Re: Machine Shop Work

Posted by Stan in AL on February 18, 2002 at 07:04:49 from (65.162.104.6):

In Reply to: Machine Shop Work posted by Cody N.E.Tex on February 16, 2002 at 22:06:01:

Since I have a machine shop, I'll give you the view from this side. It's fun to make parts and do repairs for your own older equipment. I've restored one tractor (Earthmaster, last year) and done lots of repairs to a few others. Currently working on a Hough HA payloader, about 1953 model. I also do some work for people who bring in farm or other parts that they have a hard time finding. But I can't make any money at it. I only do it to try to be helpful to them, but lots of times I have to turn down their requests. I have CNC equipment which is absolutely necessary in order to be competitive in the machine-work business. It's expensive. Building is expensive. Utilities, insurance, etc. So I have to charge at least $45/hr. just to keep the doors open. Then to make any money for my own living, and to make a return on a sizable investment, I need to charge something closer to $60/$80 per hr. So, that little job that takes me 3 hours to do, needs to bring in $135 min. , to $200 to make money. That's more than most folks, including me, want to pay for a simple, small part for an old tractor. And a 3 hour part in a machine shop is not much of a part either. I don't even make bronze bushings for myself unless I can't find something close from a supplier like McMaster-Carr.
Bottom line for me is, I like repairing the old stuff for fun, and I like helping someone in need, but I cant'even pay my expenses on most walk-in jobs. I just try to do what I think I need to do to be a good neighbor, and not let the ship sink in the process. I only have 24 hrs in a day, and my work time is quite valuable.
The other post (I forgot which one) that mentioned the costs of plumbers, auto mechanics etc. also struck a note with me. They get a good hourly rate, and don't have near the investment required to operate a modern machine shop. I recently hired an accountant for a couple nights to work on my accounting system. She charges about $65/hr. and has only a car for overhead expense.
Hope this helps.
Stan

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