Steel prices have gone sky high since I bought my batch in July 2003.
As an example just one part of the basket, a 4x8 ft sheet of 3/4 #9 expanded cost me $33.35. This summer, I was quoted over $100 for the same thing from the same supplier.
Each basket took me 4-5 hrs total to cut, assembly, weld and pack and 1 hr trip (plus gas) to do a round trip to drop off at the shipper, again to save the group ups pick charges. At an average gross profit of $22 per basket for 5.5 hr of dirty work, lets do the math...hum, that is about $4.00/hr. My net was nearly zero as my gas and electric bill doubled. :shock:
With the steel prices being what they are and increasing, I would have to raise the price beyond what I believe anyone would pay for the basket to maintain my $4.00/hr. So,
I will not be building any more baskets.
Whoever wants to build my design baskets for the group, have at it along with my best wishes. Any one want to buy some slightly used tools? Mearsurements available on request, no drawing though, it is on only on my work bench top
.
The fun part for me was solving the fire box poblem with a design that works and will last a very long time without having to replace the burned out bottom.
And to the 22 Brothers that bought my Baskets, all I can say is thank you for your business.
Have a great Holiday Season and lots white blue smoke :!: