prototyping (was OT: BLAM...)

invent various other things. How did he 'invent' a gun without owning the necessary tools (at least I doubt a magazine writer would own this stuff) to process metal? Also, how did Woz make a case for the Apple ][, etc? Are there companies that take single orders like this? There are companies which will build one off prototypes for you. They are usually listed under something like custom electronics or fabrication services in the phone book. Building a prototype is not cheap, the cases, parts, whatever are usually hand machined. Even plastic cases, since an injection mold would run you over $10K in startup costs. Disclaimer: I'm part owner in a company that does this. We have a substantial investment in machine tools (mills, lathes, welding, plasma table), a glass shop (neon and cold cathode tubes), plastic machinery (ovens and router tables), and a paint booth. It's an interesting business, everything from small computers the size of a deck of cards to 2 ton exhibits for computer companies. As for Elmer Keith, he didn't start from scratch. He adapted existing cartridge cases by milling out dies. It's not as complicated as it sounds, some wildcat (i.e. not production) cartridges can be produced with nothing more than hand tools. Jack Peacock