Re: Can we make this in the USA?
Originally Posted by
maxspongebob
Jim, do you think that the part could be simplified reducing the cost a bit? If you removed the end that covers the black tube so that there were only 2 internal diameters, .295" where the crimp is and the threaded section. This would make it so the part is only turned from one end. Fewer operations on a less complex machine.
Yes, in house is going to have a huge machine and labor cost that will drive up the per item cost.
Yes, that could be done, but it would certainly destroy the finished look of the product. One could put a farrell on the end of the tube, similar to the end of an air hose to finish the end.
Let's take the case of our parts. The $150/hr machine time rate is an internal accounting trick, and what we charge an external customer for machine time. Pretty much consistent with the local job shop rates in our area. Our actual hourly operating cost is about $5. You can work pretty cheap when you are working for yourself, just my son and I, no employees. We paid cash for all of our equipment and own the property outright, so our fixed monthly overhead is very low. Add in what might be normal overhead for a business, then the machine time rate has to go up.
Jim Dawson
Sandy, Oregon, USA