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
I built an entire barn dominium myself, from electrical, infloor heat system, plumbing, framing, drywall, finishing, shiplap, and trim. I am a 22 year member of Ironworkers local 292, I am an experienced welder/fabricator and have held unlimited thickness structural welding certs for 19 years.
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.
Proven Property Works is a locally owned home-improvement company based out of Greenville MI, serving Grand Rapids and surrounding West Michigan communities. We specialize in fences, decks, exterior improvements, repairs, painting, and general property maintenance. We take pride in honest communication, dependable service, fair pricing, and quality workmanship. Whether you need a small repair or a larger property upgrade, we’re committed to doing the job right and treating your home like it’s our own.
"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!"
Yes, but you’ll need reliable steel-cutting tools and safety gear to get started. Shipping containers are typically around ¾ inch thick, so it’s entirely possible to cut through them, but experience and the right equipment are very important. When possible, try to get a container as close to the size you want it as possible.
Your typical household tools will not cut a metal pipe. To cut a metal pipe, you’d need more specialized tools like a pipe cutter or circular saw. Do not attempt to use these tools without taking proper safety precautions and wearing safety gear. It’s usually safer to let a pro cut a metal pipe, especially if you’re not confident in your skills with a heavy-duty saw.
The cost to weld aluminum averages about $14 to $22 per pound. The type of metal factors into the overall cost of any welding project due to the cost of the materials and the expertise required to work with it.
Some of the most common metals used by welders include:
Magnesium alloy: $7–$16 per pound
Low-carbon steel: $11–$12 per pound
Stainless steel: $13–$15 per pound
Copper/brass: $24–$29 per pound
Cast iron: $38–$79 per pound
Titanium: $60–$85 per pound
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.
Choosing the right metal fabricator for your project begins with research. Find a reputable fabrication company by searching for reputable contractors in your area, and then reviewing photos of their previous work, customer reviews, and photos of the company’s workshop.
Once you’ve narrowed down the list, contact the companies to ask about the types of metal fabrication projects they specialize and inquire about guarantees and warranties on workmanship. You should also ensure the company uses high-quality material, and ask about the schedule and turnaround time for your proposed project.
The Wayland, 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.
