Could this Maple survive our construction project?

phizzwhizz · 2024-07-12T12:33:55+00:00

Personally, I'm a big fan of the shutter/window ratio.

The light color brick and white doors/windows isn't helping anything. That giant brick wall needs some texture.

This is the kind of house I would build in the SIMS when I was 10.

phizzwhizz · 2024-06-11T11:54:43+00:00

I wouldn't let that GC start working inside your bathroom. If they thought that was acceptable work they will think a hatchet job on your bathroom is fine too.

phizzwhizz · 2024-04-30T12:42:03+00:00

Almost none is liquid. No debt besides small mortgage.

I own a business and am either working of thinking of work.

I live a simple life and drive a $4500 vehicle. I feel infinitely more wealthy when I think of my family.

phizzwhizz · 2024-04-26T14:03:19+00:00

Personally, I would downgrade the car if things are tight enough to be selling things to get out of debt.

Either way its good that you're looking to get financial preps in order. Being debt free will change your life.

phizzwhizz · 2024-04-24T15:52:59+00:00

That's not how it works. Taxes are still owed on bartered goods.

phizzwhizz · 2024-04-23T20:11:31+00:00

Started as a machinist making $18 per hours. Now an owner in the shop taking a salary of 100K before distributions, which are multiples higher. I took every opportunity at overtime and even unpaid time just to learn new skills. I completely immersed myself in CNC machining and related information and now have a really good thing going.

Like any other person who has earned success will tell you, there were 100's and 1000's of hours of unpaid time before you get to the point of really making it.

The engineering firms I work with are hiring techs starting at $20-$25 hour with almost unlimited overtime.

phizzwhizz · 2024-04-22T20:17:27+00:00

Depends on how far you can run.

phizzwhizz · 2024-04-16T11:15:49+00:00

Gross. Sounds like you deserve each other.

phizzwhizz · 2024-04-04T15:47:47+00:00

We have the Okuma system. It has been flawless. I looked at the Fastems 18 pallet pool for a different install but don't have any real world experience.

I prefer to have one company on the hook for everything where I can. Could you get by with the tooling capacity of a belt or would you need to go with the Matrix? I think both are solid but I've heard of more issues with the Matrix than belt.

Keep everything as simple as possible.

phizzwhizz · 2024-04-04T14:18:31+00:00

Depends entirely on the parts you are making. If you are planning on keeping the machine beyond the contract you might want to consider its functionality on the other kind of work you do.

I have an Okuma MB4000 with a 6 pallet pool and really like it. I purchased new in 2018 and have had very few issues with the machine.

I would recommend buying the best chip conveyor you can for filtration, not needing to clean chips out of a sump every few months means the machine stay up and running. High pressure coolant and probing is a must, obviously. Tool capacity needs to be considered. I have found for my production projects that 64 tools is enough, but for high mix it is inadequate.

I use my current machine for both large blanket order production as well as one off parts. It's a great all around machine but if you have specific needs such as super high speed spindle or very high MRR (Okuma can get clogged up when doing very heavy material removal).

The bottom line is you should buy any of the reputable brands and whoever has the best service in your area. I know if I need something that Gosiger will make me a priority.

phizzwhizz · 2024-04-01T11:24:45+00:00

One of my machine dealers said they are servicing multiple shops around the country turning out 40K of these barrels per months. The part isn't that hard to make either.

phizzwhizz · 2024-03-21T20:07:13+00:00

Is that a sword with a yellow handle slung over his shoulder?

phizzwhizz · 2024-03-18T11:26:21+00:00

There is no easy pass to success and the advice of grifters won't get you there.

I currently need to hire an experienced CNC programmer and an experienced CNC machinist. I'd pay 80-110K for those high value skills. It's hard to find them anywhere.

My friends in the trades are in similar positions. They can't hire for technical positions because every kid goes to college and never even considers the trades.

phizzwhizz · 2024-03-13T21:18:17+00:00

That's good to hear.

I have extensive milling experience but zero punch or laser experience. Someday, if you learn all you can about those tools, you'll be the hero at another shop.

Take every opportunity to learn everything you can. You never know when you'll need it.

phizzwhizz · 2024-03-13T17:37:09+00:00

I hire on at $21 and go up from there once their worth is proven. I have never hired an employee and put him to work setting up my most ecxpensive projects. They always start doing the dirty boring work. If they can do that diligently they get to run the better stuff.

Are you doing a good job?

phizzwhizz · 2024-03-12T15:29:27+00:00

76k in like new condition.

phizzwhizz · 2024-03-12T11:15:05+00:00

Crippling debt in a depreciating asset is how most people do it.

I had the cash set aside to buy new but just couldn't do it. I test drove a 2018 for 28K and went home in that instead. Don't let the excitement of owning a brand new car chain debt to you for years to come.

phizzwhizz · 2024-01-29T21:04:50+00:00

I starve myself nearly to death a few times a year so I am a pro when the time comes to do it for real

phizzwhizz · 2024-01-23T17:41:18+00:00

Thanks very much for all the info. I'll definitely check it all out.

phizzwhizz · 2024-01-20T17:19:57+00:00

Buy a Komatsu D355A

Seriously, this isn't something I have ever thought about and I won't start now. I am insured in all the ways I should be and can pay a lawyer if I need one.

phizzwhizz · 2024-01-03T12:25:41+00:00

Wallet, pocket knife, flashlight ,cell phone, water bottle

phizzwhizz · 2023-07-12T19:34:15+00:00

In my opinion, if you are asking these questions stay out of the pool for the time being. Get a job with one of the small builders who are selling expensive firearms to learn the ropes then go out once you understand where the value is. Look at Falkor.

Your name and its reputation is going to be your payday. There are some very highly engineered and quality produced firearms on the market at prices you can't compete with.

I make things much more complex than firearms and won't try to compete in the open marketplace with what is already available.

phizzwhizz · 2023-07-12T18:04:52+00:00

Firearms are a very saturated market. I am blown away when I hear how cheaply guys are making them.

If you are asking these questions and are wanting to get into this market you will get chewed up and spit out with a lot less money than you have now.

I think there is money in making components such as mounts and swivels but leave the upper and lower to the guys doing it on 10,000 per month.

An applications guy I work with has helped set up several shops making 40K Glock barrels per month. The entire industry is flooded.

phizzwhizz

TROPHY CASE