Starting with a grinder

[Peterstone]

Hello fellow stoners, I have a question to whoever would like to help me out and give me advice, I'm a young guy I have a couple years experience in granite but I want to start my own little business. How did you guys start out? Any advice on how to get it all started? Any mistakes you've made that I could possibly learn from? Like the subject says, I'm just a guy with a grinder trying to make it on my own. I'd appreciate any and all help!

[Andy Ross]

I started with an alpha 125 saw and a dry polisher. It sucked, it was hard, I wouldn't want to do it again. But, it can be done. There are easier ways to make a living but if you want to be your own boss....go for it.

[Dave.Scott]

Mag 77 worm drive skill saw with a diamond blade on it, garden hose, a couple of saw horses in my carport, Milwaukee grinder and diamond pads. Doing everything wrong at least once. Learning through the bruises.

This is a good place to be to ask questions. Spend the $100 to get in the whole site.
Keep working for/with someone you can learn from.
Learn how to listen and hear what people (customers) are really saying.

Like Andy said, "It sucked, it was hard, I wouldn't want to do it again. But, it can be done. There are easier ways to make a living but if you want to be your own boss....go for it."

Behold the turtle, he only makes progress when he sticks his neck out.

[mark s]

"Mag 77 worm drive skill saw with a diamond blade on it, garden hose, a couple of saw horses in my carport, Milwaukee grinder and diamond pads. Doing everything wrong at least once. Learning through the bruises."

Dave; I'm impressed! Where you are today compared to the above start is a true American success story. you should probably write a book.

mark s.

[Dave.Scott]

Cant rite no bok I R illiterate......

Thank you, it is almost hard to look back that far, 1988 seems so long ago......

[T.J. Henderson]

"Mag 77 worm drive skill saw with a diamond blade on it, garden hose, a couple of saw horses in my carport, Milwaukee grinder and diamond pads. Doing everything wrong at least once. Learning through the bruises."

Dave; I'm impressed! Where you are today compared to the above start is a true American success story. you should probably write a book.

mark s.
[

"Blood Sucking, Capitalist Pig" would be a pretty catchy title

To answer Peterstone. Dude join the SFA and read through the forums. From there, figure out how what you want to do: high end ultra custom hand holder, commerical only, wholesale, etc.) in this business and focus on it.

[Dave.Scott]

Now, let's all get it right.
"bottom feeding, skum sucking, Capitalist Pig".

Can I get an Amen?

[tim farr]

Amen. Guilty as charged.

[skulptor007]

Mag 77 worm drive skill saw with a diamond blade on it, garden hose, a couple of saw horses in my carport, Milwaukee grinder and diamond pads. Doing everything wrong at least once. Learning through the bruises.

Me too, also 1988 start. The first time i cored a faucet hole I used a 300 lb concrete coring machine
Scissor slab lifters with 3cm soaptone slabs, 3 guys from the shop next door hanging off the back of my 2000lb forklift so it wouldnt tip over. Working in a driveway rain or heat, 16 hr days 7 days a week. Before the forklift used a Harbor Freight manual chain lift with two straps and my niece to lay down slabs on 2x4's, no table.....Scary