Yet Another Small Machine Shop is Closing........

[asphaltgambler]

There is (was) a guy I used for machine shop work that operated out of his home garage for years, but he decided to close down @2 months ago. He was my former neighbor actually, retired from Federal contracting. Very different and quirky kind of guy, but also very talented, similar to say....Jesse James talented. His prices were very reasonable as well. So anything that required lathing, mill, machining or TIGing, he was my guy. Unfortunately, he has decided to just stop what he's doing, something about potential litigation from 'customers'.

To give you an idea of his far-reaching abilities you never knew what he would be working when you rolled up in his driveway; IE: MB Gull-Wing looking over an engine fuel related issue, Vincent Black Shadow that needed a part fabricated, antique heirloom silver dinnerware where the grandkid decided to twist all the pieces into oblivion, and more.

So then I roll over to a guy / family I've known for @30 years where the dad is now retired and his two 'kids' are running the show. Unfortunately, his kids have decided to double+ over charge for everything they do, therefor p*ssing me off so bad, I'll never return. How much over? Well, let me tell you. I took them 2 new front hubs / rotors to have: a) stud pattern changed from 5X5" to 5X4-3/4" b) Have the outside centering hub snout turned down @.180" Know what the bill was? $735.00

OK, so now what? I still need stuff done occasionally. I find this 'old' (4 years older than me) guy in a small local shop outside of my area - to have some other hubs inside bore taken down another .220". I picked them up this morning, he only charges me $60, but I give him $80, told him to keep it, don't need a receipt. Then I said I look forward to finally finding a good guy, I'll bring more work in the future. He said: "well, you better make it soon...………….'cause I'm closing down in March....

[908/930]

Yes $735 sounds like they have an old NC machine and are punching the tape by hand. There must be some other shops nearby. If you have the space, pick up a small mill and a lathe, the rest of the tooling can add up though, check with the person closing down.

[Scott Douglas]

Sounds more like they have an old manual machine and don't know how to use it proficiently.
I find it hard to believe a 'home' shop would have an NC machine.

[fastfredracing]

Only one machine shop worth its salt left in my area. There are actually 2, one is really large, expensive, and I have had so so experiences with them.
The other, is simply top notch, cleanest , most beautiful building and property you could ever imagine .
He does excellent work and charges fairly . It took a while to build a relationship with him . Machinists seem to usually be quirky guys .
MY last guy was a drinker, but was reliable , fair and did good work . If I brought him Porsche stuff that he did not usually work on, he would make me come after hours and help him , and I would always end up learning something .
Won't be long before they will be a lost art also .
Last guy that changed a bolt pattern for me, took almost 9 months .

[fastfredracing]

Makes you really appreciate guys like Craig Garrett .

[asphaltgambler]

The guy I used recently has several CNC machines, very proficient. He told me his health is not that great, that it's hard to do a full 8 hour day anymore, and he's losing money. He said since COVID, it's been feast / famine, so he'll close up in March and sell off everything on Ebay….

[tabs]

It is a sad thing really..going the way of the old blacksmith shops..extinct.

[mgatepi]

At one time in the not so distant past, 1970's, there were over 600 machine shops in the Dayton Ohio area.... I doubt there is more than 20 open now.

[Scott Douglas]

My brother has finally got his shop setup to the point he can make stuff happen with his mill and lathe.

And yes he knows how to use them too.

[908/930]

^^^ Nice, needs a clean up. I have been looking for one of those, one sold last week nearby for more then what I would pay, a small CNC toolroom mill would also work for me.

[Bob Kontak]

Originally Posted by fastfredracing

If I brought him Porsche stuff that he did not usually work on, he would make me come after hours and help him , and I would always end up learning something .

I brought my guy my 81 SC flywheel. I say "You gotta be careful because there's this step"

He just looks at me expressionless. I think he means "I get it. Done it once or twice before".

I chuckle then we both start laughing.

That said, just looked up their website. "Temporarily Closed".

[LEAKYSEALS951]

Over in the valley, there are still a number of fabrication/machine shops.
I identify as such, and relish discussing such with them.
I feel at home with them. Probably more so than anywhere else.
I will live in denial of their downfall, rather than think they are endangered.

[Arizona_928]

I was lucky to find a machine shop to turn down an axle shaft for my truck. Spent a hour talking to the guy and business was beyond slow. All of the industrial contracts have stopped sending parts and he was down to walk ins.


Economy be hard.

[A930Rocket]

I stopped off at a machine shop between Charleston and Savannah to inquire about a few things. In talking, said he WAS the only shop between Charleston and Savannah and was 2 1/2 months backed up.

I’m going to rebuild my E46 engine, so I need to get it taken apart and take the block, crank and heads to a place my friend has used multiple times. Hopefully the turnaround is quick, as I’m taking a week off in January and want to rebuild it.

[cstreit]

In a disposable society where we don't value craftsmanship - no need to fix things - just replace them.

[Arizona_928]

Originally Posted by cstreit

In a disposable society where we don't value craftsmanship - no need to fix things - just replace them.

That'll change

[cgarr]

It is sad to see them closing, some like Harrison that would do all our aircraft cylinder work, you talk to the guy actually doing the work. I picked up this small Miyano cnc from a small shop that closed, used to make the machines that would bend and form the wires used in heating elements.




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[cgarr]

Originally Posted by Scott Douglas

My brother has finally got his shop setup to the point he can make stuff happen with his mill and lathe.
And yes he knows how to use them too.

Nice little southbend!

[GH85Carrera]

I am fortunate to "have a guy" that lives in a rural area, on 30 acres, with several barns behind his house. Inside one barn is his 356, and 78 911, and several 60s and 70s muscle cars. In another ban is a beautifully restored Bridgeport, and a huge lathe. All set up for doing his own machine work.

He is the guy that did most of the real work on rebuilding my 911 engine. He has built over 1,000 911 engines and countless American V8s. The bad news (for me) is he is backing off doing much engine machine work. He really got into it as his wife was fighting breast cancer. He would go to his barn and work on cars, but was always close by her if she needed him. When she did die, he was of course crushed, but life goes on. He found a new lady and is married again now, and for the first time in many years has a wife that they can go places and do things together. Life is more than machine work. I am really happy he has found joy with a woman to share his life with. Yet another machine shop that the owner is basically retired.

[Scott Douglas]

Originally Posted by cgarr

Nice little southbend!

Yeah, he recently made some tooling using it.