Anybody know of anyone using there phlatprinter as part of a cutting service?

 

I have kicked around offering it as a service but I don't know that I will. The downside to offering the service at a reasonable price is someone has to send you a useable DXF file that more than likely you will have to create the tabs. Then you have to get it to G-code and create the tool paths. Even with the CNC USB software "auto" creating the code, depending on the complexity of the kit, you can still spend a considerable amount of time editing the code. So if someone wants one kit made, you would still spend atleast an hour cutting a basic kit. So then the question becomes of what to charge? and what someone is willing to pay.
From a customer standpoint, I would think $50 - $75 + foam for one a simple flat kit would seem fair.

 

If you can sell that same plane to others, you could spread the setup cost over several kits.

One other thing to watch out for is copyright. Many people who post free plans limit the use of those plans to personal use and not commercial. I think you are on fairly solid ground if you you are providing the cutting of the kit from a customer request. If you then start selling that kit on your website, you might be in a little grayer area even if you are only charging for cutting the kit and foam.

I went to a swap meet earlier this year with several cut kits, but I contacted the people who designed them and asked permission. Most are really nice about it and will give you permission (especially if you are selling them locally).

Just my :02cents:

 

A great idea/example that I have considered is there are several clubs who do combat flying. Most make there own planes but if you offer to cut several kits for a reasonable price it would be worth it to both the club and you.

 

I have a design for a CNC machine with some 1/4" MDF parts that I'd be interested in finding someone to cut out for me. Parts are currently placed on a 15"x15" panel to be compatible with http://www.ponoko.com laser cutting service (expensive). I've minimized the cutting to get the prices down on ponoko but would be interested in finding a cheaper option. I have sketchup and sketchucam so could generate the *.cnc files myself once I know bit size etc... and can change layout to suit your machine/available material. I'll pay for the material and reasonable rate for time and postage. If anyone would be interested PM me