Big tool purchase. Need suggestions!

[Ign]

so then use her logic. Do you really need it?

the tractor and truck have tires. Tires need air. Do you really need a Quincy 5HP comp or could you make do with the 60 gal bel-aire from HF?

You need to cut metal, do you really need the plasma or are other tools going to get the job done?

Do you really need either of the welder carts or could you fab up one? or just use a table or sit it on the floor in the short term?

You want my opinion, you need to create a tool budget from your monthly earnings and buy what you need from that. If you can't afford it out of pocket, and have decent credit, you can check out the many (sears, tractor supply, lowes, hd etc) store credit cards that give you 0% for x months offers.

Grandma needs to give you the number for her accountant that can answer these questions for you in probably 5 minutes. Does she need it and can she afford it? Take you out of the picture until you are on paperwork either as an employee with an ownership stake or outright owner. Helping out family is nice but you need to have something on paper regardless. Is this land willed to you? Do you have the cash saved up to pay the taxes when you inherit it? How long is it going to take for you to save that up and/or that amount to be paid to you (basis for a salary) from the land's earnings?

would the side jobs be part of the balance sheet for working the land, since all of this is going towards that, or would you benefit from it solely while the business of being the landowner sees no benefit?

There is not a single person here who thinks it's a good idea to go into debt or pay interest on harbor freight tools. Take this advice to heart. You need to slow way down and talk to an accountant.

HF sells Bel-Aire?

 

[Sasquatch912]

HF sells Bel-Aire?

some of the compressor pumps have them but you have to check them..i think its made in italy from what threads ive found. some are a hit and miss

 

[Ign]

i am taking suggestions. where does it look like i am not?

i just pointed out about the HF Compressor..though if anyone has one on here....is it ok? Ive just read negative reviews about the HF air compressors. Just like to spend the money right the first time.

i mean would you get it or spend money on quality?


people said on here to let my grandmother use her money since she is the one making money and not me.

i said i really dont want to but i may consider it.

I wouldn't trust a 60 or 80 gal from HF personally. That said I have an 80gal Craftsman from '03 that just keeps going. Some of the big Husky stuff is fine. TSC sells IR I think. Big R has Quincy.

I dunno....I don't have a problem w going quality(ish) on a compressor - a good one is an investment that'll last you 20 years or more if you just drain the tank occasionally.

I probably wouldn't run an ESAB welder unless you have a dealer in your backyard. I'd say red or blue depending upon your favorite LWS.

In the future ask ONLY specific questions about tools; everyone on the internet wants to tell you how to live your life. If you're making a mistake, you'll learn from it (or you won't, whatever).

 

[67King]

Reason I was wanting a plasma cutter was to cut the metal for building a cage and skid plate for the tractor.

i use oxy-ace torch at work. Gas cost money. If it runs out then I have to wait to get filled. One reason why I was looking at plasma cutter since it uses air and generally cuts cleaner and better in most cases.

I do slow down but working in the woods take a toil on equipment. I was pushing logging slash and watching carefully and bam..a limb went straight under the little grille guard and nearly took out the radiator if it wasnt for the battery

Ive tried a local fab shop before. He still currently hasnt done what Ive asked him.

i am taking suggestions. where does it look like i am not?

people said on here to let my grandmother use her money since she is the one making money and not me.

i said i really dont want to but i may consider it.

Well, those are a few samples. It just reads like you are making excuses for rejecting ideas thrown at you. The plasma cutter would be the very first thing you should eliminate. Is a torch messier? Yep. But it is a fraction of the cost, and it will do the job. Try another fab shop, or pester the one you mentioned. Sheesh, there's no reason you have to have it done locally. If you get a solid design, send it to a place like emachineshop.com.

And seriously, you need to read the points about investment and collateral, etc. And then consider what your income stream would be. If you can make $12,000 per year with a $1,000 investment, then that makes a whole lot more sense than $15,000 with a $10,000 investment. So as another poster said, slow down.

And yeah......you said you don't want to talk to your grandmother, even though you said you may consider that. What that implies is that you are rejecting the idea, and coming up with a reason for rejecting it.

I'm just saying that if you are going to ask for advice, consider what you are told, rather than search for reasons to reject it. The whole tone reads like you are seeking support for your positions, rather than suggestions for handling a problem. And if that is what you are after, that is fine. But you have been given a lot of good thoughts be people. I would suggest you seriously contemplate what they have said.

And again, I'm not trying to be a ****. I'm just being a bit direct. I didn't think you realized you were rejecting things people are throwing at you which is why I phrased it like that, and the response pretty much confirms my suspicion. I'm hoping you'll take a step back and really analyze what you truly NEED. Turn around the equation. Instead of "I need these tools and they'll cost $10,000," say "I have $1,000, what is the best way to spend it?"

 

[Dr Stan]

Instead of purchasing everything brand new seriously consider used equipment. Look around on Craig's List, Search Tempest & Flea Bay. Check for estate sales. I purchased a 50ton ratchet driven press at an estate sale for $100. Couldn't have bought the steel at that price.

Look for a fab shop closing up. Like me you've got a champagne taste & a beer budget and your equipment selections are very good.

Also look for a used machinery business like this one http://lostcreekmachine.com/ only much closer. If/when you go there look around to see the condition of the business. If its a rat hole leave. If its a reasonably clean industrial/workshop setting you should be OK, probably more than OK.

 

[PugetDude]

I think you could save some coin, drop the plasma and just start with a torch and a port-a-band. Swag table for the port-a-band would be nice as well.

Agreed- and with a torch you'll have the ability to use a rosebud for heating and beating... A plasma is nice, but a torch is a lot cheaper and more versatile. If the cost of consumables makes or breaks the budget, you business model doesn't make sense...

Here's a less expensive alternative to the SWAG table.... cost me about a buck for the screws... the $150+ you'll save will buy you a few bandsaw blades, a couple of angle grinders, a few clamps, grinding and sanding discs, safety glasses, goggles, etc...

FYI...I bought the DeWalt variable Speed Porta bandsaw in the pics for $70 on eBay.

 

[rsanter]

I am going to keep my advice simple.

Shop used.

Buy the bare minimum of what you need and add to it over time.

Unless you are going to use the tool regularly, then you have the option to pay for part of the fab work

Bob

 

[crewchief888]

I am going to keep my advice simple.


Buy the bare minimum of what you need and add to it over time.


Bob

you would be surprised what can be done with an angle grinder, an assortment of grinding wheels, flap disks, cutoff wheels, a corded drill, 110v welder w/flux core wire, 110v air compressor, and a BFH.

yea it's nice to have all that shiny new stuff, but taking out a loan using something you already owe money on for collateral doesnt make much sense to me....

rome wasnt built in a day....

just my $0.02

 

[T45]

Here's a less expensive alternative to the SWAG table.... cost me about a buck for the screws...

That wilton bullet ain't free tho.... it does multiple uses

 

[Bellaireroad]

Need some suggestions!



Ok, just got a shop built, but need the power hooked up and electrical lines ran. I need to purchase tools as well, but don't have the money to just go out and buy stuff.



The bank may can do a loan on it and use the tools and my tractor as collatoral (still paying them for the tractor). They said I need to see what I need and give them the prices on it and what it is.



My plan was to get tools and fix my truck up so I can tow my tractor and do side jobs to make extra money. But I may just wait on fixing my truck up and get the loan for tools.





So, I need a welder, air compressor, plasma cutter, and other various tools I may need for different projects.



Do I really need this stuff you ask?

-Yes, we own land (well its my grandmothers right now) and I manage the woods and stuff. Ive already destroyed some plastic parts on my Deere Tractor and nearly got injured cleaning up (limbs, etc falling)...so I really need to build a cage and skid plate on the tractor.



I need to also use the loan to pay the power company to give me some power and Im thinking about buying a spray foam insulation kit to spray inside my shop.







So anyways, below is what I am looking at.



Im currently look at:



Welder: ESAB 235 EMP $2600



Air Compressor: Quincy 5hp 60 gal $1300



Plasma Cutter: Hypertherm Powmax 45 XP $1900



Air tools:

-(Harbor Freight) Earthquake XP 1/2" Impact $150

-Grinder

-Paint gun





Air hose: (Harbor Freight) 3/8"x50' retractable hose reel $59



Tool chest: (Harbor Freight) 27 drawer $169



Welding cart: (Harbor Freight) $41 (for the plasma cutter)

$169 (for welder)





Im debating about getting one of those harbor freight sand blast cabinets and 20T hydraulic presses.



Im also needing a drill press as well.



I may need other stuff but Im brain farting.



Any suggestions or opinions on my current choices or what else I may need?

Nothing like working the land, sounds like you have a ton of stuff to do.
Main thing is don't get into more debt.... one has to set priorities .... if it were me... I'd get the truck fixed so you can haul your tractor around to make more money.... get power laid in to the shop ....I personally I would not use your tractor as collateral on tools ... that can come back to bite you .... watch Craigslist and pick up what you need as you make the money...pay cash ... I know that's not probably what you want to hear.... but getting into debt can be a deep hole to get out of



Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Pro

 

[crane operator]

i can cut good with a torch...its just a PITA with splatter everywhere.

i guess i could always buy a plasma later if i have to.

the tractor cant be sold. still is the banks

scared buying used welders to a degree

If you can cut good with a torch- you don't have splatter everywhere. Grinding slag encourages you to be better with a torch.

Tractor can be sold if you still owe $, you sell it - pay off the bank- buy what you can afford. $5,000 tractors cut grass just like $30,000 ones.

Difference in used welders and new welders is someone plugging it in. EVERYONE on here who welds, is welding with a used welder. Find a old lincoln idealarc- you'll never burn enough rods to wear it out.

 

[Sasquatch912]

If you can cut good with a torch- you don't have splatter everywhere. Grinding slag encourages you to be better with a torch.

Tractor can be sold if you still owe $, you sell it - pay off the bank- buy what you can afford. $5,000 tractors cut grass just like $30,000 ones.

Difference in used welders and new welders is someone plugging it in. EVERYONE on here who welds, is welding with a used welder. Find a old lincoln idealarc- you'll never burn enough rods to wear it out.

im sticking with my tractor. i had a ford 3000...beat it to hell. def not a woodd tractor. no 4x4. no loader. but it ran.

ill look for a welder..stick and mig

 

[Thumper68]

Here is my thoughts on this.

Back when I was a young pup 20 yo, I really wanted a nice mig and a set of torches so I could do more efficient/better fab work.

I was in the same boat as you not a lot of expendable cash and didn't want to ask family for the money.

What I did was line up several jobs that would cover the $2500 I needed, took a short term loan from my bank, got the equipment, knocked the jobs out over several weeks and paid off the loan.

If I were you I would look for the side work that you think you might be able to get, line up the jobs and then ask Gma for the money and pay her back asap.

 

[Farmall 1066]

I've set my shop up nicely by watching auctions, pawn shops, Craigslist or just asking around.
Bought a lot of stuff in need of repair and fixed it up myself.
Doing this allows me to have way nicer stuff than I could afford or justify if I just went and bought new.

 

[Sasquatch912]

Here is my thoughts on this.

Back when I was a young pup 20 yo, I really wanted a nice mig and a set of torches so I could do more efficient/better fab work.

I was in the same boat as you not a lot of expendable cash and didn't want to ask family for the money.

What I did was line up several jobs that would cover the $2500 I needed, took a short term loan from my bank, got the equipment, knocked the jobs out over several weeks and paid off the loan.

If I were you I would look for the side work that you think you might be able to get, line up the jobs and then ask Gma for the money and pay her back asap.

probably is, is my truck isnt capable yet to tow my tractor to do jobs.

rear suspension needs to be set up for it. better leaf springs and air bags

 

[Sasquatch912]

ill look around on craigslist and see what i can find.

thanks guys

 

[PugetDude]

That wilton bullet ain't free tho.... it does multiple uses

Actually, it was free....

http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=246444

 

[fowldarr]

Since you asked specifically about the HF compressor, I do have one. It is not the best, it it does work. The best part about it is that I didn't have to finance it. I think that is the point people are trying to make.

Ultimately, make the right decision for you. I would caution against financing tools that you don't truly need or have a guaranteed source of income (from the tools) to pay for.


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

 

[bdog]

Helping out grandma is one thing. Helping out grandma with her business is another. She wants you to help her do things that make her money then she needs to pay you.

Debt is dumb. Don't get in the never ending cycle of borrowing for everything. You will just end up being broke all your life working for the banker. I have everything you want in my shop as well as a 130 hp tractor, a full size backhoe with cab, tracked skid steer with cab, etc all bought with cash. I didn't do it overnight though I have been building this stuff up over twenty years.

My point is go slow and buy things with cash as you have it. Grandma should help too if what you are buying is used to take care of her place.

 

[crewchief888]

when i look in my garage ( and basement) today and see what i have "accumulated" in just the past 10 years,
i think about the projects i tackled, and the things that i repaired or built over the years with a hell of a lot less than what i have now.

if theres a will theres a way....

 

[BDT/NWMN]

Pay off the tractor first.
Forget the pickup / truck, drive the tractor to the work sites.
Use the tools You have.
Figure out the difference between what You WANT; and what You actually NEED.
Any tools that are actually NEEDED can be bought used for CASH.
Sorry; but Grandma should finish HER shed with a wire Job.

May not be what You want to hear,, But it is hard to see the daylight when standing too deep in a hole.

 

[yamaha0343]

probably is, is my truck isnt capable yet to tow my tractor to do jobs.

rear suspension needs to be set up for it. better leaf springs and air bags

If the tractor/trailer is over the truck manufacturer's rated towing capacity, don't bother. If something happens on the road, it will not be cheap for you or your liability insurance. Not to mention dangerous for everyone you share a road with.

Also, it's pretty short sighted to be worried about the suspension but not the brakes. Sorry, but everything you're doing just screams out not ready for me. Take a step back.

 

[7avalon7]

Need some suggestions!

Any suggestions or opinions on my current choices or what else I may need?

Whoa...
IMHO forget the big tool purchase for a moment!

What you need first is a money management skills and/or help. Figure out what are your priorities and responsibilities, income, debts, monthly payments etc. Once you have all of your numbers in a single spreadsheet or piece of paper, that should help you to create a plan how to get out of your debts, and stick with it.

Good luck!

 

[Ign]

Did OP state what his truck is? According to the Google machine a JD5205 can weigh 3800-4500; not sure if that includes a front end loader. Either way I'd have no problem w tugging that with any fullsize truck.

If using a 1/2t I agree adding a leaf or two to the rear end does wonders for handling and safety. And not stupid AAL's but grab a donor pack and install a FULL LENGTH leaf under the main leaf. I've done this on numerous trucks over the years, even 3/4t's that just sat too low.

Couple that w good, functioning trailer brakes and an experienced driver and I see nothing unsafe at all with a 16-18' tandem axle car hauler.

 

[Sasquatch912]

Pay off the tractor first.
Forget the pickup / truck, drive the tractor to the work sites.
Use the tools You have.
Figure out the difference between what You WANT; and what You actually NEED.
Any tools that are actually NEEDED can be bought used for CASH.
Sorry; but Grandma should finish HER shed with a wire Job.

May not be what You want to hear,, But it is hard to see the daylight when standing too deep in a hole.

$17,000 left on tractor.

Driving to jobs...it took me an hour and a half to drive 12 miles to town. And tires wont last on the highway.

Yeah, I see farmers drive their tractors around but they have a bunch of money to blow not to mention insurance in case of something happening

I understand what youre saying about it but its not feasible.

I DO need a welder, air compressor, and torch. Yeah I can use my angle grinder but I dont need to use it to cut everything.

 

[Sasquatch912]

Pay off the tractor first.
Forget the pickup / truck, drive the tractor to the work sites.
Use the tools You have.
Figure out the difference between what You WANT; and what You actually NEED.
Any tools that are actually NEEDED can be bought used for CASH.
Sorry; but Grandma should finish HER shed with a wire Job.

May not be what You want to hear,, But it is hard to see the daylight when standing too deep in a hole.

If the tractor/trailer is over the truck manufacturer's rated towing capacity, don't bother. If something happens on the road, it will not be cheap for you or your liability insurance. Not to mention dangerous for everyone you share a road with.

Also, it's pretty short sighted to be worried about the suspension but not the brakes. Sorry, but everything you're doing just screams out not ready for me. Take a step back.

Did OP state what his truck is? According to the Google machine a JD5205 can weigh 3800-4500; not sure if that includes a front end loader. Either way I'd have no problem w tugging that with any fullsize truck.

If using a 1/2t I agree adding a leaf or two to the rear end does wonders for handling and safety. And not stupid AAL's but grab a donor pack and install a FULL LENGTH leaf under the main leaf. I've done this on numerous trucks over the years, even 3/4t's that just sat too low.

Couple that w good, functioning trailer brakes and an experienced driver and I see nothing unsafe at all with a 16-18' tandem axle car hauler.

My truck is a 1979 Bronco with 468 and 4 spd trans with 4.56 gears. My brakes are great. I upgraded to a Hydroboost brake system from a diesel truck. Yeah, a gas guzzler at 10mpg but I need to hook vacuum advance back up so I can gain back my extra MPG.

I have a 4" lift on it but have what you call a "shackle flip" in rear which isnt high enough like in the front. Thus is why I am wanting to get the right leaf springs and air bag system.

i plan to also get a weight distribution hitch with anti sway bars for my trailer which will help out a lot with my short wheel base. The trailer is a 20'.

i did pull the metal building with it from the supplier. did good just went 55 but the rear being lower didnt help.

 

[Olafur]

You want to move away from your day job and do something much more entertaining. Make money with your tractor, Bronco and tools and have fun while at it - and be your own man! I get it.

Unfortunately your business plan *****, or rather it's just not there. Yes plenty of expenses already with no income in sight?

Believe me when I tell you - listen to the naysayers in this tread, if not you are going to regret it.

Good luck.

 

[Marcm157]

It seems you posted asking for advice but already had your mind made up to do what you want. You have countered every post with either an objection or justification for what you want to do. There has been some very good sound financial advice provided but you seem determined to do it your way.

Just my observation of this thread...

 

[Sasquatch912]

You want to move away from your day job and do something much more entertaining. Make money with your tractor, Bronco and tools and have fun while at it - and be your own man! I get it.

Unfortunately your business plan *****, or rather it's just not there. Yes plenty of expenses already with no income in sight?

Believe me when I tell you - listen to the naysayers in this tread, if not you are going to regret it.

Good luck.

It seems you posted asking for advice but already had your mind made up to do what you want. You have countered every post with either an objection or justification for what you want to do. There has been some very good sound financial advice provided but you seem determined to do it your way.

Just my observation of this thread...

I prefer fighting wildfires even though my pay ***** (make what most people make in one week in two weeks) but many of my co-workers have side jobs.

Im trying my best to take yalls advice and trust me..its not going in one ear and out the other.

I DONT want to be in debt.

I took on the debt in buying the tractor to use on the farm because I WANTED to, to help my grandmother.

Now, I really want to make money on the side to pay the tractor off and get other stuff. But I dont want to destroy it by using it. Yes, I operate slow in most cases but if you work in the woods you should know how rough it is on equipment...especially if it isnt armored up for it.

I could go and see if someone will buy a cage and skid plate for me BUT it will cost some money especially their labor per hour and not only that I will have to get it to them when right now I am unable to. I WILL LOOK INTO IT THOUGH! I just dont relying on other people because they generally will do as they want and put you off.

I really need a welder and air compressor and torch because if you look around anyone who own equipment they have it because they know they NEED it. I WILL LOOK INTO USED TOOLS.

I just wanted new because I plan to keep it all and generally they have warrantys. Used stuff can mess up and be your loss though again I know lots of used stuff can be good and last for many years.


Again, yalls advice is not being ignored. Im just thinking really hard.

 

[Ign]

My truck is a 1979 Bronco with 468 and 4 spd trans with 4.56 gears. My brakes are great. I upgraded to a Hydroboost brake system from a diesel truck. Yeah, a gas guzzler at 10mpg but I need to hook vacuum advance back up so I can gain back my extra MPG.

I have a 4" lift on it but have what you call a "shackle flip" in rear which isnt high enough like in the front. Thus is why I am wanting to get the right leaf springs and air bag system.

Be sure you beef up those rear shackles. They're exposed to a lot of leverage with the flip and will fold over if you don't. That said, it won't be catastrophic - the ears that straddle the spring eye just bend until the spring eye hits the web of the shackle. It's just easier to fix it before it bends. BTDT

 

[Ign]

I dunno what sort of metal fab EXACTLY you plan to do...........I mean I know you mentioned stuff for your tractor, etc

..............but as a guy who works with metal everyday I'll tell you I rarely use my plasma except for "ripping" plate. But if you're working w pipe and tubing something like a horizontal bandsaw is the ticket. For plate you could even get the Milwaukee 8" metal cutting circular (around $300 IIRC - which is a lot cheaper than a plasma!)

As I said, plasmas are great for plate and they're awesome for torching off rivet heads and then piercing the body of the rivet too...............for things like, oh............say............SHACKLE FLIPS But for general "around the farm" fab I'd think a complement of saws would be my first choice.

 

[Olafur]

You are respectable young man. Putting out wildfires, helping your grandmother and so forth. Something to be admired in a man.

I guess what we older dogs are trying to convey is a business is a business. Banks don't care if you are good or bad, they want their money back. And you need income against expenses. Borrowing money against uncertain income is a gamble - one that often will go south quickly.

Remember the rule from air travel - always put the air mask on your self before trying to help others. If not you can't!

Again - good luck.

 

[Marcm157]

You are respectable young man. Putting out wildfires, helping your grandmother and so forth. Something to be admired in a man.

I guess what we older dogs are trying to convey is a business is a business. Banks don't care if you are good or bad, they want their money back. And you need income against expenses. Borrowing money against uncertain income is a gamble - one that often will go south quickly.

Remember the rule from air travel - always put the air mask on your self before trying to help others. If not you can't!

Again - good luck.

From one "Old Dog" to another - Perfectly Stated...

 

[02camaro86]

other than dwell on what has been mentioned already (good info has been provided). may I suggest another welder/plasma cutter option? have you looked into eastwood? I have their 175 mig and love it, it has been great, had some problems but eastwood took care of them quickly and painlessly with their 3yr warranty. here is their biggest and baddest welder/plasma combo with cart for both will be less than the cost of one of the machines you picked up.

http://www.eastwood.com/eastwood-mig-250-250-amp-welder-plasma-cut-60-and-cart.html

but remember none of these run off hopes and dreams you will need electric, 220a if you want to run anything decent

 

[crane operator]

You owe $17,000 on a mowing tractor to mow grass that grandma makes $15,000 on a year? You need a good job to support a hobby like that.

 

[kctyphoon]

I have nothing to add but the following - leveraging things you only partially own so you can borrow more money with the hopes of then being able to get work - SOUNDS - like you could very well wind up struggling to keep up with loan payments, and IF that work doesn't come through that can support those payments AND be profitable (cause things will always need to repaired and more items will need to be bought - not to mention you still need to live), you could very well wind up working to just make payments or worse.. unless you KNOW that money is going to follow - it sounds like you could be relying on a lot of "what if's"..

I'd just ask yourself this question - who's getting the better deal here, you or the bank?

I'd be very careful about what decisions you make.

 

[Sasquatch912]

You owe $17,000 on a mowing tractor to mow grass that grandma makes $15,000 on a year? You need a good job to support a hobby like that.

Its not a hobby..

Its more than to mow grass.

Harrow firebreaks to burn and prevent wildfires.
Mow in the woods for our hunters.
Harrow food plots.
And recently to use to trim around our farm fields to gain our acreage back (which brings more money)

 

[bdog]

You missed the point. You said grandma brings in 15k a year. That can not support a 17k tractor. That is insane. What makes it worse is it seems like you are doing this as a favor for grandma. Admirable but it doesn't sound like you are in a position to be doing that. I am not trying to bust your chops but you need to step back and look at the numbers. Not what needs to be done but what you can do with the amount of money coming in.

When I started out I was working three jobs one of them mowing grass just to make ends meet. I had nothing but cheap harbor freight and used tools but I made do with what I had and didn't buy anything unless I had a concrete plan for the purchase to make me more than it cost. Fast forward to today I have bought several pieces of equipment over 100k all with cash and they make me more money than they cost. If you try to rush things you will forever be stuck in a rut and never be able to afford anything. You don't want to live your whole life that way. Make sacrifices now and they will pay you big in the future.

If I woke up in your shoes I would sell the tractor on day one and buy something cheaper. You can't afford it. My first tractor cost me $2000 and I had to always be working on it but it made me more money than I spent on it. Again not trying to be mean but you are talking about getting a loan to buy an air hose and you have a 17k tractor. That is nuts. Seriously go back and read your first post and see if after reading it that owning a financed 17k tractor makes sense.

 

[csp]

Reason I was wanting a plasma cutter was to cut the metal for building a cage and skid plate for the tractor.

I can't even fathom how many feet of tubing and plate and still don't own a plasma cutter, nor do I plan on one in the near future. Portaband, stationary band saw and angle grinders have served me well.

Who managed the land before you decided to?

Its not a hobby..

Its more than to mow grass.

Harrow firebreaks to burn and prevent wildfires.
Mow in the woods for our hunters.
Harrow food plots.
And recently to use to trim around our farm fields to gain our acreage back (which brings more money)

Unless you are receiving income for those things listed, it is a hobby. Income is the amount of revenue less expenses. So far all that I see you having is the expenses.

 

[rnscustom]

did my first kitchen job with a $19 black and decker skill saw , router and a straight edge . Bought a used table saw with that money and just kept working my way up . Harbor freight and Craigslist are good starters . Be surprised what you can do with little tools and just the drive to get it done