If indeed my suspicion is correct and the notes posted on the Chinese Router thread were to stay on topic, I wonder if we can take the best of the forum and shop botters capabilities to address the business issues many of us have through an organized effort and community of like minded botters.
I note that the earlier thread was rapidly becoming one of the most active threads and represented many botters throughout the world with very interesting perspectives. I only started this to isolate the topic because I'm losing sleep thinking about the possibilities.
When I think of all the collective resources and capacity, put my business hat on, and consider the possibilities for 300+ botters in a coordinated procurement, sales, marketing, design, and development consortium, it blows my mind.
One example for your consideration. IF each botter spends $1000.00 per year on cutting bits the market opportunity for tool/bit suppliers is $300,000.00+++. Nice leverage and its only the tip of the iceberg!
IF it was possible (and it is) to have one file for one part cut on/by 50 separate machines/botters around the globe to offer a truly "on continent/regionalized" supply chain to an OEM, would they be interested? I think yes.
IF it was possible to offer a "corporate entity" a service to supply their signs globally in the same manner would they be interested? Starbucks anyone?
If you are interested in this broad brush concept please read the pertinent input under the CHINESE router thread and add to the thought process with your comments positive and negative to help me get this thought in or out of my head.
Would attempting such a challenge be a suitable topic for camps and Jamboree? A test case to run the same file, same material, same bit etc worth while?
It would require organization and support at the factory level and shop bot would need to see the benefits as well but, how would you like a web service that lists you and your services under a corporate or GROUP banner so potential customers could find their "local source". If 300 botters each contributed $100.00, thats a $30,000.00 advertising and web site budget. HMMM
Think about it. Am I crazy or is this a worthy idea? your thoughts are appreciated.