What's your opinion?

[cormier]

With welds like that don't go back. A good welder would have made it look a whole lot prettier and more penetration. By looking at the pics it looks like not enough heat so less penetration. For me to do a job like that i would charge about 50$ and it would at least have been primed and painted. That's about a 20min to 1/2 hr job without paint.

 

[4570Man]

I would have done it for you for $50. I would be more disappointed that the grapple didn't have them to start with.

 

[phiferpharm]

I would have done it for you for $50. I would be more disappointed that the grapple didn't have then to start with.

I'm sure the dealer I got my package from (DK45, Grapple, Fiberglass roof) gave me the budget model grapple, but it has served me for going on 3 years now, with no problems. I don't mind paying for adding the gussets if they work.

We'll see how well it holds up later this week. I just cut down a very large, and very dead Oak tree. Regardless, my next welding will be with someone else.

 

[Big Barn]

Doug, here are a few random thoughts not in any particular order:

When we were actively farming, I'm not ashamed to say I did many repairs that looked like yours. We were always in a hurry because of impending bad weather during planting, harvest, you name it. Did what I had to do. Git r done.

Today if I was operating a small welding shop for a living your particular repair would cost you at least $130 probably closer to $150 depending how much straightening was needed. BUT the finished product would look considerably better than what your weldor did. I also would have shot a coat of primer on it and left it up to you to match the OEM colors.

If you were a good friend, I would have just done it for you.

Bottom line: you got it fixed, could look worse, but I don't feel you got ripped off.

Use a different weldor next time or perhaps consider buying a welding machine of your own to play with. Lots of guys here for advice....

Terry

 

[PapaPerk]

Doug, here are a few random thoughts not in any particular order: When we were actively farming, I'm not ashamed to say I did many repairs that looked like yours. We were always in a hurry because of impending bad weather during planting, harvest, you name it. Did what I had to do. Git r done. Today if I was operating a small welding shop for a living your particular repair would cost you at least $130 probably closer to $150 depending how much straightening was needed. BUT the finished product would look considerably better than what your weldor did. I also would have shot a coat of primer on it and left it up to you to match the OEM colors. If you were a good friend, I would have just done it for you. Bottom line: you got it fixed, could look worse, but I don't feel you got ripped off. Use a different weldor next time or perhaps consider buying a welding machine of your own to play with. Lots of guys here for advice.... Terry

Very well said.

 

[phiferpharm]

Doug, here are a few random thoughts not in any particular order:


Bottom line: you got it fixed, could look worse, but I don't feel you got ripped off.

Use a different weldor next time or perhaps consider buying a welding machine of your own to play with. Lots of guys here for advice....

Terry

I hear you Terry and appreciate the comments. Your bottom line is correct and using a different welder is more about the finished product when compared to some other work I've had done than the amount charged.

 

[Arc weld]

You can't charge going rate for shoddy work is the bottom line. Well obviously you can but don't expect any repeat business or referrals from your customers. A good welder could charge $130 for that repair but it would look professional and likely have a coat of black paint on it.

 

[Sodo]

That repair will never bend again. 4-5 miles away, and willing to do it right away is handy. Agreed it doesn't pass the internet test though. I wouldn't want to see that kind of welds from the factory.

Auto mechanics can soak you for $130 to change a belt.

 

[jb1390]

That repair will never bend again. 4-5 miles away, and willing to do it right away is handy. Agreed it doesn't pass the internet test though. I wouldn't want to see that kind of welds from the factory.

Auto mechanics can soak you for $130 to change a belt.

Agreed that the repair will more than likely hold and never cause you an issue. Also agree that it could look better....but put a little paint on it, forget it and use it.