A few months ago I signed up for a new site called MakeXYZ.com, one of the first sites to turn folks with 3D printers into mini-factories. I’ve run my Makerbot for a few hours each day for the last few months — more than I ran it in the first year I owned it.

The projects have been fairly basic. One guy wanted me to build a huge, very complex architectural project that literally took 12 hours to print. Another guy had me build four legs for his drone project. He was very pleased with the result and they only took a few hours.All of these were paying gigs, which is amazing to me.

Have I made my money back on the Makerbot? Probably not, although I haven’t tallied what I made at MakeXYZ.com — I’d estimate about $200 so far but I’m not sure. Instead, I’ve learned that lots and lots of people want things 3D printed. It’s gotten to the point that I have no time to print anything anymore simply because I’m traveling so much. I had a buddy print stuff for people while I was gone.

I could spend a lot more time and effort becoming a mini factory in my attic. I personally think that would be amazing. However, because of the “baby sitting” involved in manufacturing these pieces. The Makerbot is still a hobbyists tool, obviously, making it hard to fire and forget, at least for the objects I’m building.

Generally I’m quite pleased with the service and the opportunity to sell 3D printed stuff. It’s an amazing feeling to help someone bring their hardware idea to fruition and it’s great working with designers. In fact I’m thinking about working with an industrial designer to help design pieces for people who approach me on the service. To become a one-stop shop would be amazing.

In the end I’m not going to become a mini-manufacturing mogul. Instead I’m going to be a hobbyist who can make a little money from his hobby. Luckily I’m in a unique position — I’m at the ground floor of the new 3D-printing movement and I have access to all sorts of gear and information. However, even without my access I’d suspect anyone with a 3D printer and a little hustle could do the same. Here’s to the future.