Is Drawbot Affordable?

Reader Evan suggested I use Ponoko to print out my parts in bulk and then deliver them to customers. Great idea! Let’s see what they charge…

Holy crap! That’s just the printed parts. After the $30 Arduino and the ~$42 stepper motors (their price, not mine) and we’re already above my current asking price. That’s crazy pants.

So if you’re wondering “is Drawbot value for money?” I hope this settles the question.

“But what about these surplus parts, or these bits I got driving all over town?” Well… your time * your hourly pay + travel expenses = how much you just spent above and beyond the cost of the parts. Don’t forget the time you’ll spend modifying the code to make your stuff work. Was it still worthwhile?

I’m always looking to lower my costs, so let me know if you find a cheaper alternative and keep the ideas coming!

PS: I put the Drawbot printable parts on Ponoko anyways, just in case.