How to save time and money by investing in machines

[chrisash]

Just a video that is not about leather but shows that for relatively low costs you can save time and money on using the right equipment for each job

 

[Thescandall]

That’s a hellova investment to start out with but I can see the benefits of the technology.  Very cool 

[Constabulary]

indeed interesting - well that's typical mass production. We all know the advantage of having different / multiple machines / tools for specific jobs. Question is if the investment in more machines / tools pays off and that depends on the output and / or how high (or low) your investment was and who is servicing the machines (you, an in house mechanic or an external Co.).

[tsunkasapa]

The BIGGER question is, "Why would I ever want to ruin my hobby by going there."  I'm totally happy doing 'one offs' and tack repair. What I saw there would TOTALLY ruin what I do! No, damn, thank you!!!!!

[kgg]

10 hours ago, chrisash said:

Just a video that is not about leather but shows that for relatively low costs you can save time and money on using the right equipment for each job

The cost of the laser is probably in the $15K US range, the bartacks at about $5K US each and the sewing machines at about $2K each. The costs are very reasonable. The only drawbacks I can see is not everyone is CAD capable which means investing in either training or hiring someone with those skill sets and the maintenance / repairs on the laser. The other machines can be maintained by just about any sewing machine mechanic on an as is need basis. It was nice to see that this company did invest in brand name equipment for their operation.

kgg

[chrisash]

I think to many small companies start with such low capitol that they are unable to progress and just continue with the sae basic equipment and never look at selling more than one item at a time. In the UK to open a small retail outlet you probably need a Large deposit to start the lease of the shop, say £20,000 plus to outfit the shop, then all the marketing stock and staff probably what you need in the bank is somewhere between £50K-100K to make a real go of it. for some reason crafters starting out try to do it on the minimum capital and minimal equipment with no real idea of stock or  mini production of items so little faith in their market area

Just a observation

[Handstitched]

17 hours ago, Constabulary said:

Question is if the investment in more machines / tools pays off........

And what if it doesn't ??  

Unless you can sell them, you're stuck with an expensive " investment" .  Just a thought. 

HS

[fredk]

I would never describe investment in purpose used machine tools as 'relatively low costs'

When I started up my wooden toys business I/we used machine tools which we had purchased over many years at great costs. Those tools were bought for other work but were brought together and used to make toys

[Constabulary]

2 hours ago, Handstitched said:

And what if it doesn't ??  

Unless you can sell them, you're stuck with an expensive " investment" .  Just a thought. 

HS

Broke - I guess.

You should have a serious business plan and know the market very well when you make big investments (unless you are a wealthy hobbyist). You sometime see people buying big leather machines like the 441 clones and a few month later you see the same people selling them - sure for different reasons (health, life has  changed, wrong hobby...) but often cause the business is not as profitable as it should.

I would love to own a bar tacker but I cannot justify the investment (at least in a new one) cause it never would pay off (hobbyist, but not wealthy ). So for the few bar tacks I do a ZZ machines works kinda okay. Maybe one days a proper and affordable bar tacker crosses my way.

[Handstitched]

14 hours ago, Constabulary said:

You should have a serious business plan and know the market very well

I agree. Its a big decision . But  some basic market research is a good idea.

 Before I bought my  clone, I just simply had a good look around town , and asked questions etc.  over a number of weeks or more, and thought, ' what does this town  need that it hasn't got' ? ( theres only around 1800 people  here in my town)  There was nowhere to buy a decent belt or leather case or anything what people are likely to use, mainly farmers & tradies etc..  and there was nowhere to buy any souvenirs  for tourists, visitors .  The horse ownership around town was also increasing.  

I bought my machine in 2005. Best  decision I made. Its paid itself off.  The Seiko machine came later for the horse rugs.  That too well and truly  paid itself off  

HS

 

 

 

 

 

Edited May 1, 2022 by Handstitched