Hi guys,

I haven't been around these forums for a while. In 2010 and 2011 I helped OSE, mostly with documenting the tools.

I'm now working in Port-au-Prince in Haiti. I work with a group called Haiti Communitere, and we have a workshop, but I'd like to expand it with more digital capacities; it is currently just welding and woodworking and that old-fashioned stuff, no CNC.

In other words, I want to build a Fab Lab in Port-au-Prince. I could use some help with picking out the right tools. I understand that MIT Fab Labs cost about $50k, but I'd like to spend less than $20k. I'm wondering what tools we can leave out, and what ones we can replace with open-source versions.

I've never done any actual digital fabrication myself - I'm more of a project coordinator type guy - so I'd love to chat to someone who's got experience in digital fabrication and working in Fab Labs.

Thanks,
Conor