Average costs for machine shop time

[jdlinke]

I searched around, but didn't find an answer to my particular question.

I'm very new to all this sort of stuff (machining, CNC, etc). I'd like to get some machining done, and the local shop (really the only local shop) said their normal fee is $50/hour for cnc lathe or mill work.

Is that a normal price? I'm willing to pay if that's what's usually found at other shops, but being new, I don't want to jump into something and later find out I paid too much.

I look forward to hearing back from some of you

- Jack

[mxtras]

I think it is extremely dependent on the area you live in.

Your price sounds pretty decent to me.

Take your drawings/sketches to several shops and ask for quotes then compare.

You can also post them on RFQwork.com (an affiliate of this site) and get quotes from numerous shops and from hobbiests that may not rely on their machines to make a living. Their price is likely going to be considerably lower than a shop with overhead costs.

Scott

[Geof]

Why are you worried about the hourly rate a shop charges? Surely the important thing is what your job costs? One shop may charge $50 an hour and take six hours to do something while another may charge $60 an hour and take five hours for the same job.

[jdlinke]

Excellent point, Geof. Like I said, I'm really new to this, so I appreciate the input.

Thank you also Scott.

[High Seas]

I have found that "Mates Rates" can be negotiated in the 'states.
I had a small-ish project that needed a lathe. Found a shop that was willing to give me a better rate - if I could wait on the parts - they wanted to work it in during slack time.
I said - no problem as long as it wasn't over 3 months away - deal done 200 bucks for 6 parts - and by the way - the same parts originally would have been 300+, but -the kicker- no longer made.
SO, its not just the hourly rate. It pays to shop around and have an idea what a fair price might be.
Jim