Finally all is coming together

[maverickx50]

I had to tell someone so I picked you guys/gals. It may sound like I’m bragging, maybe I am a bit. After years of wishing and over a year of planning the workshop and equipment of my dreams is being ordered this week.

Desktop with most of the whistles and bells
6” jointer
17” drill press
Jet 22-44 drum sander
1-1/2HP shaper
Leigh dovetail Kit
1550 CFM dust collector
Oscillating spindle sander
13” Planer
Scroll Saw
Band Saw
Belt/disk grinder
Many other smaller tools and expendables as well.

Now all of a sudden I’m scared to death. So much invested, so much to learn. Esp with the ShopBot; Still have all the electrical and dust collection to install. At almost 68 years old I keep telling myself I deserve this but we on fixed incomes should be a bit more conservative too I think. Well wish me lick I’m sure I’ll need a bit of that.

[bleeth]

Congratulations!
At 66 I've had a woodshop most of my life, but am getting ready to retire from this one and set up another after we move to our "final" house.
I'm sure it will work out for you. If the intent is supplemental income make sure your marketing plan is just as complete as your shop plan.
I am curious:
Small cnc, wide sander, and no table saw. What are you planning on producing, if it isn't top secret.
Wide sander just for surface sanding wide glue-ups, or just liked the jet open ended unit instead of a closed one?

[Brady Watson]

Now all of a sudden I’m scared to death. So much invested, so much to learn. Esp with the ShopBot; Still have all the electrical and dust collection to install. At almost 68 years old I keep telling myself I deserve this but we on fixed incomes should be a bit more conservative too I think.

Congratulations. I always like to take a step back and express gratitude when I hit a milepost (or find myself complaining), while fulfilling the dream and vision I have for my life. So many people will never get the same opportunity you have cultivated for yourself. Being thankful centers you and gets your feet on solid ground.

"First thing's first." - Just take your time, enjoy the ride (both setting up shop and the larger proverbial ride) and most importantly, try not to allow your brain to torture you by taking you into a 'bad neighborhood' of thought. Don't second guess yourself. Ever. Just pace yourself and do one thing at a time. You have a pretty good idea what you would like to accomplish, so go for it and don't allow yourself to get stopped.

As for the ShopBot aspect of things...Your focus should be on learning the software and getting good at drawing before the machine arrives. The only practical way to do this is to set aside some time EVERY day (30min...or more..turn off the boob tube) and play around. This will shorten the learning curve. The Vectric videos are excellent. Watch them, try it for yourself until you get it. Of course, you have this forum to bounce ideas off of & to give you a little push in the right direction. With so many people using their tool in so many different ways, you are sure to get the information you need...but make sure you do your homework first.

-B

[maverickx50]

Already had a good table saw and a good miter saw. Actually an existing insurance replacement value in tools of about 30K but all smaller stuff. nailers. compressor, etc etc. And yes over 30 pages of a business plan that the bank likes. I will be adding a RV toy-hauler trailer to take the Bot and other products/equipment to festivals and the like starting next spring.

[maverickx50]

Congratulations. I always like to take a step back and express gratitude when I hit a milepost (or find myself complaining), while fulfilling the dream and vision I have for my life. So many people will never get the same opportunity you have cultivated for yourself. Being thankful centers you and gets your feet on solid ground.

"First thing's first." - Just take your time, enjoy the ride (both setting up shop and the larger proverbial ride) and most importantly, try not to allow your brain to torture you by taking you into a 'bad neighborhood' of thought. Don't second guess yourself. Ever. Just pace yourself and do one thing at a time. You have a pretty good idea what you would like to accomplish, so go for it and don't allow yourself to get stopped.

As for the ShopBot aspect of things...Your focus should be on learning the software and getting good at drawing before the machine arrives. The only practical way to do this is to set aside some time EVERY day (30min...or more..turn off the boob tube) and play around. This will shorten the learning curve. The Vectric videos are excellent. Watch them, try it for yourself until you get it. Of course, you have this forum to bounce ideas off of & to give you a little push in the right direction. With so many people using their tool in so many different ways, you are sure to get the information you need...but make sure you do your homework first.

-B

My background is as a mechanical design engineer. CAD and CAM design and programming. etc. My biggest weakness (I think) will be in the creative (make it pretty) side of things.

[bobmoore]

Sounds great Maverick. Buy some inexpensive bits and run everything you can think of with foam insulation. It won't bust your bits (normally). The mistakes you make will teach you more than the successes. Then buy the best bits you can afford and create your products. Stop and say hi if you get to the Tomahawk area.

[maverickx50]

Sounds great Maverick. Buy some inexpensive bits and run everything you can think of with foam insulation. It won't bust your bits (normally). The mistakes you make will teach you more than the successes. Then buy the best bits you can afford and create your products. Stop and say hi if you get to the Tomahawk area.

Your personal information states you do not yet have a ShopBot? Needs updating? Always nice to get to know neighbors with the same interests.

[srwtlc]

Kudos Maverick, you'll do just fine! I'm not too far from you either, if you need a hand with anything, or just need to hash something over, feel free to contact me. ;-)

[scottp55]

Maverick,
Did you look into having it shipped in their MakerCrate? It's the same exact one they use to go to trade show and makes an excellent rollable workstand at craft fairs.
We have 2 and one of the best investments as it costs nothing extra to ship if machine is shipped in it.
Not sure how much they're going for nowadays, but Bill Young does an exceptional job on them and they stain up NICE:)
Think they use Radiata Pine because of the thicker veneer.
Excellent choice if you're going on the road, couple minutes with a hex key drill driver and lift the whole top off. Has 2removeable front and back panels to store computer, packing, sales stuff etc. and 4 bolts hold panel to lock valuable at night inside easily.
Just a thought...maybe call Dianne?
Congrats....and watch every vid and work along with the Vectric tutorials to learn a lot of drawing shortcuts(I've watched most 2-3 times and still pick up new stuff).
One thing at a time and you'll do fine.
We've all been there:)
scott

[wwaldner]

Wishing you the best starting out. I am in the close neighborhood if you ever need anything. I have been lurking around here for almost a year and learned plenty. If you ever want to discuss shop bot or see one in action, you are welcome to stop by.
wayne

[genek]

I had to tell someone so I picked you guys/gals. It may sound like I’m bragging, maybe I am a bit. After years of wishing and over a year of planning the workshop and equipment of my dreams is being ordered this week.

Desktop with most of the whistles and bells
6” jointer
17” drill press
Jet 22-44 drum sander
1-1/2HP shaper
Leigh dovetail Kit
1550 CFM dust collector
Oscillating spindle sander
13” Planer
Scroll Saw
Band Saw
Belt/disk grinder
Many other smaller tools and expendables as well.

Now all of a sudden I’m scared to death. So much invested, so much to learn. Esp with the ShopBot; Still have all the electrical and dust collection to install. At almost 68 years old I keep telling myself I deserve this but we on fixed incomes should be a bit more conservative too I think. Well wish me lick I’m sure I’ll need a bit of that.

The art and craft shows are the best to do. Try to come up with fast moving products, find products that will sale from $5.00 to $25.00 as a norm Then have Items that will sale from $50 to $300.00 these are the cream products, less sales but sure are eye catchers and when the right customer comes along they do sale. Try to do only Juried shows, shows that are Juried, people are there to by arts and Crafts, Shows that let in china made products are hard to compete with.

[shilala]

I did the same thing just a few years ago, at about 45 years old.
I'm still ecstatic.
I didn't do it to make money, but I make money at it all the time now, just doing what I want to do.
You're gonna have the time of your life, brother!!!