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Why did you open your own Machine Shop,

HB2Havasu

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and what would you have done differently, and would you do it again?

After the 4th layoff in 9 years I’m at the point of being over working for others and making them rich. A little background: I was a conventional machinist for approx 10 years after High School, then got into the Aerospace Engineering field approx 20 years ago. I have a strong background in composite lamination, structural assemblies, tooling, and detailed machined parts.
 

wsuwrhr

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Nothing. I do it over every day.

Brian
 

wsuwrhr

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I wouldn't expect too many replies in this section. There are threads on the front page from three years ago. You should post this in the lounge.
 

earlesurfs

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I rented a shop to build my toys. I was approached by a former employee regarding my capabilities in my shop and I began making parts for him on the side in 2014. I gained several more clients, quit the full time gig in 2017 and have never looked back.
I had a cake job as the machinist at a local amusement park and end up working way harder and way more hours but it’s awesome not having an alarm clock, a time clock, a boss and a bunch of annoying coworkers and drama. I have put in my share of 100+ hour weeks between the 9-5 and running my shop but it has paid off big time.

I’ve had days that I’ve made $1500 in 8 hours. I worked 4th of July last year on a rush job and made $1200 in 7 hours but I normally bring in $500 to $700 in a normal day gross. I try to stay in the $75 to $80 dollar an hour range to stay competitive and keep clients, when I quote parts higher I seem to not get the jobs.

I mainly do prototype work and small production runs on conventional equipment. I’ve taken mastercam programming courses and hope to purchase a VF-3 and an SL-20 within the next year and greatly expand my capabilities.

If you can afford to set up a shop and have some good leads on reliable sources for work, I say go for it.

I hope this helps.

Hit me up if you have anymore questions.
 
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