How many hours would this take?

[nerdstar]

Hey guys about to quote for some stainless trolleys. Curious how many hours someone would estimate it would take to complete 6 of these. All help would be welcome, essentially its 19 cuts of 10.5 meters of steel. Im only looking for hours it would take no materials. I have an idea but want to make sure im not out of the ball park.

Regards

[ThorsHammer]

This is highly dependent on what kind of set up you have. do you have a jig? Proper cutting/prep tools? welding process, etc.

[usmcruz]

4 or 5 hours per unit. Do they have to be welded out solid? If so then 6 hours. By the way, im guessing

[hammer0419]

Cut and make one to figure it out? Would give you a better idea than a guess. And obviously after 1 or 2 they would become a bit easier and faster.

[lincweld]

1 day to cut the steel, then 6 days to build them. One dolly per day. thats how i would bid it.

[weldermike]

Originally Posted by lincweld

1 day to cut the steel, then 6 days to build them. One dolly per day. thats how i would bid it.

X2 on that. And If you grabbed a tack up guy on the cheap you could probably knock off one day. Just have him jigging and tacking and putting on a pile.

[hobohilton]

Originally Posted by lincweld

1 day to cut the steel, then 6 days to build them. One dolly per day. thats how i would bid it.

I agree with one day to cut and 6 days to build.

Given the minimum amount of info from the original post.... That's how I see it.

Time could be shortened with fast cut set up info. If more than a quick hand brushing is required then more finish hours will be needed.

Thanks for the opportunity to bid your work.

Hobo

[Mondo]

Originally Posted by lincweld

1 day to cut the steel, then 6 days to build them. One dolly per day. thats how i would bid it.

1-a-day multiple dollys?


Seriously, build them in sections, main shelf, handle, big H for the lower part, then 4 single piecs legs. Build all six of one sub-assembly, then all six of the next, etc. Then add the sub-assemblies together in an orderly and organized fashion - put the legs on, then the H section, flip upright to add the handle. Now do the next. All welded up and checked for square neat and true? Clean up and add the wheels.

You might be able to do them all in 5, maybe even only 4 days. Depends on how organized you are, what you have for a flat table, and what you have for clamping fixtures, and how many distractions and interruptions you suffer or allow.

- Mondo


PS: It would take me three days to do just one.

[wildeyedandbuckwild]

I would have to agree with ThorsHammer, take the time, set up a couple of jigs, could save you some serious hours if you have more then one or two to build

[lincweld]

Originally Posted by Mondo

You might be able to do them all in 5, maybe even only 4 days.

That's the key to bidding (generally). Knowing how you would do a job the long way then, when doing the job substitute time-saving methods. Doing them in less time without sacrificing quality is the goal. That's more money in your pocket in less time. BUT if it takes 7 total days to complete the job, you're still making your shop rate ! and that's good too

[walker]

MIG or TIG? also, finish quality is going to be a big driver on this project. I would tend to agree with the 1 and 6 time frame

[manning]

Time is highly dependent on what fixturing you have. I built my milking parlor (5 stalls, each with two gates) without fixtures or jigs. Lots of measure, tack, and adjust.

If I had proper fixturing, it would cut my time in half. If I build another, definitely buying some 3 axis clamps.

[Jimmy_pop]

The handle of the trolley is the pain in the arse.

The rest of the structure is simple. The rectangular halo (that has the wheels attached) I would build 12 of them as a rectangle with 45* mitres. The rest of the tubes are straight cut and i'd weld in place upside down on your welding table, except for the connecting bar near the wheels.

[tapwelder]

If you directly weld the wheels to the frame as in the sketch, then it shouldn't take long, cause it ain't gonna roll.

Otherwise don't overlook the time to mount the wheels. Will you directly weld the assembly to the frame or will plate or fasteners be needed. Drilling stainless could take considerable time without proper setup.

As stated, also don't overlook time to obtain required finish quality. If grinding is required, the be realistic on how long it takes to grind to required quality.

[tnjind]

Solid bar? tubing? angle? what grade of SS? What cutting processes are available to you? What welding processes are available?
Wheels?axles?
Warp tolerance?
Need more info.

[MetalMan23]

1day for cutting and 6 for welding sounds about right, but what kinda finish is it getting? The finish alone can make or break you. If its a satin finish, or a straight grain.... etc IMHO the finish is the biggest variable right now.

[brandon75173]

Originally Posted by MetalMan23

1day for cutting and 6 for welding sounds about right, but what kinda finish is it getting? The finish alone can make or break you. If its a satin finish, or a straight grain.... etc IMHO the finish is the biggest variable right now.

You took the words right out of my brain. Its double the time going from mill to an actual 180 grit, or whatever, finish job. Its hard to think about one man building something like this anymore. But I would bid about 50 man hours through my shop to do these with MIG and mill finish. But again, how you are setup plays a huge part in that.

[FMX_22]

id say a day for cutting and proberly fabericate one and a half in a day . they dont look to be to complex

[Voodoo504]

i would charge a regular customer of mine 6 hours labor to build one.

[nerdstar]

Thanks heaps for the responses guys, sorry it took so long to respond as i didnt have internet connect for a week ( long story). I was thinking about going to bid 4 days to do it, they arnt going to be welded solid at the material is 304 31.75mm x 31.75mm x 2mm. Ill weld captive nuts into the legs so i can bolt on the castors without fear of heat distortion. As for the finish they're wont be any just simply scotch brite the welds. Unfortunately the customers is leaning towards another design which ill post when i commence. I think what i gathered from the posts above is not to rush the quality. So i think ill bump it up to 5 days. Thanks for the insight because i really havent bid for work before.

Regards

[Mick120]

I just had a customer want me to quote on doing 6-8 sets of these.....

http://www.ihsglobalalliance.com.au/.../p_em_040.html

Probably manufactured in China.....decided against it, not worth trying to compete.

[Shox Dr]

How any days. !!!

Not much different to Pan racks for Commercial kitchens. Made for 1"sq 316 Box. From cutting to Antinox and buff, 3/4 of a day.

For all 6.
1/3 day cutting
2 1/2 - 3 days welding
2/3 -1 day Antinox and buff.


How much I would charge them out at has little to do with how long it took me. Anything like that costs big bucks

[Mick120]

I hate pickling.....this is the way these days......Just a pity I didn't do enough to justify the cost.

http://www.metalscience.com.au/

[dsergison]

16 hrs. +8 more if you need flush ground welds and a pretty grain finish. You already have a cad model so comming up with a cut list is trivial.

all square corners = trivial fixturing.