We have lost our glass cutter in town and the closest one is a one way 20 minute drive. I have the chance to buy the cutting machine/jig that mounts to the wall and all the glass they had in stock when they quit for a very reasonable price. I have never cut glass. Do I want to take this on as a sideline business or is it too much of a PITA to bother with?
Place where I used to work had a glass cutting department. It would have some business now and then but for the most part, it was just there to offer a service. How many people in your area would know that you have the ability/equipment to cut glass?
Town of 2000 and surrounding area. The businesses in the area are pretty good about spreading word and referring people. My investment would be very minimal and my biggest issue is space but maybe it would force me to clean out the garage and get organized.
Sounds like it would be more of a hobby for you? Then by all means. It would always be so nice to have someone available in the neighborhood vs. a 40 min. drive, right?
Cutting glass is not difficult but talking to some local hardwares, there just is not much business to be had any longer so most just don't even have it now. I'd think twice before investing in something like this.
To make a clarification....I would get the cutting machine that mounts to the wall, screen that is left on the rolls, spline for screens and a combination of sizes of glass and mirror sheets in different sizes probably equal to 250 sq feet. All of this for $50. I'm thinking that if I cut a couple chunks of glass for myself and do a couple jobs using the stock I get it will pay for itself rather easily.
Around here the big box stores cut glass to size along with one or two hardware stores. With so many people replacing single pane windows and doors to double pane insulated, I think the need is dropping off. Screen repair on the other hand is picking up. Not many people want to repair or change ripped screens. Most can't spend the time going online to find and order repair parts and fab up a new one. I hope this niche can work out for you. Word of mouth or Craigslist would be a good source of new customers. But at some point, do you become a business?
Greenstick it sounds like you already made up your mind! Good luck, if nothing else, its a small investment for just another tool, right?
Well I took the plunge. I've wasted 50 bucks in worser ways. The guy hasn't cut for 10 years and things are kinda buried so I'm curious to see what I end up with. Just a little snooping and I found 1 piece of glass that will hopefully pay for it all. A tempered glass table/desk top about 36x72.
I don't think I can have enough business only doing this to justify tax id business so probably will just be a cash sideline out of the garage. Sometimes uncle doesn't need to know about everything or I can see what I can barter for, a jar of homemade pickles or a pie from that sweet little old granny sometimes is worth more than money.
Not that I have seen, but I have just started to unearth this from a building of a pack rat so who knows what I will discover.
