New here. Just sayin' Hello

[tinrat]

Hi all. I have been playing in metallurgy for many years. I ran a CNC Plasma Arc w/ punch capabilities for 20 years. They retired my machine last year, replacing it with several new gantry torches (pretty easy to run). Then earlier this year, the company laid off many employees with the economic downturn. It seems, in their infinite wisdom they decided to remove the senior employees and keep a much lower paid group (many of which are of questionable alien residency). Anyway, enough on the tale of woe. This is the dawning of MY new age… LOL
I have a small shop with several old pieces of equipment but have nothing computer controlled. I hope to expand my shop soon. My wife OK'd it, but I have to do a couple home remodels first. They should be done within weeks. Then the fun begins. I don't actually have any funding yet on the building. But I have a lot of unusual resources for material. I hope I can build it this year. We’ll just have to see.
I have an old ('70's) Airco Gantry with an NC eye torch. I want to build into a CNC plasma cutter. I believe that this is possible after sifting through a few of these forums. I also have an old Pratt Whitney 16x54; a Miller 651 mig welder; a very old drill with a #4mt; a big old HydroMech band saw; and a few other odds and ends I would like to put together. I’m not positive as to where I’m going with this stuff, I like production, but a blacksmith/job shop might have to carry me as there are always farmers knocking at the door with something needing fixed.
I hope to start the ball a rollin’, but it takes time and financing (and a little luck). This is my story.. and I’m sticking to it…
Don