Starting A Machine Shop In 2025: Zero Experience Guide

www.skool.com/...
In this video we discuss how to start a machine shop in 2025 with almost Zero Experience.
We discuss topics like Machinery financing, What goes into cnc machine purchasing decisions as your first machine before you learn how to program. We review variables like electrical, weight, and size requirements.
We then review item requirements like Machinery movers, air compressors, inspection equipment, Ect....
From here we progress into the Titans of CNC Academy educational series, starting an LLC, Joining Xometry, And making money.
-Links-
(When available, We use affiliate links and may earn a commission!)
►Vevor Machine Movers: amzn.to/421LjmH (Amazon)
►Accupro Gage Blocks: amzn.to/4h1sVhV (Amazon)
►Toe Clamps: amzn.to/40hXZEK (Amazon)
►Tegara Vise: amzn.to/401x9PT (Amazon)
►Granite Plate 12x8x2: amzn.to/4gGVe5Q (Amazon)
►Accupro Indicator & magnetic base: amzn.to/4gAewcX (Amazon)
►Saw: amzn.to/3DI01VV (Amazon)
►Air compressor: amzn.to/4j1orK7 (Amazon)
►Heater: amzn.to/3BVfTns (Amazon)
Join the Xometry Supplier Network:
Email direct for assistance Or Xometry.com
Start an LLC:
www.legalzoom....
A violinist played for 45 minutes in the New York subway. A handful of people stopped, a couple clapped, and the violinist raised about $30 in tips.
No one knew this, but the violinist was Joshua Bell, one of the best musicians in the world. In that subway, Joshua played one of the most intricate pieces ever written with a violin worth 3.5 million dollars.
Two days before he played in the subway, Joshua Bell sold out a Boston theatre, and the seats averaged about $100.
The experiment proved that the extraordinary in an ordinary environment does not shine and is so often overlooked and undervalued.
There are brilliantly talented people everywhere who aren't receiving the recognition and reward they deserve. But once they arm themselves with value and confidence and remove themselves from an environment that isn’t serving them, they thrive and grow.
Your gut is telling you something. Listen to it if it's telling you where you are isn't enough!
Go where you are appreciated and valued.
Know Your Worth.

[@swimbikestumble]

Always proud to be an American when people like you lift others without expecting anything in return. 🤘🇺🇸🤘

[@TrolloTV]

Isn’t the American spirit usually more to the tune of „eat shit and die, free education or social services are communist“?

[@Jessie_Smith]

This was the best video I’ve seen for how to start a shop. Great job man. I am really enjoying all the videos you have been putting out. A good list of things you need to start is hard to find. And you took it a step further and even showed a source for how to start an LLC. Thanks for the info man.

[@AscendedTechnologies]

Thanks Jessie, appreciate the support! I'll keep em coming! It's difficult to jungle all the aspects of running a business solo along with making videos, but I'll keep finding time!

[@Jessie_Smith]

@ I bet it is. I like what you are doing though. You are pulling the mask back on things nobody talks about.

[@guytech7310]

1. Go with a larger surface plate 12x8 is unusable. You also need a surface plate dial indicator holder. A Magnetic indicator will not work on granite. A surface plate height gauge would also be ideal 2. The newer HF McGraw compresses are reasonably quiet, far quieter than the older HF Air compressors. 3. You need a dial indicator holder that mounts in the spindle so that you can square up your vise or clamped workpiece. You put mount the holder with the dial indicator in the spindle & then jog the X & Y axises to check for squareness of the vise or workpiece. For round parts you need a coaxual indicator to locate the center of the part. 4. You need a machinist parallel set for your vise. these are used when you holder thin workpeices & need to prop up the workpiece above the vise jaws for machining. You never want to machine a part below the vice jaws. Its also helpful to have a set of adjustable parallels when you need to use a specific height. Another is a set of angle parallels when you need to mount the part at an angle (15, 20,30,45 degrees). 5. A vice stop is very useful if your machining multple copies of the same part or need to flip the same part over to machine the other side. The biggest expense is probably going to be tooling as you can easily spend $10K or more on tooling: drills, endmills, face mills, reamers, taps, counter-bores, counter-sinks, rounding cutters, slitting saws, as well as blades for cutting bar stock for workpieces.

[@AscendedTechnologies]

This is great feedback!

[@ugccrawl6850]

I haven't seen anyone mention 1-2-3 blocks. Invaluable for any shop. Adjustable parallels are also handy for taking inside measurements between two parallel surfaces on the part. Great to have. Keep the videos coming.

[@guytech7310]

@@ugccrawl6850 I rarely use 1-2-3 Blocks for machining. I use gauge blocks much more often than 1-2-3 Blocks. Maybe its just me. Probably the most often is for welding when I need to create a temporary fixture, but I use a set cheap ones for that.

[@tj9382]

Well done my man, nice video. I like the fact that you just highlight the best features of each resource like for example use Titans of CNC for education but don’t buy their tool kit. Buy the Tormach Cnc Mill but don’t buy the vise. Love that.

[@ammo1033]

I’ve been a machinist, tool and die, locksmith, and now a maintenance man for 30 years combined. I’ve worked in job shops, I’ve worked in factories running CNC’s programming CNC’s building molds building stamping dies. My grandfather owned an operated a small machine shop. From his garage’s after he retired from Chrysler. It was more of a hobby, one that cost him money and not made it. I think it’s fair to say I’ve seen quite a bit And I know more than the average person anyone seeing this video. It’s great to venture out. it’s great to challenge yourself. But a machine shop in America is incredibly difficult to be profitable. My recommendations do not ever get in debt, do not expect this to be your Only source of income. If you can come up with a product that you can manufacture and sell directly and have a market. You could probably make a good side hustle short of that it’s just going to be a costly hobby.

[@ammo1033]

I wanted to add, I wish this content creator best of luck.

[@patrickkabuki7049]

You made me wish I was an American. Your video inspired "proactivity". You laid it out all so well. Good job.

[@HellCoFabrication]

Hey I really appreciate you for taking the time to make this video! I took a Precision Manufacturing course for about 4 years in highschool but transitioned into the welding scene. Anyways this video opened me back up to precision machining work. Excited to follow along with your work.

[@rhorsley363]

I think this is one of the most useful videos I have ever seen. Good info, straight to the point and very clear. Thank you.

[@rupertogranados3340]

Thank u, please don't stop sharing this info. this really gonna help a lot of us that want to start in this business.

[@AscendedTechnologies]

I hope I can help as many people as possible. Thanks for the support!

[@bdm9574]

even my wish also dont stop sharing your experience,, watching from singapore

[@TheLoneJourney88]

Thanks for the video! I plan on getting the Langmuir MR-1 next year, it should provide me everything I need to get started to earn my way up to a Tormach, I'll be working with my dad who has over 30 years CNC experience. The MR-1 will do everything I need to get started. But hopefully everything goes according to plan and I can build a successful business. With my dads experience I think we can get up and running pretty quick. But thanks for all your advice, it's very helpful.

[@kevincrawford6864]

Wish I would have found this when I was starting out. Started out with an 1100m, enclosure, atc and micro arc 4th axis after attending community College for cnc. Learned on a haas vf1/vf2 and then switched over to a tormach after graduation. It was like going from a ferrarri to a honda civic lol.

[@GIboy1990]

I have an FFL/SOT and need a machine for gunsmithing and production of my own parts. LLC is already set up so this info is absolutely going to go into our 2026 plan of action. Thank you

[@stevenbarousseii7331]

I’ve been seriously considering getting my ffl/sot and manufacturing parts as well for some time now. Any tips?

[@GIboy1990]

@stevenbarousseii7331 if it's something your passionate about then do it. Just don't expect to quit your full time job. My wife and I have been doing it for 3 years and we have yet to make a dollar 😭

[@thomasharward3821]

Looking to get into the same business (specifically making aftermarket parts though) would you mind shooting me a message so I can pick your brain a bit?

[@GIboy1990]

@@thomasharward3821 tbh I'm not sure how to do that on YT

[@GIboy1990]

@@thomasharward3821 not sure how to

[@CerealKiller187]

You're a good guy for putting this together, I wish I had you as a resource when I started my own shop 12 years ago. It's apparent (to me) that you will go far in your endeavors, best wishes to you and your business and happy new year! One more thing. Count me as another brand new subscriber, can't wait to see what you will accomplish in the future!

[@woosier1]

What an outstanding video, and I'm not even a machinist! This video alone is more than worth a subscribe.

[@AscendedTechnologies]

Really appreciate the kind words and support!

[@jackrabbit2963]

one of the best guide i've seen holy cow... you went in to great detail.

[@ArthurField]

Great video! Really well laid out. I would add some context around going to HSS instead of Carbide. I don't think you're wrong, and, always remember it's trading time to save money, depending on how much your time is worth, it may actually be more expensive to use the HSS. Now, if you're new to machining, HSS will save you money, because it's likely you're going to muck things up and there's nothing more heart breaking than snapping a carbide drill, well ok there's a lot more heart breaking, but still. The main thing for anyone starting a shop reading this, is your time is valuable, sure you can save start up costs by going HSS, makes sense, just always remember there's always a cost to going with cheaper tools, and I've seen far to many shops close their doors because they thought there were being smart, when they were pennywise and pound foolish.

[@MrParacristo]

Algorithm sent me this video…. Wow!!! I am soooo thrilled that it did. I would love to do this!

[@TomS-j5e]

I prefer a pallet jack over machine skates. I build custom pallets for all my equipment and can casually move it any time. If you need to drop it to the ground for precision leveling, then it's the same effort as taking it off and on to use the skates. Moving equipment on skates is a bit sketchy at times as the force on each skate varies as you move them and they want to slide out. Also it's sometimes better to use 3 skates instead of 4, otherwise one of them will get loose and slip out. I've used the skates on a 12k lb grinder and 6klb cnc bed lathe. And a couple other machines. If you must use the skates, I suggest wood between the machine and skates to help with friction and some compliance to handle floor irregularities. I mention that i used skates to move these machines because it was a pain. The spinning pads on top of the skates will rotate so that the skates comes out from under the machine. You have to carefully align the skates, move 6-12", then check all the alignments. The stuff in this video is all light weight. Most pallet jacks I've used are rated for 5,500 lbs. I load machines off and on a trailer using a ramp and pallet Jack's. I move machines all around the shop. I put my shelving units on pallets and move them around whenever desired. You can buy them used on marketplace for $100-200. New they are 350ish. YMMV

[@Skullmonkey456]

New sub, cheers pal Exactly the video I’ve been looking for as wanting to get set up over the next couple of years

[@itsmegriffo]

Was trying to decide if a 440 would work for this. Really appreciate the video confirming, and all the additional information. Keep up the videos!

[@AscendedTechnologies]

Thanks for the support! I want to mention that the 440 is the absolute minimum requirement, It will come with it's own challenges as a "Weaker" Machine. Good luck!

[@khimbittle7705]

Great video, if you wanted to stretch finances just the next step up from the 440, what would the recommendatiob br? Thx​@AscendedTechnologies

[@itsmegriffo]

@@AscendedTechnologies Totally understand where you’re coming from with it being the bare minimum. I would like the ability to step up to something like a mini mill or Syil in the near future and would like a cheap entry into the realm which is why I was drawn to the 440. Did you start with a 440 or other tormach? I’ve heard of concerns that the 440 might not be able to hit the tolerances/surface finishes Xometry wants on their newer test part.

[@brian8687]

Love your work and honesty!! Just as a little criticism, please work on resolving your audio. Beyond that love your content!! Keep it up

[@AscendedTechnologies]

Will do! Thanks for the support!

[@1320pass]

This is great info. Your first animation with the dozer hit like a ton of bricks 😆

[@ManuelRamcanny]

I needed this. Thank you! It's like a Christmas gift!

[@ManuelRamcanny]

Now that I'm reviewing this for like the 5th time today, I think you shouldn't skip the tool holders (and spindle connections) because those can add up substantially and are a must have from the start.

[@Lwimmermastermetalart]

Well that all sounds well and good. However there are several other ways to start out. Granted when I started my shop in 1976 things were much different. Although most of the same basics apply. Consider this option. Start off with used machines of good quality. Unless you have rich Uncle finances will be your biggest hurdle. In today’s market used CNC machines are easy to acquire. I believe the majority of machines out there are still very good. People upgrade to get new. Personally over the many years every new CNC we purchased replaced a good machine. Faster and better machines are built every day. However so many used machines can do what you’ll need to get started. You’re probably not going to get into 5 axis Aerospace work in the beginning. Now consider this, your leasing this new mill. You’re just starting so a crash on an older machine won’t kill you. See where I’m headed? Also it’s very hard to have a successful shop with only a mill. You should also have a lathe. A great start would again buy good quality used machines. A manual mill + CNC. A manual lathe + CNC . A drill press and a cut off saw that can cut horizontally as well a vertically . Remember this too. Yes you can save money buying cheaper tools from MSC. you get what yo pay for. Buy a good American tool and in the end it’s a better investment. I do believe you should make sure just where your work is going to come from. Xometry is only a middle man. Nothing beats banging on doors of potential customers. Remember the first rule . The very first thing you must sell is YOURSELF. You need for the customer to know they can trust you and feel confident in producing what they require. Everything in baby steps. Also know with very low overhead you can maintain your prices at way under someone also bidding who has high overhead. There’s no short cuts. Tyson does offer great information. Wouldn’t it be great to have all the machines, tooling and excellent employees he has. Took him years and years to get where he is today. I do love his passion and what he’s doing to educate and promote this trade. I was very fortunate and was able to bang out some drill press production parts to start my business. My investment wasn’t even a grand. In years to come I would purchase my first CNC. This lead to another and then another and so on. It’s hard work wearing so many hats when you start. Hopefully you get a few breaks along the way. Then after over 50 some years you can enjoy retirement. Look back and take pride in everything you did. And if you’re someone special you try to find a young person or persons to teach and share what you’ve learned from the college of hard knocks . All in all you did a fine job of sharing what you’ve accomplished young man. Nothing is ever simply black or white. 👍🏼👍🏼

[@seva7834]

I just want to say Thank you so much for all this information God bless you I wish you be always successful in your journey Thanks a lot again

[@mikegerrits3198]

Thank you so much for putting this informative video together!!

[@iosifciuca5381]

Subscribed. Best guide video i've ever seen!

[@siliconvalleymetal]

That drill in the toolkit is a coated solid carbide drill bit. Good luck using hss to drill a precision hole. If you get a hss drill bit you’ll also need a reamer and you will also need additional programming

[@livingunderarockunderarock9963]

The point still stands that the titans drill bit was overpriced.

[@siliconvalleymetal]

@ naw, you just never had to drill a decent hole for a real job. You’ll learn once you get into job shop work.

[@TrolloTV]

It’s still expensive though, even for carbide. They’re not selling that specific drill because they enjoy low margins on good value products.

[@siliconvalleymetal]

@ there’s different grain carbide. The smaller the grain the more expensive. Good luck buying cheap carbide. It’ll be a painful lesson later. If it’s what you can afford I get it. But if you get a print with a call out for a hole that’s less than 2/10 accuracy for a hole good luck. Buy once cry once.

[@sweetzola6140]

Can you provide more in depth on what tools exactly you need for begginer partner ship With xometry?

[@AscendedTechnologies]

I will try to find an opening to cover this in better detail

[@blownaway14]

Awsome this is my dream im working on

[@tonerduckpin]

Great video. I like the links. It might be a year or two before I get my tormach 440.

[@frang9526]

Great information. Thanks for sharing!

[@justintupicruz6324]

great video bro

[@Venom.427]

Thanks for the insight !

[@MacGyverKilla]

Hi Evan, Thx for the informative video. Can you talk more about Xometry, their Dashboard and the jobs they offer? Martin

[@hotpass79]

Wow this was so much good info thank you

[@AscendedTechnologies]

Of course! Hope if helps!

[@Dogface1984]

FreeCAD is great for CAD/CAM as well

[@victorbojorquez1575]

Kurt is the only way to go when it comes to vices

[@AscendedTechnologies]

I agree, I have 2 kurt Dx6 Crossfire vises! If you have the budget, for sure get them

[@MyDanglingUnit]

Straight to the point extent video

[@jensonhartmann3630]

i had ZERO clue, Xometry was outsourced to that degree. I knew they outsourced but i thought most of it was in house. I had no idea i can machine for them too!

[@TheDieselDangler]

That was really a great video

[@sinisterCsix]

Great video man.

[@3dkiwi920]

Damn, you guys get stuff delivered free there; and so quickly too. For example; A chinese 12x18x3 surface plate which is only b grade on the the top is $400 here, another $150 delivery. A bar of 6061 T6 at 10mmx100mmx500mm is $120. Impossible to do in any other country!

[@dynamixsystems]

My machine shop is a tent in the yard for now! 😅

[@palmer_fabrication_]

You just flooded your own market by making this video.

[@mad0uche]

You know damn well Americans are too lazy to do 99.9% of this shit, they rather go work at chipotle or starbucks and complain everything is so expensive.

[@NonConformistable]

Great video, when doing jobs on xometry are any of your orders shipped internationally? I live in australia and i'm worried i won't get much work within australia as xometry doesn't seem that popular here.

[@sweetzola6140]

What t slot sizes for Syilx7 and what size vise?

[@manuelbarrios7809]

Thank you, genuinely.

[@gavendb]

nice...thanks for the tips

[@andrewg3031]

Hey nice overview video. I have a couple of questions. 1. What business type did you choose on legalzoom? I am trying to decide if I should spin-up a new manufacturing specific entity, or use an older consulting entity i had set-up years ago. Does Xometry care? 2. What inspection equipment beyond what you mentioned do you believe is necessary for the premium tier? Ex will gauge pins suffice or do you need a whole range of bore gauges as well? I’m still piecing inspection equipment together for an older robodrill I bought last year. Thanks

[@AscendedTechnologies]

I have an LLC, Xometry doesn't care. They only request your EIN. You can have any business structure. As for additional inspection equipment. I went premium with some indicators, gage pins, micrometer set, calipers, gage blocks. I buy additional gages for jobs with inspection requirements past my capabilities. At this point I have a height gage, laser micrometer, thread gages, odd gage pins ect....

[@Browningmotorsports]

What about tool calibrations and checking surface finishes. I come from the grinding side of machining and we held generally a 16-32 micro finish on ground parts in production. I'm not sure about the quality of a milled finish in comparison. Do you need a surface finish gauge? or a comparator?

[@hu5116]

Great video! Thanks!

[@rajanaren1379]

TF! was that intro my bass went whhhhhooooob whhhhjhhoooooo

[@AscendedTechnologies]

Lmaooo, just noticed if you have good base rip 😅 Removeing the intro lol

[@ahmetvarol6067]

Your information is very valuable, thank you very much. However, I’m not entirely sure if the 440 will be very useful as the first machine, generate income, and, most importantly, ensure the tolerances on the first part.

[@AscendedTechnologies]

Yes, I agree that the 440 makes it quite difficult. I tried to make this video catered towards people with almost no experience. Monthly expenses so low that they can jump ship if need be. I would hate to recommend a 45k mill and make someone stuck. The goal would be to hopefully learn the basics and upgrade from the 440

[@TonyStark-x6e]

@@AscendedTechnologiesI think it was a good idea to show them a good entry-level option with the ability to back out if needed. So many people recommend 40 or 50k machines right off the bat. You can sell off a 440 a lot easier. Great video.

[@ahmetvarol6067]

@@AscendedTechnologies I understand, but I don't want them to think they failed because of the machine's inadequacy. The 770m, even the cheapest version, might be a better option.

[@rogerl8488]

Hi, I am 50 and never did this kind of work. Is it easy to learn, and is there plenty of jobs or money to be made? I am looking to do something for myself. I do house rentals now, just tired of it. Thanks

[@SunshineLaundromatonVine]

Can that machine only do aluminum? Why don't you need the expensive bit

[@Halfwheelhell]

lots of others say Xometry payouts barely cover the cost of materials.

[@AscendedTechnologies]

We did 9.5k this week, goods cost under $800. The system does output some jobs like that, just counter offer.

[@bobhemphut4011]

I have a thirdgen f-body so this really hits home...however, I don't have a big enough garage to fit a cnc inside. Maybe interest rates will come back down during Trump and I can get that bigger family home with a large garage/shop space

[@AscendedTechnologies]

Nice! I had to sell mine to make space 😪 I was gifted the car when I was 13. In another one of my videos, you can see how small, packed, and dirty the garage was before we got started. The garage door is 84" tall

[@shaunybonny688]

Another great video, thanks. Are 0.0005 test indicators the standard?

[@AscendedTechnologies]

Thanks for the support! I'd say that's the type with the most common uses. .0001 / .0005 / and a 1" range drop dial indicator is the best combination to have.

[@shaunybonny688]

@@AscendedTechnologies I bought an early 2000's vmc a while back and your videos have been a great resource, much appreciated.

[@shaunybonny688]

@@AscendedTechnologies do you need a height gauge to go with the granite plate?

[@AscendedTechnologies]

I would say so, but I opted not to include a height gauge in place of gagblocks for the price. I don't trust many height gages under $600

[@AscendedTechnologies]

Thanks for the support! What kind of machine do you have?

[@MachiningOnMyMind]

How much revenue are you during per month through Xometry now that you have been up and running for a while?

[@AscendedTechnologies]

The per month revenue had a large range in 2024. After I gathered momentum, I'm able to hold the average at 14k / month gross revenue. Tools and materials eat 25% of that. The rest goes to overhead. Next year, we will try to leave 14k / month in the dust, as well as higher profits

[@65cj55]

Can you legally operate/run a business like that from a residential address ?

[@AscendedTechnologies]

That comes down to zoning laws in your area and state laws in your state. It's legal in PA in my township

[@mad0uche]

Noise complaints all week long, rewire your house to be able to even run one machine, forklift / pallet jack won't be able to access the weird driveway, 100% depends on where you live.

[@adrewfis925]

The test part has a curved surface that I'm not aware how to complete that tool path. I've tried what seams like all of the 3D profiles in Fusion 360 but the curve is so drastic it leaves the bottom of the curve unfinished. What toolpath should we use for the 1st part curved section?

[@AscendedTechnologies]

In fusion 360 there is the depths tab, the bottom depth is calculated by the 3D model. By default it will say "lowest of selection" If you are using a ball mill, add atleast 50% of the tool diameter to the bottom depth setting

[@georgeanderson4143]

Pretty sure the x7 is only 10% down, that might be a better starter depending on your budget imo.

[@AscendedTechnologies]

That's my starter, wouldn't change a single thing!

[@Xerophun]

Thank you for the video. Where do you usually purchase metal stock?

[@AscendedTechnologies]

Thanks for the support! I buy most of my material from Mcmaster, online metals, penn Stainless, pa steel, and some smaller metal distributors that use ebay as their store front

[@nick4thewin]

Is there restrictions to what type of FDM 3D printers you can use on Xometry?

[@AscendedTechnologies]

I'm not sure, I know their test part is quite hard on the FDM side. Probably the cheapest printer that can adequately produce that component is the minimum

[@nick4thewin]

@@AscendedTechnologies I'll have to create an account sometime! Thanks for the video, good to see you can do all types of machines

[@firstname2492]

Thanks

[@Yoddha07]

tutorial for self employment

[@boostedgsr8580]

Is there a tool kit you would recommend for machining 17-4 stainless? Also would fusion 360 be comparable to solidworks?

[@AscendedTechnologies]

I went from mastercam to fusion 360, I would say that fusion has everything you'd ever need at a great price. As for a tool kit for 17-4 stainless steel, that would depend on machine type, part geometries, and budget. Let me know what your goal is!

[@boostedgsr8580]

@ ok ill look into it tonight and get the program. Well im a licensed FFL manufacturer so ive had a few prototypes made for a suppressor. But everyone is so busy at this point it will be easier for me to learn to machine my own parts. So really i would not be making anything bigger then 6-7 inches in length or anything bigger then 2 3/4 diameter. An example would be a “M” baffle to give you an idea on the part size

[@LightOfGodMfg]

OK, so I have a serious question if you were to start over would you have started with a Tormach 440? Since you worked up your way through machines to a Syil X7? I could see this being a plus because you now have 2-4 small cnc machines. But also wouldn’t just jumping straight to a syil like you suffice?

[@jacevincent2574]

he said in the video he recommends the 440 since you can get one without losing much cash flow at all. If you have the means to pay cash for your first machine that's great, but honestly learning to finance assets and make them cash flow is a very useful skill to have.

[@AscendedTechnologies]

I wanted to introduce most people to a "soft start." I wouldn't personally get a tormach 440PCNC with my experience. But I would hate to recommend a beginner to purchase a 40-60k milling center and fail. That's why I recommend the 440 for absolute beginners. In my case, I needed to make $1,800 / month payments straight from the gate. That required me to tap into all my years of experience instantly. Hope this helps!

[@jacevincent2574]

@@AscendedTechnologies Judging by the lack of cheap used 440s readily available online, I would think their resale value is fairly high? The 440 is even more appealing for someone trying to learn if they can flip it to a Syil (or used fadal, haas, etc.) without losing much equity

[@shaunybonny688]

Does legalzoom take care of the city/county/state business license?

[@AscendedTechnologies]

I think that county and city requirements change from location to location. Where I'm at there is no city or county requirements. Legal zoom covers only state and federal. You'll have to get ahold of your local municipality office and check.

[@jacobhermosillo1891]

For me, they took care of everything, fed, state and city wise. The only thing i needed from the city was a permit for renting the building. Az here, so I'm not 100% in your case.

[@dbgildemeister]

That pcnc440 is just.. not great. What kind of jobs could one honestly take with it? The machine is underpowered and not nearly rigid enough. I have seen them cutting in person and was not impressed with the small stepover needed to keep the motor from bogging down in aluminum. Surface finishes were questionable, definitely not under industry standard 63ra.

[@AscendedTechnologies]

For someone with experience it's not advised to purchase the 440PCNC, The machine was spec'd for people looking to learn and get into cnc machining with Extremely low cost, Then upgrade as they learn. If you're experienced, its advised to step into a used cnc milling center from an auction (Cheap option) Or a Syil X5 / X7 / X9 / Haas mini mill / Tormach MX Models (Expensive option) I would never recommend people with 0 experience to step into a $1000 / month commitment, to eventually learn that the dynamic of machining is quite complex and not for them. This is a soft start for the lesser experienced people. Hope this helps!

[@Joe-gr2lf]

how tall is your garage? Im between syil and the new tormach 1500. I dont know if the syil would fit i have a standard garage.

[@AscendedTechnologies]

If you can get a syil, do it. They are way better! My garage door is 84" tall.

[@JuLew3105]

I have some parts that require workholding on the table, not in a vise. I was really looking into the Syil X7, but people were saying you can't reach the table without extending tooling or raising your part off the table if needed. How far away is the spindle from the table with the z axis all the way down?

[@jacevincent2574]

use a surface plate

[@AscendedTechnologies]

You can get longer tool bodies. You can get Bt30 tools with 3" / 6" / 8" / 12" lengths that use standard er collets

[@k3vrcng]

What would be a good starting machine for europe?

[@AscendedTechnologies]

I wish I could give you better advice, but I'm not educated on that market. I'd say that you should have quite diverse markets over there for some cheaper cncs

[@k3vrcng]

@@AscendedTechnologies What do you think of a FS3MG?Its 35000€ complete.

[@mannycalavera121]

I had 150k from my divorce but rent is so hi id have lost $50k in rent the first year in AU. its absurd

[@AscendedTechnologies]

That's horrible, hope things get better!

[@travistucker7317]

Missed a great opportunity to throw a shoutout to Marv Heemeyer there in that intro

[@bustednuckles2]

You have to be THIS OLD to get that reference. :)

[@Queracus]

its kinda sad how you in america buy all from amazon, instead of specialised stores that are known to sell quality stuff 😅😅

[@AscendedTechnologies]

This is an introduction video. I wouldn't recommend $6,500 worth of goods from Mitutoyo

[@Queracus]

@@AscendedTechnologies i agree with that, but geting the precision blocks from amazon even if it has "certificates" is a bit fishy imho. Makes more sence to get stuff that has to be precise from a known trusted brand, and can allways resell it for basicaly same price if needed. but everyone has their own way i guess

[@ghassenhayouni-s9j]

pitbull clamp is better and powerfull

[@kylehofmeister6906]

Please don't support Xometry, they were fine in their early days but they gouge us machinists pretty badly. Most of the time I can't even buy stock for the price they are asking for the part. And also, just to be honest... I've been doing machining since I was 9 years old, family business currently almost 35. I wish I had chosen another trade. My friends are easily making over twice as much with fewer hours, one of them is a linemen, the other is an industrial HVAC tech. Machining just isn't worth the time... You can work a lot less, have better benefits and make a lot more in other trades. Maybe this will change under Trump and I hope it does, I really do. I'm just trying to be honest because I feel like most people will be happier doing something else.