This is where the magic will happen! (New pics 01/30)

[thatkid]

Yeah, I was going to pay off my bills but the space was becoming an issue and my thinking is that with this space I can organize and get things done in a timely manner. It also gives me the space to put in an 8x4x2 oven for powdercoating. And with the way the economy is going, the rent was too good to pass up. I need to find a way to hide a cot in there so I can sleep there.

[reelrazor]

Nice. The three phase will cut your bills down if you run the oven, compressor, etc. on it.

I know up around here that 3phase machine tools go for about a penny a pound. Nice old lathes and mills are easy to come by.

I've got a bud that has a bit larger oven than you are talking-in a small shop..want some pics of his operation? (spray area/collection-pass thru oven-cooling area )


Ohh, and screw the car storage. The H-D guys will pay big money to have their bikes stored in a heated shop-as much as the car guys and you can triple rate the same space....

[thatkid]

Nice. The three phase will cut your bills down if you run the oven, compressor, etc. on it.

I know up around here that 3phase machine tools go for about a penny a pound. Nice old lathes and mills are easy to come by.

I've got a bud that has a bit larger oven than you are talking-in a small shop..want some pics of his operation? (spray area/collection-pass thru oven-cooling area )

Yes, yes I do. I have a family friend at an HVAC place and he'll do all the cutting and bending for me I just have to buy the materials.

I'll finally be able to hook up my bridgeport! And I'll be on the lookout for a 3phase drill press. I may have another lathe on the way but we'll see. I do need to find a good compressor though.

[reelrazor]

I'll try and get by there tomorrow and snap a few. He's got a pretty nice homebuilt(well, he's in small steel manufacturing himself-docks/stanchions/ladders) convection style oven.

Any details you want me to get specifically?

Got a rotator table for the Bridgeport?

[thatkid]

I'll try and get by there tomorrow and snap a few. He's got a pretty nice homebuilt(well, he's in small steel manufacturing himself-docks/stanchions/ladders) convection style oven.

Any details you want me to get specifically?

Got a rotator table for the Bridgeport?

Cool. I'm going off this design that duane found me. (http://powdercoatoven.4t.com/Index.html) I'll be using 26ga instead of 28 though. I'll probably have front doors too instead if a side door. If he has any input as to upgrades or a better design I'd be all ears. Right now that one is looking to cost me about 250-300. It seems to cover the basics for a reasonable price. And with all the other exspenses kicking me in the ass right now, even that is out of reach for another month or so unless some crap sells.

I'd love to get a rotary table. Rockthis has one he said he'd sell me, but it's more than I can afford right now. That and a DRO are on the wishlist. Along with a plasma cutter.... and a TIG and....OH the list goes on and on.

Slowly I'll get the things I need. Very very slowly. Right now if I can make enough to cover my part of the rent I'll be happy. Profit would be awesome obviously but I'm thinking realistically right now.

[delvryboy]

So, is this where my valves will get adjusted?

[shredex]

have fun with the mill.

[thatkid]

So, is this where my valves will get adjusted?

Absolutely! And you can store the bike here too if you don't have a garage. Or if you know anyone that needs a bike stored. $30/month with a 4 month min. Pass the word if you don't mind. Cruisers are 40/month since they take up more space.

[reelrazor]

$40 a month?? In Chicago????!!!

People get $60 a month up here for heated/secure Harley storage. Hit em for a 'winterize' oil change for $150 +their spec oil and get a bettery tender 'rack' system, and set the bikes on 4"x6"'s to get the tires off the floor and make your rent payments for winter off them alone. It's at the point where a friend of mine is putting in a double deck system in a 40x40 steel building and palletizing the bikes.

My bud had a single door oven but found it better for workflow and quality to have the cooked parts go out the opposite way of the application area. On cool down, when any loose airborne powder lands on the done parts you get an effect like paint overspray.

[thatkid]

$40 a month?? In Chicago????!!!

People get $60 a month up here for heated/secure Harley storage. Hit em for a 'winterize' oil change for $150 +their spec oil and get a bettery tender 'rack' system, and set the bikes on 4"x6"'s to get the tires off the floor and make your rent payments for winter off them alone. It's at the point where a friend of mine is putting in a double deck system in a 40x40 steel building and palletizing the bikes.

My bud had a single door oven but found it better for workflow and quality to have the cooked parts go out the opposite way of the application area. On cool down, when any loose airborne powder lands on the done parts you get an effect like paint overspray.

Yeah, I'm not in the actual city though so it's harder to get people. Most people in the subs have garage space for a motorcycle. Although my plan is to build a second story if I can get enough bikes. A simple 4 1/2 foot platform would give me enough room to put one under and one above. But I need the bikes first. Right now I just need to get a couple bikes in to help with rent. Next year I can up the price if all goes well.

Definitely have to advertise the winterizing. I was thinking of offering a spring tune package before they pick the bike up sort of thing. And was considering the battery tender idea but was thinking about charging a little extra if you wanted that "service". I'm just not sure what people will pay for and don't want to lose a storage fee because of it.

[reelrazor]

Yeah, I'm not in the actual city though so it's harder to get people. Most people in the subs have garage space for a motorcycle. Although my plan is to build a second story if I can get enough bikes. A simple 4 1/2 foot platform would give me enough room to put one under and one above. But I need the bikes first. Right now I just need to get a couple bikes in to help with rent. Next year I can up the price if all goes well.

Definitely have to advertise the winterizing. I was thinking of offering a spring tune package before they pick the bike up sort of thing. And was considering the battery tender idea but was thinking about charging a little extra if you wanted that "service". I'm just not sure what people will pay for and don't want to lose a storage fee because of it.

Gotta watch that whole spring 'tune up' package thing. here, in Michigan...if you want to actually 'tune-up' or do any 'roadworthy' work..you have to be a licensed 'motor vehicle repair facility'.....it costs close to a thou per year for that license-plus appropriate certification to BE licensed. Don't know if you are going into the 'service' aspect of the biz. If you are, then you need to be licnesed anyway. If you are going to be primarily a fab and mod shop.....not so clear cut....

Whereas...'winterizing' is a 'storage procedure' and won't run you afoul of the state licensing people.

[Dragon]

So we can expect some flairing cages outa here?
Just a thought!!

[thatkid]

So we can expect some flairing cages outa here?
Just a thought!!

Oh I'm hoping there will be a lot of new trick parts coming out of here. But fairing cages are seriously a top priority. If my buddy stores his bike here I'll have access to the fairings mounted and I'll get measurements and get them made. I have all the mounts points made, I just need to get the angle for the connecting bar and weld it up. And then lathe out bolts for it all. That's the not so fun part. Especially since my lathe has been bitchy of late.

[tampaFZR600]

congrats man! Looks like a whole lotta fun is gonna be going down there! BTW, got the friction plates, THANKS!

[fzrbrandon]

Hey TK,

What are the odds you might be able to whip up some 400 (or 600 for that matter) upper fairing stays? Simple aluminum pieces for track bikes maybe?