QuotedPartAnswers · Updated 2026-10-31
How do I start a machine shop?
Price one of your own parts: Drop a STEP model or PDF drawing — about 90 seconds, no account.
Your part priced in about 90 seconds, no account.
Build a sellable capability and a rate model before buying equipment; test realistic billable hours, cash runway, and first-customer demand.
See how QuotedPart connects to your workflow with its API, MCP server, autonomous quoting and shop-specific learning.
The direct answer
A new VMC plan should include $120,000 equipment, tooling, maintenance, 1,200 realistic billed hours, and a sales pipeline, not just advertised cycle time.
Test the decision against the shop evidence in this example: A new VMC plan should include $120,000 equipment, tooling, maintenance, 1,200 realistic billed hours, and a sales pipeline, not just advertised cycle time.
Carry the measurable input from the worked case into the estimator's notes: A new VMC plan should include $120,000 equipment, tooling, maintenance, 1,200 realistic billed hours, and a sales pipeline, not just advertised cycle time.
Evidence from a shop floor
With $24,000 monthly cost and 120 billable hours, break-even is $200/hour; at 15% profit it is $230/hour, while 80 billable hours raises break-even to $300/hour. Create a 90-day plan with an RFQ target, cash gate, and equipment decision based on booked profitable work.
Keep the commercial decision tied to the evidence, including a new vmc plan should include $120,000 equipment, tooling, maintenance, 1,200 realistic billed hours, and a sales pipeline, not just advertised cycle time.
The handoff is complete only when the owner can restate the route without losing a new vmc plan should include $120,000 equipment, tooling, maintenance, 1,200 realistic billed hours, and a sales pipeline, not just advertised cycle time.
Build the quote route
Choose target work, calculate burden and utilization, validate supplier and service support, and stage capital against signed demand.
A useful review question is whether the current RFQ still matches this route: choose target work, calculate burden and utilization, validate supplier and service support, and stage capital against signed demand.
The next estimator should be able to challenge the assumption behind this route: choose target work, calculate burden and utilization, validate supplier and service support, and stage capital against signed demand.
Use the source notes to date the assumption and record why this route was selected: choose target work, calculate burden and utilization, validate supplier and service support, and stage capital against signed demand.
Release and learn
A machine purchase does not create utilization; capacity, working capital, and quoting discipline decide survival.
If the buyer asks for a different outcome, explain the boundary in these terms: a machine purchase does not create utilization; capacity, working capital, and quoting discipline decide survival.
Before changing the total, verify whether the caveat applies: a machine purchase does not create utilization; capacity, working capital, and quoting discipline decide survival.
A customer-facing explanation should make the risk legible: a machine purchase does not create utilization; capacity, working capital, and quoting discipline decide survival.
Close the loop by noting the evidence that would make this estimate obsolete: a machine purchase does not create utilization; capacity, working capital, and quoting discipline decide survival.
Keep the commercial decision tied to the evidence, including a new vmc plan should include $120,000 equipment, tooling, maintenance, 1,200 realistic billed hours, and a sales pipeline, not just advertised cycle time.
Price one of your own parts
Drop a PDF drawing or a STEP file. QuotedPart reads the print, measures the model and prices it in seconds, on default shop rates you can change.
Your STEP file or PDF drawingDrop a PDF drawing, a STEP file or both
Free. No account, no email. Priced at our default US rates until you set yours.
Related QuotedPart guides
Answers
Can I ship 10% more or fewer parts than ordered?
Only when the purchase order or customer has agreed a quantity tolerance; there is no universal right to ship ten percent extra or short.
Answers
Can I use Xometry or Protolabs instant quotes as a price check?
Use an instant quote as a dated comparison point after matching quantity, revision, finish, inspection, freight, and delivery scope; it is not a neutral market index.
Answers
Customer sent a STEP file but no drawing — what tolerance do I quote?
Use a written model-only default only when the customer accepts it; a practical example is to model with ±0.005 inch unless a drawing states otherwise, while calling out material, finish, threads, and inspection as open.
Answers
Customers make us re-enter quotes in their supplier portals — how do other shops handle it?
Treat portal re-entry as measurable quote administration: export the approved quote, time the work, and decide whether the effort is included or charged.