Cutting Costs

[kubotaman]

I have met a contractor that wants me to cut approximately 50 6.5 inch stars in plastic. They are to be cut witn .75 material and a 2.5 3D design. I ran 3 of them and it takes 45 minutes per each. I told him I would charge him $60.00 per hour. That makes them close to $45.00 for each star! I told him that I couldn't cut the time any less.For what they are that is too much money, which is my opinion. Now the home he is building for the client is most likely over 1 million dollars. Other than cutting out the stars with a straight bit and then cutting around the edge using a beveled bit to give it a look of a star does anyone have any ideas to cut the costs? Don't misunderstand me they may go for this but if they don't I can't blame them. It really is a lot of money for what it is.

[lex]

What about making a star vector and just running around the edges with a shaped cutter like a v-bit?

[Gary Campbell]

Daryl...
If you are confident that the toolpath on the existing sample is efficient, and cant be done in less time, its hard to offer it for less unless you are willing to cut your hourly rate.

You may want to cut one with a bevel toolpath, track the time and price accordingly.

Show him both samples along with their pricing and let him decide.

[zeykr]

Is this any help: http://www.vectric.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=27&t=9243

or this: http://www.vectric.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=3&t=9943&p=69729

[gc3]

ask him how much to have a finish or framing carpenter make one.....

[SomeSailor]

Invest in a larger shallow V-bit and you should be able to knock them out in no time.

[Mayo]

What about making a mold and using a resin or some other product to cast them? Is the contractor going to paint over them? The material may not matter if it's going to be hidden by paint. If you've already made some stars then you have the positive to make the mold from.

[kubotaman]

Well cut them with a 1.5" V Bit and they came out okay. Not exactly the same but they sure are faster. They took about 5 minutes! They are certainly an alternative considering the price. Hopefully they will accept them, but then again, oh well!

[lex]

My first helpfull post:)

[jimboy]

How about this star in plastic on pass under 3min

[kubotaman]

James, thanks for the post but the star I need to make needs to be more pointed at the top, at least as near as possible. Using a 1.5 V it makes it look okay. Most likely they will pick it. I can make them in 6 minutes or less.