Old Dog MFG — Frequently Asked Questions
GETTING STARTED
I ONLY HAVE AN IDEA. CAN YOU HELP?
Yes.
You do not need to arrive with a finished CAD file or a complete manufacturing plan.
Tell us what you are trying to make, what the part needs to do, and anything you already know about the project.
We can help you work through the next steps, including design direction, manufacturability, material, process, and production.
TELL US ABOUT YOUR IDEA
DO I NEED A CAD FILE?
No.
If you already have CAD, send it. If you only have:
- a sketch
- a drawing
- an existing part
- dimensions
- photos
- notes
- or simply an idea
we can still help determine the right next step.
If you are ready for a formal quote, STEP/STP files and supporting PDF drawings provide the fastest path.
CAN YOU REVIEW AN EXISTING FILE?
Yes.
If you already have CAD or drawings but are unsure about:
- material
- tolerances
- manufacturing process
- design details
- finishing
- cost
- manufacturability
send us what you have. We can review it and help identify what needs to happen before production.
REVIEW MY PROJECT
CAN YOU HELP CHOOSE A MANUFACTURING PROCESS?
Yes.
You do not need to know whether your part should be:
- CNC machined
- 3D printed
- cast
- molded
- fabricated from sheet metal
- extruded
before contacting us.
We can evaluate the design, quantity, material requirements, performance needs, and budget to help determine the most practical manufacturing path.
CAN YOU HELP CHOOSE A MATERIAL?
Yes.
Material selection can affect:
- performance
- weight
- strength
- corrosion resistance
- temperature resistance
- finish
- machinability
- cost
- lead time
Tell us what the part needs to do and we can help narrow down the right options.
VIEW MATERIALS
QUOTING
HOW QUICKLY WILL I RECEIVE A QUOTE?
For complete, production-ready requests, our goal is to provide a formal quote within 1–3 business days.
Projects that require:
- engineering clarification
- material research
- sourcing
- design changes
- unusual processes
- specialty finishing
may take longer. If we need additional information, we will reach out.
WHAT INFORMATION DO YOU NEED TO QUOTE A PART?
The more complete the information, the faster we can quote accurately. Ideally provide:
- STEP / STP file
- PDF drawing if available
- manufacturing process
- material
- finish
- quantity
- tolerance requirements
- shipping ZIP code
If you do not know every specification, you can contact us first and we will help.
WHAT FILE TYPES DO YOU ACCEPT?
For the Ready to Quote workflow, the primary file types are:
3D CAD
DRAWINGS / SPECIFICATIONS
If you have another file format, contact us and we can determine whether it can be used.
CAN I SUBMIT MULTIPLE PARTS IN ONE REQUEST?
Yes, provided the RFQ upload system supports the files and the request clearly identifies the individual parts.
If multiple parts belong to one assembly or project, include the relevant drawings and revision information so we can review them together.
IS THERE A MINIMUM ORDER QUANTITY?
Not necessarily.
Old Dog can support:
- one-off prototypes
- low-volume runs
- production quantities
The right manufacturing process and supplier may vary based on quantity.
CAN I GET A QUOTE FOR A SINGLE PROTOTYPE?
Yes.
The Ready to Quote form includes a prototype option for a quantity of one.
For early-stage concepts that are not yet production-ready, contact us first.
START AN RFQ
WHAT DOES "OLD DOG VETTED NETWORK" MEAN?
Old Dog works with a network of manufacturing partners selected based on capabilities, quality, process fit, and project requirements.
When you choose the Old Dog Vetted Network option, we can evaluate qualified manufacturing sources and select the best fit for the project.
Old Dog remains your point of contact throughout the process.
CAN I REQUEST MADE IN USA MANUFACTURING ONLY?
Yes.
The RFQ form includes a manufacturer-origin option for customers who require U.S.-based manufacturing. Choose that option when submitting your request.
MANUFACTURING
WHAT MANUFACTURING PROCESSES DO YOU SUPPORT?
Old Dog supports a broad range of manufacturing processes, including:
- CNC machining
- CNC turning
- additive manufacturing / 3D printing
- sheet metal fabrication
- investment casting
- die casting
- sand casting
- urethane / vacuum casting
- injection molding
- liquid silicone rubber molding
- compression molding
- metal extrusion
- plastic extrusion
- finishing
- assembly
VIEW CAPABILITIES
DO YOU HANDLE BOTH PROTOTYPES AND PRODUCTION?
Yes.
We work with:
- single prototypes
- engineering samples
- low-volume production
- repeat production
- larger manufacturing runs
The best process and supplier can change substantially depending on quantity, so tell us both your immediate requirement and expected future volume when possible.
CAN YOU RECOMMEND CHANGES TO REDUCE COST?
Yes. This is part of our DFM approach.
We may identify opportunities related to:
- tolerances
- material
- geometry
- wall thickness
- tooling
- finishing
- manufacturing process
- quantity
The goal is not simply to make the cheapest possible part. The goal is to avoid paying for complexity that does not improve the part.
WHAT IS DFM FEEDBACK?
DFM means Design for Manufacturability. It is the process of reviewing a part before production to identify design features that may:
- increase cost
- increase lead time
- create unnecessary manufacturing difficulty
- create quality risk
- require a different manufacturing method
Old Dog uses DFM feedback to help customers make more informed decisions before committing to production.
CAN YOU WORK WITH TIGHT TOLERANCES?
Yes, depending on:
- material
- geometry
- process
- feature size
- inspection requirements
- quantity
Tighter tolerances generally increase manufacturing and inspection requirements.
If a tolerance appears unnecessarily restrictive, we may ask what the feature actually needs to accomplish before quoting it.
DO YOU HANDLE FINISHING?
Yes.
Available finishes vary by process and material and may include:
- anodizing
- hardcoat anodizing
- black oxide
- passivation
- electropolishing
- powder coating
- Cerakote
- wet paint
- bead/media blasting
- brushed/satin finish
- polishing
- electroplating
- PVD coatings
- vapor smoothing
- as-machined / as-printed
See the Materials page for applicable material and finish combinations.
VIEW MATERIALS
DO YOU HANDLE ASSEMBLY?
Yes.
Old Dog can support work ranging from simple hardware installation and subassemblies to more complete assembly requirements depending on the project.
Include assembly information in your project files or contact us before quoting if you are unsure how to specify it.
FILES & ENGINEERING
CAN I UPLOAD A STEP FILE AND PDF DRAWING TOGETHER?
Yes. That is actually preferred when both exist.
The STEP/STP file provides the 3D geometry. The PDF drawing can communicate:
- critical dimensions
- tolerances
- notes
- finish
- threads
- inspection requirements
- revision information
Both should be reviewed together when the drawing contains requirements not represented in the CAD model.
WHAT IF MY FILE NEEDS REVISIONS?
That is fine.
If the design is not production-ready, use the I Have a Partial File path or contact us. We can review what you have and discuss what needs to change.
REVIEW MY PROJECT
HOW DO YOU HANDLE UPDATED REVISION FILES?
If you need to send an updated revision after submitting an RFQ, reply directly to the confirmation email or contact Old Dog using your RFQ reference number.
Clearly identify the new revision so we do not accidentally quote or manufacture from an outdated file.
ARE MY FILES AND DESIGNS KEPT CONFIDENTIAL?
Customer drawings, CAD files, specifications, and other project information are handled as confidential project information.
If you require an NDA or specific information-handling terms, contact Old Dog before submitting sensitive files.
CONTACT OLD DOG
ORDERS & DELIVERY
HOW ARE LEAD TIMES DETERMINED?
Lead time depends on:
- manufacturing process
- material availability
- quantity
- complexity
- finish
- inspection requirements
- supplier capacity
- shipping
The formal quote will include the applicable estimated lead time for the project.
DO YOU INSPECT PARTS BEFORE SHIPMENT?
Inspection requirements depend on the project and quote. Old Dog manages manufacturing and quality requirements based on the specifications provided.
If you require:
- dimensional inspection
- inspection reports
- certificates
- material certifications
- first-article inspection
- other documentation
include that requirement before accepting the quote.
WHERE DO YOU SHIP?
Old Dog can coordinate shipping based on the project destination. Shipping cost and method may vary by:
- destination
- package size
- weight
- order value
- required delivery speed
Enter the shipping ZIP code during the RFQ process so logistics can be considered during quoting.
CAN I USE MY OWN SHIPPING ACCOUNT?
Potentially.
If you need Old Dog to ship using a specific carrier or account, include that information with the request or contact the team before the order is finalized.
WHAT HAPPENS IF THERE IS AN ISSUE WITH MY PARTS?
Contact Old Dog as soon as possible and reference the applicable RFQ or order information. Provide:
- photos
- description of the issue
- affected quantities
- inspection information if applicable
We will review the issue against the approved specifications and determine the appropriate next step.
ABOUT OLD DOG
WHAT DOES OLD DOG MFG DO?
Old Dog MFG designs and makes custom parts and products. Most work starts one of three ways:
- Improve something you already own: remake a part, make it stronger, or change it to work better
- Bring a one-off idea to life, even with no CAD file, using our design and manufacturing skills
- Lower the cost of a product that is already being made by changing how it is manufactured
That covers CNC machining, sheet metal, plastics, 3D printing, casting, finishing, wire harnesses and cable assemblies, electronic component sourcing, custom fasteners and washers, and assembly.
VIEW CAPABILITIES
CAN YOU LOWER THE COST OF A PART WE ALREADY MAKE?
Often, yes.
We look at how the part or product is made today and find where the cost is coming from. Common savings come from changing the process as volume grows, combining parts, opening up tolerances that do not affect function, changing material, cutting extra steps, or changing suppliers.
You get a list of options and tradeoffs. Nothing in the design changes without approval from whoever owns it.
LOWER YOUR COST
WHERE IS OLD DOG MFG LOCATED?
Old Dog MFG is based in Austin, Texas.
We work with customers across the United States and take international inquiries. Our local focus is Central Texas and Wisconsin, around Madison and Wausau, where our team visits regularly.
WISCONSIN CUSTOMERS
HOW DO I CONTACT OLD DOG MFG?
Call or text (737) 442-4729, email howdy@olddogmfg.com, or send a message through the contact page. Texts are welcome any time.
CONTACT OLD DOG
ARE YOU A MACHINE SHOP OR A MANUFACTURING NETWORK?
Old Dog is a manufacturing partner.
Depending on the project, we use experienced manufacturing professionals and qualified manufacturing resources to move a project from concept or production-ready files through sourcing, review, manufacturing, and delivery.
The customer works through Old Dog rather than having to independently find and manage every supplier involved in the project.
WHO REVIEWS MY QUOTE?
Your request is reviewed by people with manufacturing experience. The goal is to evaluate more than the geometry alone. We look at factors such as:
- process
- material
- tolerances
- manufacturability
- finishing
- quantity
- sourcing
- risk
before the project moves forward.
HOW IS OLD DOG DIFFERENT FROM AN INSTANT-QUOTE PLATFORM?
Old Dog combines modern quoting and project-management tools with real manufacturing experience. Your request is not treated as nothing more than a file uploaded into an algorithm.
If something in the:
- design
- material
- tolerance
- manufacturing process
- finish
- quantity
could create unnecessary cost, difficulty, or risk, we want to identify that before production.
The technology makes the process faster. The manufacturing knowledge helps make sure the decision is right.
