Dec 12 2008
How To - Use Your Computer as a Machine Shop
How To - Use Your Computer as a Machine Shop
If you need a special part made you could walk out to your machine shop and make it yourself. You say you don’t have a machine shop and would know how to run the tools even if you did. If you’re reading this on your computer using an internet connection you are on your way to special parts.
Following the lead of the MIT “FabLab” you can fabricate parts online. You don’t actually make the part yourself (using your computer and machines) but, you come close. Some machine shops are offering online services of their machine shops and experienced machinists. You supply the design and funding.
eMachineshop.com puts a machine shop inside your computer. You don’t have to invest in specialized equipment or spend years developing skills. You can download the free software. Then draw your part and get a free estimate of cost for producing the part. The company offers a wide range of materials and capabilities.
Online machine shops create a wonderful opportunity to make precise scale model railroad train parts. They do cost money, so you should use them for parts that are critical and suited to the machine shop and materials. Some online machine shops have forums for questions and customer reviews. If you are going to make a big investment, it’s worth it to subscribe to several forums to help you make an informed choice.
Have fun!
Trainguy
