CNC Plasma Cutting/Tube Bending/Notching Services..

I know that there is at least one other member offering these services on here; although - I'm interested to try and gauge interest for a potential business idea that I've been kicking around:

CNC Plasma Cutting and Tube Bending/Notching...

I currently do small-scale fabrication when I'm home from my career as a commercial fisherman on the Bering Sea. One of the largest set-backs that I experienced when I first began doing this work was finding a shop with the capability/equipment to bend tubing. I searched for about 2 weeks within an approximately 50 mile radius - with incredibly limited success. The one shop that I did find was reluctant to do any work for me; and the owner wasn't very conducive to me offering any further input into what I wanted other than a basic design. Then he said it'd be a 4 week wait.

I've been working with a major plasma table manufacturer to research and design a system that will work for what I'm planning on doing. I currently have a plasma cutter capable of 7/8" severance cutting; which, should be more than ample for the majority of my planned work.

With that said.

How many of you have wanted to build your own bumper/sliders/anything else? How many of you have been turned away from undertaking a project by the high cost of the required tools? How many of you have been intimidated by the thought of going to a local heavy fabrication shop for your small-scale project?

Would you take advantage of an internet-based CNC plasma-cutting and tube-bending service? No project is too small, and turn-around times and customer service will be the utmost priority - as has been clearly evidenced through my past business on Tacoma World. My partner is highly trained with CAD drafting, and is an engineer at a major defense contractor. Together, we will be able to offer a much-needed service to the home-based small scale fabricator and tinkerer.

Let me work with you to bring your dreams to reality!

Regards,

Jake S Everich

 

Sounds cool and good idea, I think you could pull in some business. Good luck getting it going!

 

The problem I have is that by the time you cut out my design etc, I'll probably have spent more with you than if I got a local shop to do it. And the cuts would have to be perfect beforehand. Can't just send it back and make adjustments. Atleast not in a cost effective and timely fashion. Just my thoughts. I'm sure there's some people who would utilize this service though.

 

Agreed.

That would be one of the downfalls to this type of business.

That being said; this type of service will be most effective to those that are schooled in basic drafting via Sketchup, etc.

All input, positive or negative is definitely appreciated at this point!

 

I used Robinson Laser once to cut some steel for me. They are an online laser cutting service. What kills it is the shipping. The local guys can do it fast and cheap for me.

 

I agree to a point; most of my shipping would be done via USPS flat rate.

This isn't meant to be a primary income from this machine; more of a compliment to local/regional business.

Thanks for everyone's input, thus far.

 

Yeah the shipping part could be an issue, but maybe not as bad as shipping a welded up peice. But I'm thinking how many places offer DIY kits for say a plate bumper or whatever else? That to me might be one thing to focus on, like have several designs on bumpers or whatever else to choose from.

But like mentioned before if someone was trying to design something from scratch and needed to fit then cut and fit again, that wouldn't work. That's why I think maybe doing kits that you have already done extensive fitting and fine tunning on would work.

Anyway I might not have worded that like I wanted, I'm beat and can't think.

 

I understand perfectly! I'm working on about 4 hrs sleep.. in the middle of the Shelikof Strait (between Kodiak Island and the Alaska Peninsula) at the moment..

And I agree. I completely understand the logic behind most fabricators not offering DIY kits. Although, I feel like there will be at least some demand for that service.

Thanks! For sure - it was a pleasure doing business with you, and meeting your son. It's frustrating being up here, and not having the time to devote to my business.. But, I'm lucky to be able to have the capital to put towards something else.

 

Jake, I want a elite bumper but don't want to wait 8 months.

 

Jake, I have been acquiring some steel from my work, and I plan to use you to make it into a front bumper for my truck. I have a rough idea in mind for it, but nothing completely figured out yet.

 

That is awesome, I'd like to go out up there.

I feel too that there would be people at least some interested in that as well. I guess I was thinking it might be a way to get something established or to start and build your business base, meanwhile while you see other things you may could offer. Especially with TW, as many people who are on here, if you offer a quality service/product, word should spread. I really think you could make it work, you just gotta find that niche, it could be one little thing that makes it happen.

 

Count me in.

 

Might be in Kodiak.. But the fab work doesn't stop!

Built a TV antenna mount/mast, and setup a crankcase breather on an auxiliary; TIG'd up a bracket out of 20 gauge stainless..

Really nice when I don't even have to worry about a material bill!

Thanks for all of the input, still enjoying all of the feedback. I agree, I've looked at a few other markets other than Tacomas.. My potential partner's father works for eBay.. Leaning towards an eBay storefront.