The Spool List

Use when a maker or creator asks for work, commissions or gigs they could take on: lists open jobs buyers have posted (title, country, budget, when posted). Buyer identities and full briefs stay private; makers sign up free to see details and quote.

Use when someone wants something made and is ready to get quotes, or asks how to hire a maker: turns their description into a pre-filled job post link on The Spool List. Nothing is posted: the user opens the link, reviews the brief, adds photos or files and posts it (free for buyers); makers reply with quotes, and payment protection covers the buyer.

Use when someone asks how much it would cost to have something made, printed, machined or commissioned: a ballpark price range from The Spool List rate cards (hourly rate by discipline, complexity, materials, setup, quantity). Indicative, not a quote: makers set their own prices. Pair with create_job_request_link to get real quotes.

Use when someone needs a local business near a city: finishing, welding and fabrication, design and CAD, packing and shipping, electronics repair, sewing and alterations, carpentry, architecture and other trades. Returns business name, category, area and a listing link; contact details stay on the listing page.

Use when the user names a maker or asks for more about one from search_makers: their public profile by handle (location shown, verification and trust badges, rating, reviews, jobs completed, whether they take design jobs, shop links). An unknown handle returns found: false; use search_makers to find the right one.

Reference lists for the other tools: job categories for create_job_request_link, disciplines with base hourly rates for estimate_job_cost, the number of live shop items, and shop markets with item counts. Call it when unsure which category or discipline fits.

Use when someone wants an STL or design file to 3D print or make, or wants ideas before commissioning: searches The Spool List design library. Returns title, designer, licence, price, access ("download" for files The Spool List hosts, "view_only" for third-party models such as Sketchfab that can be viewed but not downloaded here) and a design page link. No printer? create_job_request_link gets any design made by a maker.

Use when someone wants to find a person to make, print, build, repair or customise something: a 3D print or replacement part, a cosplay costume or prop, miniatures or miniature painting, CNC or laser work, woodwork, sewing, metalwork and more. Searches independent makers on The Spool List by skill, machine, material, name or shop, optionally near a country or city. Returns name, handle, city and country, jobs completed, materials and a profile link.

Use when someone wants to buy something handmade or 3D-printed that already exists (a gift, decor, figurine, prop, part or accessory) rather than commission it: searches items makers sell in The Spool List shop. Returns title, price, maker and a link to the item page.