kent_in_kc
Heartlander
THis is primarily directed at guys in the KC area but it could work anywhere.
I was reading this:
http://money.cnn.com/2010/09/14/technology/techshop/index.htm?source=cnn_bin&hpt=Sbin
and thinking it would be cool if a bunch of guys threw some money and equipment into a pot, rented a cheap space and set up a machine shop for their own use. Personal projects, inventions, making things to sell...
Lots of guys (and women) have ideas, talent, a need and desire to make and fix things... many of us have some tools and equipment... if we all paid a small (?) membership fee and thus acquired voting rights we could use the money to pay rent and buy new equipment.
We could mimic the health club membership model with a 12-month 'commitment' (no hard ass fights if someone wants out) and auto draw from each member's checking acct to keep it running smooth and simple so you don't have to chase people down for their monthly dues.
What do you think? Change your own tires, build a bike, make a bookcase, straighten a dented fender, refinish an antique, etc. in a climate controlled, clean, well-lighted, well-equipped shop. In addition to equip you would have guys around that could help with how-to advice and a little extra muscle when needed.
I'll bet there are scores of guys in this area that would join. We've got retirees from TWA and American, the Ford and GM guys... woodworkers, hot rodders... gun owners (a little smithing, blueing or Cera-Coating?)
We could contribute tools and equipment on a lend-lease arrangement or donate stuff in lieu of member fees.
Hell, my stuff alone would be a decent start. A paint booth, sandblasting cabinet, drill presses, powder coating, ceramic coating, kiln, airbrush, metal and wood cutting band saws, table saws, miter saws, MIG welders, acetylene, compressors, air tools, jacks, work stands, sawzall, sanders, buffers, grinders, lasers, computers, decal printers, test equipment...
I've also got a car/bike hauler trailer with ramps and electric winch that people could use to get projects and broken down vehicles in to the shop.
Sure, there are things that could go wrong as in any enterprise. Just plan for them and set up rules and contingencies. Schedule equipment, plan for what happens when something get busted or disappears, what to do when someone becomes an unbearable ass...
Damn, now I'm all torqued up. Think about this guys.
Kent
I was reading this:
http://money.cnn.com/2010/09/14/technology/techshop/index.htm?source=cnn_bin&hpt=Sbin
and thinking it would be cool if a bunch of guys threw some money and equipment into a pot, rented a cheap space and set up a machine shop for their own use. Personal projects, inventions, making things to sell...
Lots of guys (and women) have ideas, talent, a need and desire to make and fix things... many of us have some tools and equipment... if we all paid a small (?) membership fee and thus acquired voting rights we could use the money to pay rent and buy new equipment.
We could mimic the health club membership model with a 12-month 'commitment' (no hard ass fights if someone wants out) and auto draw from each member's checking acct to keep it running smooth and simple so you don't have to chase people down for their monthly dues.
What do you think? Change your own tires, build a bike, make a bookcase, straighten a dented fender, refinish an antique, etc. in a climate controlled, clean, well-lighted, well-equipped shop. In addition to equip you would have guys around that could help with how-to advice and a little extra muscle when needed.
I'll bet there are scores of guys in this area that would join. We've got retirees from TWA and American, the Ford and GM guys... woodworkers, hot rodders... gun owners (a little smithing, blueing or Cera-Coating?)
We could contribute tools and equipment on a lend-lease arrangement or donate stuff in lieu of member fees.
Hell, my stuff alone would be a decent start. A paint booth, sandblasting cabinet, drill presses, powder coating, ceramic coating, kiln, airbrush, metal and wood cutting band saws, table saws, miter saws, MIG welders, acetylene, compressors, air tools, jacks, work stands, sawzall, sanders, buffers, grinders, lasers, computers, decal printers, test equipment...
I've also got a car/bike hauler trailer with ramps and electric winch that people could use to get projects and broken down vehicles in to the shop.
Sure, there are things that could go wrong as in any enterprise. Just plan for them and set up rules and contingencies. Schedule equipment, plan for what happens when something get busted or disappears, what to do when someone becomes an unbearable ass...
Damn, now I'm all torqued up. Think about this guys.
Kent