Again, the #1-ORB Ornamental Roller Bender, #425 Pedestal Arch and Ring Roller and the #UF-25H Universal Fabricator can individually be the foundation of a number of specific business opportunities. Some examples can be seen under Specific Businesses. Getting a business started and understanding how it can become a profitable reality (with the help of our books and manuals) is the primary reason why our equipment is purchased. As the owner of this company I have over half a century of fabricating experience. As much as is reasonably possible what I have learned about the ornamental and fabricating business I have written about in Shop Outfitters' books and manuals. Many of our customers have contacted us to let us know how much they appreciate our metalworking equipment. We love hearing about the many success stories that our equipment owners have relayed to us, particularly the ones with little or no previous metalworking experience. Some of their projects, especially the ornamental ones, are impressive enough that we decided to include some photographs under Customer Projects.

We are beginning to see a resurgence in ornamental ironwork. This is likely happening for several reasons. There is the security aspect. The need for security gates and railings have never gone away. Security doors, security window grill coverings, which do not look like jail bars but are attractive and break-in resistant are becoming more common. The displacement of white-collar workers by artificial intelligence means more ivy league schools are going to need to pay more attention to the trades if they expect to remain relevant. And then there is the issue of durability. In these uncertain times nothing seems to last. Wood certainly does not endure the ravages of time like iron does. The need to be creative and make things that one can be proud of (and make a living in the process) has been too long supplanted by unfulfilling boring jobs. For some, ornamental ironwork and even general metal fabrication has provided an escape from their previous miserable job. Some of the happiest people we have talked to are those who have purchased our machines and been able to use them to start a new income earning business.