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Post by fernwood on Dec 11, 2017 20:26:57 GMT -5
Asking for some advice here and to see of my logic is correct.
My funding source for business start up equipment disappeared once I became employed in my life long career. I have established a special bank account to save for some needed equipment. I am prioritizing what to purchase and when.
My train of thought…
First purchase would be a nice cabbing machine with a trim saw attachment. Already have one selected that was part of the business start up package. A CABKING 6" GRINDER/POLISHER with the trim saw attachment , including an assortment of grit/polishes, oil, dop wax and the leather belt.
At the same time, a Dremel 2000-01 VersaTip Precision Butane Torch Kit and butane. Plus, some good quality metals and supplies for silver smithing.
Since I already have over 500 preform cabs and some slabettes, and about 40 completed cabochons, figured this combo would work to get started, once again. Have some tools and other needed items, such as ring/bracelet mandrel, adjustable vice, silver settings, ring/bracelet blanks, silver “adorments”, clamps, small tools and lots of knowledge. Plus, the perfect year around, indoor space with water access.
Total cost of what I would initially need is about $1800.00.
Phase 2 would include a small slab saw and vibe tumbler with piggy back, plus all accessories needed.
So, what does everyone think? Am I on track?
I really want to get back into what I love to do, full force. Figured making my own cabs and transforming them into jewelry, would help fund the purchase of additional equipment. Could also offer the cabs on their own for sale locally.
Long term goal is to establish a storefront in downstairs spare bedroom, which would be perfect, with a separate entrance. Zoning will allow for that. I live in an ideal location for this type of business. High traffic area with lots of tourists. Plenty of parking and house is close to a State road, designated as an alternate route to interstate. Near a popular State Forest camp ground with 5 lakes and lots of things to do and very primitive areas. Across road from a Horse riding stable, full service campground and horse riding training facility. Located on the area loop of artist studios, which are promoted throughout the year. Lots of local connections and an invite to become a member of several local artists co-ops which have established galleries.
What could go wrong with this plan?
Thank you.
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Post by MsAli on Dec 11, 2017 20:53:17 GMT -5
Asking for some advice here and to see of my logic is correct. My funding source for business start up equipment disappeared once I became employed in my life long career. I have established a special bank account to save for some needed equipment. I am prioritizing what to purchase and when. My train of thought… First purchase would be a nice cabbing machine with a trim saw attachment. Already have one selected that was part of the business start up package. A CABKING 6" GRINDER/POLISHER with the trim saw attachment , including an assortment of grit/polishes, oil, dop wax and the leather belt. At the same time, a Dremel 2000-01 VersaTip Precision Butane Torch Kit and butane. Plus, some good quality metals and supplies for silver smithing. Since I already have over 500 preform cabs and some slabettes, and about 40 completed cabochons, figured this combo would work to get started, once again. Have some tools and other needed items, such as ring/bracelet mandrel, adjustable vice, silver settings, ring/bracelet blanks, silver “adorments”, clamps, small tools and lots of knowledge. Plus, the perfect year around, indoor space with water access. Total cost of what I would initially need is about $1800.00. Phase 2 would include a small slab saw and vibe tumbler with piggy back, plus all accessories needed. So, what does everyone think? Am I on track? I really want to get back into what I love to do, full force. Figured making my own cabs and transforming them into jewelry, would help fund the purchase of additional equipment. Could also offer the cabs on their own for sale locally. Long term goal is to establish a storefront in downstairs spare bedroom, which would be perfect, with a separate entrance. Zoning will allow for that. I live in an ideal location for this type of business. High traffic area with lots of tourists. Plenty of parking and house is close to a State road, designated as an alternate route to interstate. Near a popular State Forest camp ground with 5 lakes and lots of things to do and very primitive areas. Across road from a Horse riding stable, full service campground and horse riding training facility. Located on the area loop of artist studios, which are promoted throughout the year. Lots of local connections and an invite to become a member of several local artists co-ops which have established galleries. What could go wrong with this plan? Thank you. The question is why are you asking what could go wrong? You will never know unless you try and if you don' try, well then you will always wonder what if. Just go for it..... My 2 cents ....
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NDK
Cave Dweller
Member since January 2009
Posts: 9,440
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Post by NDK on Dec 11, 2017 21:04:37 GMT -5
Definitely! Sounds like you've got the perfect spot and the support. I bet you'll do great!
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Post by fernwood on Dec 11, 2017 21:41:07 GMT -5
Going out on a limb and asking advice from those who have been there, done that before. Just double checking my logic. I know I can do this, as have done it before. Times have changed a lot since the 80's and 90's. More advanced equipment than I have ever used, but am a quick learner. Also been reading most posts here on equipment advice.
Following my dream....
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Post by rockjunquie on Dec 11, 2017 21:48:43 GMT -5
Following your dream- I LOVE it!
Definitely sounds like you have a prime location. Almost sounds like you can't afford NOT to give it a try.
The only thing I can say is that you will be very limited by a butane torch. You can get a acetylene/air torch pretty cheap and it will do a whole lot more. I am saying this because I tried to go with a butane torch, too, and found out very quickly that it is a handy accessory torch and not much more. Nice to have, but you will want to upgrade pretty quick.
Sorry your business help didn't come through.
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Post by Pat on Dec 11, 2017 21:49:40 GMT -5
Sounds very good to me.
Would $1800 cover the CabKing etc?
Good luck and keep us posted.
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Post by fernwood on Dec 11, 2017 22:13:37 GMT -5
Following your dream- I LOVE it! Definitely sounds like you have a prime location. Almost sounds like you can't afford NOT to give it a try. The only thing I can say is that you will be very limited by a butane torch. You can get a acetylene/air torch pretty cheap and it will do a whole lot more. I am saying this because I tried to go with a butane torch, too, and found out very quickly that it is a handy accessory torch and not much more. Nice to have, but you will want to upgrade pretty quick. Sorry your business help didn't come through. Going with what I have experience with to start. Going to be learning enough already with using a cab machine, as you know my past cabbing experience is old school. One learning experience at a time. When I need a better torch could always get one. I actually have the air torch in the garage. Belonged to late fiance. No gas for it and no hoses or tips, as they were stolen from previous residence. I am still in contact with business adviser and she has given me many leads for assistance for cutting stones, making cabs, etc. So all is well. Thanks for your input.
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Post by fernwood on Dec 11, 2017 22:14:38 GMT -5
Sounds very good to me. Would $1800 cover the CabKing etc? Good luck and keep us posted. Yes, I ran the numbers and that works, based on current retail pricing for everything. Now if there are changes, it might go up.
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Post by rockjunquie on Dec 11, 2017 22:18:27 GMT -5
Following your dream- I LOVE it! Definitely sounds like you have a prime location. Almost sounds like you can't afford NOT to give it a try. The only thing I can say is that you will be very limited by a butane torch. You can get a acetylene/air torch pretty cheap and it will do a whole lot more. I am saying this because I tried to go with a butane torch, too, and found out very quickly that it is a handy accessory torch and not much more. Nice to have, but you will want to upgrade pretty quick. Sorry your business help didn't come through. Going with what I have experience with to start. Going to be learning enough already with using a cab machine, as you know my past cabbing experience is old school. One learning experience at a time. When I need a better torch could always get one. I actually have the air torch in the garage. Belonged to late fiance. No gas for it and no hoses or tips, as they were stolen from previous residence. I am still in contact with business adviser and she has given me many leads for assistance for cutting stones, making cabs, etc. So all is well. Thanks for your input. You'll get the hang of cabbing pretty quick, I think. Those cab units make it pretty easy.
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Post by fernwood on Dec 11, 2017 23:30:37 GMT -5
rockjunquieA big upgrade over files, whetstone, pumice and mesh paper for sure. Looking forward to learning and growing. Also, not spending 6-8 hours on one cab, lol.
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Post by rmf on Dec 13, 2017 20:51:59 GMT -5
I have not worked on the Cabking but it looks like a good solid machine to me. If it would have been available when I was hunting a machine I would have looked into it. If you have never used diamond wheels before (I am using Nova wheels) and I do not know what kind the cabking uses, but Nova Wheels take some time to break in. the finer the grit size the longer they take. maybe up to 100 agate 30x 40s on the 3000 grit wheels. Of course you could use a old stainless knife set perpendicular to the wheel so you don't gouge the wheel I jus try not to waste any diamond so I try to break it in with cabs. If you polish Lapis get an 8000 wheel. Most agates and jaspers have a great polish at 3000.
I have a couple of torches I started with an air breather and acetylene. then I went to a mini torch with both Oxygen and Acetylene. I have since stopped making jewelry because I would rather cut stones. I always tried to buy the best I could find and not upgrade so I spent more upfront but did not have 2 or 3 poorer versions laying around. That only works sometimes.
When you get to tumbling the cheapest is a rotary tumbler, they work on metal and stone. As I have stated on the forum before for rocks I like to tumble in rotary in coarse and then everything else in the vib. vib is faster on metal but poorer on coarse tumbling with sharp fresh cracked rock.
My wifes' business (my hobby) has always worked on a shoe string as you are doing one step at a time and that provides good learning opportunities and you need to see what pays for itself and what does not. people have much more varied interests than they have talents. At least that is the way I am. That is why I am back to the first love cabbing and no longer making jewelry.
Best of luck on your endeavor. keep thinking it through and you won't be far off.
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