[mxtras]

The "billet" method would be the least expensive to get going with. I say "least" loosely - you are still going to spend at least $150,000 before you can even look into the back of the delivery truck and realize that you don't have the electrical power needed to run such machines....or a way to unload it from the truck! Before you make any chips, you will need several thousand more for Software, tooling and handling equipment. ..and commercial space. A piece of solid aluminum large enough to make a wheel is going to weigh about 450 pounds - you need a way to move these things around the shop.

The lathe - a 15X50 would turn a 30" diameter and is not considered a big machine. You can get them from China brand new for under $6K, used from E-bay for as little as $1500. Might not be the best for constant production but a machine of this size would make a wheel for a car...at least one or two. A VTL would probably be the better choice for production. Most production machines are somewhat custom built for their intended purpose.

The mill - too many variables to say. The less capable machines could be had for $30K - $50K. You can spend 4 million for a mill if you wanted - depends on your design and your methods. NOT easily converted to single phase power - many times impossible, so this would mandate a commercial setting. This is another subject entirely.

What do you expect your volumes would be? I (as well as others) may be interested in making them for you - either in low or high volumes. From what I have read, this may be the best option for you. It takes many, many, many years to learn and obtain everything you need (including the experience) to successfully manufacture items such as this.

I once supervised a guy with a masters degree in Mechanical Engineering. He did not know that weldments warped and moved. ...but, you say - he had the education, right? 3.87GPA, masters degree - brilliant guy. He knew advanced calculus like you would not believe. He needed the hands-on experience of engineering to become valuable on a daily basis and this took about three years.

Education is valuable. Experience is invaluable.

AGAIN - I am not trying to deter you. You seem determined and that is a good thing, for sure.

Scott