The Shop Is Coming to LIFE!

[joejones]

This is the first test of the X-TOOL P2 CO2 laser. We etched and cut some clear acrylic. I see Christmas ornaments in my future! We are also going to experiment with the LED bottom lit stuff, and more.

Joe

P2 FIRST TEST CLEAR ACRYLIC.jpg

[joejones]

Things are happening!

Joe

04-12-25 SIDING.jpg

04-12-25 SIDING STARTED.jpg

04-12-25 ROOF NEARLY DONE.jpg

04-12-25 ROOF AND SIDING.jpg

[joejones]

Just a bit of trim to complete the exterior. Then a door, electricity, etc. It will be functional SOON!

Joe

04-13-25 Barn Tin Interior View.jpg

04-13-25 Barn Tin Interior View to Rear.jpg

04-13-25 Barn Tin Done.jpg

[KnightRid]

One of these days I will have one of those! Looks good. I would definitely want it insulated here in PA though

[joejones]

A word of advice: WHATEVER you believe it would cost to build one, write down that number, and then QUADRUPLE it. You can pay off any residual balance over time.

Joe

[joejones]

One of these days I will have one of those! Looks good. I would definitely want it insulated here in PA though

It will be insulated, and have a mezzanine floor as well.

Joe

DECK LEVEL CONCEPT DRAWING.jpg

[MacDoktor]

WHATEVER you believe it would cost to build one, write down that number, and then QUADRUPLE it.

Cost = Estimate * 2²

I've heard a similar story before. I have a friend who makes "boutique" guitar pedals and synth modules using vacuum tubes and it's a cluttered market. Unlike most of the others in that me-too crowd he actually knows what he's doing, has original ideas and making a decent profit because of realistic prices and higher quality. What a concept.

He does not sell kits, sorry. Lower profit, more hand labor, your helper breaks his arm and you have to do it yourself etc.

"Me-too crowd". Does that remind you of anything? You need to make your laser gadget stand out above the noise level, right?

[joejones]

I am a bit stressed at the moment. This is all a 'YUGE investment. I have poured a lot of money into these two buildings, with all of the machinery and tools and materials, etc. I am betting on these two young men who are helping me. They are VERY smart when it comes to computers, and 3D printers, and lasers, and such. They have a good, solid business sense, and they both have MEMORIES! They have fantastic work ethics, and they are completely trustworthy. Imagine me trying to do all of this stuff myself!

I want to get a few more things done. Then we will receive training on the 4x8 fiber laser table, and the last few machines ... ... should arrive soon. I sure HOPE we will be able to begin generating some serious income by using everything I have set up here.

My friends say, "Joe, why are you doing all of this? You don't need to work! Why don't you just RETIRE?" I told them I did not want a life of sitting in a recliner watching old John Wayne movies and Gilligan's Island reruns until my heart stops. I like to work with my hands, and computers, and machines, etc. I like helping people. I have to do SOMETHING! Yes, I was blessed with some money, if you call an inheritance a "blessing" which comes at the cost of burying your parents. Cash is "nice" but it spends very quickly, and if you have no way to replace it, it disappears before you know it.

I could have done absolutely NOTHING beginning in 2012. I could have given myself a fantastic life of cruises, and motorcycle tours, and vacations. I could have wined and dined beautiful woman! I was what people would call, "Set for life!" But I am not that guy.

I cannot watch in silence, as my lifelong friends struggle so much. "Golly ... So sorry to her that you are losing your home ... Well, have a nice day!" .. "Gosh, it is a shame that your car broke down and now you will lose your job because you have no transportation. Well, I'm off to the opera!" ... "What? Your mom can't climb stairs, and you can't afford a StairMASTER? Well, I hope she doesn't fall and break a hip, or worse! See ya!" ... "Sucks to be YOU!" That is NOT ME.

So even if I had done NOTHING to build these shops, in the hopes of producing crafts and products to sell (and give away), I guess I would be in the same situation by now, having given away all of the money in an attempt to solve problems that really aren't any of my business.

As I look at my current situation, I realize that I have really gone out on a limb. Yes, I have two fantastic shops, and lots of machines and tools, but over the last 14 years, my body is slowing down, arthritis is crippling me, the income I WAS generating ended with the covid zombie apocalypse, and I did NOT count on any of that. So I am going to give it one last "old college try!" and then if I fail, I will have the biggest auction and yard sale in this town's history, and just give up.

Joe

[MacDoktor]

Good heavens Joe, is sanity catching up to you?

If you need a new project, start planning what happens to all of this when you can't do it anymore. Will those guys take over the business?

I know where a lot of my valuable stuff is going to end up and that's a comfort to me.

[joejones]

what happens to all of this when you can't do it anymore. Will those guys take over the business?

I have a great plan for the fate of these buildings, and machines, and tools, and materials, and everything else. I have to go see a lawyer soon, to get it all set up.

Joe