Resources

When working on most projects, I've found I frequent the same few websites or software packages depending on my needs, and after seeing many of them cobbled together on Jeffery Friesen's website, I realized a similar list would be helpful for anyone else pursuing the same types of projects. I hope this list helps someone put their robot or solar-powered compost grinder together just a bit faster.

Feel free to copy this list, just as I did for much of it.

McMaster Carr - one of the best search functions on any parts website. Even if you end up purchasing it somewhere else, you can use their vast menus with images and CAD drawings to find the name of what you're looking for, and maybe get an idea of what material to use. A bit pricey, but with warehouses in NJ, CA, GA, and OH, they'll get it to you very quickly.

Misumi - Another great industrial components supply. Their configurator is a little complicated, but once you get the hang of it you can often find exactly what you're looking for. Bonus tip: very tiny screws on there.

Amazon - great place to go if you know what you need. The documentation is garbage, the images often don't match the product, and the prices are often inflated. But if you're an informed buyer, Amazon is occasionally the only one who has it. You have to already know the exact vocabulary for what you want, and the common pitfalls (similar part numbers, etc). One huge upside is the reviews are often helpful for those weird parts that don't have much information. No other site has useful reviews like Amazon. Often fast shipping!

Ebay - it's amazing what they've got on here. Whether it's materials, motors, simple components, or cheap tools, you're bound to find it at a decent price and free shipping. Again you must be an informed buyer; it's hard to know what you're actually going to get. Often slow shipping!

Alibaba (or aliexpress) - risky. If you know everything about the part you're looking for, and how to fix it when it breaks, this is a very cheap alternative. If you're willing to wait a month for your item, and it isn't a big loss if it's complete crap, this is one way to save money. I've purchased cheap LEDs and materials here. Often very slow shipping.

Banggood - similar to Alibaba, with an emphasis on electronics/motors/etc. Another site where you have to know what you're looking for.

Electronics

• Sparkfun - chip breakouts, motor drivers, power supplies, FTDI converters, etc.

• Adafruit - great resource for single-board-computers, chip breakouts, LEDs, sensors, and lots and lots of great documentation.

• Pololu - motors, basic electronics like motor drivers, power supplies, etc

• DigiKey - everything electronic. Surprisingly good resource for PSAs, tapes, foams, and other 2D goods.

• Mouser - like DigiKey. They're alright. If digikey doesn't have it, try Mouser.

• ncd.io - They've got lots of great boards and adapters for connecting up other microcontrollers like feathers and arduinos, or computers like raspberry pis. Additionally, though I have not had the chance to try any of these out, they seem to have a lot of controllers they've designed themselves. Worth checking out.

• usdigital - encoders

• Lin Engineering - great resource for very decent, US-made stepper motors. Great support.

Materials

• OnlineMetals.com - Owned by ThyssenKruppp, I've purchased stuff like 6061 Aluminum tubing from here since it's cheaper than McMaster Carr. They've got lots of options, and they'll even include the Mill Test Report if you ask for it.

• ePlastics - I've purchased sheet goods in their physical store in San Diego, but I've never ordered anything online from them. Huge inventory.

• TAP Plastics - I've purchased acrylic and solvents in their physical stores around the SF bay area, but I've never ordered anything online from them. They're very affordable and helpful in-person, so I assume their online services are great too!

• Douglas and Sturgess - Silicone and room temp Polyurethanes. Again, I've purchased lots of Smooth-On products from their physical stores, but not online.