I'm looking to open up a modding business once I get settled into my own place a few months to a year from now, looking at stuff for my very own "Mod Garage" (What? I like to window shop, thank you ) and will post that list later (with links).

So, to my question: What suggestions/advice do any of the "Modders for Hire" here have for me?

Pick one or more services that most individual modders can't do themselves for want of equipment and arrange them, either by owning the equipment or by getting a deal with someone who does.

Examples: Laser-cutting/etching, automotive-class paint (custom-mixed colours applied with a proper spray outfit), short-run custom panels and PCBs (i. e. front-port assemblies).

Quote: Originally Posted by Duane2184 I'm looking to open up a modding business once I get settled into my own place a few months to a year from now, looking at stuff for my very own "Mod Garage" (What? I like to window shop, thank you ) and will post that list later (with links). So, to my question: What suggestions/advice do any of the "Modders for Hire" here have for me?

Best of luck with the venture!

There's a few things that anyone can do in order to be really successful in the game (or any other one for that matter)

1. Build a solid name for yourself - this means having a few (completed) high caliber projects behind you with worklogs in the popular forums around the place. Magazine and feature articls is a huge asset here, as is having an outstanding portfolio to back you up.

2. Ensure that you market yourself well - don't be a jackass to other people

3. Earn respect by acting honestly and openly - don't try and be sneaky, it will do more harm than good.

I'd point you towards Bill Owen at MNPCTech for an outstanding example of someone to aspire to. Anyone who has dealt with him will agree that he meets all the above points and then some

Keen to see the mod garage!!

Quote: Originally Posted by Hak Foo Pick one or more services that most individual modders can't do themselves for want of equipment and arrange them, either by owning the equipment or by getting a deal with someone who does. Examples: Laser-cutting/etching, automotive-class paint (custom-mixed colours applied with a proper spray outfit), short-run custom panels and PCBs (i. e. front-port assemblies).

I'll probably save up and get some of that equipment, otherwise, I'll have to check with local fabrication warehouses that I can make a deal with. As far as the paint, I can probably look into making a deal with an auto-body shop or some such. I'll have to do some research into the local places when I finally make my move. Looking to move into York County, PA. Need to get my DL first though. *sigh*

I imagine I could learn how to make the custom panels and PCBs...though...two things, are there any guides out there for making those, or something I can take apart to see how it's made, and what is a PCB? *smirk*

Quote: Originally Posted by MasterP Best of luck with the venture! 1. Build a solid name for yourself - this means having a few (completed) high caliber projects behind you with worklogs in the popular forums around the place. Magazine and feature articls is a huge asset here, as is having an outstanding portfolio to back you up.

I'll probably manage to get a couple of those done before I actually start my business up. Supposed to be doing a custom job for a friend of mine in NY. Might approach a couple other people and see if they have any ideas they'd like to see come to life as far as how the PCs look.

Quote: Originally Posted by MasterP 2. Ensure that you market yourself well - don't be a jackass to other people

Marketing is one thing I may have issues with, as far as advertising goes. I'm normally a decent person as long as noone plucks my nerves too much, so not being a jackass to others won't be too difficult.

Quote: Originally Posted by MasterP 3. Earn respect by acting honestly and openly - don't try and be sneaky, it will do more harm than good.

Well, hell. That'll be easy.

Quote: Originally Posted by MasterP I'd point you towards Bill Owen at MNPCTech for an outstanding example of someone to aspire to. Anyone who has dealt with him will agree that he meets all the above points and then some

I'll look into him, actually already am as I'm typing this out. Always good to see what other people are doing, helps me learn and get ideas.

Quote: Originally Posted by MasterP Keen to see the mod garage!!

I'll make sure to take some pictures of it when I'm done, still not sure if I've got everything, though I'm sure I have some things that aren't necessary for your basic mods. Going to end up spending a few grand for all the stuff I plan on getting. Not to mention the furniture I'll need for my house, but that's where a roomie will come in handy.

While I'm at it...two additional questions...any book suggestions? And any suggestions for advertising? I know magazines and newspapers, but those'll have a higher chance of getting to people who are outside of the area I plan on working in.

I'll be posting a list of tools, materials, and workspace stuff here in a few, btw.

Thanks, and thanks in advance,
~ Duane

You got lots of research to do before I suggest you building a business plan.

http://forums.pcapex.com/trading_pos...brication.html

imho, modding business is tough. You have to be as good as these guys.. mnpctech.com

Quote: Originally Posted by MLiV You got lots of research to do before I suggest you building a business plan. http://forums.pcapex.com/trading_pos...brication.html imho, modding business is tough. You have to be as good as these guys.. mnpctech.com

Thanks for the info. Seeings how it's probably going to end up being about this time next year before I actually open the business, I have plenty of time to research and plan.

Check out these guys:

.::THE MOD NATION::.

My .02

Be very prepared to either lose money or just break even for the first year or so , unless yer real lucky. Most start-ups dont get in the black within the first year.

Quote: Originally Posted by HigHTecHReDNecK My .02 Be very prepared to either lose money or just break even for the first year or so , unless yer real lucky. Most start-ups dont get in the black within the first year.

Yah. I actually already tried opening my business in my current area. I either didn't advertise well, there's no business for it here, or the idea just isn't popular around here. *shrugs slightly* I'll be moving into a more populated area here in a few weeks, from there I'll be getting my DL and saving up money for my mod garage and my very own house. *laughs* Gonna be a fun year.

Let's see your work.

Your success as a "Modding Business" boils down to your work. Your work is what will drive business to you, regardless of location.

Don't forget to check out our own Lokie and Twiz over at DragonModz.net

DragonModz Shop

They have some REALY wicked thingz going on with project "Jaded"

http://forums.pcapex.com/project_wor...tml#post650658

Check out that vid!

I would bet both of them could offer you some good advice if you drop them a PM, or can catch them on MSN.

Quote: Originally Posted by mnpctech_guy Let's see your work. Your success as a "Modding Business" boils down to your work. Your work is what will drive business to you, regardless of location.

Exactly.

You need to be really really good for there to be some form of success as a modding business

Good Luck

Quote: Originally Posted by Hak Foo Pick one or more services that most individual modders can't do themselves for want of equipment and arrange them, either by owning the equipment or by getting a deal with someone who does. Examples: Laser-cutting/etching, automotive-class paint (custom-mixed colours applied with a proper spray outfit), short-run custom panels and PCBs (i. e. front-port assemblies).

Hmm...what about a plasma cutter? Can get one of them on Amazon for about $700...

Quote: Originally Posted by Duane2184 Hmm...what about a plasma cutter? Can get one of them on Amazon for about $700...

I'm not questioning your skills or ideas but i think you should give it 6 months to a year of moding and learning and getting connections and a reputation before spending your hard earned cash on a bunch of stuff.

btw 95% of all metal cutting for a pc mod can be done w/ a dremel or a angle grinder which is a lot cheaper.

Quote: Originally Posted by musclecars&computers I'm not questioning your skills or ideas but i think you should give it 6 months to a year of moding and learning and getting connections and a reputation before spending your hard earned cash on a bunch of stuff. btw 95% of all metal cutting for a pc mod can be done w/ a dremel or a angle grinder which is a lot cheaper.

I'm just planning and such atm, no plans on forking out big dough on big machines just yet. Though I will be getting an assortment of hand tools and power tools for various tasks. Though frankly, for larger cuts, I prefer the RotoZip...doesn't over-heat like my dremel does when cutting out window holes and such...

I've been looking through amazon for this stuff, but I'll end up buying most of it from Lowe's or Home Depot or some other hardware store for lack of wanting to fork out mucho dinero for S&H. I've got everything broken down into categories for easier reading. It's still a lengthy list though. -edit- Anything with parenthesis around it with an asterisk shouldn't be added to the search if you decide to search amazon for the stuff. -edit-

• Bondo #20052 Quart Original AP Putty
• 3M Super Duty Rubbing Compound, Gallon – 5955
• [Itm] Rubbing Alcohol, 1 Pint [Acsry To]: Isopropyl Rubbing Alcohol - Pint - Rubbing Alcohol
• NOVUS #2 Fine Scratch Remover
• NOVUS #3 Heavy Scratch Remover
• Deluxe White 100% Cotton Cheesecloth
• 24 Gauge x 100 Feet Copper Wire
• Ideal Industries 46-602IDE: Ideal 46-602 Heat Shrink Tubing 3/32" Expanded Dia.
• Ideal Industries 46-603IDE: Ideal 46-603 Heat Shrink Tubing, 1/8" Expanded Dia.
• Ideal Industries 46-605: Ideal Heat Shrink Tubing, 1/4" Expanded Dia.
• Kester 44 Rosin Core Solder 63/37 .020" 1 lb. Spool
• Wet or Dry Sandpaper Sheets, Silicon Carbide, 9" by 11", 1000 Grit, Pack of 50.
• Wet or Dry Sandpaper Sheets, Silicon Carbide, 9" by 11", 1500 Grit, Pack of 50.
• Wet or Dry Sandpaper Sheets, Silicon Carbide, 9" by 11", 800 Grit, Pack of 50.
• Wet or Dry Sandpaper Sheets, Silicon Carbide, 9" by 11", 600 Grit, Pack of 50.
• Wet or Dry Sandpaper Sheets, Silicon Carbide, 9" by 11", 400 Grit, Pack of 50.
• Wet or Dry Sandpaper Sheets, Silicon Carbide, 9" by 11", 280 Grit, Pack of 50.
• Elmer's Products, INC / Krazy Glue, Single Tube, .5g, 4 Count, White / BORKG58248SN
• 1/8 Inch Diameter Pop Rivets (*Stainless Steel)
• 4 Pack of NA55 BRUSH ON ELEC TAPE BLK
• Titan Single-Edge Razor Blades - 100-Pk, #12, Model# 11038
• Polishing Compound
• Replacement Point for Automatic Punch
• Yellow Spreaders - 3 Pack Assorted

• X-Acto 5082: Xacto Knife Set
• General Hardware 408 4-1/4" Oal Utility Nickel Plated Tweezers
• Mini Automatic Punch
• Value 5pc 6"oal Sngl End Probe Set
• Combination Square Protractor
• Commando Carbide Scriber and Identification Marker with Solid Tungsten Carbide Tip and Attractive Clear Anodized Pro Series Handle
• Heavy-Duty 12-Piece File and Rasp Set
• Xcelite 104CGV 10 Gauge to 22 Gauge Wire Stripper and Crimper
• Pro-Grade Fiberglass Handle 4-Piece Rubber Mallet Set - 8, 16, 24 & 32 oz.
• Grip 5 pc 11" Long Nose Pliers Set
• Cummins Industrial Tools 3pc Aviation Tin Snip Set
• DIAGONAL CUTTER WITH STRIPPER
• Klein Tools 11055 Kurve 12 Gauge to 20 Gauge Stranded and 10 Gauge to 18 Gauge Solid Wire Stripper and Cutter
• Klein Tools 63050 9-1/2-Inch High Leverage Cable Cutter
• Klein Tools J1005 Journeyman Crimping & Cutting Tool
• 7 Flexible Linesman Combination Pliers
• Stanley 16-007 5000 Series Chisel Set, 3-Piece
• Cummins Industrial Tools Hand Riveter Set with 300 Pc. Rivets
• Fowler 72-373-012 12" Combination Square
• ROPER WHITNEY Jr. #5 PUNCH KIT Made in USA
• Greenlee Punch Set, 11 Piece. Ball Bearing Drive
• Irwin Vice Grip-10" Straight Jaw Locking Pliers
• Irwin Hanson 26376 76-Piece Machine Screw / Fractional / Metric Tap and Hex Die Set
• Fluke 177 Digital Multimeter, 1000V, Backlight, Min/Max/Avg

• Bits

I.RotoZip Contractor-Rated XBITS - Metal-Cutting Bit, Model# XB-MC1
II.Dremel (DRE426) Fiberglass Cut-Off Wheels - 5 Pk.
III.SA-5 CYLINDER CARBIDE BUR
IV.DREMEL 3/8 Aluminum Oxide Grinding Stone, Part No. 932
V.1/8" SOLID CARBIDE multi-purpose CUTTING BIT - Wood - Metal - Tile – Fiberglass
VI.4 Pack of 4485 QUICK CHANGE COLLET NUT
VII.Practical Products GS-230 High Strenght Hot Melt Glue Sticks - Approx. 18Lb, 1/2" X 10" 5lb/box
VIII.Bahco 3832-40+8 Carbide-Tipped Hole Saw 1 9/16-Inch (40mm)
IX.Bahco 3832-76+8 Carbide-Tipped Hole Saw 3-Inch (76mm)
X.Milwaukee 49-56-4003 Hole Saw Carbide Tipped 4-Inch
XI.Bahco 3832-114+8 Carbide-Tipped Hole Saw 4 1/2-Inch (114mm)
XII.Bosch CO4013 13-Piece Fractional Cobalt Drill Bit Set with Metal Index
XIII.Skil 45173 13pc High Speed Steel Drill Bit Set
XIV.8 Pack of 94905 USHANK JIGSAW BLD SET
XV.Dremel 16463 5-Inch Spiral Blades (5-Pack)
XVI.DREMEL 5 Metal Piercing VS Scroll Saw Blades - 5pk, Part No. 16483
XVII.Irwin 10234 UniBit #4 12-Step High Speed Steel Fractional Self-Starting Step Drill
XVIII.24 WIRE BRUSH WHEEL & CUP Brass & Stainless Steel (*Dremel)
XIX.Black & Decker 3" Coarse Wire Wheel Brush w/1/4" Shank Part No. 70-130
XX.Black & Decker 3" Fine Wire Wheel Brush w/1/4" Shank Part No. 70-131
XXI.MK Morse M45P Hole Saw Arbor, 7/16-Inch Boxed, Fits AV20-AV96

• Accessories

I.RotoZip RZVAC1 Dust Extraction Adapter Kit
II.Rotozip SEG1 Straight Edge Guide Attachment - SEG1
III.RotoZip ZM3 Zipmate Attachment
IV.RotoZip RZ-JSH2 Jigsaw Handle
V.Dremel 575D Right Angle Attachment

• Tools

I.Rotozip RZ25-1100 RZ25 Spiral Saw with 50-foot cord and Drywall X-Bits - RZ25-1100
II.Dremel XPR Rotary Tool Kit, 400 Series, Variable W/Planer
III.Dremel Electric Engraver Kit - 290-01
IV.Dremel 1200-02 Glue Gun Kit With Bag
V.Coleman PMS7000 Cordless Cold Heat Soldering Tool
VI.DeWalt DC727KA Heavy Duty 12-Volt Ni-Cad Cordless 3/8-Inch Drill/Driver Kit
VII.BUTANE TORCH
VIII.Dremel 1800-01 1.4 Amp 18-Inch 1/6 Horsepower Benchtop Variable Speed Scroll Saw with Built-In 5-Inch Disc Sander
IX.Black & Decker 9756 Dual Temperature Heat Gun
X.Black and Decker MS550GB Mouse 5 Amp Detail Sander /Polisher with 41 Piece Accessory Pack
XI.Skil 4290-01 laser Guided Jigsaw
XII.7 inch X 3-1/2 inch Electric Power Sander

• Dremel 2214D D-Vise
• Torin 26in. Top 6-Drawer Tool Chest - 26in.W x 12 3/4in.D x 14in.H, Model# TBT2006
• Edsal 103lb 60x30" Gray Steel Top Work Bench
• Universal Percussion UP197 Round Double-Braced Drum Throne
• Rubber Products Bounce Back - 6 Feet Fall Tile Bounce Back Safety Black Rubber Flooring
• Stack-On Multi-Drawer Storage Cabinet - 39 Drawer, 14 7/8in. x 18 1/2in. x 6 3/8in. Size
• Bench Vise [Misc.]
• Kreg RAC Right Angle Clamp
• Irwin Vice-Grip 5-Pc. Welding Tool Set

• Gerson Signature One-Step Maintenance-Free Half Mask Respirators - Medium - 8211R
• Ultra-Lightweight Earmuff QM24+ by Howard Leight
• Uvex S3960C Stealth Chemical Splash and Impact Goggle, Clear Lens with Indirect Vents
• Jackson Safety and Welding WC-3 Goggle, Shade3, IRUV
• Klein Tools (KLN 40067) Leather Work Gloves - Medium

Not to rain on yer prade here but ...........

Black&Decker !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Umm if plannin on using these tools day in and day out , try a better brand. B&D is for the weekend warrior not a fulltime builder/modder.

As for the Skil jig saw , i own one ( that exact model) and it sux cuts crooked , lazer dont line up right, and is genrally a BAD cutting saw.

just my .02 , but as for the list of tools and types , very good start.

Quote: Originally Posted by HigHTecHReDNecK Not to rain on yer prade here but ........... Black&Decker !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Umm if plannin on using these tools day in and day out , try a better brand. B&D is for the weekend warrior not a fulltime builder/modder. As for the Skil jig saw , i own one ( that exact model) and it sux cuts crooked , lazer dont line up right, and is genrally a BAD cutting saw. just my .02 , but as for the list of tools and types , very good start.

The Black & Decker wire brushes probably won't get used on anything heavy duty, just scraping paint and such off 'cause sanding that mess off would take forever. Especially a botched paint-job that would have to be re-done...*points towards the offending cheapie tower* First time doing spray paint bought a cheap tower to practice on...think I sprayed it on too thick, but good painting skills will come with time, as will most everything else. *shrugs slightly*

And I guess I'll go look for a different brand jig saw, though I was under the impression that Skil was supposed to be the best. Heh. Probably for woodworking, huh?

-edit- Anyone have any suggestions on a good Jig saw to buy for cutting metal and such? -edit-