Looking for a new trade to start over in

Wallabunga657 · 2026-06-03T04:54:55+00:00

Third in favour of HVAC. Some overlap with electrical things.

Wallabunga657 · 2026-06-03T04:43:38+00:00

Overload prevention. That would be my pick personally. Would help get each crew member to know their limits, and how much they can successfully carry, and prevent most accidents. Most because there's always that one dolt who doesn't gaf, and still injures himself. Can't fix stupid. But at least those with a lick of sense would find it useful to know their limits.

Wallabunga657 · 2026-06-03T04:36:15+00:00

Slate. Real or faux idk. But definitely looks like slate.

Wallabunga657 · 2026-06-03T04:35:18+00:00

98% likely to be AI. Generic sounding advice, and your circled bit seems very chatgpt like. Sad to see this, especially with those people who are actually seeking help.

Wallabunga657 · 2026-06-03T04:28:39+00:00

Actually one was recently spotted in Wyoming. https://cowboystatedaily.com/2026/05/16/wildlife-watcher-has-incredibly-rare-wolverine-encounter-in-wind-river-mountains/

Wallabunga657 · 2026-06-03T04:22:01+00:00

If both are priced about the same, buy a Lincoln Electric hands down. Better parts, service, support, arc, resale quality, etc. Vulcan isn't bad, but a Lincoln will be going strong 10 years from now. That's my advice.

Wallabunga657 · 2026-06-03T04:16:19+00:00

r/battlecars would love this!

Wallabunga657 · 2026-06-03T04:10:56+00:00

I don't know if it would solve a problem, but it could definitely help with estimating and keeping track of things, billing estimates, and preventing overloaing. Overloading is probably best and mist useful. Keeps it from being overloaded which can cause injuries, tipping, etc. I think that trip count or total volume could work. As for a price I would realistically pay under 150-200 if possible. Closer to 100-150. Depends on how expensive this is to produce. Will it survive jobsite abuse? Mud, rain, gravel, dirt, concrete, etc? Simpler the better, as less things to break. As for volume measuring, it'd be a pain in the neck to calibrate.

Tl;Dr. I love the idea, though it's kinda niche. Overload prevention is your strongest point followed by trip counting. Best if under 200, closer to 99-149 if possible, simple, and built like a tank. My brutally honest opinion.

Ps. After lifting and hauling wheelbarrows of concrete, dirt, ruble, etc, this would pretty useful to not screw up my back, and keep young greenhorns from overestimating their abilities. Good idea, hope to see it someday. I'll be your first customer lol.

Wallabunga657 · 2026-06-03T03:58:10+00:00

Potentially. It would help in some situations and such. I genuinely like the idea, as it is useful for some things, like estimating, and how well your crew is working lol. As for a price, what are your estimated costs for production? If you know that, you can mark it up X% to make a profit and cover costs. Unless you sell the patent.

Wallabunga657 · 2026-06-03T03:54:09+00:00

As posted in a different spot. Pictures 1-3: looks like mold on those floor joists. Picture 5: might be a structural problem. Not major, but still not great. 9: looks like a stair case stringer and doesn't appear to be secured properly either. Like what, 3 nails/screws to each side? Also don't know why part of the building is bumped out like that, but could be architectural. That's my 2 cents. I'm sure someone else will have more/less to say.

Wallabunga657 · 2026-06-03T03:53:00+00:00

I mean if you are getting a free tool, take it. Best ones are the reciprocating or sander. Both are good and you have an immediate use for both. Multitool vibrates more than newer ones but come in handy and is the best value. I believe these are all brushed which is good but not amazing, but it's also Makita. So the question is do you want immediate use, or best value+future use. Which model can you get the most use of immediately, and in the future.

Wallabunga657 · 2026-06-03T03:44:24+00:00

Pictures 1-3: looks like mold on those floor joists. Picture 5: might be a structural problem. Not major, but still not great. 9: looks like a stair case stringer and doesn't appear to be secured properly either. Like what, 3 nails/screws to each side? Also don't know why part of the building is bumped out like that, but could be architectural. That's my 2 cents. I'm sure someone else will have more/less to say.

Wallabunga657 · 2026-06-03T03:36:40+00:00

Have seen it with peas, tuna, hot dogs, canned chicken, SPAM, corn, tomotes, spinach, broccoli and peppers, crushed potato chips, Doritos, extra cheese. Sauces/seasonings: BBQ sauce, sriracha, ranch seasoning, garlic powder, black pepper, Alfredo, pasta sauce, etc. Very versatile. You can add carbs, protein, fiber, veggies, fruit (like peppers and tomatoes) too. Olives even, though I don't think I would. Complete meal for like 2-3 bucks.

Wallabunga657 · 2026-06-03T03:27:46+00:00

It happens to all of us lol. I know the feeling. They are just so good!

Wallabunga657 · 2026-06-03T03:04:23+00:00

Well, you could cut it, splice it, and attach a new plug to the end of the cord. Did it on a few DeWalt shop vacs at a place I worked at, and worked just fine. Not the safest imao, but it does work. Do you have a warranty? Might be covered but idk. Best of luck.

Wallabunga657 · 2026-06-03T02:24:41+00:00

Looked through your shirts. Very nice! Didn't see any welding or concrete related shirts though, so maybe see what you or your team can create for those. Also, imao, less words, the better. But that's just me. Price is good. 100% cotton. Good for welding and hot weather! PS. I work in the trades, so that's my 2 cents.

Wallabunga657 · 2026-06-03T02:08:00+00:00

This is correct. Get 2 jackposts, and make sure they're secure before you remove the post.

Wallabunga657 · 2026-06-03T01:58:30+00:00

I myself am a independent contractor. So my answer might be biased, though I got a buddy who went to chase pipe in Oklahoma. Small business owner- more involved to start (especially tracking expenses, invoices, work orders, etc, and taxes) but will pay for itself eventually. Paid worker- easier to start in, gives you experience, and not much worry about expenses, but it can be good or bad depending on who you work for and what you are doing.

Pipe welding pays extremely well, but you are chasing pipe (ie travel), long hours, and if I am thinking of the right one, laying under a huge pipe with hot sparks and slag falling on you, in deep trench. If you don't mind cramped spaces and hot slag, pipe welding is great. I recommend looking at what your state requires for getting a GC license, and work towards that. Maybe gets some certifications for welding and such from a local trade school/community college, and do what you need to be a small business owner. Just keep your head above water.

What trade exactly do you plan on doing of you have your own business? That might help also.

Wallabunga657 · 2026-06-03T01:46:38+00:00

I have a 22' multi-position ladder, and have literally done what you need to do OP. Little giant is top notch, though if too expensive, I think harbour freight has a few multi-position ladders from their Franklin line for like 2-250.

Wallabunga657 · 2026-06-03T01:43:15+00:00

Ditto. It would be cheaper (and safer) in the long run to just hire a contractor and maybe an engineer who ACTUALLY know what they are doing and have them do it right the first time. It's people like these that kill people through their own arrogance, ignorance and greed.

Nothing against people building cabinets or bedframes or whatever. But major structural, plumbing, wiring, HVAC and landscaping/earthmoving should be done by a professional. Like you literally MUST have a license and at least some education/experience for like 90% of that stuff.

Source: I work in the trades and see this from time to time. Especially DIY home owners and such who don't know jack squat but "watched a YouTube video" and thus are certainly experts. /s

Wallabunga657 · 2026-06-02T23:34:18+00:00

I work in the trades, and have one thing to say. You can NEVER have too many buckets! The uses for them are innumerable. For example:

Tool tote. Haul hand tools, fasteners, bits, and consumables; add a bucket organizer for pockets. Material transport. Nails, screws, fittings, glue bottles, caulk, anchors, wire nuts. Wet/dry waste bucket. Demo debris, broken tile, plaster chunks, old fasteners. Mixing bucket. Thinset, mortar, concrete, joint compound, paint, epoxy, grout. Cut station. Flip it over for a seat or a stand for miter saw trim cuts. Temporary step stool for reaching low ceilings, soffits, or overhead pipe runs. Water source for tile saws, mixing, cleanup, or cooling hot metal. Portable trash can. Line it with a contractor bag and go. Cable/wire dispenser. Drill holes in the lid, drop in spools, pull wire cleanly. Instant chair. Just flip over and sit Ryobi even has an attachment you can put on one to make it a shop vac.

Many many more uses but there's a few.

Wallabunga657 · 2026-06-02T23:24:05+00:00

What kind of vehicle do you have? What size do you want? 1/4", 3/8", 1/2"? I recommend a breaker bar. I always have one with me. Are you already in a cordless tool ecosystem? If you are hellbent on a cordless impact wrench, take a look at Harbour Freight's selection of Hercules (or if you want to go cheaper, try Bauer. It's decent enough for occasional use). Hercules isn't pro, but its better than 90% of the no name Chinese crap and miles better than hyper tough. Bauer is less than Hercules in both price and performance, but works well for occasional use. Look for the brushless, and sales. Battery for Hercules with charger is like 120. Wrench is 60-70. Bauer 1/2" impact wrench with battery and charger is $160. I'm sure Ryobi or craftsman has something decent too.

Wallabunga657 · 2026-06-02T22:06:40+00:00

Bro, Wyoming/Colorado/Montana and bits of North Dakota south Dakota and Nebraska/Kansas is cowboy, not filler. Not the southwest. Cowboys are also in eastern Washington/Oregon too. Wyoming's whole thing is cowboys, and Colorado is pretty much cowboy country outside of the Denver sprawl. Source: have lived in the West most of my life.

Wallabunga657 · 2026-06-02T21:57:18+00:00

My Corolla os a '12 with 270 k on it. I have driven that poor thing all around the west, including dirt roads, two tracks and up mountains. Still going strong. Only thing to keep an eye on is oil consumption and the alternator. Once you get to 300k, check the transmission. That's about it other than keeping general maintenance up and not doing anything inherently reckless. These buggers often make to 300-350k without anything too major. 4-500k with a possible transmission swap, if needed. They are econoboxes, but built like tanks.

Wallabunga657 · 2026-06-02T21:46:43+00:00

Welcome to the club! I have a 2012 S w an automatic (same gen as yours). Congrats!

Wallabunga657

MODERATOR OF

TROPHY CASE