Subject: machine shops

From: [email-masked]
Date: Fri, 16 Feb 1996 14:17:05 -0500

There have been several comments on "theforge" about getting plans.
Most recent was for fly press plans.
       The person looking for the plans specified that the press should be
buildable without machine tools which he apparently did not have.
       Of course there is nothing wrong with this, I just wanted to
encourage people to get to know their local machine shop.
       Most places give quotes for free and you may be surprised at how
affordable it is. Have a print (hand drawn is fine) when you go for a
quote. Even if you decide its too much you will have made a connection with
a fellow metalworker.
       Machine shops often have ends of bars (especially screw machine
shops) they will part with for scrap price or close to it. I have gotten
more 4140 and 1045 than I can use. You never know, you may pick up a job
youself!

                                           Tryit, Bob Schade

---

From: [email-masked] (George Dixon)
Date: Fri, 16 Feb 1996 16:34:48 -0500

>quote. Even if you decide its too much you will have made a connection with

This is good advice.  extend the concept.  You can either have every tool
under the sun or you can begin to network.  The first level is like the
machine shop reference, include sheet metal and fabrication shops.  They
will cut blanks and do forms and other items that save time. (I just had a
fab shop flame-cut two disks of 1/2" plate to use as forms to bend around).
Paint shops are another good thing to locate, a good paint shop, included
in your bid, will save more time and mess.  Let these folks do what they do
best and are equipped for while you do what you are into.  The result is
less headaches and more time to spend on the forging and designs.
The next level is fellow smiths who can do parts, sub-assemblies or even
installations as sub-contractors.
This approach lets a 'small' shop do work bigger than it is without the
burden of permanent help.
George Dixon