
for All of My adult life , Five Decades- just starting My 43 third year !!

Thanks Again; ........... Norm :

Sundown III...in relation to your question on the ''FLUX CORE YES/NO'' thread heres an answer,however the numbers contradict yours...

[nfinch86]

Good News !!

Hi there:
I can understand your frustration and your delemma.
You have a home that is paid for,so don't risk it by putting it into play.
I live in Cape Breton N.s. and we have been living with tough times
all our lives. I know of an older tradesman (like Myself) 65+ whohad a welding
business and it dropped off.
He told me he was practicing to do an Alberta B test and he went to Alberta
and worked for 2 years.It allowed him to keep all his assets.
I wish you all the best and I hope you are able to weather this situation.

Gary

Gary Thanks;

I just started a New thread, I just got a call to come and weld in a local welding - fab shop !!

Thanks Again; ................ Norm :

[fuseblower2]

The end is near...

Hi there:
I can understand your frustration and your delemma.
You have a home that is paid for,so don't risk it by putting it into play.
I live in Cape Breton N.s. and we have been living with tough times
all our lives. I know of an older tradesman (like Myself) 65+ whohad a welding
business and it dropped off.
He told me he was practicing to do an Alberta B test and he went to Alberta
and worked for 2 years.It allowed him to keep all his assets.
I wish you all the best and I hope you are able to weather this situation.

Gary

[nfinch86]

I Am What I Am !!

Also,,, being a perfectionist isn't always a great asset in business.

Ya, And a Zebra can't change it's stripes either !!

..... ..... Norm

[Sberry]

Also,,, being a perfectionist isn't always a great asset in business.

[nfinch86]

Wise Words !!

Norm, Earlier in the post you mentioned sending out flyers, business cards, etc.... Now give it some time and the work will start coming in, slowly, but surely! Also, don't just stop doing this, always talk to everyone you come across, regardless if it's welding related or not! Put your business card down at every establishment you visit! Regardless if it's Mcdonalds or the hardware store and do it everytime! I used to be a recruiter and I was very successful. I learned a lot of good "business skills" and marketing ideas in Recruiting school. Also, time management, use your time wisely. If you don't have work, build something to sell, your a weldor with a skill, put it to use and don't wait on the work to come to you. Either make the work (to sell) or go find it!!! When the customers come in, put that away and take care of the customer. You have taught me something here, too. I will definately stay away from lines of credit. Everything I have done, I have paid cash for and If I can't, then I won't do it. I put the profits away and when I need something I can afford, I get it. I keep everything documented via a log book, invoices and a database. Just like JSFAB put it, you can't just do the welding jobs, you have to manage the business as well. Also, if you don't have one, get an accountant! Mine helps keep me out of any potential messes that I could potentially get into. Also, again, the way JSFAB put it, I don't do favors, friend or not! Equipment, consumables, etc cost money. I charge by the hour and I get paid to do quality work in a timely fasion. If one cannot afford me, then I don't have time to mess with them, my time is too valuable. Someone on here mentioned diversifying, do other types of jobs. I look for awesome deals, such as cars, trailers etc that need TLC (re-done), buy them, fix them and sell them for a profit. That has worked well for me also. Good luck to you and keep us all posted on how you are doing and how the business is going.

PL Thanks;

Wise Words, The vast majority of the things you mentioned, I've been doing for over Three Yrs., Business Cards ( almost 3,000 handed out ) Over 14,000 Flyers - mailed , handed out, newspaper inserts, and so on, Radio Ads, news paper Ads !!

Yes, I try to use my time & skills wisely, as far as a line of credit goes, It's not a bad thing. Low Interest rates, It's how you use it. In my case I started a business with almost nothing. No truck, no welder, no generator, very few hand tools Etc., Etc. ! All I had was a dream , Ideas, and a great will & drive to make this business a success !!

I still have that great will and drive , for success. I love what I do more than any words could properly state !!

Back to the line of credit , I built my business on a very small line of credit.
It's the credit cards that you want to Stay Away from, They will bury you in DEBT !!

Again PL, Thanks for the Wise Words !!

.............. Norm

[PLWeld]

The work will come

Norm, Earlier in the post you mentioned sending out flyers, business cards, etc.... Now give it some time and the work will start coming in, slowly, but surely! Also, don't just stop doing this, always talk to everyone you come across, regardless if it's welding related or not! Put your business card down at every establishment you visit! Regardless if it's Mcdonalds or the hardware store and do it everytime! I used to be a recruiter and I was very successful. I learned a lot of good "business skills" and marketing ideas in Recruiting school. Also, time management, use your time wisely. If you don't have work, build something to sell, your a weldor with a skill, put it to use and don't wait on the work to come to you. Either make the work (to sell) or go find it!!! When the customers come in, put that away and take care of the customer. You have taught me something here, too. I will definately stay away from lines of credit. Everything I have done, I have paid cash for and If I can't, then I won't do it. I put the profits away and when I need something I can afford, I get it. I keep everything documented via a log book, invoices and a database. Just like JSFAB put it, you can't just do the welding jobs, you have to manage the business as well. Also, if you don't have one, get an accountant! Mine helps keep me out of any potential messes that I could potentially get into. Also, again, the way JSFAB put it, I don't do favors, friend or not! Equipment, consumables, etc cost money. I charge by the hour and I get paid to do quality work in a timely fasion. If one cannot afford me, then I don't have time to mess with them, my time is too valuable. Someone on here mentioned diversifying, do other types of jobs. I look for awesome deals, such as cars, trailers etc that need TLC (re-done), buy them, fix them and sell them for a profit. That has worked well for me also. Good luck to you and keep us all posted on how you are doing and how the business is going.

[nfinch86]

Feelin' Good!!

Norm,
Wishing you an early happy birthday young man.
Nick

Nick Thanks;

Yes, I'll be 59, with the Energy of a 29 yr. old !!

As far as work goes, I'm Totally confident it will come as well !!

Thankyou everyone; ........... Norm

[kiwi]

Happy Birthday

Norm,
Wishing you an early happy birthday young man.
Nick

[m.k.swelding]

I know what it is like not having any work And that is hard to overcome but just hold in there something will come along soon. I never belived that a few weeks ago untill I had 5 orders for trailers come in. in less that a week.