Machine Shop listing?

dglp · 23 Nov 2019

Please let me know if this question has been answered elsewhere.

I'm in need of various specialist metalwork items, for one-off private projects. So I'm looking for a machinist who does all sorts at a scale and rate I can afford. I'm happy to google for the answers, but don't know what words I should use. It also occurs to me that someone may have a list of machinists on here. I know that the various forum rules prohibit certain kids of touting for business, but perhaps there's a resource on here I haven't found, aside from the Marketplace and One Stop Reference list. I've not been following forum topics much, and will have missed similar discussion.

For the sake of your curiosity, the kinds of things I'm looking for are a bit of ~18mm threaded rod with a bit of welding on it; a replacement for a 21mm moped axle & bearing nut; some machined aluminium; some bicycle fittings e.g. bespoke trailer hitch/mount, and advice/repair for some fire-damaged hand tools.

I'd be happy to do things via email/online, but would also be great to find people in the region.

I'm hoping to be surprised to find there are loads all around me, and that I just don't know what to look for.

nev · 23 Nov 2019

Metal fabrication or (precision) Engineering machine shops. To give you an idea of cost I worked in a small metal fabrication shop and we charged 60 quid an hour.

TFrench · 23 Nov 2019

I'd say the best thing would be to have a drive round your local industrial estates - lots of small fab shops don't bother with websites or advertising. I'm not a million miles away (near market harborough) and can do most basic welding/ light fabrication and basic machining (learning as I go!) but having just had a kid, time is extremely short!

dglp · 24 Nov 2019

nev":vyyojbhp said:
...To give you an idea of cost I worked in a small metal fabrication shop and we charged 60 quid an hour.

That would be manageable in some cases. In others, not so sure.

Would there be a distinction between engineering/manufacturing shops, and repair shops? Would asking around automotive garages help me locate machinists to do repair work rather than manufacuring?

dglp · 24 Nov 2019

TFrench":1noqr0e5 said:
I'd say the best thing would be to have a drive round your local industrial estates - lots of small fab shops don't bother with websites or advertising. I'm not a million miles away (near market harborough) and can do most basic welding/ light fabrication and basic machining (learning as I go!) but having just had a kid, time is extremely short!

That's a lot of driving and nosing about! But I get the point. I'd learn a lot just by getting acquainted with local estates. Makes me think I should be asking a delivery driver these questions!

TFrench · 25 Nov 2019

dglp":2ai0bu11 said:
That's a lot of driving and nosing about! But I get the point. I'd learn a lot just by getting acquainted with local estates. Makes me think I should be asking a delivery driver these questions!

It always amazes me how much stuff I can get hold of/done within a 10 mile radius of home! So many places I've found in Leicester just from talking to people and getting a recomendation.