From: muratlanne@gmail.com   
      
   "Jim Wilkins"  wrote in message   
   news:m1tqrt$qgg$1@dont-email.me...   
   >   
   > "Morris Dovey"  wrote in message   
   > news:m1sk8n$k6s$1@speranza.aioe.org...   
   >> On 10/17/14 5:28 PM, mike wrote:   
   >>   
   >   
   > You can get yourself the essential machine tools for making lab   
   > equipment ...   
      
   I haven't found a good formal analysis of the build-or-buy decision as   
   it applies to garage inventors. I learned it on the job in the custom   
   test equipment business, where delivery time was a more important   
   factor than it is for an individual. What I did find on line assumes a   
   smart inventor can't possibly learn manual tradecraft skills. Perhaps   
   that's the bias of those who write about creativity as opposed to   
   those who practice it, or just snobbery.   
      
   When I directed you to rec.crafts.metalworking I was hoping you would   
   benefit from the group's advice on how to liberate yourself from   
   dependence on expensive outside sources for your custom hardware, as   
   many of us have done. Currently I'm machining a carbon brush holder to   
   repair a Variac, this part:   
   http://www.ebay.com/itm/NEW-GENERAL-RADIO-GENRAD-TECHNIPOWER-VBT   
   8-VARIAC-BRUSH-W20-W20M-W20MT-M20-W20BB-/111276985981   
      
   The raw materials cost less than $5 and I'd rather cause something   
   I've imagined to appear in front of me than watch TV.   
      
   Old American machine tools may be a better investment than new imports   
   if you can't depreciate them, since good examples hold their resale   
   value well. Machines becomes cheap once they are no longer economical   
   for production. You should have someone with experience evaluate their   
   condition.   
      
   -jsw   
      
   --- SoupGate-Win32 v1.05   
    * Origin: you cannot sedate... all the things you hate (1:229/2)