What it Costs to Go to The Dance.....

[ri702bill 10,934]

All:

 

Inspired by the lengthy thread started by @Blue Chips, and not desiring to hijack it.....

 

Several folks showed versions of Hub Pullers of their own design. Others commented that they should fabricate more and sell them.

The common consensus was that there was not enough "Meat on the Bone" to do so and still cover expenses, never mind generate a healthy profit....

 

I recently posted about machining a C Series front axle to receive Flanged and Straight Bushings. I have offered this service for over 5 years at a flat shop fee of $100.

Let's break down what you get for your crisp Benjamin.....

The terms are as follows:

You supply a rebuildable axle and spindles. An axle with holes wallowed out more than 1/16" will require a different one be supplied. Spindles with moderate wear can be welded up & recut.

You purchase the six Bushings / Thrust Washers of your choice first. Shipping the axle assembly both ways is on you.

 

There are three different setups required to renew the axle; Center Pivot, Right Spindle Bore, and Left Spindle Bore. The last two are referenced off the finished Pivot...

Fixturing the axle casting is tedious. Most of the machined reference surfaces are either worn or being cut. About as adventuresome as trying to clamp down a Fire Axe.

Each setup required about an hour to define the original centerline, clamp in at least 3 places and recheck. THEN you turn on the Milling Machine. And remember you need to mill the underside of the spindle bosses to allow room for the thrust flange so the upper Snap ring fits...

All told, complete machining and assembly requires 4 to 5 hours. I still need to pay the Electric Bill for the lights & 2HP Miller. Ditto, I buy any expendable tooling (drills, reamers, new grease fittings, steel shims). And the filler rod, shield gas and electric to TIG weld the worn spindles..

As mentioned, I get a flat $100.... for 4 or more hours of Shop Time. My Electric Bill has close to doubled in 5 years without me adjusting the price. To put it in real world perspective - The Machine Shop where I last worked charged $120 PER HOUR. That is for setup and cutting time, or time on the phone if a problem with the supplied parts comes up. At 2019 prices. So???

Edited 14 hours ago by ri702bill

[lynnmor 8,371]

24 minutes ago, ri702bill said:

 

The Machine Shop where I last worked charged $120 PER HOUR. That is for setup and cutting time, or time on the phone if a problem with the supplied parts comes up. So???

 

Then think about the 18 year old nose picker at the car dealership that charges $200 per hour.  For some reason machine shops and tool & die shops rarely can charge as much as lesser skilled trades.

[ri702bill 10,934]

Actually, both are similar in that Time and Floor Space equals money. Simple setups and procedures cost less.

[Handy Don 15,578]

I get it. For someone not conversant in the details of the process, it can look crazy. But there is a LOT going on. 

[ebinmaine 76,425]

All the same reasons why I don't charge for rebuilding a carburetor. 

By the time I unpack, disassemble, and begin to clean the largest muck off one I'm into it for a solid hour. Sometimes twice that if the shafts have to come out.  

 

Then the ultrasonic cleaner is setup and run a LOT. Sometimes 6 to 10 runs at 35 to 40 minutes each. 

 

Remove. More cleaning. 

 

A little polishing. 

 

Reassemble.  

 

Ship n it back.....

 

 

My favorite small engine repair place gets around $90 an hour and they are LOW. 

 

[ri702bill 10,934]

1 hour ago, ebinmaine said:

Reassemble.  

 

Ship n it back....

What, you don't attach it to a dedicated "Mule" engine to set the mix screws while running too?? You hack!!!!! 

[mrc 1,026]

as some of you may know ri702bill makes an 'F' plate reinforcement kit with gussets.  top notch machining, welding and fitment.  pricey?    the way i look at it when your 'F' plate cracks and it will eventually if you plow how many hours does it take to strip the tractor and repair?   what is your time worth?   to me his kit is a bargain because it addresses a flaw in the wheelhorse design.  it was easy to install and the 'F' plate will not crack now.   by being proactive i headed off a repair that would require lot's of time and money to fix properly.

 

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