Blog · News
Getting things made
Fabrication, small-batch manufacturing and the makers behind it.
Guides · 7 November 2026
How much does laser cutting cost? Pricing explained
How laser cutting and engraving are priced (material, cut length, engraving area, setup, quantity) and how to prepare a file for a fair quote.
Guides · 6 November 2026
How to commission a styled cosplay wig
How to commission a styled cosplay wig, covering heat-friendly fibre, base wig choice, references, head measurements and shipping.
Guides · 5 November 2026
How much does custom 3D printing cost? What a quote includes
What decides the price of a custom 3D print (material, print time, setup, finishing, quantity) and how to get comparable quotes, with or without a file.
Guides · 4 November 2026
How to commission a cosplay prop: what to send the maker
How to commission a cosplay prop or weapon replica, covering references, size, weight, materials, convention prop rules, finish and timelines.
Industry · 3 November 2026
The Microfactory Next Door: How Distributed Fabrication Rebuilds Local Economies
Distributed fabrication explained: why a network of small workshops can take on the small-batch work big supply chains handle badly.
Guides · 2 November 2026
EVA foam vs 3D-printed cosplay armour: which to commission
EVA foam and 3D-printed cosplay armour compared on weight, detail, heat, durability and finishing, so you know which to ask a maker for.
Guides · 1 November 2026
How much do cosplay props and armour cost to commission?
What drives the price of commissioned cosplay props, helmets and armour, from EVA foam to 3D printing, and how makers build a quote.
Guides · 31 October 2026
Miniature painting standards explained: tabletop to display
What tabletop, Battle Ready, Parade Ready and display standard mean when you commission miniature painting, and how to pick the right level.
Guides · 30 October 2026
How to commission a cosplay costume: brief and timeline
A step-by-step guide to commissioning a cosplay costume, covering the brief, references, measurements, fittings, timeline and payment.
Guides · 29 October 2026
How much does a miniature painting commission cost?
What sets the price of a miniature painting commission, from tabletop to display standard, and how to brief a painter for a fair quote.
Guides · 28 October 2026
How much does a custom cosplay costume cost?
What decides the price of a commissioned cosplay costume, how makers build a quote, and how to get a fair one without overpaying.
Industry · 20 October 2026
The Tariff Arbitrage: How Small Makers Win Contracts That Used to Be Shipped In
How US tariffs changed the maths on small-batch parts, and where local makers can win work that used to be imported.
Compare · 16 October 2026
Treatstock Alternatives 2026: Craftcloud, Xometry, Fiverr Compared
Treatstock vs Craftcloud, Xometry, Fiverr and The Spool List in one table: fees, file needs and payment protection. No CAD file? Post a job free and get maker quotes.
Guides · 13 October 2026
One-off prototypes from independent makers: which process, what to send
Need a single prototype made? Match the process to what you are testing (form, fit or function), brief a maker, iterate, and protect your idea.
For buyers · 13 October 2026
The $30 Washer Problem: How Skilled Trades Stop Overpaying for Parts That Don't Exist Yet
Non-standard parts, minimum orders and weeks of lead time: how trades can get small runs made locally instead of over-ordering.
Compare · 9 October 2026
Craftcloud Alternatives 2026: Treatstock vs Xometry vs The Spool List
Craftcloud vs Treatstock vs Xometry vs The Spool List in one table: fees, file needs, minimums and payment protection. No CAD file? Get maker quotes free.
News · 8 October 2026
Services is live: local businesses can now list on The Spool List
Services launched on 11 October 2026: paid local listings for hands-on trades from US$5 a month, with no bidding. Since November 2026 customers can also book and pay through a listing. List at app.thespoollist.com/business.
News · 7 October 2026
Fine Art and Sculpting are now on The Spool List
A new Fine Art market for paintings, portraits and prints, alongside the Art & Sculpting market for sculptures, busts, statues and 3D art.
For makers · 6 October 2026
Idle Iron: How Machine Shops Turn Dead Spindle Time Into Found Money
Idle spindle time is revenue that never comes back. How small machine shops can fill open hours with overflow and local work.