Tier 1: Starter Flat Seams (Basic Workpieces)
Tier 1 jobs are flat, straight-line seams designed to build initial capital without risking steel supply.
| Workpiece | Steel Cost | Typical Payout | Method Compatibility | Key Difficulty & Hazard |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Intro Seam | 1 Plate | $100 – $150 | MIG (12mm stick-out) | Training piece; straight flat bead with on-screen coaching. |
| Horseshoes | 1 Plate | $150 – $220 | MIG | Gentle curve; ideal for practicing early arc stability. |
| Metal Brackets | 1 Plate | $180 – $260 | MIG / STICK | Short straight seam; minimal risk of torch wobble. |
| Gears | 2 Plates | $350 – $480 | MIG / STICK | Multiple short segmented welds; requires prompt trigger release. |
Tier 2: Curved & Tubular Workpieces (Standard Contracts)
Tier 2 workpieces introduce rounded geometry and pipe seams. Never weld these at full speed; reduce travel speed by 30% through bends.
| Workpiece | Steel Cost | Typical Payout | Method Compatibility | Key Difficulty & Hazard |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bike Frames | 4 Plates | $900 – $1,250 | MIG / STICK | Multi-node tubular junctions; requires clean start-stop blending. |
| Exhaust Pipes | 5 Plates | $1,400 – $1,900 | STICK / TIG | Circular wrapped seams; high risk of torch drift on edges. |
| Automotive Panels | 6 Plates | $2,200 – $2,800 | MIG | Long sheet metal joints; demands ultra-steady travel speed. |
| Pressure Vessels | 8 Plates | $3,500 – $4,600 | TIG (Tight Arc) | High precision required; un-welded pinholes cause F-grade penalties. |
Tier 3: Major Engineering Projects (Late-Game Milestones)
Major projects are multi-stage construction contracts that require massive steel supplies. Do not start these until liquid capital exceeds $25,000.
| Project Stage | Steel Cost | Stage Payout | Method Compatibility | Operational Milestone |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Repair Truck | 6 Plates | $3,000 – $4,200 | STICK (Burn Rust) | Out-of-shop mobile repair contract with rusted metal seams. |
| Suspension Bridge | 25 Plates | $12,000 – $16,000 | MIG / STICK | Heavy structural girders; multi-pass welding required. |
| Space Rocket | 50 Plates | $35,000 – $50,000 | TIG (Rainbow Beads) | Highest cash reward in town; requires flawless tight-arc precision. |
Troubleshooting Grayed-Out Orders
If a job card on your booth terminal is grayed out and cannot be accepted, check these three blockers:
- Steel Supply Exhaustion: Check the rack outside the booth. If 0 plates remain, carry plates from the truck or buy Auto Steel.
- Active Workpiece Still Mounted: Inspect the workbench clamp. An unfinished or uninspected weld locks the terminal.
- Shop Workbench Tier Locked: Advanced pipe and rocket contracts require upgrading your shop facility level first.
Calculate your exact plate requirements before accepting any job using our Job & Steel Planner.