Machining service: eMachineShop.com (A user review)

[MattyCiii]

Hi all,
The moment I saw Oatnet's ???? vs x5403 - Fight! thread, I was hooked on the Norco 2009 A-Line with its sweet curves, solid construction and especially replaceable dropouts. I had to have one and I had to build it to my specifications. (see the results here

When it came time to machine my own dropouts, I decided to give emachineshop a try. I've been looking at hem as a source of custom machined parts for some time, but I basically never got the guts to "press print" on any of my designs. Well, with the A-Line in hand, and other sources of custom dropouts not meeting my needs, went for it.

Here's how the process goes:

• First, download their CAD software and run through a tutorial. Their software is nothing to rave about, but what it has going for it is if you can design something in their CAD, you're pretty much guaranteed they can make the part.
• Second, design your part. The CAD has a 3D renderer that does an OK job.
• Next, you can pick materials, finishing (e.g., anodizing) and other parameters, and have the part priced within seconds. The pricing estimator also gives you an estimated delivery date which in my case was pretty spot on.
  
  • Materials: This section is well done, there's comprehensive information on material strength, macinability, common usage, hardness, etc. They list preferred materials in bold.
  • Parts quantity: It's fast and easy to change the number of parts on order. This is really telling. The price per part drops rapidly as you buy more... so it really helps if you're buying 4 or more of the same part (I can see some "group design/build/buy" drama in the future...)
  • Timeline: About 3 weeks from order to your door, but there are rush options if you have lots of money to burn.
• When you're satisfied, you basically buy the job online like any other web purchase... enter in address and credit card, then wait.
• Endgame: In my case, on the eve of the estimated delivery date, I got an e-mail from their quality assurance shop:

  Missing 0.016" rounding on 0.492" diameter counterbores in TOP VIEW.
  
  Please advise us whether to ship or remake the parts. If you need us to remake the job, please note that the job must go thru all phases: material acquisition, machine setup, machining, finishing, inspection, packing, shipping etc., which will take time.

  
  "What the hell are they talking about?" I thought. "I sent that design in like 3 weeks ago!" I sent an e-mail reply asking them to mark up my drawing and point out the flaw, which they did within an hour. I saw that the flaw was not going to impact the function or aesthetics of the part, so I gave them the go-ahead. I received the part 3 days later.

So what is the result?
Here is a screen shot of the 3D design:


Here is the real part, a nice tight fit onto the curves and mounting posts as specified in my design.


Would I use them again, or recommend their service? Yes and yes. Just be aware the price of a unique part will be dear - you are better buying several parts that you know you will use yourself or sell to others.

[Alan B]

Nice posting. I have used their software to design parts but have never "pulled the trigger" on having them make it. The free cad software is a good way to make a design even if you eventually make the part some other way.

It looks like the hanger mount has a slot in it on the drawing, but screw holes in the picture?

[MattyCiii]

It looks like the hanger mount has a slot in it on the drawing, but screw holes in the picture?

Poor choice of picture on my part... The bare part, front and back, are below. In the picture above, there's a dropout piece with derailleur hangar at the back (in black) that has a post same shape/slightly smaller than the slot, that's what the screws are fixed to.

The part (outside face) and the original dropout it repaces:


The inner face of same:

[neptronix]

What did it cost to have this done?

[MattyCiii]

What did it cost to have this done?

$295, times two sides, got me three copies of each side. Note I don't own 3 A-Line frames! The price for one copy of each side would have been $236, so the spare parts I have from this order are basically $30 each, and make nice shiny paper weights!

These parts are 6061 Al, to have made them in 7075 would cost $536 of ONE copy of one side - more than double the cost of 6061. 1008 cold rolled steel would have cost $377 for an order of one.

For $600 I probably could put a down payment on a decent CNC mill to cut the parts myself, but then I'd have to buy tools, stock, and program & run the machine... I just don't have that kind of time.

[kfong]

I would of done it for half that price. Pretty cool part though.

[neptronix]

DAMN that is expensive!

[PaulD]

I've found that first cut cnc is pretty good and super fast for prototypes. Surface finish generally is not so great, but they offer bead blasting. Quickparts.com is usually a bit more $$$.

[Alan B]

It pays to develop a relationship with a local CNC shop. Emachineshop.com prices are NOT the highest around. And they provide tools that can be expensive to purchase. But they are pretty convenient. I wonder how long before the China equivalent pops up... like in PC boards. It may already be out there, search for it.

[Kingfish]

It pays to develop a relationship with a local CNC shop. Emachineshop.com prices are NOT the highest around. And they provide tools that can be expensive to purchase. But they are pretty convenient. I wonder how long before the China equivalent pops up... like in PC boards. It may already be out there, search for it.

+1 to that. It took a year for me to find a local that first, took me serious, and second, actually made an effort to be reasonably priced. Had one place totally jack me for a month sitting on my job and getting an assy quote in response. Finally took my drawings and part examples back from the swine. Settled in on one guy, he did some good work and got me launched. Came back six months later: poof – out of business! Had to start all over. My last guy is very good though likes his privacy; he has enough business already and doesn’t need more. The only reason he took my work was that he’s also into EVs.

Good on you if you find a trusted machinist!
~KF

[liveforphysics]

For $600 I probably could put a down payment on a decent CNC mill to cut the parts myself, but then I'd have to buy tools, stock, and program & run the machine... I just don't have that kind of time.

As a guy who has his own CNC machine, I wouldn't have made that part for $300. The fixtures would be a PITA and hours to setup for that part. I might do a batch of 100 of them for $5k or something ($50 each), but I wouldn't make 1 for $300.

[MattyCiii]

For $600 I probably could put a down payment on a decent CNC mill to cut the parts myself, but then I'd have to buy tools, stock, and program & run the machine... I just don't have that kind of time.

As a guy who has his own CNC machine, I wouldn't have made that part for $300. The fixtures would be a PITA and hours to setup for that part. I might do a batch of 100 of them for $5k or something ($50 each), but I wouldn't make 1 for $300.

Thanks for the insight Luke. Glad I took the "outsource" path based on your experience. Part 2 arrived today,and I couldn't be happier.

Now that I've tried the service, and know the timeline, options, cost and quality of the result, I'll be more confident on what - and more importantly how many - to build next.

[Alan B]

Thanks for sharing your experience here. I came close to trying them a few times but didn't.

[MattyCiii]

Thanks for sharing your experience here. I came close to trying them a few times but didn't.

Thanks Alan. I've gotten so much from this community I'm glad to be able to contribute something in return.

[oatnet]

Nice review Matty!

[MattyCiii]

One new development,
I received a note from a representative from emachineshop.com, noting that he "read my review on Endless Sphere" and appreciated the review.

That says a lot about the company in my book - some companies won't e-mail you even when you reach out to them with questions or concerns... here's one that's apparently checking the Internet for what people are saying about them, and saying thanks. And doing so inside a week of the original post, to boot!

That's a nice, classy touch.