Machine shop/manufacturing forums like Pelican?

[jim72911t]

Hey all,
Does anyone know of a machine shop/manufacturing forum that is of the Pelican BBS quality? I've been Googling for a couple of hours, and all I can find are hobby-oriented sites. I'm looking for professional level discussion among machinists, programmers, engineers, and the like. (Basically, dorks )

Every once in a while I'll have a work related question and it just dawned on me that my work computer can be used for other things besides surfing Pelican.

Jim

[M.D. Holloway]

Thanks - you just gave me a really good idea!

[URY914]

http://www.practicalmachinist.com/

See if this one fits your needs...

Paul

[M.D. Holloway]

OK - I've been thinking about this for the past 7 minutes and this could be great! We could set this up just like Wayne did. Here are a few things that must be figuered. The idea is to have a forum but also generate some $$$ - this is can be done by offering up items, tools and services with out warehousing but rather linking (more on that later). Of course the traffic would also generate ad fee for vendors. Some of the things to have for machinists, programmers, engineers (mech, chem, elec, ind)
1) Must have established credibilty of the 'owners'. (authors, experts, gurus)
2) Structure - copy Pelican! Why re-invent the wheel
3) Establish a real kicka$$ marketing strategy
4) Begin and continue to make money and provide expertise!

OK - I want in but can't do it alone...

[WOODPIE]

If you have any interest in woodworking, take a look at www.woodweb.com

Knowledge all the way from the tree to the hand rubbed finish. No OT forum, however.

Ed

[BlueSkyJaunte]

There is a LOT of fabrication know-how over at www.chopperweb.net.

Hell, IIRC one guy over there machined his own heads for a panhead motor. They swap .dxfs for C&Cs regularly.

Have a look.

[jim72911t]

Paul,
After a quick look, that one seems to have potential. It is in a format that is similar to Pelican's and seems to have some knowledgeable people on board. I should be able to waste a lot of time there.

It seems that there are plenty of forums for hobby machinists, and a few software based ones as well (MasterCam, etc.), but none that really cater to the professional in the business who have a question and need an answer NOW.

Mike,
Your idea sounds like one that might have potential. I'd look at the link that Paul recommended to see if that might already be doing what you have in mind. Like I said, I've just given it a cursory glance. I'd be willing to offer some suggestions, but between a full time job and running a business selling CNC'd Porsche parts, I don't have a whole bunch of time to dedicate to the project. PM me if you have any more thoughts.

-Jim