[Showdown]

The combination of services like send cut send, places like Shapeways for 3D printing and online CNC providers has really democratized custom micro manufacturing such that the DIYer can really start to raise their game to professional levels without the overhead and waste that would come with owning these machines, not to mention the time it would take to learn the technology.

I’ve toyed with buying a 3D printer but ultimately never will because I’d be limited to one type of printing process where as outsourcing it I can access dozens of processes and hundreds of materials.

I’ve even replicated retail parts for less than the list price. Yes, my time costs money but I enjoy it and it helps me learn so I get faster and more proficient.

As long as you can operate cad software, the sky is the limit.