ISO disc tabs

[cicli polito]

I was really hoping that I would read about specific experiences with specific suppliers, and see samples of the manufacturing quality. For the most part that did happen(no samples showing finishes unfortunately).

I mean no offense by this, but the reason you're not getting specific names of suppliers and examples of surface finishes straight off the rip is that concept known as "legwork."

Bringing a product into the supply chain (even as small a number as 25) is a commitment. Not all cutting and jetting shops are created equal, obviously, and the success or failure of your product is going to be solely in their hands. Some will advise you on what size/heat lazer you should use, and what entry angle is best to minimize kerf for your cut piece. Others will just have Ol' Junk McGee push a green button at 3am after cutting aluminum. It took friends of mine 4 different laser shops before they found the quality they were looking for, with good service, and a price that fit into their model. I have had similar experiences.

People here are really generous when it comes to "hey what size wire should I use" and so on. Which is awesome. But when it comes to supply chain in a competitive wholesale environment, it's a whole different ball game. My advice would be to start with a shop that is always busy and has a lead time. Beware of shops that can "do it tomorrow morning," as idle laser cutters are only idle for a reason. Get at least theee quotes, go down to the shops for hands on samples from the cut line, meet your potential sales contacts. It'll take a few days of scheduling and running around chasing smoke.

My guess is that you haven't built those legwork hours into the eventual price of your product. Realistically for 3 quotes you're looking at 2 hours of phone time, 2 hours on the shop floors, 2 hours of driving/biking around, and a sandwich. AKA a full day. You might be paying yourself $20/hr, so $140 floated into the life of your parts. For 25 parts, you've got $5.60 into each one without accounting for any design, material, and cost for the vendor. You need to pay yourself and account for these hours, it's not charity work. All of a sudden, it sets in, Mark's tabs are a bargain even at 1.5 times the cost (including shipping and/or duties to Canada).

Good luck, let us know how the project goes.

[incepi]

The quote from eMachineshop arrived. The cost(factoring in currency exchange and shipping) would be more than double what my local laser cutting shop has quoted. Needless to say I will not be using that service.

[dinucci]

the design of that tab is crude. it needs work. it may be a simple part to make but the design problem to solve is not simple. unless that tab is attached to very thick tube/stock.

[EricKeller]

The water jet shop's preliminary estimate is $3 to $5 each for a small batch of 25.

I take it that this is in Canadian $, so not quite as much as it looks at first blush to an American. But still, as a point of reference, sunk cost in an item like this should be no more than 20% of what you sell it for or it's not worth doing. So we're talking $10-15 USD for these or you're just wasting your time selling them. How much can it cost to get the really nice ones from Paragon shipped to Canada? They are nearly ready to go on a bike without much cleanup. I would feel compelled to break the edges on your part, and I can easily see wasting 30 minutes or longer doing that. Will they tumble them for you for a reasonable price?

[Bobdabody]

Water jet, CNC I get it... but would the OA cutting torch get the nod from you guys.. every kit comes with one and it will do that trick Yo! Seems custom bikes get custom parts and fashioning/massging is in order and gives you a signature. Integrated drop out brake mount sounds like the way to go... I wish Garro would sell some of those coco- motos! Very nice!

Peace and good thread

[Will Neide]

... I wish Garro would sell some of those coco- motos! Very nice!

I'm sure he'd happily sell you a pair installed in a frame.

[steve garro]

I'm sure he'd happily sell you a pair installed in a frame.

If it's currently on order

- Garro.