|
|
Post by steamingspud on Feb 11, 2008 19:30:31 GMT -5
Aye guys,
got a question: have ant of you ever taken out loans to buy your equipment? I'm sure I'm under age for credit, but it's something that might help if I can get someone to support me. Is it a good idea?
Thanks
Steamingspud
|
|
|
|
Post by Harlock on Feb 11, 2008 19:54:13 GMT -5
Enco, Grizzly and most other places offer financing on equipment. You would indeed need to arrange it through your parents, who would have to see it as an educational investment.
I wish it was more affordable for the young folks, best advice is to scrounge for affordable used equipment, or find someone who already has a shop and is willing to show you the ropes... (liability makes this option difficult...)
I think if someone has a goal and drive and an interest, it should be supported and encouraged if at all possible.
--Mike
|
|
|
|
Post by fender on Feb 21, 2008 13:23:36 GMT -5
My suggestion is to meet as many live steamers / amateur machinists as you can, and ask if they have any surplus equipment. I know several friends who have received lathes, shapers, drill press, etc. for gratis or small price because someone they knew had an item they didn't use or need. But it is important that you develop a relationship first--people aren't so generous towards others they don't know well.
Dan
|
|
|
|
Post by Harlock on Feb 21, 2008 13:36:56 GMT -5
I also read about a guy on another board who recently got started with some nice used equipment for only a few hundreds of dollars. He got it locally from someone who was liquidating his home shop. There are deals like that all over the place, just gotta ask around...
|
|
|
|
Post by steamingspud on Feb 21, 2008 16:17:28 GMT -5
Hello again,
Not that it should concern me yet, since I'm still working on buying a lathe, but where do I buy the metal for everything? I know it's a fairly obvious question, but I haven't pin-pointed a place yet. And will it be expencive?
Thanks again,
steamingspud
|
|
|
|
Post by Harlock on Feb 21, 2008 18:14:19 GMT -5
McMaster Carr has everything - www.mcmaster.com and a really slick web interface to help you find it all. Also Enco sells raw materials in addition to all their machine tools. www.use-enco.com. There's another place that does small quantities of metal for hobbyists, can't remember the name right now. Also small parts: www.smallparts.com/Also check for a scrap metal dealer in your area. Often you can get metal more cheaply that way. |
|
|
|
Post by GoldenSpike53 on Feb 22, 2008 11:54:02 GMT -5
And not just scrap metal dealers.....
I have a friend who works as a mechanic for a truck maintenance company. They mostly work on diesel engines and the like. Apparently, they also do various types of body work.
He just brought me a whole bunch of panels of various shapes and sizes of 16 gauge steel, certainly in enough quantity to make all the parts and pieces of my tender. (Unfortunately, they don't get much in the way of scrap brass or copper, since those metals are treated almost like gold.....) He also gets a few other types of metals, including some stainless steel, but probably not useful for anything that I can think of. I have to stay in touch with him to make sure I don't miss any other good prospects that come up!
Anyway, think about other places that might have scrap metals available. The panels I got from this trucking maintenance place look like body parts and panels that were damaged in shipping. Mostly wrinkles around the peripheral areas, but plenty of good space in the middle for cutting out the things I need!
Good luck!
Dale
|
|
