Online sourcing

[crabbass]

Anyone out there relying on web based work?
I've looked at MFG quote, it costs around 6k / year.
Without a product line or contract work it would be difficult,
and not my intention to compete with local job shops. I have
always enjoyed machining and manufacturing. I would love to
have a cnc lathe and mill in the garage to build parts for my toys.
Friends and others would buy my products, but not enough to justify the equipment and operating costs associated.

thanks for any input
maybee im dreamin

[Edwardo]

If you enjoy doing it, then start off small as a home hobby, keep your eyes open for deals on good used equipment.
Its easier to justify the cost when its a hobby that can turn into a business in the future and make you some money.
My neighbors all have RV's, boats, quads, etc sitting in their yards and garage, i dont.... i have a cnc plasma table, welder, band saw etc....
Its been 2 years now from when i decided to buy the plasma table, spent all my time ( and money ) doing reno's on the garage, buying the table, learning how to use it, buying all the small tools i need, if you space your purchases over time when you have the cash its much better...... at the point now of having a web site made, it will be ready at the end of april.... then start advertising, knocking on doors.... no guarentee of anything, im not giving up my normal job( yet) but you never know unless you try, and if you enjoy doing what you do as much as i enjoy plasma cutting then its easy to justify your time and expense.

EDD

[Runner4404spd]

be careful turning your hobby into a carreer, you may end up hating it once you have to do it and try making a living at it. ultimately there are tons of hobby guys on here that can make you some parts pretty cheaply if you don't mind waiting for them. i find its easier to be the middle man and make a little cash to keep my hobbies going that sitting down a wittling out a bunch of parts that my buddies want to pay me in beer for. like i said if you enjoy wittling than do it but your side venture hobby may become a second hobby and ultimately cost you more money than it would have if you just bought a few parts.

ultimately you will also appreciate why parts cost so much when you start doing them yourself.