Hi Everyone,

I recently started my own machine shop. I'm wondering how people go about getting work. I have tried the door to door thing and little has come out of it. I just can't seem to get into contact with right people. If any one out there could please help with this or possibly send work to me it would be greatly appreciated.

I have been a machinist for about 10 years now. I've worked in 3 different shops with a huge variety of materials from aluminum to nitralloy. I also have an associates degree in CNC CAD/CAM Technology. I've been working full time and decided it was time to go out on my own. I have some customers right now but I want more. I want my company to grow into a full machining facility offering all sorts of services. My company needs to get a relationship with someone or a company to offer benefits to each organization. I have the willingness and ambition to basically try anything. If any one can help please contact me anytime.

Thank you,

Jim Wobb
Axis Machine
226 Geibel Rd.
Butler, Pa 16002
724-822-7141
axismachine@zoominternet.net

Scary Huh

Jim,
While I do machining, it is not my living, and I know it would be difficult for me to make a living at it, so it is obvious that I do not have the answers you may be looking for or needing. However, I have been self employed for over 40 years and have learned, many times the hard way, that starting, keeping a business going and making an appropriate profit is not so calculated as one + one = two, nor do things ever remain constant, so what works this year may fail the next.

Here are a few thought that may prompt further ideas for you to consider.

1) In your visits, talking to the receptionist will not get you very far, try and talk to those making the decisions.

2) Where you were received well at your door to door visits, try sending a well written, short and to the point, professional looking letter to them reminding them of your services and approaches that are available to them. Follow up in a month or so with another visit and see how it goes.
The idea here is to get them to understand that you can help them and not to beg them for business or indicate how much you may need their business.

3) Keep the expenses down, this may sound like a "DUH" but it is a common occurrence for new start up's to purchase new equipment in hopes of expanding and not really in need of it.

4) Don't overlook the smaller machine shops if there are any in the area.
It can be easy for a small shop to get overrun, you may be able to fill in where they are not having the time or manpower to complete a job.

5) Keep upbeat in your attitude, even if you have to fake it.

6) Try and think of things you can manufacturer your self, things in an area you enjoy and are acquainted with. Boy, if it were only that easy !

Best to you
Ken

If you want some work quote the jobs I sent. I get all kinds of parts that I do not have the time to make. I sub out thousands of parts each year. From overflow wire work to aluminum cylindical mill/turn.