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  1. T

    Punch or cut a 1/2" deep x 0.125" wide side-slot in 0.080" 5052 AL

    I'm checking in on some things. Pretty sure there could be a side-gauge/clamp to keep the end from distorting, but it would be okay for it to do a bit as long as it's structurally sound. Got plenty of into...thanks! The Dude
  2. T

    Punch or cut a 1/2" deep x 0.125" wide side-slot in 0.080" 5052 AL

    Hey thanks all, I think I have enough responses to look into it. I am going to put an emphasis on a pneumatic punch, and would be nice to do a pair at once, that could work out good. Thanks again, The Dude
  3. T

    Punch or cut a 1/2" deep x 0.125" wide side-slot in 0.080" 5052 AL

    Wow, didn't even think about an arbor press but looked online and you can get a 2 ton (we are just over 1 ton) really cheap and that might work great! I do need to determine the qty and batch size (not all in one cycle, just how many when they make them, can't have it be too physical for too...
  4. T

    Punch or cut a 1/2" deep x 0.125" wide side-slot in 0.080" 5052 AL

    I need to develop a process with a dedicated fixture/machine (only does this) to make the notches shown in the drawing below. For prototypes, yes, it was easiest to get laser-cut parts. For the future higher volumes (not huge), it will be way cheaper to get the straps sheared (via supplier)...
  5. T

    Buy vs build, how do you choose?

    I've seen it "all over" (i.e. both good and bad) to make stuff that you don't have too (there's outside options). I will say this (as not a complete answer but something that can help you decide): factor in "opportunity cost", what else you could do with the time. If making stuff (that you're...
  6. T

    What are smaller job shops doing for job routers/travelers?

    I can say this shortly: easiest way might be to start with Excel and, once you get it "pretty good", then go to Access. In Excel, you should have multiple worksheets in ideally just one workbook. Worst part is that it's hard for multi-users so you may have one office person and then print...
  7. T

    D365 - ERP

    It does depend a bit on how accessible the database structure is on D365 and how it can be expanded to what you need, which I'm not aware of (I assume you want to integrate and/or export data?). Could be that, currently, you're just getting paperwork or just limited info via PC? I can say...
  8. T

    Starting a small CNC shop

    Here's an irony: I'm going to tell you that the best thing is to not listen to other people (for this kind of an issue), you need to do it "on your own". Yes, might fail but you also can't be afraid of failure. So, just ironically, listen to me to tell you not listen to other people (again...
  9. T

    Exporting data (mostly BOM fields) out of a CAD system into Excel or database

    I'm currently using Microsoft Visio 2007 to do simple 2D DXF prints for which it's about as easy as you can have. But I'm moving towards needing to create templates that essentially behave like a separate app to create custom versions of products and, at the end (after the product is configured...
  10. T

    “I make stuff and sell it” software

    I can't say with full confidence, but I don't know of "anything" that can do "everything". At the very least I see need for a website that can shove data into an ERP system. Short answer: focus on product development & manufacturing and hire someone to do the IT stuff (spend time on trying to...
  11. T

    Any aluminum extrusion suppliers that are not months out on backlog?

    Thanks, I'll check into those. Corrected to 2" square tube. The Dude
  12. T

    Any aluminum extrusion suppliers that are not months out on backlog?

    Looking for an aluminum extrusion supplier, thin wall (about 1/16"), 2" square tube with 2" flanges and some post-processing (cut to 12"/24" length, hole punch/drill on the flanges, coating. Pretty sure it's 6061. Not huge quantities, probably about 500-100 every month or two. The is needed...
  13. T

    Email setup?

    I can vouch for that. If you want more business growth opportunity, I would strongly suggest [email protected] so that you don't look small, unless you prefer to stay that way (no argue against that if it's preferred). Setup proper multiple access. Be fairly clear and consistent on the...
  14. T

    Machine scheduling

    Wow, you totally mentioned what I intended to include but forgot to. YES, you need a process to adjust the times that the quoting process created (or fix the problem in the shop of why it took so long). Could also be that it went much faster! A good strategy needs to be taken on this as well...
  15. T

    Machine scheduling

    There's a lot of strategy that you can use for scheduling (including software or not), but here's the ideal situation: 1. You make a quote based on machine processes including "accurately predicted" setup and cycle times. That quote is saved as data that is retrievable. 2. If you receive...
  16. T

    How to know when its time to move on

    Sounds like you're working for what I consider to be a "private social service" (i.e. family-owned/run business). Sometimes they run well, but often not very well for non-family/friends. My #1 advice is this: If you can't accept that it all pays the same, no matter what is going on, then...
  17. T

    Anything close to Micarta availabe in 48"x96" that is much cheaper?

    We tried a sheet of quartz, cost about $1500. I'm going to get the metals requoted and they were cheaper than that pre-pandemic but I'm sure have gone up. The Dude
  18. T

    Anything close to Micarta availabe in 48"x96" that is much cheaper?

    We tried a sheet of quartz, cost about $1500. I'm going to get the metals requoted and they were cheaper than that pre-pandemic but I'm sure have gone up. The Dude
  19. T

    Anything close to Micarta availabe in 48"x96" that is much cheaper?

    Thanks guys, I'll check that stuff out, everything looks like it's worth evaluating. The Dude
  20. T

    Anything close to Micarta availabe in 48"x96" that is much cheaper?

    Anything close to Micarta available in 48"x96" that is much cheaper? I'm looking for a countertop material for workbenches that have to be about 40" wide and are tied together to form long assy lines for upholstered furniture. Currently using UHMW (1/4" thick) but the bad part is that it warps...

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