In a message dated 10/3/05 4:57:18 PM, thomas.myers@XEROX.COM writes:

<< http://www.emachineshop.com/

I have not used this service - however - the prospect of

Having a machine shop available for all those

Upgrade ideas for your westy seems very tempting. >>

Why use this service?  You guys have got to start pulling yourself away from
these electronic appliances long enough to find out what exists beyond the
virtual.  Whether it is down that dinghy alley on the wrong side of the tracks or
in some block building in need of a paint job in the Farm Belt, there are
still tens of thousands of good machinists out there trying to make a go of a
jobber's shop.  I have no doubt that if you poke around a little you will find
one convenient to you.

It is a better way to approach the fabrication of a one-off.  Should you
forget something (quite likely) or make an error in your design, it can often be
remedied immediately without a bunch of e-mails or waiting for the big brown
truck to show up in front of your house.  Also, the hands in the shop may offer
some sound advice as they most likely have already been down the road you are
following.  Then, once your work of art is up and running, you can swing by
the shop and show the guys the result of their handiwork; that will engender in
them good will which will be beneficial to you the next time you need their
services.

Maybe the most compelling reason to use a local shop is that some of the
money you pay the shop will be used to pay the men their wages.  And then, should
your father-in-law be an insurance salesman, some of their wages will be paid
to him in insurance premiums.  And then, your father-in-law will use some of
the money paid to him as insurance premiums to buy his grandson, your kid, his
first train for Christmas.  So, what kind of father would you be if you denied
your son a Merry Christmas?

George