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Ask HN: What can you realistically manufacture in your garage?

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Re: Ask HN: What can you realistically manufacture in your garage?

#231

Post by anewpersonality »

abdullahkhalids wrote: post #14
h4waii wrote: post #5

I currently manufacturer a fairly niche product with nothing but a 7 year old $250 3d printer, some off the shelf parts, and a bit of custom electronics. Very high profit margin, as I am the only producer of this item (!). I'd love to move to a more "robust" process, but options for materials and widespread access to 3d printing provides a lot of versatility for a single-person business where I want to control the en…

How did you discover the market for this product? Are you part of some interest-based-community whose members want/need this part?

I know what they do. They make aftermarket attachments for simulated racing gear

Re: Ask HN: What can you realistically manufacture in your garage?

#232

Post by exolymph »

12ian34 wrote: post #138
Panther34543 wrote: post #63

I've given this advice elsewhere, and I'll give it here. Go look at the small business initiatives by each branch of the U.S. military; many are now posting lists of open contracts that you can bid on for an incredible array of things. Browse through those lists and find something you can build. I really believe the U.S. military is in the midst of a large scale transfer of military spending from traditional large de…

hmm facilitating war, even if it means defence just doesn't sit quite right with me. shame we live in a world where this is even a thing

We're gonna have a global hegemon, that's just how 21st-century geopolitics is, and I'd certainly rather it be USA than PRC.

Re: Ask HN: What can you realistically manufacture in your garage?

#233

Post by anewpersonality »

bijection wrote: post #174

A friend and I manufacture a laser party light that makes your feet glow in a space smaller than most garages. Just a 3d printer, some custom cut metal pieces, the actual electronic components and some soldering irons. [0] [0] https://toeglo.com

Where do you purcahse the laser beam from

Re: Ask HN: What can you realistically manufacture in your garage?

#236

Post by tehlike »

silisili wrote: post #172

Made in USA safety razor. There have been a few pop up, seemingly sell really well, then disappear for unknown reasons. I think Weber was the last one, and they became highly sought after. Charge 150 bucks a pop, people will buy it.

Don't have any insight, but likely getting acquired.

Re: Ask HN: What can you realistically manufacture in your garage?

#237

Post by h4waii »

abdullahkhalids wrote: post #14
h4waii wrote: post #5

I currently manufacturer a fairly niche product with nothing but a 7 year old $250 3d printer, some off the shelf parts, and a bit of custom electronics. Very high profit margin, as I am the only producer of this item (!). I'd love to move to a more "robust" process, but options for materials and widespread access to 3d printing provides a lot of versatility for a single-person business where I want to control the en…

How did you discover the market for this product? Are you part of some interest-based-community whose members want/need this part?

I scratched my own itch.

I wanted the product and knew others in the industry would too. Once I was able to get it in the hands of a few operators to see and use, it started selling "organically" through word of mouth.

Re: Ask HN: What can you realistically manufacture in your garage?

#238

Post by jamiek88 »

sbf501 wrote: post #103
eimrine wrote: post #6

I have a dream of producing custom recumbents. I don't know where to get thin-walled pipes, but a start capital is roughly as you have described.

Are you going to make the old-timey recombants with the steering below the seat, unlike the modern ones with the huge handlebars? I miss those. Like this one: https://www.cyclingabout.com/heaviest-touring-bike-ever-behe... (I met this guy in Cambridge Mass in the 80's).

Funny how most of that gear could just be an iPhone now!

I remember this from the 80’s too, I was 8 when I met him and it was the coolest thing ever.

Re: Ask HN: What can you realistically manufacture in your garage?

#239

Post by TrapLord_Rhodo »

Panther34543 wrote: post #63

I've given this advice elsewhere, and I'll give it here. Go look at the small business initiatives by each branch of the U.S. military; many are now posting lists of open contracts that you can bid on for an incredible array of things. Browse through those lists and find something you can build. I really believe the U.S. military is in the midst of a large scale transfer of military spending from traditional large de…

I used to be a contracting specialist in the USAF. Anything you'll find on SAM is incredibly competitive and CO's will receive anywhere around 20 bids for anything that is purchased. I would recommend going after state and local. You can use bonfire, deltek or govspend to find those more local contracts with less competition.

Re: Ask HN: What can you realistically manufacture in your garage?

#240

Post by ska »

SpikedCola wrote: post #89
katmannthree wrote: post #46

Earlier quoted context omitted.

Did they explicitly tell you that's why the order was cancelled? I've placed many personal orders with them and never had issues.

Their reply, verbatim: Hi xxxx, We only ship to large businesses and schools in Canada. We can't accept your order. I'm sorry for the inconvenience. You might want to try Fastenal or Motion Canada. Lauren

Were you ordering as an individual? They definitely ship to small businesses on both sides of the border, but might be leery of an individual handling the customs stuff properly. Maybe solve that with a UPS account?
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