Andy Wright, founder, owner and operator of Done Wright Industries has metal in his blood. He started welding as a child, showing great promise even from a very young age. He graduated from the Mecosta Osceola Career center and then went on to graduate Hobart School of Welding top of his class. His work was so impressive that he was immediately hired into the Boilermakers local 169 apprenticeship where he made journeyman. He was with the Boilermakers for 10 years as both a top welder and a foreman on countless job sites across the US, including new builds for power plants. He then went on to become a journeyman pipefitter welder. Not only is he counted on for high quality welding, having passed a multitude of AWS Welding tests throughout his career, Andy is best known for the quality, efficiency and integrity of his work, and his strong work ethic. He also has done a great deal of custom work including the full build of a custom prerunner dune truck, starting with just the cab, that is
Castle Metal Works is committed to excellence in every aspect of our business. We uphold a standard of integrity bound by fairness, honesty, and personal responsibility. Our distinction is the quality of service we bring to our customers. Accurate knowledge of our trade combined with ability is what makes us true professionals. Above all, we are watchful of our customers' interests, and make their concerns the basis of our business.
First Class Fabrication is committed to excellence in every aspect of our business. We uphold a standard of integrity bound by fairness, honesty, and personal responsibility. Our distinction is the quality of service we bring to \nour customers. Accurate knowledge of our trade combined with ability is what makes us true professionals. Above all, we are watchful of our customers' interests, and make their concerns the basis of our business.
"Asked Tony at Burlew fabrication of he could make me steel ladder racks for the side of my garage for pipe and ladders.
Within 24 hours he had them welded up and installed them himself.
Great work, very happy with them, would hire again!"
"Landon was a huge help, my kids trampoline leg broke at the manufacturing weld. Landon picked up the part and got it nicely welded back together. He even went a step further and painted it back to black for me. Now my kids are back to enjoying their trampoline. Thanks Landon!!!"
"I wanted something permanent, to honor my mother who passed away in 2018, who's grave is repeatedly demolished, that wouldn't break the bank and I was beyond happy with what I got from bower welding in just 2 days. I told Lance I wanted something Large, to heavy to steal, attention grabbing and in the shape of a crown and my expectations were more then exceeded. Not only was the communication great but he also had it done weeks before I expected. I couldn't be happier and I will forever recommend this man and this company. You dream it and he'll create it , I put my word on that."
Costs depend on unit complexity, labor, wall mounting needs, and additional accessories like floating shelves.
The average cost for a welding project is about $300, with typical costs ranging from $125 to $490. However, prices can be as low as $125 for very small jobs or exceed $1,200 for large or complex projects. Welders typically charge an hourly rate between $65 and $150, depending on their experience, and many charge a minimum fee to cover overhead and travel expenses. The total cost is influenced by several factors, including labor, the cost of materials like metal rods and shielding gas, the type of metal being welded, the project's size and complexity, and your geographic location. For a precise quote, it's best to ask a local welder for an estimate based on your specific project.
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 hire a professional welder for your welding projects.
Welders use a variety of methods in their trade. Different types of welding are better suited for different purposes and contexts. For example, stick welding is a versatile form suitable for most metals and alloys.
The most common types of welding include:
Stick welding: $100–$1,000
Metal Inert Gas (MIG) welding: $250 and up
Tungsten Inert Gas (TIG) welding: $250 and up
Gas welding: $150 and up
Forge welding: $15–$25 per hour
Professional metal fabricators typically charge around $70 per hour, but the total cost of your project will depend on several factors. The largest cost drivers are the size, complexity, and design of the project, as well as the price and type of metal used. A good way to estimate the total cost is to multiply the cost of raw materials by four; typically, one-quarter of the total goes toward materials and three-quarters toward labor. Your geographic location can also influence costs, as labor and material prices vary by region.
The Howard City, MI homeowners’ guide to welding services
From average costs to expert advice, get all the answers you need to get your job done.
When you need help with a metal project and don’t have the expertise or the time, call an expert welder for your project. Here’s how to vet and hire a welder.
