Welding Trailer

[Hosskix]

OK guys, here's my first project since buying my tractor.

I decided that I needed to build a shed to keep my tractor in, therefore I needed a welder; after I found a good used welder I needed a way to haul it and the cutting torch around, along with the misc tools that welding always seems to require; so a small trailer was the perfect fit.

I had intended to use an old motorcycle trailer that I had but after looking it over I decided that it would probably be easier to start from scratch!
So, I talked to my boss and was able to work a deal to buy an old air compressor trailer that our business no longer needed.

I started out by stripping off all the stuff that I didn't need.

Then I dry fitted everything on it to get my measurements and the placing right.
I later bought another tool box instead of the plastic one I was using in this photo.

 

[Hosskix]

I skipped a lot of steps here (I forgot to take my camera to the shop the second weekend of work!), but you can get the general feeling of what went on; I welded all the supports and braces, made the combo small work table/spare tire cover and built a vice holder (For the vice that should be coming in anyday now!).

Here it is painted with the new tires and wheels on it.

Here I'm mounting everything on it for good, still need to take it to the house to get my cutting torch and bottles.

 

[Bedlam]

WOW Looks great. I am always impressed to see 'old' metal being used again.Great Job..
Al

 

[Hosskix]

Here's the final result:

I still need to mount the vice and find some quick-connects for my torch (so that I can lock it up in the tool box) but it's serviceable, just waiting on the weather to clear up a bit so I can go to work!

I probably have about $2500 dollars in it, including the $1600 for the used Hobart welder.
I'll bet I get my money's worth out of it!

 

[Egon]

Looking good.

Put some lockable covers over the cables. They make dandy booster cables!

 

[wushaw]

That's a great looking remade welding trailer, you made very efficent use of such a small area.

 

[radman1]

Hosskix
That trailer looks great. Well thought out. I have a few welding jobs at my place. When are you available?

 

[Hosskix]

Thanks a lot for the reply's guys!

wushaw- Yep, took a lot of figgering to get everything I wanted on it without having to extend the trailer, I just liked the fact that it's only 10' long from tip to tail, I can get it just about anywhere and and park it in my tractor shed that I'm fixin' to build.

Egon - I'm thinking about building a vertical lock box for the cables and hoses to hang up in, that'll keep them protected from theft and UV's.
I was just in a hurry to get it done and useable!

radman1 - I wouldn't even know where to start figgering out how to charge for a trip to Nebraska! That'd be some pretty 'spensive welding!

 

[swines]

You might want to consider adding a piece of sheet metal on the front uprights. The first time you pull that when it's been raining, you'll have road spray all over everything. I'd also suggest getting covers for the welder and tanks for the same reason. The sheet metal will deflect about 80% from your vehicle, but road spray from oncoming vehicles (like 18 wheelers) gets all over (and in) everything it can.

 

[jimmy1]

Wow! great job.

Jim