Ideas on money making activities during down time at new job

1. For those with concerns over working on stuff on the side, I appreciate the concern. I cannot convey the situation over the computer. The coolest, most laid back boss on the planet. I have to be there if machines go down, I can sit in an office and read, sit outside and enjoy the breeze, whatever, so long as I am within reach via the short wave radio when they call. I appreciate the concern, but the core question remains.

2. I cannot polish or learn any faster here. When the machines go down, we go out and fix it. My brother works with me, and has been there 4 years. I will learn, but I cannot go out and tear the machine apart just to try to figure it out so I can fix it better in the future. The surgeon is not allowed to cut open a working human, to learn, so they can figure out the next one. I can't take down a running line or machine, to hone my skills.

3. I have thought about Spitfire type headers, the only issue is everything here is setup for stainless. I have welded steel with the existing TIG setup, but it is probably not absolutely ideal. I am leaning towards bringing in my MIG and using that instead. They don't have a tubing bender, so they would be built out of pre bent mandrel sections. Flanges could be bought loose, or there is a big metal manufacturing place nearby that could whip them up if needed.