Rates

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I generally gravitate towards $50-$60/ hr., which is reasonable considering the average national rate for welding is $75–$125/hr. and the average for CNC plasma cutting is around $85-120/hr. Smaller jobs such as brackets often require less material and are therefore cheaper, whereas larger items such as signs require more material and are therefore more expensive. If it is something that involves excessive or intricate design, a $25/hr design fee might be added.
But, I really try to be reasonable and flexible with my prices because I know what it's like to be poor. -If the guy who cuts firewood shows up and needs a new alternator bracket for his beat up old pickup, or the old hippie lady needs the exhaust on her generator welded up and they don't have a lot of money or can't pay me much right away; I'll do what I can to help and adjust the price according, on a case-by-case basis. -I call it the Dire Straights Discount.
But if you show up in $50K Dodge Diesel and need welding on your trailer to haul your ATV's, sorry, but I'm going to charge you the full price, because you obviously have the money.