3-Axis CNC products
Thread Starter
Running Guns & Moonshine
Joined: Aug 2001
Posts: 12,664
Likes: 7,300
From: CT
3-Axis CNC products
Help me play out an idea.
I did not know that one of my friends has a $30k Tormach 3-axis CNC machine stashed away from a former job. He now travels mostly domestically servicing 5-axis vacuum CNC machines for the aerospace industry.
But hearing the machine is sitting idle and stored away I was wondering:
What are some products he could make for C5s, corvettes in general, or cars in general for side income?
He's fluent in Fusion 360. I've only begun that education. Being what it is, the 3-axis is not a fully automated production unit and needs human interaction for turning blocks and changing chucks so it's not a "load your file and walk away" tool. But the opportunity for access has raised my curiosity!
I did not know that one of my friends has a $30k Tormach 3-axis CNC machine stashed away from a former job. He now travels mostly domestically servicing 5-axis vacuum CNC machines for the aerospace industry.
But hearing the machine is sitting idle and stored away I was wondering:
What are some products he could make for C5s, corvettes in general, or cars in general for side income?
He's fluent in Fusion 360. I've only begun that education. Being what it is, the 3-axis is not a fully automated production unit and needs human interaction for turning blocks and changing chucks so it's not a "load your file and walk away" tool. But the opportunity for access has raised my curiosity!
Burning Brakes
Joined: Nov 2021
Posts: 778
Likes: 382
From: Old Dominion - VA
Just my opinion. Whatever ya'll decide to produce, do a fair assessment of the market for the parts and be sure the juice is worth the squeeze. Materials are expensive, marketing and fulfilling can be a PITA (on the side) and if someone feels slighted in anyway, your internet name will be mud as they parade through all the forums, groups, etc, telling the horrible tale. You are a seasoned car guy with years of desire, experience and (maybe most important) common sense, but many people may lack some or all of those attributes, so you need well thought out and written instructions and packaging too. I know this reply probably feels a bit cynical. I'm not suggesting that you don't partner up and make something cool, but just be sure you know what you are getting into in the long term.
Thread Starter
Running Guns & Moonshine
Joined: Aug 2001
Posts: 12,664
Likes: 7,300
From: CT
Tbh... I'd probably do work for myself. I am demanding. Probably not looking to sell so much as seeking ideas for stuff I could make and use. Or maybe knock a few out for friends.
