trying to get pricing for handles, name plates, thumb screws and liners is like trying to get Robert Mugabe to stand down. It's no wonder that so many of our local manufacturers are turning to China and other foreign countries for supplies of bit and pieces they need to complete their products.
In 5 weeks, and, say 30 emails, I still do not have a price for one of these items. If you phone a company they say they will email you their stuff, and never do.
Doos!
Salagatle!
LIU - Look It Up!
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Showing posts with label DIYcaskets. Show all posts
Showing posts with label DIYcaskets. Show all posts
Wednesday, October 10, 2007
Wednesday, September 12, 2007
Renamed again
Due to the fact that i am making the burial chambers rectangular, and not the regular shape, it's called a casket, and not a coffin. So, I have, once again, renamed the relevant blog page diycaskets. DIY - because I really think I will be doing the SKD units for export into Africa (mainly) and caskets, cause it's not a coffin, is it?
So, the link has been updated accordingly. And that's all that has changed...
Salagatle!
So, the link has been updated accordingly. And that's all that has changed...
Salagatle!
Tuesday, September 11, 2007
Friday, September 07, 2007
This coffin mafia thing
is starting to worry me.
had a team lunch today with some of the guys I work with. Mentioned the coffins to one guy who told me another guy we both knew went into it, and quickly got out again after he was "warned" and a dead chicken turned up in his driveway!
Well, methinks my 9mm Para is going to be busy.
No way some doos (LIU) is going to pull a "heavy" move on me. They don't know what they are in for.
Salagatle!
had a team lunch today with some of the guys I work with. Mentioned the coffins to one guy who told me another guy we both knew went into it, and quickly got out again after he was "warned" and a dead chicken turned up in his driveway!
Well, methinks my 9mm Para is going to be busy.
No way some doos (LIU) is going to pull a "heavy" move on me. They don't know what they are in for.
Salagatle!
Monday, September 03, 2007
The first casket is done...
So, I made my first coffin / casket. There are some realities which quickly come into play. It's not as easy as you may think, although it's not really difficult. With the chipboard pre cut, and having to measure, decide on spacing, drill and then screw the pieces together, I was done in 35 minutes.
Ok, I didn't have the plastic lining in, I didn't have the handles on, nor did I have the 6 holes in the lid for the "Thumb Screws". However, I am confident that with a jig for the drilling, a solid worktop to ensure the boards don't bow, and with everything on hand, I can do one, on my own in about 40 minutes. Probably 30, even 20 minutes after some practice.
I am considering varnishing the caskets, as it will look a lot better. Witness was surprised at the shape. He expected a conventional coffin shape, so maybe that's to be looked at. Not sure what this market wants. What I will do, next weekend, is strip down this model, and remake a conventional shaped one out of the material. It will give me an indication of the complexity.
I am satisfied that it is a viable option still, and the export market for SKU's (semi knock down units) is still very real! In fact, after much consideration, maybe the SKU export market is rather where I want to play...
Some lessons learned:-
As per my "mentor" Fishman, (http://borntofish.blogspot.com/) I used 5x60mm chipboard screws. I think this is the right choice for fixing the sides to the bottom. However I think for the rest of the construction probably 4x40mm would suffice. Also, getting the pilot hole, and then the screw straight is imperative, else the screws tear through the chipboard and are exposed.
Making sure that screws which would probably be within 50 / 75 mm of each other (at 90 degrees of course), maybe the distance needs to increase as this also caused the chipboard to pop / crack / whatever.
I have made notes on drilling spacing and centers, and will be going to a friends place to look at having some jigs made up. This will save a lot of time with regards marking off and sizing before drilling. Also, it means that a less skilled person could be doing that part of the job.
I will also need to assemble a more sturdy platform on which to work. I used two trestles today, and find that the chipboard will sag, so you need to be more careful when fixing the sides to the bottom that it's all aligned. A better platform will take that issue away. Maybe I should collect the old workbench at Mom's place, and make some modifications to that.
So, although I may not be in the position to make 10 / 20 a day yet, and I haven't even had a go at trying to get some buyers lined up, I feel confident that this matter is on course, and that it can succeed.
Salagatle!
Ok, I didn't have the plastic lining in, I didn't have the handles on, nor did I have the 6 holes in the lid for the "Thumb Screws". However, I am confident that with a jig for the drilling, a solid worktop to ensure the boards don't bow, and with everything on hand, I can do one, on my own in about 40 minutes. Probably 30, even 20 minutes after some practice.
I am considering varnishing the caskets, as it will look a lot better. Witness was surprised at the shape. He expected a conventional coffin shape, so maybe that's to be looked at. Not sure what this market wants. What I will do, next weekend, is strip down this model, and remake a conventional shaped one out of the material. It will give me an indication of the complexity.
I am satisfied that it is a viable option still, and the export market for SKU's (semi knock down units) is still very real! In fact, after much consideration, maybe the SKU export market is rather where I want to play...Some lessons learned:-
As per my "mentor" Fishman, (http://borntofish.blogspot.com/) I used 5x60mm chipboard screws. I think this is the right choice for fixing the sides to the bottom. However I think for the rest of the construction probably 4x40mm would suffice. Also, getting the pilot hole, and then the screw straight is imperative, else the screws tear through the chipboard and are exposed.
Making sure that screws which would probably be within 50 / 75 mm of each other (at 90 degrees of course), maybe the distance needs to increase as this also caused the chipboard to pop / crack / whatever.
I have made notes on drilling spacing and centers, and will be going to a friends place to look at having some jigs made up. This will save a lot of time with regards marking off and sizing before drilling. Also, it means that a less skilled person could be doing that part of the job.
I will also need to assemble a more sturdy platform on which to work. I used two trestles today, and find that the chipboard will sag, so you need to be more careful when fixing the sides to the bottom that it's all aligned. A better platform will take that issue away. Maybe I should collect the old workbench at Mom's place, and make some modifications to that.
So, although I may not be in the position to make 10 / 20 a day yet, and I haven't even had a go at trying to get some buyers lined up, I feel confident that this matter is on course, and that it can succeed.
Salagatle!
Thursday, August 30, 2007
The Keg & Joker
Those of you who read my stuff, will know I regularly read http://dmdad.blogspot.com/ and http://borntofish.blogspot.com/. Now the owners of these two sites know each other from previous employment at the same employer, and as such keep in touch, play pool, and have a few snorts every now and then.
You will also know that Divemaster is currently http://dmdad.blogspot.com/2007/08/right-lets-try-this-again.html in Saudi Arabia. No alcohol, not even in the foreigners compounds!
yesterday I called DM DAD to confirm Fishman's proper name, as he had got in touch with me re the coffin business I am trying to get into.
Then he followed the call up with an SMS complaining that we were meeting in a pub, and would be having a couple of beers without him!
Well, tough tacky bro, we didn't tell u to go!
We did meet. He's a great guy. gave me good useful information, as well as a training manual for the manufacture of coffins / caskets, as well as a brochure for the handles and stuff. Also an insight into the game. Which raises another question:- Is there a "Coffin Mafia" in South Africa?
DM Dad, just so you know, we did a good couple of ice cold beers last night. I had the Princess's new boss with me too, and much talk around fishing and stuff took place. Missed, thought about sending you a photo, but decided that you were in enough alcohol free pain already.
We did agree that when you get back we will get together.
Chill bro!!
Thanx Fishman.
Salagatle!
You will also know that Divemaster is currently http://dmdad.blogspot.com/2007/08/right-lets-try-this-again.html in Saudi Arabia. No alcohol, not even in the foreigners compounds!
yesterday I called DM DAD to confirm Fishman's proper name, as he had got in touch with me re the coffin business I am trying to get into.
Then he followed the call up with an SMS complaining that we were meeting in a pub, and would be having a couple of beers without him!
Well, tough tacky bro, we didn't tell u to go!
We did meet. He's a great guy. gave me good useful information, as well as a training manual for the manufacture of coffins / caskets, as well as a brochure for the handles and stuff. Also an insight into the game. Which raises another question:- Is there a "Coffin Mafia" in South Africa?
DM Dad, just so you know, we did a good couple of ice cold beers last night. I had the Princess's new boss with me too, and much talk around fishing and stuff took place. Missed, thought about sending you a photo, but decided that you were in enough alcohol free pain already.
We did agree that when you get back we will get together.
Chill bro!!
Thanx Fishman.
Salagatle!
Thursday, August 23, 2007
Coffins For Africa
If you look at my links list you will see I have added another link. It's my latest offering, only just started, and will be my motivation over the next while. Hopefully it will also become my prime source of income before too long.
Salagatle!
Salagatle!
Thursday, August 16, 2007
Caskets / Coffins
I just spent about 25 min. on the net looking at caskets / coffins. No, before you lot get excited about a free piss up at a wake, it's not for me. I have been toying with the idea of getting into the manufacture of these items.
Currently, (according to poor stats) there are about 900 people dying of HIV/Aids in South Africa everyday. With the other deaths (natural / motor accidents / murder, etc) it must be close to 2000 plus a day.
Not everyone can afford those hideously expensive boxes, and as such there must be a market for cheaper, but nice, versions. Now I know there are guys out there already servicing this market (that sounds weird / sick), but there must be a space for one more. Cheaper / faster / neater.....
Let me tell you what, there is a lot of info. to be had on line, but not too many places give sizes and / or drawings, but I have found some and will be putting together a materials list for a friend in the hardware business to give me a quote. Then we can work on less about 10 - 15% for bulk buying from the wholesaler and see where we can come in.
A call to the local funeral parlour should give me an indication of current market pricing, and then we will have the information required to make a decision one way or another.
Salagatle!
Currently, (according to poor stats) there are about 900 people dying of HIV/Aids in South Africa everyday. With the other deaths (natural / motor accidents / murder, etc) it must be close to 2000 plus a day.
Not everyone can afford those hideously expensive boxes, and as such there must be a market for cheaper, but nice, versions. Now I know there are guys out there already servicing this market (that sounds weird / sick), but there must be a space for one more. Cheaper / faster / neater.....
Let me tell you what, there is a lot of info. to be had on line, but not too many places give sizes and / or drawings, but I have found some and will be putting together a materials list for a friend in the hardware business to give me a quote. Then we can work on less about 10 - 15% for bulk buying from the wholesaler and see where we can come in.
A call to the local funeral parlour should give me an indication of current market pricing, and then we will have the information required to make a decision one way or another.
Basic, entry level model - can be plain or spray painted
A bit smarter, again plain or spray painted.
Something different - also simple but smart - plain or spray painted.
Got the pics off the net. Thanx to the contributing companies.
Salagatle!
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