Hmm, I find some of this interesting.
I cant imagine the OP will get "traumatized" by my thoughts on this, I feel it's pretty much on topic. If he is, simply say so and I will desist.
No one will put a price on what they think a fair price of one of these units would be. A custom made unit. Hmpf.
We know a 2 inch unit, likely mass produced in
china, off the shelf cost $26. Presumably plus tax. Fantastic price....nigh on mindblowing actually.....if you think on it for a moment.
We know a 1 ,5 inch stanchion base cost $55, presumably custom, presumably plus tax. Over double what the OP paid for his 2 inch unit......and also an excellent price in my mind.
So were i to have a workshop in my backyard that contained mid size lathe, the ability to weld stainless, say mig and
arc ( thinking on TIG, be fun to learn more skills) , a cold saw, good drill press 2x72 belt sander , buffing machine .....and all the other misc bits and peices like belts,buffing pads/compounds,drills,shamfers,316
arc rods,high speed tool cutters...etc etc etc what would I charge to knock one of these up?
To very exacting standards i get the impresion.....not the slightest blemish.
Well, how long would it take? I am going to ballpark it at 5 hrs. maybe 4, but I would say 5.....just to be safe.
The material. I dont have exact dimensions....so about 4 1/2 diameter 1/4 plate. Remember it doesent start round,,,,nope, gotta make it round. And about 2 1/2 inches of 3 inch daimeter pipe. Hmpf? I am going to say were I to waste the time pricing it at online metals that would likely be $50....or more, but lets say $50. We wont even think on
shipping and tax.
So if I had about $10,000 bucks worth of machinery in my garage, and $50 in material and it takes me 5 hrs to do the job.
Lets say I enjoy this
work ( which I do, because I dont need to do it most likely) so would charge $50 in labour. Stupid, I know, but
beer money.
So....after all that......
I would say $100 a piece would be an awsome price. $150 a piece would be about right.......and $ 200 a piece a bit steep.
And those numbers are what I consider. Imagine what a business has to pay in expenses on top of what I have: Rent,
insurance (likely multiple) workers wages and expenses (workers comp etc etc)
power bills, licensing.....and I am sure there are bunch more.
They would likely have the advantage (like me to be honest) that they either have the material in stock or do not pay online metals prices.
All very interesting stuff to consider when someone asks "how much do you think this item is worth custom fabricated by some one (or company) with the machinery and skills ( not insignificant) to do the job to an exacting standard".........and not a
single response.
hmpf.