OMG! that sounds so darn FAMILIAR!
I could not help laughing almost to tears, thinking about past projects
the only parts he ignored is the need to BUY at least three new tools
(usually at least two are expensive, not available locally, and on back order)
(and learn how to use them correctly with instructions printed in) (GERMAN OR CHINESE)
need to refill the welders gas tanks, and find you have $500 dollars in welding wire and rods for your mig and tig welders,
but your out of the correct size and type you need to fix this project.
then youll make a few trips to the local machine shop to ask them,
if they can modify a part you don't currently have the tools for!
giving them detailed exact measurements and a clear diagram
(which they misplace within seconds of you leaving the part with them,)
(make 5 photo copies minimum)
then make at least 5 trips to various suppliers, and wait three weeks for the supplies you ordered online to arrive,
and the week wasted trying to find something locally that was needed to replace some part,
they shipped that was crap quality or your told is no longer made!
of course the drill bit you need breaks on the first use and someone borrowed the drill press chuck key.. never to return it as promised
have you ever noticed there seems to be an unbreakable unwritten law at machine shops,
that the guy at the machine shop you talk to, that seems fully competent and knowledgeable,
just never seems to be the one who does that actual machine work, welding or has a clue what's required.
nor is the guy doing the physical work in any hurry or familiar with the concept of measuring, or blueprints
I swear many of them avoid looking at blueprints, reading instructions or asking questions if they need instructions,
or use of a CALIPER or micrometer like a vampire avoids a crucifix in bright day light.
I think that's a huge contributing factor in why many of us are forced to buy and learn how to use expensive tools
most machine shops personnel are either incompetent , or they think they should charge $70 an hour and take weeks to finish a project they quoted you as ( we should get too it tomorrow, that should take an hour at most)