Can this be fixed?
In most cases, we can perform an effective repair, but it depends on what the item is. Sometimes,
the repair may cost more than the item is worth. Often we must examine the item prior to determining how an item can be repaired.
We are happy to evaluate your needs and give you our advice.
Once, we received a rusted out gas grill. The repair cost was going to be comparable to the
cost of buying a new one. We told our customer our opinion, and he replied it was his favorite type of grill and that he could
not buy that kind anymore. We fixed his grill.
How much will this cost?
Again, we usually have to see an item before we can estimate what will be involved in a project.
We are happy to give you an idea of what something might cost, but we rarely do it over the phone.
Can this be welded?
We routinely weld carbon steel, stainless steel, and aluminum. There are several alloys of
each. Often we can easily determine what an object is made from,but sometimes it is more difficult. We can weld carbon steel
to stainless steel, but we have not successfully welded aluminum to anything other than aluminum.
We also braze, solder, and silver solder items such as cast metals, copper, brass, and bronze.
Each application has characteristics which can be useful.
Some items have been made from "Pot Metal" which has a very low melting point.
We do not work with this material.
In some instances, there are alternatives to welding. Gasoline tanks are not to be
welded within our city limits. A special two part epoxy can be used to patch small holes. There is usually more than one way
to skin a cat, so they say.
I've got an idea of what I want built, but I cannot get it on paper. I'm not sure
of the dimensions it needs to have. Can you help?
Yes. We have made items for customers which started out as scribbles on a paper napkin. Many
things, such as stair cases, require on-site measuring anyway. We often develop our own shop drawings as a result
of a question and answer session with a customer.
We have years of experience in this industry, and our general manager is also
a mechanical engineer. If we cannot immediately address your question, we will do a little research.
Bring us you idea, and we are happy to help get it on paper. Then we'll build it.
I need a piece of steel. Do you sell steel?
Yes. We stock a variety of sizes and types, and we sell by the pound. Often, customers can
visualize what they want, but must see samples and examples to determine exactly what they are looking for. We are happy to
let you look and choose.
Typical items which we stock are angle iron (2" x 2" x 1/4" for example), channel, assorted
pipes, square and rectangular tubing, flat bar, plate and sheet steel, and some structural beams. Our most common sizes of
sheets and plates are 16 gage (about 1/16" of an inch thick), 11 gage (about 1/8"), 1/4", and 3/8". Normally, these items
come in four foot by eight foot sheets. We have a metal shear which can cut 1/4" thick and thinner sheets to size. Our
hydraulic ironworker can shear up to 1/2" by 6" flat bar. Plates thicker than 1/4" must be flame cut or plasma cut.
We have some stainless steel and some aluminum.
We make frequent orders. If we do not stock the item which you want, or if we do not have the
quantity you need, then we will order it for you. Typically, if we place an order before noon, then we receive it the next
business day. Orders placed after mid-day are received two business days later.
I'm looking for a special part, and I cannot find it anywhere. Can you find it?
Like as not, we can find it. Normally there are brand names, part numbers, or some other identifying
marking to help identify a source. Over the years, we have developed numerous sources for unusual things. We have an assortment
of catalogues for bearings, nuts, bolts, fixtures, industrial supplies, and miscellaneous parts. We also search the internet
for some unusual items.
If it exists, then we have a good chance of finding it. We also have had success
in duplicating sample parts.
Can you put a hole in this?
It depends on the material, the diameter of the hole, and the shape of the hole. We can mill
slots, punch an assortment of shapes and diameters, flame cut or plasma cut large holes, and drill many types of materials.
Do you work on Saturdays?
By appointment only. We can adjust our schedule to accommodate your needs. We often make repairs
and modifications or installations for our commercial customers when they are not running production. Typically, that means
doing the work on an evening or on a weekend. Our general manager lives only a mile from our facility. If you need to make
special arrangements to pick something up or drop something off, then convenient arrangements can be made. Our normal working
hours are 8-4:30 Monday through Friday.
I really need this right now. Can you do this right now?
We are happy to address time sensitive repairs or fabrication. We pledge to do our best to
address your immediate need. We can respond to expensive break downs quickly, however we cannot take care of several emergencies
all at once. Sometimes you might have to wait your turn.
Is there anything you cannot do?
There is that rare occassion when we have even surprised ourselves with what we have been able
to accomplish. However, if there is some service we cannot provide for you, we are happy to help you find someone who can
help you. We cannot provide every service for every need, but we do know a lot of people and businesses in this region who
offer a broad variety of goods and services.
Haven't seen your question here? Call us, send an e-mail, or come see us. Our staff
is here to help you.
Don't know where we are?
We are in downtown Johnson City. From I-26 East, take exit 33. From the exit ramp go straight
across Unaka and Watauga Avenues. At the second stop sign, bear right onto Water Street. We are a couple of hunderd yards
down the street on the left.
If you need better directions, feel free to call us.
