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Unemployed again, but possibly....

Posted: Sat May 05, 2012 11:02 am
by tony.mon
Damn. New job didn't work out. Apparently I'm not posh enough!

Still, onwards and upwards, no sympathy needed as this might just be an excuse/justification to move to a new industry or way of working where I'm not constantly stressed, hassled and on-call.
Just wanted to let everyone know that I'm available for any earning opportunities, services, work etc. I have a trailer now, so could collect sick bikes and deliver back if necessary.

All makes covered, but please, no VFR valve clearances :lol: :lol:
Mate just had his done- what a job!
VTR ones are easy in comparison.

I am considering how exhaust manufacture might be a possible way forward- bespoke systems, one-offs, big-bore, link pipes/adaptors, can rebuilds etc.
I'll also be in a position to offer frame extender plates so that rearsets can be easily fitted to Storms, and a couple of other ideas, and not just for Storms but other bikes, too, as the Storm isn't a popular enough bike to make a living out of parts and work on its own.

I have out together a jig (frame, cases, heads, swingarm etc,) so that systems can be fitted properly; that way they'll just be bolt-ons to Storms and I wouldn't need to have a buyer's bike for fitting, although that could be done as well.

I need to cost production, and probably the best way would be to make an exhaust, but in order to be able to do that I need a Tig welder and a variable-angle chop saw.
Both of these don't cost very much, but at the moment I'm not in a position to invest money on equipment, as I didn't predict losing my job and therefore have no investment nest-egg put aside.
Not broke, but with mortgage payments needing to be covered every month I need to be careful.

And don't want to have to sell the Storm to buy equipment!

So has anyone got, and is willing to lend, either of these pieces of equipment?
Naturally, I'd take good care, and pay for any consumables, blades, gas etc.
I was in engineering a few years ago, and could then lay a lovely little Tig weld in stainless, and I'm used to working with it, but would have a lot of remembering to do!

If this looks like a goer, I'd need to buy a lathe, milling machine, ventilation gear, and rent out a workshop, but this would be enough of a trial to see if the costings make any sense- no point working all week to produce something that costs the same as an imported Yoshi or Moriwaki one, for example.

Back-of-a-fag-packet calc's so far indicate that it would probably be a part-time rather than full-time occupation, but I can turn my hand to quite a few other things to fill the rest of the day, so it looks possible at the moment.

Could just be the best thing that's happened to me in a long while- we'll see.... :thumbup:

Re: Unemployed again, but possibly....

Posted: Sat May 05, 2012 11:18 am
by agentpineapple
hi tony
sorry to hear about the job, your to clever a fella to be out of work and idle, fingers crossed this works out for you, you'd be doing something you enjoy.
although i'm in no position to help with anything :(
if something changes and i can help i'llbe intouch, if ever i get a insurance pay out, i'm hoping to put that engine work your way mate.
having said that my solicitor reckons another 9 mths before we go to court :(
timings a bitch because at the end of summer you could have taken my exhaust off and used it as a template. its still an option if needs be mate, aswell as having a good butchers at my frame.
i'm also hoping to get that swingarm back to you within the next couple of weeks, it would have only been a year that i've had it(how much rent do i owe you)..... :lol:
would you be up for spending some time with me and kev at your dyno blokes place possibly before the workshop day, we both want to get our bikes sorted.
not sure how much a proper set up will cost, i've got a stage one dynojet kit to take with me. have you a rough idea on cost. also have you had a chance to get any further with the mwr filter(i'm guessing not)
take care buddy and worst ways i'll see you at the workshop day... :thumbup:

Re: Unemployed again, but possibly....

Posted: Sat May 05, 2012 12:14 pm
by mik_str
Sorry to read about your job woes Tony. However, I think uyou're on the right patt with your outlook (it being an opportunity in the end). You are obviously a very creative soul so best of luck to you.

Rest assured that if I lived in the UK at the moment I'd be throwing you some money for something (too damn many great ideas not to).

cheers

Unemployed again, but possibly....

Posted: Sat May 05, 2012 12:18 pm
by lloydie
Good luck with the job hunt tony .
Have you thought about teaching ?

Re: Unemployed again, but possibly....

Posted: Sat May 05, 2012 12:26 pm
by Vtrkidda
+1 on that :thumbup:

Re: Unemployed again, but possibly....

Posted: Sat May 05, 2012 12:33 pm
by MacV2
Bloody bosses what do they know?

Not posh enough, what sort of excuse is that ?

As you say it could be the start of something new for you.

I'm sure whatever you end up doing you will make a success of it. (unless it's stand up comedian that is.....)

Sorry I don't have a mig welder laying around but I may be in the position to finance one if your interested.

Mac.

Re: Unemployed again, but possibly....

Posted: Sat May 05, 2012 1:15 pm
by StormingHonda
I dont mind chipping in with you mac towards one, or an angle cutter.

i looked on Ebay there between 170-500

Re: Unemployed again, but possibly....

Posted: Sat May 05, 2012 7:42 pm
by lumpyv
well your keeping positive! :thumbup: :thumbup:

best of luck

Re: Unemployed again, but possibly....

Posted: Sat May 05, 2012 8:56 pm
by simo
Best of luck Tony,I'm going through similar having been made redundant. £71 don't go far these days and it only lasts 6 months.

Re: Unemployed again, but possibly....

Posted: Sat May 05, 2012 9:54 pm
by AMCQ46
Tony, that's sh1t news, hope things work out for you. I think you have a good plan to make your bike skills your new career :thumbup:

If you are still coming to Wales, I will stand you a few beers for the support you have given me :thumbup:

Re: Unemployed again, but possibly....

Posted: Sat May 05, 2012 10:53 pm
by chric
Dads flogging some bits what may be of intrest tony I think :?: as he's completed train and trailer now.
Few months ago you could have had first dibs on milling machines lathes bandsaws vices chucks all sorts of stuff.
when he's sorted it before i advertise it i'll pm you with them

Re: Unemployed again, but possibly....

Posted: Sat May 05, 2012 11:08 pm
by Kev L
Tony, sorry to hear your news mate but along with the others I am willing to invest in your latest enterprise.

Re: Unemployed again, but possibly....

Posted: Sun May 06, 2012 12:09 am
by VTRDark
Sorry to to hear the news mate. Recession is hitting everyone hard, I keep hearing about people being made redundant and what not. Still your looking on the bright side of things, and you could end up doing something that's not just a job, but a passion.

Good Luck and if I can throw some work your way I will. :thumbup:

(:-})

Re: Unemployed again, but possibly....

Posted: Sun May 06, 2012 12:16 am
by seb421
Hope it all works its self out for you big T

Not good to hear about decent people's downturns

Re: Unemployed again, but possibly....

Posted: Sun May 06, 2012 8:16 am
by Darknomad
sorry to hear your bad luck
if its any good to you stagecoach are employing for busdrivers
im on training myself atm and its only 320 take home while training rising to and extra 1 squid and hour for two years after
its the west ham garage im based at
just on the otherside of the blackwall tunnel
but there based all over the uk
i know stagecoach london are taking new drivers for plumsted station also

also when i need bike bits done ill let you know before my local garages i dont like any of them
and i know ure a sound fella