shop equipment

After many years of being a mechanic and auto body guy, I’m about to change gears and open up my own company making living room furniture geared toward the big and tall crowd. No wood, only steel and or aluminum. I’ve got some patents lined up and in the works and my business plan is nearly done. I plan on being in motion with product rolling out the door, pending business loans, by end of August.

Here is why I’m writing. I have a good idea of what shop equipment to get ( band saw, drill press, upholstery machines, welders, etc) but I don’t know exactly what to get. I will not be using wood ever, unless its as a mild decorative accent. This will be basically a metal fab shop with an in house upholstery shop. I’ve never been my own boss, so I don’t know what brands, sizes or whatever will work the best for constant every day performance. I know some power tools look really cool with lots of potential, but then getting consumables for them or parts can end up being a PITA.

Have any of you guys bought metal fab equipment for a shop and had good or bad feelings about this or that tool? I have a giant thick Grainger catalog and I already do common business with Fastenall. Any heads up would be appreciated since I will be turning in a business plan within 2-3 weeks.