what is a good idea for a simple machine?
439381
A lever: a Spoon\nWedge: Wood Shim\nScrew: Screw used as a clamp, C- clamp
724992
I love your suggestion. I often find poorly explained areas in equipment manuals. What's the question though?
836318
Good idea.\n\nFresh start.
1014182
Designing one is relatively cheap. Building a prototype is not so cheap. You would need to use precision linear stepper motors or other actuators and their power supplies and  cooling systems and so forth.\n\nI suppose that if you already have a lathe or milling machine you could possibly modify it by replacing the manual positioning and stock feed or tool advance controls with the above computer-controlled steppers, etc. I don't think it would do as good a job as a commercial unit. You would have to have a separate controller for each axis or each degree of freedom that the machine can work in. \n\nHave you tried looking for a used cnc machine that someone might be replacing with a newer unit? It is rare that they would just junk them; you might be able to find a used one or a model that is no longer in production. Try contacting manufactureres. Those are my best ideas, Hope they help.
1149695
Just let it be a simple machine to surf online for your kids or old folks. Just try not to install too many applications like office or graphic program which will slow it down.\n\nOr depending on how comfortable with techy stuff, you can use it as a print server, a fax server to route your faxes to email, a router if you have a network of computers.
638630
A lathe, a drill press, and a milling machine would be a good start, although how you plan to use them when you don't even know the names for them is a bit of a mystery to me.  Try Harbor Freight or Northern Tools.\n\nhttp://www.harborfreight.com/\nhttp://www.northerntool.com/
276460
Try Jass machine company:\nwww.jassmachco.com/nustep.htm\n                            Lyndell
60299
a custom built one.  That way you can design it for your needs and not have the stuff on it you don't need.  And generally they run better and are cheaper.  Local shops, not affiliated with the big chains, do the best job and want to keep you happy because they truely need your buisness.  Look into them and talk to them about what you want and need and you will probably get a good price.  Not only that you will never have to send it off to get it fixed if there is a problem with it.
868735
Exercise machine\nHome blood pressure monitor\nElectronic scales\nPerhaps?
743232
I'd suggest a minimum 5kW generator.  I can't imagine the sewing machines being more than a few hundred watts operating power, and it is unlikely all five will start up at once for surge currents to add.  There should be plenty of headroom left over for the fans and lights.\n\nVisit my home generator page for other ideas.\nhttp://members.rennlist.org/warren/generator.html
230952
a compound machine would involve multiple mechanical devices.  For example a pulley connected to a lever which is connected to a gear system would be a good example.  This would be used possible to mechanically lift a load.
211105
There are plenty of reputable tennis ball machines, I have a Model 4 tennis tutor and its great.  However I just don't have the time to use it very often.
943686
I would love to have a machine that folds laundry.  \n\nI have one that washes it and one that folds it, so why not another that will fold it?
872908
brew beer\n\nYou don't get any more useful than that
307839
What do want to distribute? What specific items would you prefer.\nFind someone doing what you want to do and copy them.\nNo need to reinvent the wheel!
381558
a lawnmower or a blender
519711
Make a widget.  They are really cool when you get them working, and everyone will be amazed.  Ok, since widgets aren't real, you could make a rube goldberg device.  It gives you flexiblity to put in whatever sort of pieces you want, and it can be funny because you are solving a simple task in a complicated way.