eMachineShop - Allowed, Right?
 

Team #1418's ultra-secret "Project Luxogoose" relies on certain components we can't machine in-house. Now I know we're allowed to have our frame welded somewhere else, but are we allowed to order custom parts? I'm thinking specifically of this site

I just want to be sure, because this will have a significant impact on our plans... :confused:

Re: eMachineShop - Allowed, Right?
 

Yes, you can outsource labor on custom parts. That's essentially what eMahineShop does, except they also provide the raw material. You have to take into account raw material as well. Therefore, you will need to account for any money you pay to eMachineshop in your budget.

Read the rules. And the updates. Then read them again.
 

Remember, the rules change year to year. Cost limits may go up or down or they may require you to have students present at all assembly/manufacture time. Or something else may change.


Wetzel

Re: eMachineShop - Allowed, Right?
 

I would reccomend looking in your area for a machine shop and trying to get sponsored by them. Then you can get parts machined for free, and not have to include it in your costs. If you could also get sponosored by a raw materials provider, you are as good as gold.

Re: eMachineShop - Allowed, Right?
 

You do know that the costs would have to be included into the bill of materials. At least according to the rules you would have to. Although I do agree in getting a machine shop to sponsor you.

Re: eMachineShop - Allowed, Right?
 

To clarify what Adam Y. said, if a team outsources labor but gets it for free or for a discount, the team must account for the normal price of the service, or the price that anyone else could get the service for. It's in the rules.

Re: eMachineShop - Allowed, Right?
 

Now I actually didn't realize about the service being added to the budget (I'm sure my team did). Now my question is, how would a team figure out the cost for the service if a company dosen't normally offer services to make custom parts. In otherwords my shop I work for usually does eyelit toolmakeing, progressive toolmakeing, and some press work. But during the season if our team asked for their help my company would usually have me or another apprentice or a tool maker who isn't too busy do the job. How would a team figure out the service fees if the company is only makeing the part as a favor to the team?..
I'm assumeing it would be the
(hourly pay)(hours worked on the part) + (material cost) ?

Re: eMachineShop - Allowed, Right?
 

I don't think getting an exact cost is crucial. You might also try getting a quote from another business that does offer the service. The part of the rules that I'm not so clear about is when does work done by the team become outsourced work? What if a student helps out at the machine shop where you get the job done? What if some parent does the work at home with his own tools?

Re: eMachineShop - Allowed, Right?
 

The student helping out at the machine shop doesn't constitute outsourced work while the parent does. It's quite simple. Remove the student from the process and it's outsourced.I would just average the hourly machine rates for a about three or four shops that give quotes.

Re: eMachineShop - Allowed, Right?
 

Take a look at the Technokats budget from last year. Excat costs were extremely crucial for them to be able to plan and come in under the $3500 limit.


Wetzel