With all custom machine work the setup time is 90% of the cost. Once you
get the setup done you can machine 10 parts for only twice the price of a
one off.

I am running a Southbend 10K lathe, Rong Fu mill and lots of welding,
grinding and polishing equipment. I machine parts for the equipment I
design myself and a few replacement items but usually the OEM parts require
tooling that I don't have and so much setup time that it is cheaper to just
buy the part. Lewmar could probably machine and assemble 20 windlasses it
the time it took me to turn, bore, broach and polish one drum and the broach
would probably cost as much as an OEM drum. OTOH, if you are a tool junkie
like me it is a great excuse to buy more tools. :-)

--
Glenn Ashmore

I'm building a 45' cutter in strip/composite. Watch my progress (or lack
there of) at: http://www.rutuonline.com
Shameless Commercial Division: http://www.spade-anchor-us.com

"Courtney Thomas" wrote in message
...
Many mechanical parts cost a small fortune to replace.

I'm wondering if any members of this group have power equipment such as
lathes, milling machines, cutters, formers, molders, etc., [other than
welding], that they are successfully using to modify, repair, and
duplicate... pieces of varying materials.

If yes, what are you using and to do what ?

I recently ran into the problem of replacing/repairing a windlass rope
drum and it's unreasonably expensive and I'm motivated to unhitch from
vendors and suppliers to that extent possible and reasonable, which I
know varies from person to person.

Appreciatively,
Courtney
--
s/v Mutiny
Rhodes Bounty II
lying Oriental, NC
WDB5619