looking for some input here... i am working on a PO for a company that would require me to purchase a swiss machine or a hydramat (which is waaaaay outta my price range). the part is fairly complex as it has internal knurling and some outer barbs. 304 SS, .370" in diameter, .763" long. 2 million pieces a year. so, ive looked into citizen and am working with a salesman/engineer at one of their offices and he informed me after looking at my print that it would take about 20 seconds to run each part and after material i net about $.11 per part or $19.80 per hour.
so, he suggested that i pass on the job and look for a better paying job as this isnt a winner perse. however, i almost think it is only because a swiss lathe will run when im not at my shop so that would help right? they have a used machine that i was quasi interested in that is an '07 k16 for $100k. but i half thought about buying 2 older used machines and even if they run a little slower the two may get the job done quicker. say like (2) '97 era machine for $40k each. so, now im into it for $80k and i have 2 machines that may not have all the bells and whistles but can ultimately accomplish the overall job quicker.
let me know what you think.