I am stuck. I have spent most of my savings from the good years, I am in
the process of selling my house, and I am searching for something else to
do
for the next 16 years, (I am 51), until I can collect all that Social
Security that is waiting for me ha!...

I am a smart guy, but I see no way out for myself...


Greetings Emmo,
I find you post to be somewhat ironic. I started the machinist trainee
thread. I had to fire the trainee because of poor attendance. But I
still want to train someone, maybe lots of someones, to be
metalworkers. Since you are posting to a metalworking newsgroup why
not use your talent to make something out of metal and sell it?

Thanx, that is exactly what I am trying to do. To get unstuck, I have just
finished a year and a half of welding classes at the local community
college. I have a full complement of TIG, MIG, & O/A welding equipment,
along with a plasma cutter, horizontal bandsaw, blast cabinet, and all the
grinders, clamps, and tools I need. Starting on 12/1, I am renting space in
a metalworking shop run by a successful young blacksmith/fabricator who has
promised me his extra work. As part of the deal I get to use his iron
worker, and we have already agreed to build a paint booth out behind the
shop.

I have already made some gates for money, some for fun, and I just finished
a job making four sidewalk seating/table units for a restaurant downtown. I
am making furniture for sale in a local store, and I keep bidding all the
work I can find. But this work is pretty thin, right now anyway.

I see two alternatives from he First, I am applying to the Univ of Tx
Masters of Fine Arts program in metal sculpture, (before I went to business
school I went to art school (Museum School in Boston)and have a BFA). This
would give me the credential to teach, which I would like to do. But they
only admit three grad students a year, so I can't plan on that.

The other alternative is light manufacturing, as you have suggested.
Recently, Leigh (catruckman) posted a message here about a trailer hitch
business that a friend of his was selling on eBay. I tried to buy it, but
was outbid in the last second by $100. I have looked at buying 3 other
metal manufacturing opportunities, (wind chimes, outdoor lighting,
motorcycle accessories), and eventually, I hope to find the right one, or
think of it myself. After Burning Man, I thought about making stilts...

FWIW, I continue to make metal art as well. I recently was awarded an
honorable mention at a show, and I am trying to get a show in a
gallery/coffee shop nearby. But this is not practical as a way to earn a
living, as much as I enjoy it. But I have been making art all my life and
always will.

I wish you were in Austin, as I would sign up to be your next trainee, (and
I promise I would show up!). But in any case, I am very open to any ideas,
suggestions, or opportunities to buy or set up a small metal manufacturing
effort. I deeply appreciate your response...