feedback on business idea, looking for partner

[Jack000]

Hi guys

I'm not exactly new to the zone, but I usually hang out in the diy section. You might have seen my diy build and carving website at www.carveit.ca

I've been working on a more ambitious project along the same lines - basically a service similar to bigbluesaw or ponoko for 2d laser machining. I'm working on a number of process automation tools that I think will make it something unique, including a web-based cad tool and automatic nesting program.

the basic idea is to lower the barriers to entry, and allow people to make single-run parts for hobby and prototyping without incurring large overhead costs that a traditional shop would charge.

From the front end, this means a simple, easy to use cad interface that allows you to create parts without specialist cad software. From the back end there will be automated processes to nest parts on large sheet stock, avoiding setup overhead. The shop would simply download and run the vector/gcode files, print out a bunch of shipping labels, put them in boxes and send them off.

what do you guys think of the idea? Tell me if I'm being totally crazy

I'm still a couple of months away from finishing all the software, but would like to get a laser/waterjet/plasma(?) shop involved as early as possible so I can better understand what they need in such a service. If you happen to be a shop that's interested, feel free to PM me!

here's a sneak preview of my online cad tool: www.carveit.ca/partkart
its primarily designed to load/save svg files, and make simple parts through a custom sketch-recognition algorithm.

[MBG]

Your website looks professional. You might even think about laser etching your part. You are easily able to etch wood. A lot of awards are done in wood.

[recalled]

I like that your intent is to make the process more accessible. I support that entirely.

I believe, however, that there are some competent (albeit not necessarily in-depth) CAD programs available as open source. If you look into it and find any that you believe would meet your minimum requirements for creating files, you could simplify your effort or put that energy into another aspect of the plan. That would be win-win for everybody.


- recalled

[scobob]

First of all let me compliment you on a great looking, polished and professional web site. It's very intuitive and has great usability. Your prices seem very reasonable as well. Some thoughts as I was looking at the options:

• Edge treatment of the plaque. Roundover, cove, ogie, etc
• offset of border for more edge detail
• inverse possible? ie; raised lettering
• centering utility; horizontal/vertical
• upload custom vector art

Those are just a couple things that came up off the top of my head. Keep up the good work ! Looks great.

[Jack000]

thanks for the feedback. I'm still working on carveit, but I'm not doing as much carving these days so I can focus on my new venture.

As for the cad tool, it's not really meant to be a replacement for a real cad program. It's more of a cad viewer than a actual cad program. The idea is that if you want to make a complex part, you'd do it in a cad program and import it into partkart.

Once it's in the partkart tool I can automate price/shipping calculation, as well as export g-code and generate nests for manufacturing.

[RomanLini]

Well I'm going to criticize your website.

It doesn't load, just a white screen with yellow bar up the top, i can see File Edit Insert written there.

Then it hangs with unfinished form controls flashing on/off, and it has finished laoding because the stop button is inactive and I can view source and get the full source.

I am using Mozilla.

I have a little saying... You shouldn't build a road to your business that all the older cars can't drive down.

[Jack000]

thanks for letting me know! I'm still working out some kinks in the system.

what version of flash player are you using? Unfortunately the application relies on some newer functions of flash player 10, but it's supposed to degrade gracefully with older versions.. looks like I'll have to do some more testing