Running a Machine Shop takes GRIT!

In this episode of Becoming a Practical Machinist, Kurtis and Rebecca from @MilSpecManufacturing reflect on the last 7months of business since transitioning full-time to Mil-Spec Manufacturing. The highs and lows. The inconsistent jobs, and major appliances breaking. But still pushing forward.
What topics would you like to see in their future episodes? Drop the comments below and let us know!
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[@andrewmiller7447]

Awesome to see you guys talk about the pure motivation and drive required in the beginning. I’ve got a garage shop in Southern California with 2 small doosans and just crossed into my second year in business. Started out with one mini mill, and things were going pretty good, then took on a little more debt than I was ready for with the two doosans and hit major growing pains and finally this year is off to a really good start with some bigger jobs flowing in and getting more efficient in setups/spindle utilization. Cost of living in California is absolutely horrible and as the sole provider of a family of 4 and zero money saved going into this, it’s been testing to say the least but finally things are starting to look good. It definitely is tough in the beginning, but I think as long as the dedication is there and work ethic, it’s definitely achievable. Just a matter of being willing to do what it takes to push through!

[@joshualegault1095]

I opened up my shop out of my garage in 2018 with zero money saved up. I financed my first machine with tormach. Then i lived off my credit cards until they were all maxed out. I only made $20000 total revenue in my first year. I didn't make any real money until my third year in business. We are in 4000sf of space now with 6 cnc machines(2 of which were purchased brand new) and have a brand new zeiss cmm on the way. I have so much work that I can't even quote it all. Time is your greatest ally. And no, I wouldn't start it again with no money saved up or live off my credit cards ever again. Lessons were learned the hard way in my case.

[@wes7715]

💪 strong foundation with no handouts. Paying dues is a fundamental of being a machinist. You give me hope to find independence in manufacturing, however it may happen.

[@ShainAndrews]

@@wes7715 No... that is idocracy and dumb luck.

[@richhuntsd12]

Hey nice video you guys. Where I come from my wife and I called it“ Beans and Tortilla days”. We figured out how to eat and live cheap. The shop takes a lot of money to buy tools, materials etc. Keep the faith, I pray to God a lot for guidance and a good attitude. It takes all the above and a lot of luck. Hopefully now some luck will come your way and make your lives a little easier. Thank You for sharing!!!!!😊

[@mikefunk1423]

Great video. 3 yrs of running my machine shop at home and working a full time job. My goal is to go full time once my 2nd machine is paid off. It’s definitely not easy but I am all in to make it a success, that’s why I named our shop Driven CNC Machining. Glad I’m not the only one that struggles at time 😆. Thanks for the great video keep up the good work.

[@legare_15]

Really nice video. Well said on all the points of keeping machining local and supporting other businesses. We need more shops out there like Mil Spec Manufacturing.

[@mrechbreger]

I respect both for mentioning "Failing is not an option".
My work also educated me to everything needs to succeed, you can run into the wall a few times but need to stand up and keep going to get the final expected part done - and avoid the wrong paths for the future. I'm into electronic design, but also machine parts for my own manufacturing machinery... I've seen it all.

[@kgaby370]

You guys are great! I admire you two for your passion and what you are doing.

[@freedomenergy6644]

Thankyou so much for sharing. You are so inspiring.

[@TrPrecisionMachining]

good video..thanks for your time

[@Houcnc]

Been liking these videos 👍

[@dirtboy896]

Happy Birthday Kurtis 🎉🥳

[@MilSpecManufacturing]

Thanks Bud!

[@thearmchairgm7308]

If you have an account receivable from the government, can't you borrow against that? I feel like the government is pretty good at payment, but I'm Canadian.