I've been reading this thread with some interest and I've got to say that TechArt certainly doesn't dound like some kid with the usual "I want to....". Not that there's a problems with this as I was exactly like that.
One of the major factors that you would have if you set up the business is flexability. This is what I like about small companies. I have worked for large multinationals and they are a nightmare for getting any change or redirecting focus. However, with a small company like the one I cuurrently work for (well it was small, there were 6 of us 2.5 years ago, we're now over 100) you can change about and refocus which is absolutely essential.
I wouldn't look at being a man who will do the custom inlay work or the man that will produce bodies and necks. You are a bloke with a CNC and there are a lot of things that need to be CNC'd. I would say that bodies, inlays and templates would be only one of your income streams. It's comming up to christmas so maybe CNCing wooden Darlicks, Christmas trees and pull along trains might bring in more money. Paint your own wooden Easter Eggs at Easter, who knows maybe even wooden turkies (it is thanks giving over there isn't it)
I was always taught that it is the product that pays the wages, well I was taught a few ways of business thinking, but this is the one that stuck with me. You need to keep the CNC spinning and to do that you need to be more flexible than a yoga teacher in a high wind. And then you need to send me a few bodies........
........For quality control purposes of course .....But you're not getting them back.
Kaj