BIGGUNDOCTOR

Running your own business has it's drawbacks, but I was never happier working then when I had my machine and fab shop years ago. I actually think that now is one of those golden opportunity time to start a new business. The problem is with any craft based profession it is a tough sell to customers that have gotten used to big box prices - I have termed it the Wal-Mart effect. You may want to check out Dave Ramsey's book Entreleadership which is written for entrepreneurs. When dealing with custom stuff, involving the customer can save some headaches. When dyed material comes in, have them approve it before you cut into it. The best advice I can give you is do your research, start small, and most importantly avoid debt at all costs. Build up to where you want to be, don't start off there. When I had my shop, my partner and I cash flowed the entire operation. Every piece of equipment in that 4,000 sqft shop was paid for. Auctions were the only way we could buy equipment at affordable prices. On average we were paying 10 cents on the dollar compared to new. We knew we could afford something when we had the cash to pay for it. That was the best decision we did over the 6 years we operated. When we were forced to close due to outside forces we were able to keep all of our equipment without fear of repossessions. Work from home as long as you can.

Almost thought I was on Iforgeiron.com for a minute. Welcome to LW.

Been awhile since I was in the Bay Area (grew up in Fairfield). Look around for a Tandy store as they have free classes in the basics, they may also know of someone close to you that might tutor you. Also look to see if there might be a leather working Meetup.com group in the area. What type of work do you want to do, IE; carved, wallets, clothing, holsters, ?????

With items like this pictures help,as well as listing the location--unless you are willing to ship for free. I have seen them from $300 to $1,200.

Yep, supposed to be 115 this weekend. Surprised that are tossing X-rays, most places send them out to get the silver reclaimed.

I just use a sponge. Mojave desert here.

Forget the hole, and have it milled like a vee block. That way you can clamp any diameter, and have it straight. I had posted this suggestion a few times.. I may have to mill one myself so that I can post a pic of what I mean.

This is like saying its there profit in making cars, homes, whatever. The answer is yes, if done right.

McMaster Carr carries spring steel in several thicknesses. Look for blue tempered 1095 , or 5160

The patent process in the USA is flawed, and needs to be renovated. I know a couple of former customers who told me that they would never get another patent. Lots of money for little protection.

Look for sheet metal pliers that look like that, but they are smooth.

Welcome to LW from Southern Nevada.

I have seen several industrial units on Craigslist.org . I picked up 2 Adler patchers off Craigslist. I also found a big Singer with table at a storage locker sale.

Get the best you can afford, and one that you can get replacement parts for. I have Paasche, and Iwata airbrushes that I have found at thrift stores, and fleamarkets that were in like new condition. 1 new in box Paasche was 99 cents, one with compressor, and tons of extras that was used once was $60, and the Iwata with compressor was $50. I would pass on the Harbor Freight, and other airbrush shaped objects made in China.

Ya won't know unless you try it.

I have one of the original bags too. The Scout camp I worked at had several donated as scrap leather. They let me keep the nicest one(excellent shape), and the ones with holes, torn, etc got repurposed. The size is really nice for a lot of applications. Looks like you did a nice job recreating it.

Nice job!

Good catch! I don't see the edit tab, but yes it should be $16,000,000,000,000+ Or a visual of just one trillion $$ http://www.pagetutor.com/trillion/index.html

quote " The reality is, we can not make the government live within its own means," ---- and there in lies the problem Dragonspit, too many THINK we cannot make them change. They are supposed to work for US, but as long as we ALLOW them to take advantage of us they will. We can change things, but it will take effort, something that too many do not want to exert. It all starts with local politics, get the good guys in there, and work on up the ladder. Now the problems start because what you think is right, may not be what I think is right. I have talked to some who believe that the Feds have not spent enough, and want them to spend even more than they have. I just wonder what part of $16,000,000,000+ of debt don't they understand. They don't realize that the money the Feds use is actually their money, not the Feds. Gaaaaagh! This discussion could go on for days, but until people wake up, and put all levels of govt's feet to the fire it won't change. May I suggest an alternative -- www.lp.org

Tools, lots of other trades use them too.

Yep, not enough people paying attention to politics. You call it smoke and mirrors, I just call it BS. In Nevada we don't have a state income tax, but they make up for it in other ways. So far it has been OK for me.

I can't see the pictures at work, but I have seen clickers on Craigslist for around $1,800

I wouldn't scrap it. If the original owner had dealers interested they still will be. Make arrangements with them to come get it. Another option is to donate it to a college art department, and take a tax write off.

That is why emailed pics, and videos are so nice now, check it before you drive.

Depends on how much rust you have. For smooth faced tools 0000 steel wool, and oil 600 grit or finer sandpaper light touch on a buffing wheel For more complicated tool faces (basket weaves etc.) a very fine bead blast will do the trick Naval Jelly , or other rust removers that can be found at hardware, or automotive paint supply houses