RIMMER WELDING, LLC

Ronnie inspected the job and discovered one of my rear door hinges has frozen in place. The hinge pulled away from the rear metal support on the bottom of the trailer. He pulled the hinge pin and replaced it with a galvanized pin. Hinge was welded back in place. Ronnie took the time to explain what he had done. Cost was reasonable. He has a fair size shop and seems very experienced.

I recently purchased an antique (100+ year old) wood stove (U.S. Army Cannon Heater #15) which apparently was manufactured sometime between 1880 and 1900. When I purchased the stove, there was about a 3 inch long by 3/8 inch wide crack on the top piece, just below the opening where you would connect the stove pipe. After many hours of investigation on the proper method to repair such a crack, the best option was to locate a qualified welder with experience in welding cast iron, as it is much more difficult to weld than other metals. After looking at the review for Rimmer Welding on Angie's list, I gave them a call to see if they were experienced in welding cast iron. Mr. Rimmer stated he had been in the welding business for over 20 years and was experienced with welding cast iron. I then described what I had and the approximate dimensions of the crack. I then asked Mr. Rimmer if he could give me an approximate estimate to repair (weld) the crack. He stated his labor rate was $50/hr and he thought it would take him about 1 1/2 hours, for a total of about $75.00. I then took the cracked lid over to Rimmer Welding to discuss the repair in detail. Once I arrived, I met with Mr. Rimmer and explained to him that this piece was over 100 years old and it could not be replaced (without finding another complete stove). Mr. Rimmer examined the crack and explained to me the crack was caused from years of the cast iron being heated & cooled down (expansion & contraction). He then pointed out the bottom surface, at the points of the bottom of each side of the crack, was slightly uneven. I explained to him I was not that concerned with it being a little uneven, since a layer of furnace cement would be applied to the lower piece it would be attached to. Mr. Rimmer then proceeded to place my lid on a table and applied pressure to each opposing side, using a vice, to see if he could "force" the crack closed, or at least reduce the size of the crack. I am no rocket scientist, but I believe the "common sense" thing that should have been done would be to apply heat to the part before attempting to manipulate or "force" the cast iron back into place...however he was the professional, not me. Then, after a few more turns, tightening the vice and tapping the part with a hammer, he caused the crack (which extended about halfway up from the bottom of the lit) to now extend through the top of the lid. As soon as I heard the "pop", I knew exactly what happened and was rather concerned. Mr. Rimmer assured me he could repair it and we again discussed the $75.00 charge. He stated he should have it repaired the next day. When I called at the end of the next day, Mr. Rimmer stated the repair was taking a little longer than expected, but it should be done the next day. Mr. Rimmer called the next morning and stated the repair was completed and my balance was now $150, due to the extra time it took to complete the repair. I explained to Mr. Rimmer the reason it took longer than expected was due to the fact he INCREASED the size of the crack by applying too much pressure with the vice. I then drove to Rimmer Welding to discuss the repair in person. Upon my arrival, I met with Mr. Rimmer and evaluated the repair. To the untrained eye, it appeared to look "adequate". After several "back and fourths" about the final bill, Mr. Rimmer reduced the amount to $125.00. I still strongly disagreed with him but was so frustrated I paid the $125. I then asked Mr. Rimmer how long he would stand behind his repair, should it crack again at the repair spot. Mr. Rimmer stated he did not warranty any of his work because if I "dropped" it or poured cold water on it while it was hot, it would crack again. Truly disgusted with my experience, I left and headed to my local Wood Stove Store. I then carried in the repaired lit to the Wood Stove Store and showed the manager the repair. He immediately stated how inferior the repair was, then pointed out the "gaps" that were never welded. He stated the part needed to be re-welded or I could simply fill the voids with some furnace cement as a "band-aid", however it would eventually deteriorate and would need to be re-applied to maintain an air-tight seal periodically. Needless to say, I would never recommend Rimmers Welding...period.

On July 7, 2011 I called Rimmer Welding and told them I had a broken cast iron leg assembly on one of our park benches, and asked if it was something they could do. He said yes, they have welded these in the past and that he charges by the hour @ $25, one hour minimum plus $3.00 for the rod used for cast iron plus tax. He told me their hours and that I could bring it by anytime. He also told me that, since he charges by the hour, I'd save money by disassembling the bench ahead of time. I took the part out to his shop that afternoon, and was told by "Ben" that it might be ready as soon as Friday afternoon July 8, but it would more likely be Monday and would that be OK with me. I sad Monday would be fine. The next day, shortly after Noon, Ron Rimmer called me and left a voice mail message saying it was ready, the total was $30.59, reminded me he would be closing at 3:30, and thanked me for the work. I drove out and picked up the piece. It looked great.