New Member

[JD430Rick]

Hello all,
I am from NW Iowa and have been in business for 18 years, 9 years ago I bought my first Shop Sabre 4 x 8 plasma table. After running it for 7 years my shop got struck by lightning and took out almost everything. $195000 later and 18 months thanks to covid, I am back up and running. I then got my second Shop Sabre plasma table 5 x 10. I do all kinds of fabrication and repairs, powder coating and some machine work. I am into building more of my equipment so then I can change things if needed!
Thank you for the add

[Joe Jones]

This sounds like an awesome business. I would like to swing by if I am ever up in your area.

Joe

[JD430Rick]

Joe Jones Please feel free to do so. Where are you from?

[Joe Jones]

Joe Jones Please feel free to do so. Where are you from?

As my profile states ... Franklin, KY. ---->

I have two nice shops of my own. Or at least they COULD be nice shops, if I could just find the energy and the time to make them awesome. I am currently looking at a few new tools to add, but then ... I am not using the tools I have now, so it is a constant battle of motivation.

I am wrestling with the "What Next?" gremlins in a pull-no-punches, knock down, bloody fight. The contenders are ... A fiber laser table? A laser welder? A powder coating oven? (Half built already) ... My dream machine, the KERN Opti-Flex laser table for $280K? If I bought that, I'd sell off nearly all of my other stuff!

Or do I take another stab at setting up a PlasmaCam Bed-and-Breakfast Weekend Seminar training school here? If I build it, will they come?

I have a nice 3D printer but I have not given it the attention it deserves. I just signed up for Fusion 360 online training. Then I think about my age and my health, and wonder if I shouldn't just sell everything now and travel the country in a giant Class A motorhome until the Grimm Reaper knocks on my door. How far would I get, at (currently predicted) $2.00+ PER MILE in diesel fuel costs? $7,000.00 just to cross the country?!? Life is no longer any fun.

Joe


.

[adbuch]

Welcome aboard Rick! Sorry to hear about your run of "bad luck", but very happy to hear you are up and running again. What sorts of items are you cutting with your tables? Mainly customer custom orders or do you have a line of products you manufacture and sell as well? There is much great information here, and I think you may find the diy section particularly interesting since you are into building your own equipment. What are your favorite programs for designing your pieces? Please feel free to post some photos of your setup and some of you current and/or past projects for others to enjoy.

Thanks,
David

[JD430Rick]

David,
Thanks,
I use enroute that came with my tables. I hated it at first but now I’m not sure what I would use.. I do allot of different stuff on my table. Parts, signs, just about anything I can do with it I will. I have made mailbox stands out of 5 inch square tubing and cut names and addresses in the tubing. Then back lite it with led lights.. I have cut slots in I and H beams . Like I said most everything. I would like to figure out a line of something to cut and sell.. LOL

[Joe Jones]

David,
Thanks,
I use enroute that came with my tables. I hated it at first but now I’m not sure what I would use.. I do allot of different stuff on my table. Parts, signs, just about anything I can do with it I will. I have made mailbox stands out of 5 inch square tubing and cut names and addresses in the tubing. Then back lite it with led lights.. I have cut slots in I and H beams . Like I said most everything. I would like to figure out a line of something to cut and sell.. LOL

In the future, make the square tube lighted sign with a refill blank, so when the Smith family moves out out, and the Taylor family moves in, you can cut the insert with the new name that will use the same post with the same light!

Joe

[adbuch]

David,
Thanks,
I use enroute that came with my tables. I hated it at first but now I’m not sure what I would use.. I do allot of different stuff on my table. Parts, signs, just about anything I can do with it I will. I have made mailbox stands out of 5 inch square tubing and cut names and addresses in the tubing. Then back lite it with led lights.. I have cut slots in I and H beams . Like I said most everything. I would like to figure out a line of something to cut and sell.. LOL

Thanks Rick! I will look forward to seeing photos once you get a chance.

David