This is not a commercial! I happened onto an article this morning that I had to share here for reasons you'll understand.If you don't use a computer, you probably are wasting your time by reading on. Actually, if you don't use a computer, you probably aren't reading this! :) This article describes a company that distributes a free CAD-like program to design (or replicate) engineering drawings of parts needing to be fabricated. Then it lets you submit the drawings online for a cost estimate, and if you order it, they fab it and ship the part to you. They claim thie costs are very competitive. I can see where this would be a great thing for any of us who need a part for old iron that can't be found elsewhere but is essential. Here's links to the article and the home page. On the homepage, take a look at the demo (second link down in the left sidebar) for a quick overview, then I highly recommend checking out some of the other links. The CEO Blog link is good because it gives some short notes on uses and other miscellaneous info - like that they also do molded rubber parts. article.. Link homepage...
Link href="http://www.emachineshop.com/">Link I downloaded and installed the software and the audio tutorial to design a flywheel and it was easy and instructive. Did it in about 15 minutes or so following their step-by-step instructions. After that, I think I could easily desigh simple parts. I can see where real complicated things might be a challenge, but for some simpler parts in a situation where there aren't a lot of alternatives, looks like a great way to go. They do a wide range of materials, machine fab processes and also do things like molded rubber - for hard to find seals, etc. Almost makes me want to design something! Chuck, WA
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