Micro manufacturing

Graham...I'll try that ;)

I'm interested in exploring the concept of micro
manufacturing. My own idea about that is with
it now possible to build a machine for a few
hundred dollars...a machine that when carefully
constructed will do actual "production" work...
there's the possibility for even the smallest
of small enterprises to begin producing
something they can sell.

I'm no authority on the subject. I want to learn
about what others think and are already doing.
A small business can be set up on the kitchen
table(dusty but possible ;)). What kinds of things
are likely to be good items to begin to think
about producing? Motor mounts? jewelry? keyrings?
Sure it sounds like junk, but to the little guy
who begins wholesaling to local businesses near
him it's $$$.

This can and will include the guy/gal who has
bigger ideas...motorcycle parts, plastic parts,
bushings, electronics, anything made in small
numbers by a small business.

I myself am the little guy, I like helping and
working and learning from the "little guy".
I make cheap little machines. I'd like to
learn many things from "Real" business people
about how I can promote and sell my little
production machines. I want to set up a network
of people who make a certain thing or part and
begin to take advantage of this upcoming
micro manufacturing ability.

I want to have someone make couplings for me in
small amounts, motor mounts, bushings, but I
want to give that business to someone who's
very small and trying...the little guy who
doesn't have much of a chance unless he's
supported by other little guys.

I won't carry on about it...it's almost assuredly
off topic, but I have and will have many questions.
Others are interested in the same thing. If someone
can be independent by using some small machine
to make and sell things, it's a good thing?

John