[Nathan]

I currently use subs for all my work and I'm thinking of hiring a crew of 3 guys to see if I can make more money. Right now I have the low headache low profit model. Looking to turn that around.

Anyways, I'm looking into buying a van and outfiting it with the typical supplies a crew of 3 would need. Example: Sprayer, 2 20' ladders, etc...

Any suggestions? I'm looking for a list of equipment and prices... THX :cheesygri

 

[Ranger Rohland]

Nathan,

Here's a few items (in no particular order) to get your list started:

Roller frames
Covers
Masking machine
Brushes
Drops
Wire brush
Exterior poles
Putty Knife
Caulk gun
Masking Tape
Spackle
Scaffold
Scrapers
Thinner
Paint
Wire
Rope
Safety harness
Hard hats
Plastic
Glazing
Tips
Razor knives
Wasp spray
Caution tape
Danger tape
Cleanier
Gun filters
Caulk
Trash bags
Dust mask
Respirators / filters
Rags
5-gallon bucket grid
power drill
work pots
channel locks
screwdrivers
latex gloves
lacquer thinner

Etc.

More later,

I'm out the door!!!!!!!!!!!!

Tom
Ranger Painting & Pressure Cleaning, Inc.

 

[AAPaint]

Add to that an orbital sander, belt sander, 6' and 8' step ladder, 24' and 32' extension ladder. I find two step and two extension ladders to be neccessity as you need say 8' extension for first story fascia or 10'+ interior walls...you can have two guys on extensions or 2 on stepladders at same time, or split them and have four guys that can still access up to 12'+ while still having 2 more step ladders free....this setup is almost limitless in possibilities for 2-6 people.

Same for drops. I always carry two very large 12x15' drops and four 4x15' runners. Again, limitless possibilities and the ease of covering a whole room at a time in 10 seconds with the large ones...or having runners that can span around a room as big as 23'x15 at a time.

Also, don't forget the spray rig, and a 2' and 4' shield...and at least 3 empty 5 gallon buckets.

Prices...ugh! I'd have to look through all my receipts to tell ya that......I can guesstimate it'll cost you about $2-3,000 on the cheap to have all the right equipment on hand at all times, maybe even a little more.

I know from running crews for other companies that well equipped employees are far more productive, not just because they have the right tools, but they know their daily tasks will be simplified by the fact that they always have what they need on hand. At least, that's how I myself, and a lot of my crew members used to feel about it.

 

[ProWallGuy]

Nathan, something no one's mentioned here, and I should have had it on my list on the other thread, and that's a first aid kit. +
(Hey, goes with the new safety forum too!)

 

[Teetorbilt]

Pro, I assumed that was a given although I've never been hurt when painting. Made a few spectacular messes, but never hurt.

 

[ProWallGuy]

Pro, I assumed that was a given although I've never been hurt when painting. Made a few spectacular messes, but never hurt.

Me neither, but have cut the hell out of my hands in the wallpaper area. Luckily, razor blades provide a nice clean incision, as compared to a jagged laceration, and they heal quickly.

 

[Teetorbilt]

I agree. Much better than a tangle with a homemade tablesaw and meat flying all over the place. I've seen this twice.

 

[Humble Abode]

I agree. Much better than a tangle with a homemade tablesaw and meat flying all over the place. I've seen this twice.

GAH! It's too late for such visuals!

EDIT: What do you mean homemade tablesaw??

 

[slickshift]

...What do you mean homemade tablesaw??

...B&D WorkMate, a P/C framing saw, and some Duct Tape?

 

[slickshift]

Right now I have the low headache low profit model. Looking to turn that around.

Anyways, I'm looking into buying a van and outfiting it with the typical supplies a crew of 3 would need...

Any suggestions?

Ditch the other two guys and stick me in the van
:cheesygri


Really it looks like some good info here
I was going to clean up my van this weekend
I'll print out these lists and add anything I use
It's just me, so I don't need quite as much equip.
It really looks like everything is covered though

 

[Glasshousebltr]

Nat, sounds like you need a 88 E-250 with the utility shelves that's in need of a radiator and starter located in IL.:cheesygri

From what I hear you can get for a good impersonation of Helen Ready.

Bob

 

[slickshift]

Wow, I have more crap in there than I thought
I started with Tom Rohland's list, and ended up just listing everything in my van
I'll post it up here, maybe it'll help
I'm still kinda new to being on my own here, so some things I'd like to have are not yet purchased, but not much really
I don't do alot of spraying, so I rent one when needed
I'm sure if I had one I would do more, and it is on the "to get" list
Ladders I'm a little short on, but have got by so far
I'd like a 2' step, that's on the list to

Of the more recent additions, I must say the swiffer on a stick, the Magic Eraser, and the Mr. Clean waterless mops really help clean-up
The swiffer and eraser I often use in prep also
That stuff breaks down real small so I keep it all in a little container

Roller frame
Covers
Deep dish tray and liners
Double Wide Roller frame
Double Wide Covers
Double Wide Tray
Small Masking machines
Brushes
Paint Pads and holder
Teeny tiny roller and “sleeves”
Hyde Superguide w/ 25” blade
Big spray shield
HANDy Paint pail and liners
Drops
Wire brush
Comb
Spinner
5 in 1 tools
2’-4’ Posilock and 4’-8’ Posilock poles (Wooster Sherlock)
(These I use for everything, sanding, mopping, painting)
Stiff bristle brush for poles
Small wisk brush
Brush handle extension thing, can put a brush on a pole
Sanding screens and backer
Putty Knifes asst.1” to 4”
Taping knifes asst. 6” to 10”
Wood filler, latex hole filler, joint compound
Paper and fiberglass tape
Caulk gun
Masking Tape
Thinner, and some other asst. solvents
Asst. sealers, primers, etc.
Plastic sheets and small clamps
Utility Knive
Wasp spray (ortho 20ft. Spray)
DEET spray
Caution tape
Danger tape
Wet Paint signs
Asst. Caulk
Trash bags
Respirators / filters
Splash rated goggles
Ear protection (that shop vac in an empty room’ll get ya)
Rags
Shop towels (blue disposable)
power drill
Hard Case flashlight
channel locks
screwdrivers
latex gloves
Hammer
Wonderbar
Scissors
Stirrers
Painter’s caps
Ziplocs, little and big (for hangers, switch plate hdwr…etc.. sometimes they’re great to throw a brush or sleeve in to be cleaned later)
Random Orbital sander
Palm sander
6’ step ladder
20’ ext. ladder
(That’s all so far for ladders, a 2’ step is on the list of to get items, and I borrow a 30’ ext when needed)
Shop Vac (though mine is way too huge, I only bring it as needed, I’m looking for a smaller one so I can keep it in there)
Swiffer duster on a stick*
Mr. Clean Magic Eraser (<rocks btw)
Mr. Clean Easy Reach mop and asst. pads*, the kind that you use with water, and the kind you don’t
* this stuff folds up and takes up no room
Sector 9 Longboard, sometimes I can’t resist