ShopMarvels.com: Directory and Networking for Creatives
I’ve been very busy on several fronts as of late including getting ShopMarvels.com up and running. I’ve tried twice before to get some sort of forum running on WoodMarvels.com in various fashions and they all failed so consider this my third go at it. I’ve learned from my past mistakes and although ShopMarvels.com has a forum, it also has an online directory of businesses across various fields to promote their products and services online at no charge for a free membership.
Each technology has its + and –
The more designs I do, the more I become aware of the advantages of each technology available. With 3D printing you can design just about anything but the cost is through the nose, laser cutting is great but you are “limited” to a single plain and CNC offers some of the best of both worlds but also its own limitations.
Basically, use the technology that best suits the project instead of the other way around. For example just look at the 3D printable version of my 1911 Ford Model T Torpedo Runabout vs the cnc/laser version.
1911 Ford Model T Torpedo Runabout: 3D Printing Animation (720HD)
1911 Ford Model T Torpedo Runabout: 3D Assembly Animation (720HD)
What does it all mean?
The future isn’t ONE technology, it’s applying the best of all worlds to create an amazing finished model. You can do some amazing engraving with a cnc as you can with a laser (more on that later) but depending on time, depth and budget, you might pick one over the other. Some things are impossible using a laser but easily done using a CNC. Sure there are multi-axis laser cutters out there, AMAZING stuff but each new take on these technologies requires knowledge on how to best design using what you have.
Hence, ShopMarvels.com was born
WoodMarvels.com and 3DMarvels.com are experiments in showing what is possible in various creative fields but until now, there isn’t any one place where the creatives from various fields can promote their businesses/services and discuss with one another. There are forums for traditional woodworkers, forums for gadget makers etc… but not one bringing them all together under one roof.
WoodMarvels.com is still a very one sided business – designs are shown, you buy what you like… but there isn’t any conversating going on.
The other very important aspect of ShopMarvels.com is the directory. If I have a question about a 3D printable model I’m designing, I know exactly who I can send an e-mail to for a model review – whether it’s the manufacturer or an expert designer. If I want to know how to best create engravings for laser cutting, again, I can have direct conversations with the manufacturer or a highly experienced shop owner. If I want to design my own machine – I know people who can help me and will offer advice on how to proceed! I have the absolute privilege of having conversations with people who are experts and I want others to be able to have the same.
Where do YOU start?
1. Visit the site and be sure to add your business to the online directory – no is no charge for a Free Package.
2. Join the forum, introduce yourself and start sharing knowledge with others!
3. Tell all your friends about ShopMarvels.com – the success or failure of the site is on the shoulders of the participants.
See you there!