What quantity of a given size/design of wheel is it economically necessary
to produce using the various techniques being bantered about in these wheel
discussions? Normally a manufacturer needs to make a minimum quantity to
get the unit cost down to a "reasonable" amount that results in a price that
is acceptable. This portion takes in the manufacturing costs involving
pattern making, the depreciation on the pattern, raw materials, degree of
waste produced whose cost must also be recovered, etc. Then there is the
cost of money involved in fronting the production, and the possibly
lengthily holding of stock until some hobbiest decides that this part is the
best thing for his use.
Mike Eorgoff
