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Above 1200 Sq/FT The Salvage Garage

Wokspaces above 1200 squarefeet.

xtremek

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Joined
Apr 13, 2012
Messages
11,603
Location
St. Johns, Mi
Wife bought a 3D printer, but we don't have the software loaded onto a laptop yet. I've already got a long list of parts I can snag off of share sites to print.
 
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BoilermakerFan

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Joined
Apr 17, 2006
Messages
2,188
Location
Indianapolis, Indiana
Welcome to the 3D printer club Strouty!

I've primarily used mine to print upgrades for the printer! I haven't run mine in a while and now I'm having a video card driver issue so the Prusa slicer isn't running.

But like everyone else, I have a long list of items to print bookmarked from Thingiverse.
 
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Strouty

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Joined
Mar 21, 2010
Messages
38,218
Location
Southern Maine
The 3D printer is something I have been looking at but they seem to change so fast I'm a little reluctant to buy one. Being able to print nylon parts would be a plus.

I think this one will be future proof for at least the next six months.......


I bought a used 3d printer with several upgrades and then got caught out by not having enough knowledge to do anything with it yet. I'm still working my way through youtube to fill out the knowledge gaps. I still consider it a good investment.

Luckily I have a buddy that knows the software and design end really well.

Chit I'm still dealing with this on my $60 smartphone :willy_nil:D

At least it is a smart phone and not a jitterbug.......

Wife bought a 3D printer, but we don't have the software loaded onto a laptop yet. I've already got a long list of parts I can snag off of share sites to print.

I have a few ideas that I want to print for sure.

dual head fanceyy printer. I need to fire mine up again haven't used it in a while.

Your was one of the first ones I had actually seen printing, been wanting one for a long time.

So what will you name the truck you are going to print out?

Maybe a scale burb, too small to print big parts.

Welcome to the 3D printer club Strouty!

I've primarily used mine to print upgrades for the printer! I haven't run mine in a while and now I'm having a video card driver issue so the Prusa slicer isn't running.

But like everyone else, I have a long list of items to print bookmarked from Thingiverse.

I bought some printed parts, they were for my lathe tooling, just seemed like they wouldn't hold up and they were random colors, never installed them, but I like the idea. Will be making some out of nylon for sure. Also been eyeballing battery and tool holders for my Milwaukee tools. Then you have the random tools that float around in my tool box drawers. I figure the possibilities will be endless...........

Nothing like spending a bunch of money to make cheap parts. I figure in the end, this is going to be the start of my CNC future. ;)
 

kaymccampbell

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Joined
Feb 27, 2015
Messages
29,587
Location
Upstate New York
What breed of plastic squirting horror did you buy? I have a Monoprice Mini and an Ender 3 Pro. They have paid for themselves in car parts, unobtainium dust collection hardware, little gifts, and the shop clock displays. I've had great luck just printing PLA.
Right now they're idled awaiting the completion of a couple big woodworking projects, and then getting an enclosure. They get so cruddy in the wood shop.
 
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Strouty

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Joined
Mar 21, 2010
Messages
38,218
Location
Southern Maine
I ended up buying the enclosure for the printer, when using nylon you need to keep the temps up from what little I understand. The one I bought was a matterhackers pulse dx3, definitely not the most inexpensive unit out there, my wallet and I argued about it for a bit. The dual extruder heads is what made it seem worth the extra money, being able to print two colors or the water soluble bracing material just seemed like it would open things up to some crazy possibilities.
 

1Garageman

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Joined
May 12, 2009
Messages
4,417
Location
Columbus, Ohio
I can't wait to see some of the things you make with the printer. I am curious as to how hard they are to setup and make objects with them.
 
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Strouty

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Joined
Mar 21, 2010
Messages
38,218
Location
Southern Maine
It will definitely be a bit before I can make my own custom pieces, but I am sure there are already plans for the basics that I want to make out of Nylon. Once I get some practice with it, I will start ordering different colors.
 

pi_guy

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Joined
Jul 27, 2014
Messages
2,826
Location
N/A
On a cool note (not weather related!) I also ordered a 3D printer, my buddy has been trying to get me to buy one for a while, he is really good with the software end. He has a small printer that he has been messing with, I bought one he recommended, well I went above that recommendation and bought one that has a dual extruder and it prints Nylon, this means it will print fully usable parts that could be commercially viable. Salvage Garage has a new R&D Department!!!! For now I would like to be able to make useful things while learning about the software end, I figure this will tie into the CNC world so when I decided to really get things going I will be capable of doing greater fabrication work. Ultimate plan would be to have a decent size plasma table and a 3 axis CNC mill. With these things I think I could make just about anything.

Do you know CAD drawing software?
Just a small bump in the mix.
 
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Strouty

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Joined
Mar 21, 2010
Messages
38,218
Location
Southern Maine
There are ways around that. The printer has software available that will do what I am attempting for now. I have been searching for a pre subscription copy of auto cad, they get snatched up really quickly or eBay shuts them down.
 
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Strouty

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Joined
Mar 21, 2010
Messages
38,218
Location
Southern Maine
Starting to seem official, my Dad is definitely replacing me, no working around that. I think his wife is the key factor and it doesn't look like things are going to get any better. I am not sure how I am going to handle things, the transition involves me being "fired" and having to train my replacement or me being "fired" and just saying goodbye. Not sure I can do that, things are too interwoven and if I make a mess, he can make things difficult, I will however have to draw a line in the sand and stick to it. I don't think he is looking at things in any sort of rational way, I also don't think it is worth the effort of trying to have a sensible discussion with him because it appears that his wife would just explain to him that I am manipulating him and that is the last thing I need. The next couple months are going to become probably a few of the most stressful months of my life, getting heartburn right now thinking about it (or it could be the Wendy's spicy chicken talking back). Dad really needs to understand how life changing it will be for him, he currently doesn't have to do anything to make the company work, I handle all aspects of it. He also doesn't realize that I will be charging him more per hour than I used to and that I won't be available at the drop of a hat or on weekends and after hours. I am not sure what he expects is going to happen, but I don't think it is going to be good, in fact I think there will be some very sad days ahead, days that I am not looking forward to.
 

loganb

ALLIANCE MEMBER
Joined
Dec 29, 2011
Messages
5,587
Location
Omaha, NE
Sorry to hear about the impending mess....as being a part of a family owned farming business I've heard of far too many lawsuits and broken family relationships as things go sideways so hopefully that doesn't happen to you.

On the 3D Printer/CAD side....here is my rough take:

Ignore AutoCAD-It's primary purpose is 2D drawing. Yes it has some 3D capability, but it's targeted at the architectural community and not what most people playing with a 3D printer need. If you are already an AutoCAD 3D pro it may be a different story, but as you don't have the software now, I don't think that's the case

You need a 3D modeling software targeted at part/component design that has assembly capability. Professional versions would be SolidWorks or Fusion360(from Autodesk the same company with AutoCAD) with open source versions like OpenSCAD

Fusion360 isn't bad to pick up and lots of videos out there and has a free and legal hobbyist/personal use version that has pretty good functionality and will probably serve 90% or more of the true home 3D printer users
-Disclaimer: As it's a free version they can change included functionality at anytime so down the road it could not be as useful if the neuter it for some reason
https://www.autodesk.com/products/fusion-360/personal

SolidWorks is probably the most common 3D modeling software in the mechanical engineering/design world. There are some ways to get the legal, "educational" version of it for low cost($50/year) via some various clubs, I'm a member of EAA soley for this

https://www.eaa.org/eaa/eaa-membership/eaa-member-benefits/solidworks-resource-center

No experience with OpenSCAD but see it mentioned a lot so could be a viable option as well:
https://www.openscad.org/
 
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ttpete

Well-known member
Joined
Mar 8, 2011
Messages
6,737
Location
Dearborn, MI
Starting to seem official, my Dad is definitely replacing me, no working around that. I think his wife is the key factor and it doesn't look like things are going to get any better. I am not sure how I am going to handle things, the transition involves me being "fired" and having to train my replacement or me being "fired" and just saying goodbye. Not sure I can do that, things are too interwoven and if I make a mess, he can make things difficult, I will however have to draw a line in the sand and stick to it. I don't think he is looking at things in any sort of rational way, I also don't think it is worth the effort of trying to have a sensible discussion with him because it appears that his wife would just explain to him that I am manipulating him and that is the last thing I need. The next couple months are going to become probably a few of the most stressful months of my life, getting heartburn right now thinking about it (or it could be the Wendy's spicy chicken talking back). Dad really needs to understand how life changing it will be for him, he currently doesn't have to do anything to make the company work, I handle all aspects of it. He also doesn't realize that I will be charging him more per hour than I used to and that I won't be available at the drop of a hat or on weekends and after hours. I am not sure what he expects is going to happen, but I don't think it is going to be good, in fact I think there will be some very sad days ahead, days that I am not looking forward to.

Make sure you get a termination letter so you can go and file for unemployment. Personally, I'd have a hard time training a replacement for myself. If I did, it would be as an independent contractor at my set rate.
 

kaymccampbell

Well-known member
Joined
Feb 27, 2015
Messages
29,587
Location
Upstate New York
Strouty, sorry about your family. They'll get you every time. Your best bet would be to insist on a contract. If not, then walk away. And expect to lose your dad, no matter what. It kinda sounds like you have anyway, with your MIL pulling the strings. Family's great. Mine spent a lot of time screwing with me. I walked away young. They still try to insert themselves into my life through my SO and kids. Some folks just have to have someone to screw with.

Right now, your first priority is to stop all work in the business, and get all your stuff onto your property. Before they can try to claim ownership. Separate all your paperwork, and get it back to the SG. Deliver their necessary paperwork to them, and then wait for the contract, and continue to bill them the standby rate. Remember to place a mechanic's lien on everything they have that you've touched. Don't be afraid to charge interest.
 
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Strouty

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Joined
Mar 21, 2010
Messages
38,218
Location
Southern Maine
Pete, no ability to claim, I am a subcontractor technically, complicated mess.

Kay, it isn’t to your second paragraph, yet. I have a lease for the house and shop at the Hill, it is good through June 2023 and I intend to keep using it until then. The contract would be for future stuff, right now he is still “employing” me and paying me. I think he is going to try and get me to discount my rate as soon as he hires someone, but in all honesty it is going to be twice as much work for me to train someone else. I will still do it, but if the person quits (and I wouldn’t be surprised if they did), I won’t do it a second time.

I am pretty much resigned to the fact that my relationship with my Dad is going to go the same way his relation with his Dad went, badly. :(
 

kaymccampbell

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Joined
Feb 27, 2015
Messages
29,587
Location
Upstate New York
Strouty, the training rate is higher than the operational rate, due to the fact that everything takes at least twice as long while you are training. Don't give in to the discount. If anything you should get a raise.

Oh, he can void that lease just as quick as you can, should he get pissy. Run, Forrest, run.
 
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Strouty

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Joined
Mar 21, 2010
Messages
38,218
Location
Southern Maine
At this point I am not going out of my way to change anything, as things progress, I may change my mind. I have too many projects going on to abandon ship, once the snow is gone, I can start to shuffle things around, but I can’t justify giving up on the Hill yet, at the SG I can’t get my trucks inside the shop, that would kill at least two of my projects.
 

Two Door

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Joined
Jan 7, 2011
Messages
815
Location
Houston, TX - USA
I am pretty much resigned to the fact that my relationship with my Dad is going to go the same way his relation with his Dad went, badly. :(

It is pretty apparent your Dad has Borderline Personality Disorder, or something very similar. Defined by tumultuous personal relationships, among other things. That isn't your fault and will never change. All you can do is cope by setting distances and boundaries.
 

Monza Harry

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Joined
Dec 29, 2018
Messages
1,433
Location
Windsor ON
Strouty SO SORRY to hear about the situation with your Dad! I don't think I could train my replacement in that situation, and I think the medaling wife should fix the situation, if she thinks you are the problem then you aren't the person "They" need to train the successor. Tell her "Have at it" and walk away! The companies value without you and "Dad" will be assets only! If that is far too drastic for you, perhaps you should gradually remove everybody else from the equation and when our current state of COVID lockdown lessens you will need a month in Europe, your significant other always wanted to see Paris or Rome (etc.) right?
You are clearly showing signs of change due to the stress of this, so go clear your head, and treat the "Better Half" [she must be seeing and feeling the fruits of your dad's misguided labour as well] to something she didn't see coming and enjoy! Oh and no you cannot bring a european truck back in your overhead compartments luggage! Yes we do know you that well! A few parts well... Okay, a diesel engine if you can lift it up there we won't argue :) You would have to fix the mess when you get back, but the masterminds orchestrating your demise don't know what you have to do or deal with, and they need to know, they will not be able to contact you because you and the "prettier half" forgot your cell phones [convenient I know] or forgot to properly set them up for the foreign carriers, this is your area of expertise so you know which way to go here. Absence makes the heart grow stronger or some such $#!+ right? Best of luck in this matter and all others as well Strouty! Feel free to keep us in the loop. We need pic's of the sights, cool trucks , cars, bikes, and machines, but no cell towers. ;) Harry
 

smalltown

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Joined
Jul 9, 2015
Messages
985
Location
Western Maine
Not much to say Strouty other than keep a cool head you have been at odds with your father before, but everything I would do would be with an effort to protect protect myself, and my future regardless of what happens now.

The end will come sooner or later just be prepared.
 
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Strouty

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Mar 21, 2010
Messages
38,218
Location
Southern Maine
I will definitely be protecting myself, I am going to have a conversation with him.

As for other people talking to him, his memory is so twisted, he makes things up now. My Cousin says that he changes stories daily, I do not see how anyone could put up with a boss like this. I technically don't, I tell him no, I ignore him, but I always operate the business in HIS best interest. I have a stake in things both mentally and financially, unfortunately the financial aspects are not in writing and he refuses to do anything now. The only good thing is that his attorney openly knows about everything and would have to testify to that if (or when) I have to sue to get my portion out of the company.
 

ttpete

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Mar 8, 2011
Messages
6,737
Location
Dearborn, MI
I will definitely be protecting myself, I am going to have a conversation with him.

As for other people talking to him, his memory is so twisted, he makes things up now. My Cousin says that he changes stories daily, I do not see how anyone could put up with a boss like this. I technically don't, I tell him no, I ignore him, but I always operate the business in HIS best interest. I have a stake in things both mentally and financially, unfortunately the financial aspects are not in writing and he refuses to do anything now. The only good thing is that his attorney openly knows about everything and would have to testify to that if (or when) I have to sue to get my portion out of the company.

You'd end up suing your stepmother if he's declared to be noncompos mentis.
 

1Garageman

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Joined
May 12, 2009
Messages
4,417
Location
Columbus, Ohio
DAMN, it is just a super hearing all of this is happening. I hope it does come down to you having to take your father/company to court. I hope you clearly have proof of what is yours also. GOOD LUCK!
 

F451

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Joined
Jul 18, 2010
Messages
991
Location
WA State, USA
Very sorry to hear this Strouty.

Only you knows what is best for this situation. At the end of the day you want to know you've done your best for yourself and your family. Sometimes there is no outcome that works for everyone.

And don't be too hard on yourself however this goes. Not saying you will be, but children often harbor feelings of guilt or regret over things they have no control of in these ongoing family disputes.

We're all pulling for you, your dad, and your family. -Ed
 

mybigwarwagon

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Joined
Nov 4, 2009
Messages
4,428
Location
Vale, Nc
And people ask me why I moved 500 miles away from home when I was 19. I always am amused when I see a store or restaurant that says, "come on in, we will treat you like family" on the door. Ain't no way in hell I am going in there.
 

ttpete

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Joined
Mar 8, 2011
Messages
6,737
Location
Dearborn, MI
And people ask me why I moved 500 miles away from home when I was 19. I always am amused when I see a store or restaurant that says, "come on in, we will treat you like family" on the door. Ain't no way in hell I am going in there.

I learned long ago to never get involved with family over anything that involves money or property. It's not worth the grief.
 
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