Contract Machine Builder / Fabricator (Lathe Modification Project)

Catastrophic Creations • Contract • Grand Rapids, Michigan, United States • $25 - $60 / hour • 2m ago

About Us

Catastrophic Creations is a Grand Rapids-based company specializing in high-end, wall-mounted cat furniture. We design and manufacture modular products and are expanding our in-house production capabilities.

Project Overview

We are looking for an experienced machine builder, fabricator, or mechanically inclined technician to help design and build a custom system for wrapping sisal rope onto cylindrical poles.

This project involves modifying or adapting a lathe (or similar rotating equipment) into a purpose-built wrapping station that can efficiently and consistently apply rope under tension.

This is a contract role focused on building the initial system, with potential for ongoing work depending on performance and fit.

What You’ll Be Doing

Design and build a functional rope-wrapping system using a lathe or similar rotating equipment
Create a mechanism to:
Hold and spin cylindrical poles securely
Feed sisal rope evenly along the length of the pole
Maintain consistent tension on the rope during wrapping
Develop or adapt clamping/holding systems for quick loading and unloading
Ensure the setup is safe, stable, and repeatable for production use
Test and refine the system for efficiency and durability
Document basic operation so our team can use the equipment

What We’re Looking For

Strong mechanical background (machinist, fabricator, industrial mechanic, or similar)
Experience working with lathes or rotating machinery
Ability to design and build custom mechanical solutions
Experience with:
Welding and metal fabrication
Bearings, shafts, and rotating assemblies
Tensioning systems (rollers, guides, or similar)
Problem-solving mindset and ability to work independently
Focus on safety and practical, real-world usability

Nice to Have (Not Required)

Experience building jigs, fixtures, or small production equipment
Experience with textile, rope, or winding systems
Electrical or motor control experience (speed control, foot pedals, etc.)

Project Details

Project-based contract (estimated 1–3 weeks depending on approach)
Flexible schedule
Work can be done partially on-site in Grand Rapids
Access to our shop, tools, and materials as needed

Future Opportunity

We are also looking for a reliable mechanical resource for occasional shop support and equipment troubleshooting. If this project goes well, there is potential for ongoing contract work.

Pay