BillZ260 Posted July 12, 2007 Share Posted July 12, 2007 I recently read and article in Inc. Magazine on some new start up companies that are interesting, and this company in the SF Bay area. Looks like a really interesting start up idea and I'ts got me thinking about doing something similar locally. Here is their site--> http://techshop.ws/index.html I contacted him about Franchise opportunities and he said it's in the works. So has anyone on this board been there? What are your thoughts? If you haven't then I'd say check it out, looks very cool. As for me, I'm thinking maybe of doing something similar, or possibly a bit more closely related to the shop that is on the show "mother of all" (their site http://www.thecrucible.org/ ) It's basically a non-profit industrial arts shop. Probably has similar equipment, maybe less of the techie stuff. Dunno, this junk has me all in a tizzy, since there are rumors about what's going on w/ my current job and I'm ready to start working at home in the US again. Dubai was cool, Aberdeen is cool, but neither are HOME, and I'm ready to start something new and get off the plane! Anyway, both offer a place and equipment that alot of folks probably would use if they had the opportunity but might not have the $$ to rent or buy as well as materials and classes to support them. I have lot's of ideas floating around my head right now, I'm close to having 1/4 acre of land near the down town area, I'm thinking I can really make something of this. Thoughts? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jknc90 Posted July 12, 2007 Share Posted July 12, 2007 I think its a great idea. The price isn't too bad either considering everything your getting. I wish there was one around here Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
johnc Posted July 12, 2007 Share Posted July 12, 2007 Anyone remember metal shop in high school? 'Nuff said... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jknc90 Posted July 12, 2007 Share Posted July 12, 2007 Anyone remember metal shop in high school? 'Nuff said... Some high schools don't offer metal shop though . They probably think that the school is too "good" for metal shop. (I'm in high school in case you didn't know) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cruez Posted July 12, 2007 Share Posted July 12, 2007 I took metal shop for 2 years in high skool... pretty fun class. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BillZ260 Posted July 16, 2007 Author Share Posted July 16, 2007 Anyone remember metal shop in high school? 'Nuff said... Are you hinting towards a bunch of young kids tearing everything up? There would have to be a policy / agreement of some sorts, which would not be easy. My very first thought was, 'how many times did I or some one else crash one of the CNC mills/lathes in Tech?", but they had a maint tech on retainer. I'm also thinking of setting the price point at being enough to deter guy's that arn't serious. Dunno. Anyway, this is exactly why i asked for your thoughts! Thanks and keep'em coming. I just can't help thinking how big of a deal this would be for me personally if there was one around already, and I just wonder how many more guys there are like me. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Aguyandaredhead Posted July 16, 2007 Share Posted July 16, 2007 Bill, you know I would be just paying to hang out and play with cool toys. You know the really big ones I don't already have.. I think it is a great idea and I would be just the type of client you are looking for. Jeff Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
johnc Posted July 16, 2007 Share Posted July 16, 2007 Are you hinting towards a bunch of young kids tearing everything up? Kids, adults, old codgers... Owning a shop and knowing the kinds of stupid things I've done with tools and equipment I've paid for myself I just cringe thinking about someone coming in and using a lathe, plasma cutter, cutoff wheel, etc. who has no clue on what they are doing. If you have some process in place to "audition" potential customers, that will help reduce the damage and injuries. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BillZ260 Posted July 16, 2007 Author Share Posted July 16, 2007 Looking at what Tech Shop is doing, you have to have an intro class for anything more than basic hand tools before you are able to use them. I'm pretty sure I could do something similar, even lock out / check out machines that are too technical or dangerous. It's scarry to think about what can happen, but, I tend to be an optimist and think that no one will be that stupid, even though I know better. I personally won't know how to use 1/2 of the stuff that would be in there, but that's my main point. I'm confident I can learn to us it, and I want to use it. I just don't know how many others are in the same boat. And can they support my hobby. At the very least I'll be building a shop and starting to gather more tools, whether or not I'll start a 'club' is to be seen. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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