$16k in 12 days with a CNC Plasma Table. 6 Signs and a Table

[@jakefriesenjake]

Re cut that sign with a new sheet? After just saying you don't like to waste material? I could of fixed those mistakes so easy

[@42Fab]

Good for you. Do it where it won't show up after powder coating in less time than the sheet is worth and I'll hire you

[@jakefriesenjake]

@@42Fab First off, everyone is human and we all make mistakes, and we all can learn something new or better every day. Anyways, it looks like you were working with a 4x8 foot plate of 12ga. I found some sources that put the price of it at an average price of US$90.00, and weighting in at 140 pounds. So, $90 plus tax and shipping, and then minus the scrape value of the plate ($1.40), puts the true value of it at around $100. Correct me if I am wrong. I would say a regular skilled fabractor/welder/laboror probably gets around $20 to $22/hr. If it was me, I would of grabbed some silicon bronze tig rods and filled up those zip cut marks. (use the bronze to keep the warping out of the picture.) melting point of bronze = 1900f and steel = 2700f. From there I'd hit it with a flap disc like you showed us later in the video, but would probably use 120 to 180 grit to knock the high spots down. Then I would hit it with a courser 80 grit on a DA sander then 120 grit then 180. After that, the primer powder coat and UV stable powder top coat would completely take care of the rest. All that in around 0.5hr to 0.75hr, or $11 to $16.5 for labor and maby $6 worth of tig rod and sanding supplies. Plus, it was said, taking a quick 20 minutes to make or do something is no big deal, coupled with $10 worth of tubing. And I know what your thinking, the guy who is fixing that 12ga plate, could be running the cnc plasma machine, cutting different steel for a different project, making the company way more profit, then having him brazing and sanding the old plate, but, how can he do that, when he, or someone else is using that machine to cut out a totally new sign out? (this is assuming the plasma cutter is always booked up, cutting away) Also, you should consider, if you cut out a completely new sign out of a new 12ga plate, you will be taking time away from other, highly profitable jobs, that you could be running with the plasma cutter (the reason someone buys or builds a cnc plasma cutting machine in the first place). So, if you were to re-work that old sign, you could save around $77.5, plus save space in the scrap bin, and possibly saved power costs of running the plasma program twice (running the machine costs more than running a small tig welder, grinder, and DA sander for that short amount of time). Not to mention, keeping the plasma cutter open for the next profitable job. Correct me if I'm wrong. Have a great day.

[@42Fab]

@@jakefriesenjake your numbers on material are fine, except I get free delivery. I'd love if my table was always running but that isn't the case. Also, the electricity used to make that cut is negligible. Where you're off is labor rate. I am the skilled welder on my shop, my rate is $100 an hour. Getting a machine out, cleaning metal, the work, cleaning up, etc would easily take an hour. AND all that ignores the fact that a high quality (and priced accordingly) product like mine should not have repairs in it before it ever goes out the door. The issue isn't even really price, it's pride in your work. We all decide what we stand for, I chose quality. I'm amazed at how many people are arguing with me that making a higher quality (non repaired) product is somehow a bad thing. It's sad really. But hey, maybe that's why you're quoting a labor rate that's 1/4 of mine...

[@jakefriesenjake]

@@42Fab Obviously, the boss or manager with high credentials shouldn't have to do the fixing when he could be doing something like running the cnc, where someone else isn't qualified to run it. I know your personal labor rate is more, and that you also have workers working under you at around the $20 per hour mark. They can't all be making $100/hr? But if they are, and your plasma table is not always in use, then I guess you could just throw that sucker in the trash and start over. I don't know what the whole job was quoted at, so maybe it really would be better to toss it. At the same time, at 5 feet you wouldn't of seen the marks with no work put into the fix, I would bet, without even tig welding it, I could of feathered it out in even less time (15 minutes) and by the time it got back from the powder coaters, it would not be noticeable at 1 foot. Fixes are always acceptable, especially if you do them right the first time. Besides, you said, if it was coated with regular primer and paint, you would of filled it up nice, and feathered it out with bondo? So what is it? Even high end cars get a swipe of bondo here and there. If the sign wasn't to be sent out for a professional powder job, would it of been ok to bondo the sign up and give it a spray job? At the end of the day, it is just a sign, meant to be viewed at least 30 foot away. The sign turned out looking great. Thanks for the quick response.

[@42Fab]

Alright man, we're done here as you've obviously planted your flag and don't care what the ACTUAL reasons were. I'll give a final reply then delete this whole thread if you want to keep it going. I'll repeat that my products are of the highest quality my shop can output. A painted sign isn't that, which is why it would allow for repairs if the customer acknowledged they were budget-restricted and we happened to be slow that week (infact, we bondo'd then painted the "mistake" sign and are using it as a display piece alongside the positive cutouts that were shown). The difference between you and I is that you're okay with something "being good enough from 30 feet" or even 5 or 1. I am not. My business is built on high quality products (not "just a sign"), delivered quickly. "Good, Fast, Cheap, pick two" my customers are not coming to me to pick anything but the first two. The fact you think that the cuts wouldn't be visible at 5 feet demonstrates either a lack of visual acuity or abundant inexperience as even so much as a reverse-side weld scar is visible in powder from 20+ feet. But hey, you've planted your flag, let's see if you've got the balls to back it up. As I said, we have the sign, and I'd be happy to strip the bondo and paint back off it. I'll publicly wager $1,000 you can't have the repair done and unnoticeable from 1' (post powder coating) within 15 minutes. I'll even make a video about it and post it win or lose. Your obviously impending winnings should more than cover your trip to Oklahoma. I prefer large bills.

[@wardout5695]

Pro here recutting sign because he takes pride in his work. Thats how it should be done, Subscribed.

[@stronglikebull2994]

Mad respect for you recutting that sign. I'd do the same thing... few would. Way to produce a quality product.

[@papersss12]

StrongLike Bull thats a 30 dollar sheet. For a 3k job why not

[@42Fab]

$90 at the time. Point still stands

[@WideAwakeHuman]

Besides the fact your work looks badass, sleeping at the shop just to hustle a little harder just got you another subscriber... Keep it up man.

[@42Fab]

Man, I do it enough I bought the air mattress

[@WideAwakeHuman]

@@42Fab hey ... Hustle like that long enough and you'll be chillin at the lake while someone else is sleeping at the shop making you money... Lol

[@lpfreak1708]

Same. Subscribed.

[@tuck6464]

Nice work. It seems like you built $25,000.00 worth of signs, conservatively.

[@1337fraggzb00N]

Also subscribed.

[@SoulLemonful]

I'm learning so much, and you're teaching it to me. Thanks. -Isaac, welding student

[@42Fab]

Thanks

[@bartonrobinson4266]

Masterly done Richard. You and Tommy, (your right hand) make the work swirl and will never end. Keep the spirit !!

[@SirHC888]

Damn dude, a proprietor with integrity! Awesome!

[@DeezMistaReez]

Your videos are amazing. Excellent voice over and amazing build quality. No idea why you only have 18K subscribers, but I really believe you deserve much more. Keep up the great work. If you build it, they will come. God Bless you.

[@budrobadre]

I think his channel is about to blow up!

[@rongravel4585]

Nice work. I’m with the guy down below. Subbed. I’ve slept in the back of cars and woke up to keep going. Your a beast. Not many people left like us willing to work for there money

[@RoadRunnerMeep]

1:45 - I'm glad you spotted that quickly. I was watching and thinking that's the wrong way around haha. It's good that you took pride in your work and took the mistake as a learning lesson and recut it again

[@radamus210]

Great stuff! Anyone willing to show it all, explain it and take the time to make and edit the vids is like walking, not running, through the mall naked with a smile, thumbs up on that! Love those boxed letters on the last one, super fab!

[@alanm3438]

I have a 24 inch CNC plasma cutter. I work in a small fab shop and work off my employer's scrap. I make a lot of dog silhouettes. A friend of mine sells them at a local market in the summer. I have a small house and my shop is in the basement. I love your work. I bought my equipment in hopes of learning it now and using it to make some money when I retire. The last five years has been a lot of learning. Right now I am trying to learn my powder paint gun. I bought a small custom oven. My employer bought a fast laser, 1200 inches per minute, and crops everything very tight. So my scrap supply is low. Thanks for the video and keep up the good work. WED-A-SAURUS Racine, WI

[@kevinvanniekerk7558]

We build similar plasma tables in South Africa (CNC Clearcut) and do some signage as well as other random jobs on the side. im really impressed by the quality of your workmanship. This gave me a ton of tips in signage. Big ups!

[@kowal1989]

That barber shop sign looks insane!

[@robertkaschner1655]

I chuckled a bit at the cold weather install. People in Wisconsin consider that a nice day to be outside. I remember one day it was too cold though. At -5 degrees, we took a few breaks to avoid frostbitten fingers.

[@rafatrill]

I respect this guys hustle

[@Slime6r]

Incredible work. I’m watching this as I stay up to finish a 3d printing order that has over 36 hours of printing going into it.

[@spo5egy]

Editing takes so long, Especially while working so hard. Your work is beautiful. Much respect from Scotland.

[@DRAGUNOV1902]

I worked in wheel factory, (im talking huge 60-70 inch wheels for forest and mine trucks) and before powder painting sometime we repaired center discs with car epoxy kits. Once painted, you cannot see any grinding or punching marks, and all that lasts for years, never got any reclamation

[@selincruz3783]

Despite many blv it could have been fixed I agree with redoing the sign. Quality makes a happy client especially when they pay for quality. We should have pride in doing the best. Thanks for sharing man. awesome work

[@gsamsasamsa]

I envy you, seeing how you enjoy your work that much

[@jamesgrey3368]

I like that you had the integrity to make it right.

[@Kastrovic]

The work was great, the video editing and quality was great. I’m subbed.

[@vitymp007]

time is money, nicely done replacing the sheet. thanks for sharing.

[@theusedbox]

local okc machinist here. just found your channel. awesome work man. subbed!

[@42Fab]

Keep it 405

[@agavebob3462]

5:48 Tell your intern to wear a beanie! Caps are for summer.(oh and long Johns would make it soooo much tolerable) . Another sub, thanks

[@imyourdj]

Well, now I want to get a CNC Plasma cutter.. I don't think my wife will be happy! Thank you KZbin Recommendations!

[@jays_metalworks9399]

Brilliant work something I’m getting into when my cnc is built

[@JustinTopp]

I was always curious on how these signs were made. Interesting

[@willherndon5760]

Awesome video man. Your videos, work, and business really inspire me to get my business heading in the same direction!

[@DonnyBwelding1]

This is so awesome, absolutely wonderful craftsmanship. You're so knowledgable and patient with your co workers . Wish I could find a job working in a place like that where you take pride in your work

[@42Fab]

Heck, start your own, that's what I did.

[@DonnyBwelding1]

@@42Fab I couldnt afford a table at the moment :/ maybe a small one when taxs come back . I'm a single father with Multiple sclerosis so saving isnt easy. I do weld but never was certified and really only work out of my garage but I need to upgrade my electrical pannel . You've got such a refreshing personality , really great to see in a world that has so many trying to behave savagely. Any advice however is greatly appreciated as to how to begin .

[@DonnyBwelding1]

@@42Fab any recommendations on a first table for starting up ?

[@42Fab]

videos incoming about tables

[@bradgravel7786]

Use bit of that 16K and buy a few pairs of gloves... otherwise nice work!

[@ben156]

Seriously! Does he not own a pair?

[@htraygo]

Sometimes it hard to work on stuff like this with gloves. They just get in the way

[@htraygo]

But if you’re watching this channel then you probably already know this😌

[@kontoname]

@@htraygo Gloves never get in the way lol. If they get in the way so does your flesh. Even Astronauts wear them. Don't kid yourself and get the right pair for the job. ALWAYS.

[@ep9017]

@@kontoname you have better control w/o gloves

[@Anyone700]

Hard boiled eggs are my go to when I am running short on time, can be full for a few hours and they go down real easy with water. No stomach ache from eating real fast either

[@42Fab]

Add some mayo and you're gold

[@JTs3DPrints]

Awesome work! Thanks for posting up the video, very interesting, and super high-quality work! Heck, I would show any customer that shop and sleep there myself, you take great pride in your work it shows. Added to my favorites!

[@FerrousWrangler]

I love how popular your channel is getting. I like seeing you post in the plasma groups on facebook too. Awesome material, going to check out the patreon.

[@42Fab]

Thanks!

[@latnem515]

Imagine shaking hands with this guy! This mans hands are made of steel!

[@42Fab]

With how much we wash our hands due to the grease/oil, and using nice moisturizing soap with pumice sand in it, they're actually not very rough. Lots of nicks and scratches though

[@leeklemetti1887]

Even though their designs make it easier your added flair to the signs are awesome. Especially the LED lighting is excellent!

[@ernestovalencia6593]

I enjoyed every second of this video.

[@42Fab]

Thanks

[@adambergendorff2702]

wow great video, this was inspirational, I already have a small scale fab shop and have wanted to get more into sign making, even your editing was really well done!

[@MLFranklin]

Great video. I really enjoyed this. Your channel deserves to be bigger.

[@42Fab]

Awwww Shucks, thanks

[@aceroscripton6785]

GLOVESSSS MAN, 4 u and your crew! Consider getting a bender, u´ll save a lot of time instead of welding. I´ve been doing signs for ten years in argentina, mainly oil and bank companies :D

[@zappah101]

Your work looks great. I do not know if you have a shear, but what I do is shear the box and cut out the guts. When the sign is even longer I put a box off to the side and slide the material which enables me to make a much longer face in one piece.

[@42Fab]

In reference to the retirement sign?

[@zappah101]

@@42Fab To any sign longer than you can cut.

[@grayzbildz]

As a new Aussie builder I'm enjoying your channel. Only one thing, you guys need to Google Silicosis. You all do a lot of cutting and grinding and should be using respirators. Silicosis is the next Asbestosis. Nasty stuff. Cheers. Andy.

[@maroownr861]

Use a leaf blower to air up an air mattress. Usually less than 1 minute for a double high queen mattress.

[@madb132]

Nice work! Good to watch craftsmen at work making stuff. Awesome.

[@mr.diyhowtopaintingwelding4479]

I'm looking at a small plasma table.i didn't know if they were profitable or not. I like your weld up kits thats a good idea.

[@eternalsunshine1651]

Nice job on the barber shop sign. looks sharp!

[@BIGDADDY012341]

Great video's !! Really appreciate you posting them !!

[@42Fab]

Thanks

[@Caxalao]

This is the difference between a job you wake up every day just to 'make money' and a job you love. It pays more at the end.. Well done 👌🏻

[@ziggythecartoon]

I just found your channel. The channel letter sign looks absolutely amazing. Great work on all of them, but that last one blew me away. Wow!

[@42Fab]

Thanks, they are a bit more work, but worth it to me

[@garagecncplasma1590]

Trueplasma sells a 5x10 table with computer and hypertherm plasma with torch height control for only $8,000. Its a fully welded together frame not a bolt together that cant stay square. And it have a 6" deep water table to catch the metal dust from being in the air.

[@emailausdrucker]

Link please.

[@INFIDEL82AA]

This was awesome! I really appreciate the time and effort that you put into your videos, Sir! This was very helpful, and I'm almost a one-man show, in New Bern, NC. My work is a bit different, but hey, fab processes are the same, right? Anyway, I've subscribed, and I will be heading over to your Patreon site, as well. For what I am learning from you, I will gladly support. Thanks again!

[@zl1bandit684]

Lol I’m a noob but when I saw you welding the first sign I knew something was wrong

[@ArcMastersLLC]

Haha I thought the same

[@BrainHurricanes]

Great work! Your shop looks like a workplace, it's clean enough. If you allow me to nitpick, you could think about a way to improve your allready 95% good looking signs. 16:57 The "barber and style shop" letters are much smaller then the big visual "underline" connecting them. More work, but maybe connect them with standoffs like you did the big letters ? And paint the connecting bars the same color as the wall it goes on can blend them away ? But don't forget the good work is allready there. I'm the nitpick guy lol. I feel like you're going to be verry busy in the future. Stay safe an have a nice day!

[@prototypeeight9503]

no idea how i got here, but I really enjoyed this video and I'll be back for more!

[@Twinoakstrails1978]

Great video! Thanks for sharing your process

[@dougaungst6163]

Just throwing this out there. There is a metallic based body filler out there for filling imperfections on steel before powder coating. Because of the metallic base, it doesn't interrupt the current when being coated.

[@42Fab]

yeah, I've tried a few, and they do work really well on details. The problem is in a large, flat surface like this almost anything is going to show. The cost of having to recoat a panel would be ~$300 + time, whereas the cost of the sheet is effectively less than $100 when you factor in the other uses the scrap got. Ultimately, I'd also rather be able to say that I didn't have to repair a screw up, the customer got exactly what they ordered and paid well for.

[@dougaungst6163]

Makes sense. Good to see someone actually giving a shit about quality, you don't see that much anymore. I'm haven't used the stuff personally, but have a buddy that does smaller scale powder coating, mostly restoration projects.

[@AntonioClaudioMichael]

Great video 42fab

[@curtisfranklin6830]

Thanks for the laugh. i noticed your mistake before you mentioned it. Was thinking why would he be welding on the front of the sign? then you mentioned it. Thanks for not editing it out. Everyone makes mistakes. They say you lose a lot of focus when multitasking. lol. Been there. Done that!!

[@WhoNoes]

This is the first one of your videosI've seen. Great work. Subscribed!

[@shockg1723]

Awesome stuff keep up the good work 👍👍

[@stevew1268]

That flexvolt grinder is a beast! I have the same one, cuts through 22ga sheet metal duct like butter

[@42Fab]

does everything my corded does, just a bit heavier. I have 5 now so I don't have to change disks

[@dragerx001]

you can use JB weld as a powder coat bondo you just have to cure JB weld in the furnace remove any built up moisture in curing process then just give it a light sanding to blend it all together.

[@42Fab]

I've tried that. Works pretty well, but for a customer, they get as close to perfect as I can get

[@dragerx001]

@@42Fab Fair enough just thought i share the insight to save you some money on scrap :).

[@htraygo]

That would be so much fun to work at a place like this. I’ve had a dream to own a place like this since I was 15. I’m 19 now and it keeps looking harder and harder to achieve but if I keep working hard then I know it’s possible.

[@42Fab]

I started with literally a grinder and a $400 used welder. Keep at it and you'll get there, what you see is me after 6 years at it

[@bryceeet]

Smh when i first looked at this video and clicked it, i thought it was gonna be 12 days stuck at a plasma donation center, kind of a bummer it’s something that actually makes sense

[@steenfraosterbro3268]

My first time here, but definitely not the last. Great work

[@jdcjimmy9080]

Was looking up welding videos, and saw one of yours. I liked your welding video, so i decided to check out this one. Good job.

[@SpectreTIG]

Dude.. You and Your Work ROCK!!

[@BlaRaRa33]

wow, i appreciate your love for your craft, it shows! sweet job bud!

[@jimmyfavereau]

thanks for sharing that big 'face plant' RESPECT!!! we all know it.. haste makes waste :D subbed!

[@guitarman3100]

Loved the video, you guys work hard when the time comes. That's awesome to see. Subscribed

[@mannyramirez9152]

Cool video! Man, some people aren’t happy unless they are dragging others thru the mud. So what if nobody sees your mistake. You knew it was there so you fixed its. Keep doing you thing, bro. Ignore these naysayers and keep gettin’ at it. Hard-work and craftsmanship are qualities missing today. Nice to see someone with those traits.

[@thehighriseconstructionob9679]

Thank you shearing video. What tipe & colar of silicon do you. Use for singh led light? Mountain on wall what tipe of concreate screws & specification do you usually use please let us know sir thanks

[@MrJustinWheeler]

Great work! Love seeing craftsman right here in good ole' Oklahoma!

[@SuperHockeysniper17]

Just gained my subscription! Nice work man, keep up the good work!

[@Maplesyrup416]

i would love to see a video of how you guys mount those signs...like what hardware you are using and how to support it safely

[@zeroninejames9507]

Cool, good idea on the stencils. Keeps your lettering equal spacing.😀👍. Good job.

[@jasonpowell9718]

First video, great so far, but before I forget. You could have filled and then powder coat, provided the filler can withstand 400 degrees. Those were thin cuts, the magnetic field would have been plenty.

[@urbancare5972]

Powder is applied / attracted by grounded part and positively charged powder. Where does the magnetic field come in to play?

[@jasonpowell9718]

@@urbancare5972 Sorry, I misspoke. I meant the attraction. But there is a magnetic field created and its usually a hindrance.

[@urbancare5972]

@@jasonpowell9718 You night want to check this out. Magnetism doesn't play any part in Powdercoating. If that were true, how could you coat aluminum or wood? Not to be snarky, but I've been doing this since 1987...

[@jasonpowell9718]

@@urbancare5972 But yet you are being snarky. Explain the faraday effect then if magnetism plays no part. I coat only aluminium so i know your point

[@42Fab]

It's easy to confuse magnetism and static, let's let this horse rest in peace

[@jessemoreno7800]

Great fucking work man! I've been running a CNC plasma cam for a couple years now and I am always excited to see peoples creative work come to fruition. Would love to see more of your work.

[@42Fab]

Subscribe, there is plenty!

[@russellnentwich8745]

You are a talented artist man and your work is top notch! Great job!

[@DragonsREpic]

I WOULD KILL FOR A SHOP LIKE THAT!

[@42Fab]

I started in a one car garage. No one ever sees the journey, just the result

[@jamesjenkins4909]

Just watch this video. Im looking to get started in this type of metal work/Fabrication looking for any advice on the tools and equipment you would recomend as Need vs Want/

[@42Fab]

Need: A few grinders Clamps, Magnets Welder Maybe CNC Plasma Want: Everything else, buy them as your need arises. Set money aside to be able to do so without guilt.

[@ToolShow]

This was awesome Richard! Not surprised you're that busy, considering the work you do! Looks great! Subbed!

[@Pakko21Paj]

Awesome work!! One tip for future you =) use a respirator mask... The dust from grinding isnt the greatest. Live long and prosper =)

[@WorksbySolo]

Dude, that’s some ass-kicking work. Wow! No wonder you looked a little tired in Atlanta.

[@42Fab]

I needed that "vacation" so bad

[@jtwkrc1]

Great work as always. On the Wilshire Point sign, you use the inside of the letters for a shop display. Do you have entry arcs on those letters? I have to arc into the metal or else there is a gouge at my pierce point. I would love to figure out how to avoid having the scrap the inside of the cut. Also, the Stencil in general is great, that will definitely help me in the future.

[@42Fab]

I run a .2" cut in, so if it's noticeable I just tack it closed

[@aaronstestlab]

sick work dude! subbed

[@toolhunter8812]

I want to get a cnc plasma table as well could you comment what requirements are needed for a getting started table... compressor plasma etc please and thank you :)

[@dlf1976]

You do excellent work. EXTREMELY entertaining to watch. I am experimenting with wood signs. I want a CNC and 3d printer eventually. I'm just playing with scroll saw and band saw for now. Hope to get really good lol. Maybe I can be as good as you one day. You're awesome bro

[@ArcBroCNC]

Hi, Maybe we can provide you with the right CNC. We produce great CNC ourselves. If you like, we can have a chat :-)

[@ScottTurnerformeindustrious]

This was a really fun video to watch! Great job all round!

[@adamw225]

If anyone’s reading this definitely check out Scott turners channel, huge talent.

[@ScottTurnerformeindustrious]

@@adamw225 very kind, thankyou Adam!

[@123bugness]

This video made me decide to subscribe. I love your work!

[@Teh_Yeet]

How did it feel to have slain the white walker?

[@5stepshred300]

Hey man! Keep putting in the time to continue these video productions, and soon your channel will be making you more $$ than the business! Good luck!!

[@42Fab]

I wish, KZbin isn't the profitable games many think it is. I do it as advertising and because I like the community. Thanks!

[@author722]

very nice work. as an aside, suggest you lads wear some gloves, particularly when welding to prevent against UV burn.

[@williamallen9853]

What type of magnets where you using to lift up the W off the plasma table ?

[@42Fab]

Strong hand switchable 90 degree

[@JosueLopez-cx8zs]

Wow! I want to start my own shop now😍

[@juanadorno7228]

Killer work man keep it up

[@ThomasAndersonbsf]

awesome to see stuff like this, especially when its so close to my current home base XD.

[@leegami3234]

That is very interesting business. This is a very well-payed but not easy 12 days!

[@justingreen8006]

31°F in February? Wow that would beautiful. I wish were that warm here in the winter. 🌄

[@42Fab]

Don't forget that wind