# Cool link: A machine shop on your computer....

**URL:** <https://boards.straightdope.com/t/cool-link-a-machine-shop-on-your-computer/353689>\
**Category:** Miscellaneous and Personal Stuff I Must Share\
**Created:** [April 21, 2006, 9:10pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/cool-link-a-machine-shop-on-your-computer/353689 "2006-04-21T21:10:38Z")\
**Posts on this page:** 4\
**Page:** 1

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**Author:** ![Spiny\_Norman](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/9de0a6/32.png) [@Spiny\_Norman](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Spiny_Norman)\
**Post date:** [April 21, 2006, 9:10pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/cool-link-a-machine-shop-on-your-computer/353689/1 "2006-04-21T21:10:38Z")

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Ever watched “American Chopper” and wondered what you could fabricate given such cool resources ?

I came across this link: [Online machineshop](http://www.emachineshop.com/) - it is too cool for words, although I have absolutely no practical use for it. 🆒 You download a small, simple CAD program, design your part, choose your material and machine, and the program will tell you if it’s possible, how much it’ll cost (and how to reduce the costs) - oh, and it’'ll let you know when you can have the part(s) delivered to your door, credit cards accepted. I am _so_ looking for a problem that calls for a custom-made CNC milled stainless steel solution… 😃

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**Author:** ![Tastes\_of\_Chocolate](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/tastes_of_chocolate/32/3232_2.png) [@Tastes\_of\_Chocolate](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Tastes_of_Chocolate)\
**Post date:** [April 21, 2006, 9:52pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/cool-link-a-machine-shop-on-your-computer/353689/2 "2006-04-21T21:52:54Z")

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Oh boy!! Do I know a couple of full grown kids that are going to have fun with THAT site.

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**Author:** ![zoid](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/zoid/32/336_2.png) [@zoid](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/zoid)\
**Post date:** [April 21, 2006, 10:00pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/cool-link-a-machine-shop-on-your-computer/353689/3 "2006-04-21T22:00:16Z")

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> [@Spiny Norman](#):
>
> I am _so_ looking for a problem that calls for a custom-made CNC milled stainless steel solution… 😃

Dude, chrome plated shoe tree with ball bearing swivel base and spring loaded shoe inserts.

Or how about a titanium alloy sunglasses stand with interlocking tungsten carbide retaining clips.

I mean come on! There’s gotta be a million things you need.

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**Author:** ![Ale](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/f19dbf/32.png) [@Ale](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ale)\
**Post date:** [April 21, 2006, 11:35pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/cool-link-a-machine-shop-on-your-computer/353689/4 "2006-04-21T23:35:42Z")

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Sound the alarm! SALIVE OVERFLOW!!! :eek:

Probably the prices are way out of my budget for Random-gadgets-I-dream-off machined parts\*, but I have to admit the concept is great.  
Metal working is something I´ve always enjoyed the few times I had to make some parts, I´m quite OCD about making things with accuracy and good finish and metal makes the best material for that.

\*_Checks prices… damn!_