your 2 cents

[Lord Pac]

So- change of profession. Tired of encryption, packeting, access lists, ip's, routing,switching, blah blah blah....and thinking of something totally different!

I am in the process of importing a metal lathe ( I know bugger all about them :sweatdrop )and was wondering what the demand is like for bike stuff.

Things like frame sliders, swingarm spools, clutch sliders, barends anything that can be turned on a lathe. I notice peeps import from the US because it's too expensive to make here or cheaper in the US as they churn out volumes.

What does the KB :ride:community reckon? I will still be importing the lathe regardless of demand. Another hobby rather than new profession :)

Cheers! :niceone:

[Coyote]

Metal Lathe?! Bloody hell, they're like 8 grand aren't they? Nice machines, good investment :niceone:

[Lord Pac]

Metal Lathe?! Bloody hell, they're like 8 grand aren't they? Nice machines, good investment :niceone:

Depends on the length. Lathes are cheap overseas it's the shipping that's worrying- unless it comes by boat! But yes in the range of 5-10gees

Either a lathe or a Yamaha alto sax...<_<

[Coyote]

Depends on the length. Lathes are cheap overseas it's the shipping that's worrying- unless it comes by boat! But yes in the range of 5-10gees

Either a lathe or a Yamaha alto sax...<_<
Our school has got a nice new Metal Lathe for the metalwork class. Cost bloody 8 grand. Haven't had the chance to use it but it look really nice. Our old 60's one is still my favourite, the gearbox is buggered and when you turn it on, sounds like a tank is going past

[Mooch]

What is it with IT staff wanting to get out of it and make billet parts for motorcycles. Your the third person that wants to do this I've herd of in the last 6 months. You'd be up against a couple of good NZ machine shops and the likes of cyclecat in the US.
Could be a good export market though . Ever thought about making a billet side stand for Ducati SBK. I'd put an order in for one. No one makes them yet and the factory one is sh*t.

Mooch

[Dodgyiti]

Lathes are heavy and expensive
They require 3 phase power, and if they don't then they are not up to much
The fitting and turning apprentiship is 4 years and 3 x 2 week block courses
Big fish overseas and here have programable [ CNC] machines that cut operator time by 2/3 rds, can you compete with that, depending on how much your time is worth.
Billet, and just plain ali is very expensive in the sort of turning size blocks, one mistake- kaput
Apprentices make lots of mistakes the boss pays for, even with their training.

But good on you for trying something different, done the same myself, 3 times in fact, never regretted any of it. :wavey:

[Riff Raff]

So- change of profession. Tired of encryption, packeting, access lists, ip's, routing,switching, blah blah blah....and thinking of something totally different!
There's nothing worse than being stuck in a job you hate. Life is for living - you don't want a little bit of your soul destroyed every day! It's very hard to give up the security of a career, even if it makes you unhappy. It's amazing what a release you feel when you make the break, and you'll be surprised at where your path leads you. The thing is, you'll never know whether you will succeed unless you try it. Go for it, and hopefully the path you take down the trouser of time will bring you happiness and fulfillment!

[Wonko]

All the best with finding another profession. Moved from IT(Programing) to Logistist and stock control. Better hours and I don't have to deal with stupid clients

[Hoon]

Yeah I've been thinking the same thing...well not as in a career change but more getting a small hobby metal lathe to make up my own bike parts (i.e. bolts, fittings, brackets, foot pegs, rear sets etc). You see a lot of lathes going on trademe. (http://www.trademe.co.nz/structure/listings/listings_search_results.asp?searchtype=GENERAL&searchstring=metal+lathe)
However I want to learn to weld first and am going to do some short tech courses (6 x Sat morn classes). (http://intouch.aut.ac.nz/intouch/CourseInfo/knowledge_base/kb_sub.php?sectionid=47) At the end of the 3rd course you sit your welding cert exam and then I'll get into some lathe courses.

I work in IT too and am thoroughly bored with it but the moneys too good. My way of coping is to have other exciting hobbies outside of work (i.e. Army, Target shooting and Motorcycling racing!!!)

[bluninja]

Good luck with whatever you decide to do; having done a 4 year apprentice ship in marine engineering (which included machine skills - welding, soldering, sheet metal work, milling, turning etc) I have no desire to have a 'boring' job producing runs of turned metal parts....but that's me. I did the IT thing, but I worked with people that used IT. To me IT's only another tool... just like a lathe but without the noise, swarf and soluble oil :banana:

[Blakamin]

Can't see you turning up some frame sliders on a yamaha alto sax, so I say buy the lathe!

any bits you want to make for Ducs, I'll gladly be your guinea pig!!!

[Joni]

There's nothing worse than being stuck in a job you hate. Life is for living - you don't want a little bit of your soul destroyed every day! It's very hard to give up the security of a career, even if it makes you unhappy. It's amazing what a release you feel when you make the break, and you'll be surprised at where your path leads you. The thing is, you'll never know whether you will succeed unless you try it. Go for it, and hopefully the path you take down the trouser of time will bring you happiness and fulfillment!

This was great to read, thanks Sue! Been thinking a lot about that "life is for living... part", and been wondering about the compromise factor in that. Yes I know at times it does play a huge factor, but surely there comes a time when you consider what you need and want, your happiness will surely contribute to the happiness of the people that you love?...(dunno, you can see I've been thinking....) :unsure:

Paco, strange we in the same business, IT, in fact security, encryption etc plays a huge part of my day, and unless its something you really enjoy it can rob the soul... been thinking down the same lines as you 100%. I wish you all the luck, what ever you decide to do! :niceone:

[Dodgyiti]

There are some nice and reasonably priced lathes in Lucas Machinery in East Tamiki, cheaper than Macdonalds, but Macdonalds have a larger range.
I also would love a 600 center 4 jaw in my workshop, but then a mill is only a short jump after that, and then possible divorce :o

[vifferman]

There's nothing worse than being stuck in a job you hate. Life is for living - you don't want a little bit of your soul destroyed every day! It's very hard to give up the security of a career, even if it makes you unhappy. It's amazing what a release you feel when you make the break, and you'll be surprised at where your path leads you. The thing is, you'll never know whether you will succeed unless you try it. Go for it, and hopefully the path you take down the trouser of time will bring you happiness and fulfillment!
"...the path you take down the trouser of time..."??:killingme :killingme :killingme
That's very good, Riff Raff.

Sound advice too, but difficult to take, unless you're unencumbered by kids, a hefty mortgage, and all the trappings of consumerism... :confused2

Or very brave.


Which I'm not.

By the way - seeing as everyone on this thread (apart from Riffy Raffy) is in IT - so am I!! I've drifted into several careers along the way: farm labourer, research technician, lab supervisor, systems manager, software support, programmer.... and now I'm a professional writer for KB! :whistle:

[James Deuce]

"...the path you take down the trouser of time..."??:killingme :killingme :killingme
That's very good, Riff Raff.

Sound advice too, but difficult to take, unless you're unencumbered by kids, a hefty mortgage, and all the trappings of consumerism... :confused2

Or very brave.


Which I'm not.

{snip}



I'm sick of people, who make a huge commitment to furthering our society by having kids, feeling like they have to apologise for commiting to that process instead of doing the great post-modern become-a-rock-star-in-your-chosen-profession thing.

It is utter bullshit that you can be anything you want to be. You can't. Get over it and stop wasting time looking back when you should be celebrating the things you've done. Don't measure your achievements against the yardstick you made for yourself as a teenager.

I work in IT and I absolutely loathe being a corporate monkey. But how dare I think that I could be selfish enough to reduce the standard of living of the people that rely on me, just so I can follow my dream. My life is as good as it can be at the moment, with all that that entails.

You done good Vifferman. You're obviously proud of your kids, and you have a relationship with your wife that looks pretty darn good from the outside looking in.

[vifferman]

I'm sick of people, who make a huge commitment to furthering our society by having kids, feeling like they have to apologise for commiting to that process instead of doing the great post-modern become-a-rock-star-in-your-chosen-profession thing.
Sorry Jim - didn't mean to make you sick.:blink:
And I wasn't completely honest anyway. I don't actually know what I want to be.:confused2
When I was young, my ambition was to be a writer and/or actor, but lacking drive and confidence, I allowed myself to drift into science (my father was a scientist). Waste of many years followed (apart from meeting my wife at university). But not an entire waste - I've done some interesting things, had some good jobs, but made some bad career decisions too.


It is utter bullshit that you can be anything you want to be. You can't. Get over it and stop wasting time looking back when you should be celebrating the things you've done. Don't measure your achievements against the yardstick you made for yourself as a teenager.
No yardstick. Like I said, I just drifted along.
But I don't entirely agree you can't be anything you want to. If you have the talent, and drive (and often - a lucky break is required), it's altogether possible.
I went to a seminar in Chch on "finding your ideal career and going for it" or some such crapola. I walked out part way through, because I realised most of the things I most enjoyed doing I could do in my own time - they didn't need to be part of a career, and in fact may have lost something if they became elements of a job.


I work in IT and I absolutely loathe being a corporate monkey. But how dare I think that I could be selfish enough to reduce the standard of living of the people that rely on me, just so I can follow my dream. My life is as good as it can be at the moment, with all that that entails.
I am fortunate in that I have only a few years left till the kids have been edumicated, and my wife has said when that happens we will likely move, change jobs, and I can do whatever the hell I want to do with my time. I've accepted that in the meantime it's a sacrifice prostituting myself for the good of the family. The unfortunate thing is I believe it's contributed to wrecking my health.


You done good Vifferman. You're obviously proud of your kids, and you have a relationship with your wife that looks pretty darn good from the outside looking in.
Indeed. It is very good, but that hasn't a lot to do with my efforts (well... apart from an awful lot of time and love spent on my autistic son).
Like Joe Walsh said (well, sung, I guess..): "I can't complain, but sometimes I still do. Life's been good to me so far."

[James Deuce]

Paco, strange we in the same business, IT, in fact security, encryption etc plays a huge part of my day, and unless its something you really enjoy it can rob the soul... been thinking down the same lines as you 100%. In fact my first love, music, is calling my name again! I wish you all the luck, what ever you decide to do! :niceone:

Music is my first passion (more even than motorcycling!), and I am going bug-crazy having to put it on hold while I finish my degree and have babies. I know it'll be worth it though, and after every musical lay off I've come back a better musician, even if my chops do need serious work to recover. :)

[Motu]

My home workshop has ended up dispersed into my business workshop - I don't work at home anymore,all my bikes are kept at work too.But I will be putting another home shop together soon...a lathe is part of my plan.There are some not too bad cheapies being offered around these days,hard to choose between a new one with whistles and bells,but questionable quality and an old and possibly worn old one for the same price.

It's amaising what can be done on an old big lathe - Ralph Watson made a complete V twin BSA motor for his racing car,cases,crank,rods,pistons,barrels and rotary valve heads on an old pre war job.I know a guy who's making a 1/4 steam roller/traction engine on his big ancient lathe - ok you think for the big stuff,but I am always suprised when he shows me the tiny intricate valves and stuff he has made - ''have you got a Myford to do this stuff on?'' I asked...no,it's all done on the big lathe.

[James Deuce]

Sorry Jim - didn't mean to make you sick.:blink:
And I wasn't completely honest anyway. I don't actually know what I want to be.:confused2
When I was young, my ambition was to be a writer and/or actor, but lacking drive and confidence, I allowed myself to drift into science (my father was a scientist). Waste of many years followed (apart from meeting my wife at university). But not an entire waste - I've done some interesting things, had some good jobs, but made some bad career decisions too.

{snippity, snipdey, snip}

No yardstick. Like I said, I just drifted along.
But I don't entirely agree you can't be anything you want to. If you have the talent, and drive (and often - a lucky break is required), it's altogether possible.
I had no idea either, but they were shoving bollocks down our necks if they thought children should know what they want to do when they leave school, let alone what career to enter.

Having been involved in the creative arts for 29 years, I can reliably say that drive, determination, talent, and skill amount to a big fat zero without a massive amount of luck. Luck is by far the biggest component in success for a creative endeavour. Right place, right time and all that, and it is a complete lie, built and disseminated by an uncaring profit motivated industry, that anyone with a little talent can succeed in the entertainment industry. If one person likes something that you created, that should be enough.

[Skunk]

Vifferman; I can relate. I hate going to work each day, not because I don't want to work, just because I don't want to do what I'm doing. Next week is 10 years in this job. I spent 11 in the previous job. :mad:

Mortgage is the only reason I'm here. Debt is so high (Spent too much on toys :niceone: ) I'd have to sell the house to break even. And that's not in a easy sell state.

Sound depressing? I guess so. But I've done it this way myself and I enjoy the toys.

Really I'm one of the lucky ones... I have the toys I want and the health to use them. :sunny:

:done:

[Lord Pac]

What is it with IT staff wanting to get out of it and make billet parts for motorcycles. Your the third person that wants to do this I've herd of in the last 6 months

Occupation-IT- so when are you getting your lathe? ;)



Lathes are heavy and expensive
They require 3 phase power, and if they don't then they are not up to much...Big fish overseas and here have programable [CNC] machines that cut operator time by 2/3 rds, can you compete with that, depending on how much your time is worth...There are some nice and reasonably priced lathes in Lucas Machinery in East Tamiki


Good points. I'll keep that in mind. I'll have to check if residential homes can have 3 phase. Noise will also be a concern as Auckland is infamous for noise control! I probably start off doing it as a hobby than a full time job. I'm just a guppy and no match for the bigger fish. yes CNC machines will give perfect cut parts with little turnaround time! I'll check out Lucas. thanks.

I feel like I've reach my peak and now flat lined. It's the same routine day in day out. Not challenging anymore. Yes it's bloody good money especially contracting. There's lots out there- I'll just have to find what soothes my soul. I've been on temporary retirement since Oct 04 so there's no rush in finding something! I'm just cruising along...:ride:

Thanks everyone for your 2 cents. It has been enlightening. :2thumbsup

[Blakamin]

I had no idea either, but they were shoving bollocks down our necks if they thought children should know what they want to do when they leave school, let alone what career to enter.
Not wrong... I'm 33 and still don't know what I wanna do when I grow up


Having been involved in the creative arts for 29 years, I can reliably say that drive, determination, talent, and skill amount to a big fat zero without a massive amount of luck. Luck is by far the biggest component in success for a creative endeavour.
again, totally correct... luck is the only thing that makes the pop world go round... look at natasha beddingfield f'rinstance, if she didn't have a brother, she'd be nothing... kelly osbourne, dont make me laugh..... away from music, look at paris friggin hilton.... I could go on for days... maybe I should stop watching "E!"
thats one reason why I got into the engineering side of music, a bit more of a chance... still gotta be lucky tho.... right place, right time and a band you believe in

[Shade]

So- change of profession. Tired of encryption, packeting, access lists, ip's, routing,switching, blah blah blah....and thinking of something totally different!

I am in the process of importing a metal lathe ( I know bugger all about them :sweatdrop )and was wondering what the demand is like for bike stuff.

Things like frame sliders, swingarm spools, clutch sliders, barends anything that can be turned on a lathe. I notice peeps import from the US because it's too expensive to make here or cheaper in the US as they churn out volumes.

What does the KB :ride:community reckon? I will still be importing the lathe regardless of demand. Another hobby rather than new profession :)

Cheers! :niceone:

Bro, pfft.
Dont be a weener. Keep doing IT and buy a race bike - And have fun :)

[Hitcher]

Not wrong... I'm 33 and still don't know what I wanna do when I grow up
Jeez, you're a pup! Not wanting to make a competition out of this, I'm 47 and in exactly the same position.

I have ended up where I am career-wise through a series of happy coincidences and opportunities, not through any deliberate plan.

By university qualification, I'm a prototype engineer/marketer. By "occupation" I'm a corporate communications director. By passion, I'm a motorcyclist. My "skill", if I have one, is to work with other people to make things happen -- all a bit nebulous really.

Unlike some of you folk, I wouldn't describe myself as being in any way gifted. I like to think that I'm smart enough to recognise people who are smarter than me. What I lack in intellect I make up for in low cunning. I can't play an instrument (hated piano lessons as a kid) but love music.

Regrets? I have very few. If I was given an opportunity to rewind my life and start over, there are very few things I would change -- even the bad stuff, even some of the REALLY bad stuff. I believe our ability to deal with the bad more than the good is what defines us as individuals and as people. If I changed things in my "rewound" life I may never find my Jane, and I would never want to lose her and everything she has added to my life.

Buy that bloody lathe!

[Joni]

Music is my first passion (more even than motorcycling!), and I am going bug-crazy having to put it on hold while I finish my degree and have babies. I know it'll be worth it though, and after every musical lay off I've come back a better musician, even if my chops do need serious work to recover. :)

I thinked you just answered my question to myself...
I have stopped seeing myself as a muso, when in fact its been the one constant in my life...
:spudguita

[Biff]

There's nothing worse than being stuck in a job you hate. Life is for living - you don't want a little bit of your soul destroyed every day! It's very hard to give up the security of a career, even if it makes you unhappy. It's amazing what a release you feel when you make the break, and you'll be surprised at where your path leads you. The thing is, you'll never know whether you will succeed unless you try it. Go for it, and hopefully the path you take down the trouser of time will bring you happiness and fulfillment!


Sound advice RR, and very similar advice to that which I took some time ago. Too many people just sit there is jobs that they loathe simply because they are scared or concerned about upsetting the status quo.

I jumped ship from a job that paid me three times what I'm currently being paid (conversion rate taken into account), simply because I hated the stress and pressure. Now I'm paid far less, I'm a happy bunny, the family are also happier and I spend all day on forums talking testicules to absolute strangers.

[Marmoot]

Looking at KB trend lately, you'd be better of spending money on fibreglass skills, plastic welding and/or spraypainting.

I know a prospective client......me :yes:

[Lord Pac]

Looking at KB trend lately, you'd be better of spending money on fibreglass skills, plastic welding and/or spraypainting.

I know a prospective client......me :yes:

lol True :yes:

That's why I thought go one up higher and make frame sliders, spools, clutch protectors, barends and whatever else needs protection. I know I'll be the first customer and have a list of other KB members- no names mentioned off course... to protect their innocence....:D

[Marmoot]

lol True :yes:

That's why I thought go one up higher and make frame sliders, spools, clutch protectors, barends and whatever else needs protection. I know I'll be the first customer and have a list of other KB members- no names mentioned off course... to protect their innocence....:D



How about STREETFIGHTER CONVERSION SPECIALIST?

[Riff Raff]

Sound advice RR, and very similar advice to that which I took some time ago. Too many people just sit there is jobs that they loathe simply because they are scared or concerned about upsetting the status quo.
.
I was once stuck in a job that made me unhappy, but too scared to make the change. Then something really nasty happened to me in my personal life, and I had difficulty coping. So I chucked everything in and moved to Coromandel. Spent two years recharging my batteries, became a volunteer ambulance officer, then moved back to Auckland to do ambulance full time. Now I have a job I love.

[SPman]

I had no idea either, but they were shoving bollocks down our necks if they thought children should know what they want to do when they leave school, let alone what career to enter. Well said, that man!

Having been involved in the creative arts for 29 years, I can reliably say that drive, determination, talent, and skill amount to a big fat zero without a massive amount of luck. Luck is by far the biggest component in success for a creative endeavour. Right place, right time and all that, and it is a complete lie, built and disseminated by an uncaring profit motivated industry, that anyone with a little talent can succeed in the entertainment industry. If one person likes something that you created, that should be enough.

In ANY profession, job, skill line! All those things over the years got me, now, to exactly nowhere!

After a shit year last year, which destroyed me financially and almost emotionally, I chucked everything in and got a job working for the council - low pay but low stress. I really enjoy it and I am now starting to function like a Human bean again. and feeling better in myself. (particularly after today and the big C scare has been put to rest... for now!). No kids or wife to worry about. (no bank balance either, unfortunately!) One thing I am not doing again, is working in a job I dont enjoy. I have 3 or 4 career/job options I can do, but I'm doing none of them unless Im happy about it.

So, when's that lathe arriving paco?

[Blakamin]

lol True :yes:

That's why I thought go one up higher and make frame sliders, spools, clutch protectors, barends and whatever else needs protection. I know I'll be the first customer and have a list of other KB members- no names mentioned off course... to protect their innocence....:D
ME ME ME.... I'd love something that stops me fearing the fairing!
I'm being such a nana on the Duc coz I dont wanna lay her down...
I'll be one of your first customers... will even send pics and drawings and stuff!!!

[Midnight 82]

ME ME ME.... I'd love something that stops me fearing the fairing!
I'm being such a nana on the Duc coz I dont wanna lay her down...
I'll be one of your first customers... will even send pics and drawings and stuff!!!

If I had a Duc I would ride it like a nana 2 :yes:

[Lord Pac]

How about STREETFIGHTER CONVERSION SPECIALIST?

Speaking of streetfighters- a guy by the handle of soux on trademe does conversions. He also makes trick parts for bikes- not advertising but seen some of his work- good stuff! :niceone:

[Mooch]

[QUOTE=paco27zim]Occupation-IT- so when are you getting your lathe? ;)

Probably won't get a lathe when I get out of IT , would like to build high end Audio Amps, which is what I'd wanted to do when a left college 20 years ago. Will come and see you for the Volume / Select and Balance knobbs :2thumbsup

Cheers
mooch

[marty]

hell i'm 36 and i only just figured out what i wanna be when i grow up. threw in my well paid superannuation laden job of 14 years, went back to what i did as an apprentice (only to pay the bills) and now i spend about $800 a week training! hopefully will have broken the back of it in 6 months, and be on the job market by 2006. there really is nothing like peeling away at 3g from straight and level into a roll followed by a pull up and over into an immelman then finishing with a snap stall into a spin.
then riding the TL home in shorts and t-shirt at 80k's, enjoying the smell of the countryside, the boom of the yoshis, and all that life has to offer :)

[Jantar]

there really is nothing like peeling away at 3g from straight and level into a roll followed by a pull up and over into an immelman then finishing with a snap stall into a spin.
then riding the TL home in shorts and t-shirt at 80k's, enjoying the smell of the countryside, the boom of the yoshis, and all that life has to offer :)

Sure there is. 2.5 times stall speed, pull straight up, hold her vertical untill the speed peels off to 1.5 times stall, full rudder, oposite aileron, then recover from the resulant inverted spin, straight into a loop, then finish with a chandelle. Nothing over 2 g and you get to do the whole spectrum.

(Oh, I should have mentioned. Its my favourite manouver in a Std Jantar and hence my username.) :2thumbsup

[gav]

wow, cool thread, I'm not in IT so no lathe for me, but been in same job for coming up 7 years now, and I'm looking at doing something different. Not even too sure what, to be honest, just applying for different jobs out of the paper, in no hurry, just see what turns up :2thumbsup

[Slipstream]

I used to have a job I absolutely loved. :apint:

But I had to give it up due to family commitments. :(

Lifestyle clash.

I decided that my family was more important. :yeah:

I still do. :)

I was taught a very wise thing from a not so very smart man.
"Whatever you decide to do, make sure it's something you're prepared to back up. That way if it turns to custard, at least you stood up for what you believed in"

With advice like that, I've never had a bad experience that I haven't come out winning :niceone:

Optimisim(sp?)...ain't it grand :D