What’s the difference between a welder and a metal fabricator?

<div><p>Welding is the process of using extreme heat—and, sometimes, pressure—to attach two pieces of metal. In contrast, metal fabrication is a more involved process that can include welding, sheet metal work, bending, and other forms of metal manipulation. Metal fabrication is a large-scale project that may or may not involve welding, while welding is more often a step in larger fabrication projects.</p></div>

How do you calculate welding costs?

<div><p>The average cost to hire a welder is about <b>$300</b>, with an average rate ranging from <b>$65 to $125 per hour,</b> depending on their experience and the project type and size. Aside from labor costs, some other charges you’ll need to pay include the cost of the welding material and the cost of the shielding gas that makes welding possible and safe. When you’re interviewing welders for your work, you can ask for an estimate based on your project specifics. In some simple cases, like welding gas lines or common welding projects, local welders may charge a flat hourly rate with add-ons if necessary.</p></div>

What questions should I ask a welder before hiring?

<div><p>There are a few things you can ask welders before you hire them to get an idea of their experience and ability levels:</p><ul><li><p>Are you licensed and certified?</p></li><li><p>How long have you been in the welding business?</p></li><li><p>Do you commonly do the type of welding I need?</p></li><li><p>Do you offer any kind of warranty for your work?</p></li><li><p>Do you charge by the hour or by the project?</p></li><li><p>How long do you expect my welding project to take?</p></li><li><p>What steps do you take to minimize errors in your work?</p></li></ul><p></p></div>

Can I do my own welding?

<div><p>You should not do your own welding unless you have the proper training and experience. Most home electrical systems can only handle MIG welding, which creates weaker bonds than TIG welding and won’t work on certain metals or metal thicknesses. Both welding forms usually require the use of shielding gas, which can be dangerous to store at home. Additionally, welding machines create temperatures of over 3,000 degrees, and the sparks can blind you if you don’t have the proper equipment. As such, it’s usually better to <a href="https://www.angi.com/articles/4-things-consider-when-hiring-welder.htm">hire a professional welder</a> for your welding projects.</p></div>

Do welders need to be licensed or certified?

<div><p>Some states require welders to be licensed and certified, while others don’t. However, it’s always a good idea to hire a licensed welder, regardless of requirements in your area, especially if you need welding for structural components of your home or gas lines. Licensed welders have gone through training and testing to prove their skills, so they’re less likely to make a mistake that could be detrimental to your home. Use Angi’s <a href="https://www.angi.com/angi-license-check.htm">state licensing tool</a> to determine whether your potential hire has a welding license.</p></div>

Top 10 Best Welders in Santa Barbara, CA

Q: What’s the difference between a welder and a metal fabricator?

<div><p>Welding is the process of using extreme heat&mdash;and, sometimes, pressure&mdash;to attach two pieces of metal. In contrast, metal fabrication is a more involved process that can include welding, sheet metal work, bending, and other forms of metal manipulation. Metal fabrication is a large-scale project that may or may not involve welding, while welding is more often a step in larger fabrication projects.</p></div>

Alfha Fence

10216 Morehart Avenue

10216 Morehart Avenue

Customers say: Super punctual

Recommended by 94% of Angi customers

75 local quotes requested

Its easy. Good service. Great work In service for over 15 years. We take pride in our work and want your experience to be one of a kind with a good company that stands behind their work. We are here to help you make the best decision for your new fence! May it be wood, Chainlink, Vinyl, repair, or a custom jobs we are here with 15 years experience to help you weight out the best decision possible. 1.Contact us 2.Get a quote 3. Project start Date

"Eddie is absolutely a professional. Highly recommended for your all fencing needs. From options to design he completely understood my needs. Appreciate your services."

Steve A on February 2025

Its easy. Good service. Great work In service for over 15 years. We take pride in our work and want your experience to be one of a kind with a good company that stands behind their work. We are here to help you make the best decision for your new fence! May it be wood, Chainlink, Vinyl, repair, or a custom jobs we are here with 15 years experience to help you weight out the best decision possible. 1.Contact us 2.Get a quote 3. Project start Date

"Eddie is absolutely a professional. Highly recommended for your all fencing needs. From options to design he completely understood my needs. Appreciate your services."

Steve A on February 2025

Get matched with top welders in Santa Barbara, CA

There are 3 highly-rated local welders.

Need a pro for your welding project in Santa Barbara, CA?

Handyman for Multiple Small Project Service

Faucets, Fixtures and Pipes Repair or Replace

Wood Fence Installation

Welders in Santa Barbara

FAQs for welding projects in Santa Barbara, CA

Find Welding Pros in other cities near youNot finding what you are looking for in Santa Barbara? Check surrounding areas for Welders.

Find Pros for other jobs in Santa BarbaraIf your Welding job is complete, use Angi to find quality Pros in Santa Barbara for any number of jobs.