I have decided to start a “for real” side business. I have opened a new web based storefront called “The Hobbyist Machine Store“. The URL is very similar to my hobby web site. I changed the last word from shop to store. The shop is where I work and play for fun and the store is where I will run the business. Follow the link in the second sentence above or at the bottom of this post.
I took the possessives off the word hobbyist for two reasons. First it works better as a URL and second, I may want to offer machines and tools to more than just machinist hobbyist.
I have my new A3 stainless steel wheels listed in the store. I don’t think I want to become a full time manufacturer, but there is some interest in the CNC’d wheel blanks. If I can sell a few that will be OK.
I picked up on a source for replacement steel gear sets for the mini mill and the mini lathe. These are a very popular pair of machine tools. I owned both. They contain plastic gears that some “heavy users” have broken. My sets will replace the plastic gears (only) and will make a stronger gear train for both machines. I don’t know of anyone else with steel replacement gears for these machines.
I am currently awaiting a mini lathe so I can shoot some pictures and run tests. I have some sets on hand and they look great. I placed them in the store so anyone wanting a set right away, they are available. I do want to install a set before I fully endorse the product. That is why I am holding the release date until that is accomplished and I am satisfied.
This is the first anouncement of the new store. It is still under development and a few minor site details need filled in. You, the readers of this blog are the first to know. A small audience for sure. Take a look and tell me what you think. I am open to suggestions for aditional products. I am thinking about the Taig line if they will have me…
http://TheHobbyistMachineStore.com
Dan’l
Dan’l,
Well you have talking about an getting into something like this and you finally got there. Congratulations. And I wish you the best in the new adventure.
Site looks good. Do have a comment.
As I was looking at the Machine tool page I first thought that you made them (I may have been influenced since you made the drivers for the A3), but after continued reading I decided that they probably were bought and therefore you reselling those products … but then again …. Point is I would like to know if you made the product (like the drivers) or if they were bought. Because if you made the product I know the quality of that product is going to be top notch. If you, however, it is being resold … still a good product but well … different.
Now about the A3 driver … do you plan on making them available say in 12L14 or other like material. I like SS 303, but I have heard that the traction may not be as good.
Thanks
Pat H
Hi Pat,
The gears are imported. I am trying to figure what brand name to use. The THMS is a place holder for now (I reduced it down for use with the wheels). I concure with your thought and the plain THMS will go away this weekend. My supplier doesn’t have a logo, so I think I will just design a generic “import” logo. Perhaps “THMS Import” like Enco does. 🙂
I have some sets now and they look as good as the pictures (I took), but I am awaiting the arrival of a mini lathe so I can get a series of installation pics and some run time. Stay tuned.
Yes, the wheels will be available in 12L steel or Grade 40 CI. There will be aditional drop down material selection where you see the Stainless Steel label.
The CI is a real mess to machine (black carbon) but makes excellent looking wheels. Except for the carbon you would not know they were CI. The 12L wheel is also very nice and may gather a little rust if not oiled. The SS also will show a little orange spotting so even they are not totally rust free. At present I don’t have any blanks in these materials except SS. I can order material if there is a demand for the wheels.
~Dan’l