I Sold The First Lathe I Ever Bought - Rigging & Removal Of The 12CK Monarch Lathe
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- Опубликовано: 28 сен 2024
- You read the title correctly, the 12CK was the very first lathe I ever bought. We have had many good times together, but as my region dies and work dries up, I just have no need for it anymore. Time to let it go to someone who can keep it working.
In this video, I talk about the lathe, and show rigging setups. Using a forklift and Hillman Rollers, I effortlessly more the lathe out of my shop. I have much experience in machinery moving and this lathe is probably the smallest one I have ever moved.
Topper Machine LLC is an entirely manual machine shop located in Spooner, WI. Our videos will highlight some of our shop work.
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Bummer. But, most of us don't have our first car either. In my experience, those who adapt to change are the ones who survive, if not thrive. Keep showing them how it's done, Josh. Cheers.
Exactly. Although I will not be going down the CNC rabbit hole. Too many cnc shops starving out there that I can farm the work to. No need to starve myself.
Back in 1995 I liquidated my entire automotive machine shop. Every piece of machinery that left was harder than the previous. The one that hurt the worst was when I had to let my crankshaft grinder go. I feel your pain. Thanks for sharing.
It's tough, but all for the greater good.
About three months ago I was working for a gun restoration business, the owner bought a brand new 10 or 12" Gunsmith lathe.
The night of the day it was delivered I went on line at home and looked at the manual for the method for getting it off of the pallet it was bolted to.
The manual said two 1 1/4 x44" bars were needed to lift the lathe off the pallet.
I called the owner and told him I would pick up the bars at a local steel supplier near me and it would save him a round trip of 60 miles.
When I arrived at the shop the lathe was on it's back on the floor! the control box with the relays was crushed and some of the relays were damaged. Eventually we got the lathe upright and working (after some new relays were installed)
First lathe I had at about 8 years old was from a relative who had it in their basement for years, 10" atlas, later upgraded to a 10" Logan, but the Atlas was still stored away, then when working as a truck mechanic I was so annoyed not having a lathe at work for simple tasks i brought it to work to use. After leaving that job I already had 2 larger lathes so sold the Atlas to another mechanic shop a friend owned. Nice to see it still local
Say what the politicians want, manufacturing is the heart of our economy. You need that to make others such as service computers, etc. thrive.
Without the manufacturing jobs no one will have any money to be a tourist!
JOsh your YT fans are really really rooting for you to make it.
I'll survive. One way or another. No worries.
Sad to hear that more shops are closing.
Not just shops, manufacturers.
Perfect ending Josh and truth be told, probably therapeutic for you. There’s no doubt that we get attached to our “stuff”, especially when it’s stuff we’ve made other stuff with that brings back lots of good memories. Enjoyed the video.
It served me very well. The last job it did, paid off my mortgage. It owed me nothing, and gets to live on.
Your most nerve racking show yet!!!
Lol, i thought so just watching it. I've done this a hundred times and still have nervous moments. It wasn't bad though.
I think raising the Cincinnati was more nail biting video.
136 employees... Back of the envelope calc says that's at least a $7 MILLION impact on the local economy from wages, alone. That doesn't count the consumables (metals, tools, electricity, water, maintenance, etc.), delivery/freight handling, and more. Probably a $10M annual impact. Wow.
Funny how people don't understand this. As the mayor in the town of one of the factories said, "there are lots of jobs for all the employees, they can work 2 or three to make up the difference in pay". This statement is no joke, he actually said that.
A business lays off 100 people; then a coffee shop opens and "3 jobs have been created!!" Yeah, right...
"Breaking up is hard to do" but you did it. I am glad that you know when to let go and that you are concerned about the machine's next home. It is to bad that another factory has closed. There was one factory in Hawkins and it closed this year. I sure wish that you had a friend to call to help you move things. It sure would be a sad day if you got hurt. I am going to Phelps today in hopes of seeing some pumpkin chucking. Thanks for the video. You are always informative and interesting.
Sad to see the lathe go but I always like it when an unused machine or tool goes somewhere to be useful again. Sad but good.
And you can always go visit it 😁😉
@@TalRohan absolutely. It went to another shop to keep working.
@@TopperMachineLLC Strangely it seems like the older the machines the more likely they are to be able to go on to other workshops. I have never had a new tool that out worked my need for it. They always break leaving me needing a new one.
KUDOS for doing a job like this 8:19 solo, & film 🎥 it all at the same time.. !!
Rock 🪨 n Roll 🤘🏼 . . Thank you. 🙏🏻
It was nothing, really
Oh wow, if I had know you were selling that lathe I would have bought it from you. I've been looking for a monarch for 5 years and all I seem to find is junk that was abused and way over priced. I've never met you,but you take pride in your work and machines and you don't have the personality to sell junk or screw someone over. Thanks and if you have time keep the videos coming. Your channel is the first one I look forward to see each time.
Thanks. I didn't want it to go to just anyone. I wanted to see it back working in a shop.
Same in Australia. Government spends BIG money in tourism industry, but not elsewhere. Only care abut the mining of the country, as it's mostly exported. All sold cheaply to foreign money makers. Naturally the government get their cut.
You need a recent History Lesson we propped up out Car Industry just to pick on one for decades financially with Tax $. Companies under Invested in the Steel Industry in particular specialty Steels so we export and buy back our raw Mining results, personally we should have Nationalized this and only sell refined Mining Result. The Victorian State Government props up Alcoa with discount Power. Do we advertise 'Tourism' Internationally absolutely because we make money and Import $ from the Industry.
Good afternoon Josh, end of an era with the Monarch. Sounds like you have some interesting plans for the future and the space the machines will free up 👍
Yeah, it's been a good one. But there's more to come.
Thanks for sharing your personal part of your business. I think these videos you produce are valuable. Any updates on the family that moved their operation out here in California?
He is still working on the move, but doing well.he has been trying to sell the building yet, but with the depressed region, it's been a hard sell
It’s hard to see it go but it’s hard to look at as well. That green was the hardest decision made in the whole ordeal lmao😂🎉❤😂😂 😂
I loved that green. Key Lime, still remember the day I picked it out.
Josh, if you drill your anchor holes extra deep, you can drive the cutoff bolts flush. One plant I worked in had 6” slab depth, we just drilled all the way through the slab. We could move a section of machinery, drive the bolts flush, and not worry about the stubs sticking up.
Really sad to see manufacturing industry slowly dying in some parts of countries. Government don’t give enough support for locals, everything gets outsourced to China. Modern technology is good, but sometimes you just miss that human touch and there is things that robots will never be able to do.
I'm dealing with a similar situation in my industry, although it has nothing to do with geography or machining - I have a big investment in professional equipment in a business that won't pay for professional quality work anymore. Any kid with a laptop can do a pale imitation of what I do, but the buyers are happy to pay peanuts for crappy work because they can keep the money for themselves. And the kids with the laptops will never be able to build a career because when they get a little older and start needing more money for their work to try to have a middle-class life, the buyers will replace them with another cheap kid. I'm 70, I've been very lucky and had a great career. I can still do my work because I'm healthy, I love what I do, I'm largely self-sufficient and there will always be someone who needs what I do. But the possibility of having a career for those who came after me is almost non-existent, and the community of people I used to work with is gone forever.
Sad state of affairs. As long as you enjoy it, keep going.
What is it that you do that any kid and a laptop can now do it?
@@gorak9000 I make records. BTW, I said any kid with a laptop can do a pale imitation. I've got nothing against kids with laptops, it's just that they're very unlikely to learn the skills I needed to survive. Unfortunately that makes them disposable in the eyes of the corporate guys. When they need someone with serious skills they still call old guys like me.
@@jrmintz1 You mean mixing and mastering? I wouldn't say at all that any kid with a laptop can do that - yeah, they can record something and upload it, but it will sound like hot garbage. Mixing and mastering well takes a LOT of skill! I've tried my hand at it, it takes me a very long time to even get the EQ somewhat right, to a "sort-of-good-enough-for-what-it-is" level recording.
@@gorak9000 I agree totally. I meant the entire process from creating the musical composition through arranging, performance, recording, and ultimately mixing and mastering. It's difficult and expensive, and largely dead as an industry.
Josh, really glad I watched this, thought to myself ???? what can I learn from watching.....
the way you tilted the lathe from the tailstock end was great.....thanks so much
for the tip....PB
Glad it was helpful!
It was sad to see your first lathe leaving, but you can be happy in the fact that someone else is going to make good use of it now that you had little use for it. But even sadder was the news of more businesses closing in your area. Hopefully the employees can find other work or make other arrangements to keep income flowing into their households.
You had me rolling with the crying bit at the end!
We moved an 11 ton Axelson lathe a few years ago, don't recall the model, just that it was probably 20' long. To make steering easier we clamped 4' pieces of 1" sq tubing onto the skates which helped a lot, also put down some scrap 12-14g steel sheet over the floor joints and divots. Went well albeit slow, but you don't rush these things.
I enjoy the challenge of moving big equipment although we do not have the assistance of a forklift. It must be very sad to see the lathe go. We have very little manufacturing in this country these days especially in our area
I wish it would all come back.
Impressive that you moved it by yourself. Good job.
Done it many times, with much heavier machines.
Nice machine moving, or "Machine Bumping" as we call it in the UK,
Sad loss of engineering across the world, hope you dont have to sell too many machines.
Thanks for sharing.
I'm very sad hearing your words about economically depressed area. Your lathe is part of your life, I understand you very well. The big question is to keep on working. Looking ahead, never back. Be an estoic, Josh. And I wish you all the best. You're a big professional.
This region is almost dead, but I'll keep on doing my thing to help out those in need.
@@TopperMachineLLC really sad to hear and to know that, specially from a country like yours, Josh, spending millions in defense. I’m very sorry for you, an excellent professional, and a nice man. God bless you.
Thank you Josh!
2tons is perfectly within pallet jack range, pallet jack on each end and a some piece of steel bar to push with, done!
Who has 2 pallet Jacks. Skates work just fine.
@@TopperMachineLLC Me, second hand pallet jacks are dirt cheap over here, while machine skates are fricking expensive ;-)
Those skates are a great idea!
Nicely done
Tools and machines become part of us...I know your pain.
Yes, but this is business. I have to look at it differently than as a hobby.
@@TopperMachineLLC Let's do a party to celebrate the new home for the Monarch. now it has a new kingdom to rule !👑🍻
Josh thanks for your channel I watch every video. After watching can you advice the pulley size and speeds. I have have an unchanged 12 class and would love to make the pulley change. Thanks
I really like the little Forky McForkface, it has a clutch? I think that is more advantageous than not. Not many of these left, especially these small ones. Y´know, when I sold my 1st guitar I was stupid. It was a real Fender Stratocaster, I never got to own one again. Strat clones, yes- but not the real thing.
Brighten up: at least it is going to a shop that appreciates it. What I find sad is the closing of old facilities. That´s the sad part to me. So, I hope You can keep on.
I always wanted a lathe, a mini lathe would be enough and a mini mill. I tinker with bycicles so they are plenty. Maybe, one day... Kind Regards
I am crying on you getting rid of your Monarch.........best wishes, Paul
It's all good. Good business decision
With sentimental value and $5 you can get a cup of coffee
I have no regretts and a lot of cups of coffee. Especially since I'll never pay $5 for a cup.
Here is chance to start a 2nd shift. Workers from those closing.
Doing what? Not enough work fir more help here
There there. It's gonna be alright. If you love something you gotta let it go. Here's a tissue. 😁
Lol. All good. No regretts. Just poking at the hobbyists.
We can blame ourselves for the decline of domestic manufacturing. We elect politicians who have never created a job or had to worry about meeting payroll, and then we're surprised that they enact legislation that crimples our companies. With a $35 trillion federal debt that's rapidly increasing and a low worker participation rate, our economy is in serious trouble which has been masked by irresponsible printing of worthless currency.
You’re so right my friend!
The true story is that they moved to pay less and make more money or a corporate raider just sold off the parts politicians mostly have nothing todo with it
@@johnbaker7621 I'll give you an example that should change your mind about inept politicians' culpability in the demise of manufacturing in America. In 1986 the PRC applied for membership to the WTO's predecessor organization, the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade (GATT). President Regan stopped their entry and H.W. Bush also fought against their attempt to join, but in 1999, President Clinton, a career politician, allowed China to join the WTO as a "developing country". This single event allowed China to dump their state subsidized products on the world, and thereby decimated our manufacturing.
I could write a dissertation about other ill-conceived legislation that has hurt our manufactures, such as tangible taxes on machinery, materials, and inventory, onerous environmental and labor regulations, etc., but, if you've ever run a business, you would already aware of the impediments.
I'm not so sure about that. "Government", as a whole... is causing the businesses to close due to the ever increasing rules and regulations. Just my thoughts.
I had heard/read that manufacturing was starting the slow process of returning to Wisconsin - just an article on the internet so possibly not worth much more than a grain of salt. Even so, I hope the process continues. Manufacturing took a real kick to the groin in my neck of the woods (SW Ontario) thanks to companies outsourcing internationally. Seems to be turning the corner slowly and there have been cool high tech startups locally. Hopefully our politicians (left, center or right) won't screw it up.
Jeez man you should be in soaps. What an ending........................Bummer but there it is, running a business you can't afford to get emotionally attached to machines. I'm not even going to start in on the lack of support of manufacturing from authorities. I see it all the time. Grrrrrrrrrrrrr. Still, sad that the green meanie won't be in more vids. Nice moves threading the needle moving that thing. Rigging and moving is scary stuff.
Lol, I don't think I could handle soap acting. You're right about running a business. When it no longer makes money, it must go. Sad how this region is dying so fast.
Very sad indeed - and other regions are at risk. I forgot to mention that I found the description of your plans to move a few machines around extremely interesting. As a big chunk of my working life has been manufacturing and process engineering I am very familiar with how having the right layout of any fab - be it machine shop, clean room or anything else - can have a big impact on productivity it it can be like free capacity in some cases. So I will be interested to see that shake out. Also - hope I can come and bug the shit out of you and Don when he picks up that shaper.
@@StuartsShed hopefully soon, bring your back muscles. That shaper is heavy.
I think you have a twin in Moline, Ill.
Josh I hope your area comes back economically if you get a new government in power in your next elections. Keep the bright side up and keep pressing forward as you are a likeable fellow and I enjoy watching your show. I am slowly learning how to use a lathe and mill from you and a few others in RUclips land. Regards from Townsville Australia
Unfortunately this region will never recover. It's too far gone. But I'll keep plugging away.
@@TopperMachineLLC that is all you can do. I hope it works out for you.
a new name for moving machinery, the T & G Rigging Company......Tug and Grunt.......
I just purchased a 12CK. I had read the same thing about not reversing them, but the one I bought has a factory reversing switch with forward, reverse and stop buttons. I’m guessing some were made for it and some weren’t possibly?
Josh, have you heard about Hutchinson Manufacturing in Hutchinson, Minnesota closing down.....
they are auctioning off the whole place over 2 days in October, I think it is 16 and 17
Premier Auctions has a video on you tube showing what they have.......thought you
and your viewers might find interesting, Paul down in Orlando
Jim mentioned it I'll take a look.
Josh, I need a favor.... Could you please zip tie that hanging wire on the ceiling that the fork lift catches, Because it won't be this time, but, you will catch it next time LOL Thanxx
It is zip tied.
How much didn't no you were selling it
Good morning, can you explain how you did to speed up the lathe? You mentioned that you changed the motor pulley? Can you elabore please? I have a Leblond Regal at home that the max speed is 500 RPM.
Thank you.
I changed the motor pulley. That simple. Measure the pulleys, calculate out the speeds needed and put on the correct size pulley for my need.
This works on the monarchs, I have no idea if it will work on yours. I advise against doing this until you do thorough research. I have no clue if you can safely do it.
All right thank you sir.
We're never going to be the nation we were without a robust manufacturing economic sector. A service economy of restaurants isn't a successful model for a superpower.
Before I retired I was an automation engineer and a lot of the work I did was moving our machines- decommission and recommission them- when customers moved to a different place. Usually for economic reasons, and sometimes because they had to downsize from the lack of demand.
So, because you cannot/should not reverse the spindle, you cannot cut left hand threads, correct? I’m an electrician but I enjoy and appreciate your content, Josh.
Wrong. Feed from the chuck out for left hand.
Not easy being green
Ya hey der! Joey in DC say "just learn how to code!" The fibs will spend lots of $$$ when the hunt comes next month! All joking aside that does suck with the loss of manufacturing. I'm in a "dead area" where the largest employer is a Dollar Family distribution center and they're on the edge of bankruptcy if they haven't already.
No, don't learn to code - there's enough incompetent coders already - everyone and their dog thinks they know how to code these days because they watched 2 youtube videos
Consider making your own product and selling it mail order. This could augment work when slow.
I am not creative enough to come up with something. And, as I said in the video, I'm not hurting.
I noticed the bin of swarf that you passed on the way out. Do you sell your scrap steel to the recyclers and if so, what price do you get for it. We've had a bit of a cleanup here at home and got rid of a lot of scrap steel left over from projects and old junk that wasn't needed. We were getting 22c per kilo for it, but with the downturn in China, the price of scrap steel suddenly dropped to 15c per kilo. Fortunately, we got rid of 90% of our scrap steel before the price dropped, but the recycling yard is going to to lose on the scrap steel they have in the yard (thousands of tons). They do all sorts of other scrap metals, so hopefully it won't hit them hard.
It goes to recycling, and honestly isn't worth my time. I'll be lucky to cover my fuel and time.
how much do you think that gal weighs? 5,000 Lbs ?
4200-4300 lbs
Where is the pole that hooks onto the skates for steering. Forget kicking them.
Don't have one. They never work good in cramped quarters.
Josh greetings from South Africa!
Mate it is hard to do what you did getting rid of an "emotional attachment"
Unfortunately we have to adapt to be able to navigate the unknown!
You did the right thing by liquidating some assets, but now you have space and some cash for something more modern.
Do not get me wrong I beleive that the old way is and will be the best quality wise 100x over faster and more modern machines, but we have to live also! So modernisation of machine shops has evolved purely from a financial and turn around time to get jobs out easier and faster! Unfortunately at the cost of able and very skilled tradesmen as yourself with work ethic and pride in what leaves your workshop!
Nowadays it is know zero about nothing workshops you have to compete against, but and here is the big But!
These cheap quick fixes will eventually trade themselves out of the market as the end users will realise the true cost of allowing foxes into the chicken pen!
Strongs mate! Keep on doing what you doing and do it rite the first time!
Ps I saw you baught something at the auction that you said you do not really need! Nonsence! If you have the right tool you can use it for only certain applications making you even more unique!
I also had that mindset and got along fine without some machines, but now my abilty and scope has grown exponentially!
Adapt and overcome. Move forward and not backwards. But not CNC forwards, I think that's going backwards. I did buy a unique piece on the auction that will give me a great advantage for some things. Or just be a cool toy. Lol
That must have ben scary pushing the lathe sideways. One wrong move and it could have ended up smashed on the floor.
That is always the scary part.
Why not weld some D-rings to the sides of the skates? Then you could wrap a ratchet strap around the footer; ensure it doesn't slide off the skate...
Never work, the strap would always be in the way.
Long steering bars on the skates ?
I've used then, but they don't work sometimes with outside obstacles. That's why these skates have tapping pads welded on.
Obligatory positive comment for the algorithm
Unfortunately, when industry doesn't keep up with technology, that's what happens. A facility that was built in the 1800's probably held on too long and became unprofitable because it didn't modernize with the times. I grew up in the South where the textile industry was king. It didn't modernize and almost all of it is gone now.
That was not the case here. This was industry shift and corporate mismanagement. 9 facilities in total lost. More than just the 3 I mentioned. The one I worked with closely is actively being sold and hopefully restructured.
@@TopperMachineLLC Many times, the current management says, we’re making plenty of money,why worry. Happened with Kodak. Only their real estate being leased. No manufacturing. Yet they had digital technology research long back. Think even in the 50’s
Ps, be honest , you originally didn’t think it would roll so easy and could move it by hand 😜 hehehe!!
I actually knew it would. Moved a 28000 lb lathe by hand with these skates.
Companies located in rural areas for low cost labor. As the people either grew into a better life style the low paid jobs went unfilled along with government support programs that provided money for people so they did not have to work.
20:35 😔
How many times did you lose momentum just moving the camera? 😝
A lot.
The closing of these shops and plants will not only affect the local economy, but the skilled trades workforce as a whole, as well. In a generation or two, these skills may be completely lost, and the only skills known in those parts will be "would you like cream and other crap in your $9 coffee?"
You got that right.
Same here, our city spends tax dollars to give free property tax and renovations to foreign owned companies that destroy the local industries, then those same crapticrats complain that local business owners are the problem.
That was painful to watch you ditch the fork lift and hammer for your back and foot to move the lathe. it's all hindsight to make any other comments.
Manufacturing is a business. If you can’t compete then you go out of business. Government may choose to lure new businesses into an area to increase the tax base but they need to determine which businesses offer the bigger bang for the buck. Government should not support existing businesses that are failing. Let the market determine who survives.
😢😢😮
It's all good. Smart business move
tourism tourism tourism and but drive manufacturing away. Same thing here
Sad.
@@TopperMachineLLC When you take a moment to look at where people work, you soon realize that about 75% of people rely on government for their paychecks.....and we the 25% have to provide for them. The non government worker is the un sung hero of this generation.
Yup, us workers are doing it wrong.
Another example of Bidenomics! Remember this in Novermber!
And where do tourists come from when no one has a real job ( Service INDUSTRY'S are not real jobs )
ROLL TIDE
My fear is that your livelihood will inevitably become a victim of the exodus surrounding you.
So be it. I have many backup plans. I'll keep doing what I can to keep what little industry we have left, working.
Elon musk had conversations and wants to start some type of department to streamline government and cut back a lot of red tape(geese, turtles )regulations, cut spending where needed. WE ARE 🇺🇸BROKE (en) 😂. Mr. TOPPER as long as you’re still here, the world will move on.😂
I'm not going anywhere. Can't afford to. Lol
The monarch has been a great addition to our shop! Parts are slowly coming in to fix little things here and there but it is making parts and I enjoy every opportunity I get to step away from a CNC machine and run it.
I'm so glad it's doing a good job for you. Don't hesitate to ask any questions if something comes up. Thanks again for giving it another life as a working machine and not a toy.
The tears at the end were a cinematic tour de force!
Lol, thanks.
Better somewhere else making parts than sat there doing nothing. The improved workshop layout should allow more efficient working.
I'm on my third lathe now and each time the old one had to go as I haven't the space for more than one.
It is always hard letting go of a machine that made you a good living. I'm glad it found a good home.
Josh, in your reasoning to let this machine go, was your comment reinforcing the need to go with larger capacity? In your region are you continuing to see an opportunity for larger work? You mentioned this in an earlier video on the challenges with manual machining. Thanks Randy
Most of my work is larger. You can always do small parts on a big lathe.
Some top-tier acting there at the end 😂
Lol, I just had to do it.
Who says "you can't roller skate in a buffalo heard", never watched you do it. and
"you can be happy if you set your mind to it", so cheer up young man and get busy setting.
A shame about the businesses closing & job losses.
Thanks for the video.
Good interesting video Josh. Been through the same numerous times in the lumber industry. Cheers Tony
Yep, moving manufacturing to China, Mexico, Vietnam, India, etc.
I definitely learned something about moving heavy equipment with skates. Good video. When I bolted my drill press to the floor I used threaded inserts and bolts. Makes it easier to remove, but you have to get the machine into position, mark the holes, then move it away to drill and install the inserts, and then move it back to the exact same position. I understand why you wouldn't it that way with a big lathe.
Forgot to unplug it 😬
I’ve been guilty of that too….
I have woodworking equipment I have owned for nearly 40 years. So I understand when it is time to sell something. It is like losing a freind.
Greetings from Australia.
I like the video, and love moving machines. Weight is no issue with the right kit.
In the absence of a forklift I use either a toe jack to lift or a short stroke cylinder & block as you did.
To move I like using a 4 by 2 sawn pine to bar the machine along. Pine grips to the floor better than a crow bar and does not damage the machine. Also the effort is down low so less risk of toppling. Once moving it becomes a bit like rowing.
Also to bolt down, I like using chemical anchors and all thread. A 2 part tube from the hardware store is cheap. The chemsets are also good in compression, shear and tension
Keep up the great work
I just drove about 800 miles to Ohio and picked a new/old Ikegai A20 lathe, about 6000 pounds and had to get it from the back of a warehouse, skates, winches, pry bars and a lot of work. I'm also going to sell my first lathe I got back in 1995, a Lablond Regal 12", great lathe but the spindle bore is just so small, all the small stuff I can do on my Monarch 10EE and anything bigger will go on the Ikegai.
I’ll tell you what killed the machine tool industry. When Reagan changed the banking laws that made it very difficult for these companies because they were cyclic boom or bust companies. So many had their own banks. Those acted as community banks as well. They loaned companies and employees when times were rough and got paid back when times were better. With the big bank consolidation, they couldn’t survive and either closed or were bought by the big banks. But those banks didn’t have the community and company ties, so the boom or bust industries couldn’t get loans on a promise of better business, which crushed their finances. They be an to go out of business in the late 1980s, and most of the rest died in the early 2000s. At the same time Reagan pledged to raise the value of the dollar. Why? Prestige, and most people mistakenly thinking a high dollar is good. But it’s not. So exports rose in price, and imports dropped. Companies with large external markets saw these markets dry up, while domestic companies bought foreign equipment. The nail in the coffin came with the 2008 recession. And that’s why we are where we are today. I made a mistake when I voted for Reagan - twice. Never made that mistake again!
Not just 136 families doing it tough, all the other suppliers that would have provided services or goods to them. If they cant find other local work and move away, things like schools might lose teachers, there are all the local businesses they would have spent money with will have less customers and more pressure on those businesses, potentially causing them to close, even community groups and sporting clubs will lose members - It will have a ripple affect right through the entire community.
Are you downsizing, or just streamlining shop space? Havent seen you use that lathe for long time, but on other hand you raised topic of poor economy in your area. You lost 15% of business, thats unfortunate.
Hey Josh, nice job! How much does that lathe weight? You moved it around VERY well!
One less precarious way to move it end ways, with such a nice floor, would be to sweep/vac well, they lay down a nice rich coat of water/dish soap, and slide it across the floor with forlkift.
How do you steer a lathe on skates...with a Big Friendly Hammer !😅
If KH & TTW get elected you will be selling everything.