A project I’m currently working on requires a couple of precision cut pieces of .25” acrylic.  My first thought was to use Ponoko.  If you’re not familiar with them, Ponoko is a service that allows the user to upload a design and have that design laser-cut (or etched) from a material they choose.  In addition to this service, Ponoko also establishes “shops” where users can make their designs available for purchase by other users.  Sounds good, right?  Well…

I uploaded my design and was quoted about 5$ for materials and an additional 5$ for the cutting.  10 Dollars?  SOLD!  Before proceeding to the next step in the checkout process, I noticed a little flag of New Zealand below my product information.  Below the flag read “your product will be made in New Zealand”.  Okay!  I thought Ponoko was based in San Francisco, but maybe my order requires special attention?  It’s in the final phase of checkout that I realize that my order is ALSO shipping from New Zealand (Yeah, I know… It took a moment for me to realize that items are usually shipped from the location that they are occupying space in, at that time).  Shipping Cost: 30 Dollars.  As it turns out, all items are shipping from New Zealand complete with international shipping rates.

I could not find any truly domestic alternatives to Ponoko, although I did discover Etsy’s Alchemy.

Alchemy allows buyers to post requests for custom handmade items, and then sellers bid on the opportunity to make those items.  I created a post and attached an image of the shape I needed cut.  Within 4 hours I had received 6 bids to complete the work.  3 of the bidders owned laser cutters, 2 owned CNC machines, and 1 owned a water jet.  The guy I awarded the job to owns a laser cutter and completed the job for 8 dollars, including shipping.  For doing the smallest amount of extra work, I saved 32 dollars and had my item produced domestically.

Next time you need something custom created, give alchemy a shot.  You won’t regret it.