Engineering

I found a fun (albeit off topic slightly) website today while looking for a local museum. It is the A Sightseers Guide to Engineering. There are a variety of locations listed, and each has a "fun fact" relevant to the attraction. Check it out, perhaps you will find an interesting engineering sight near you.

Rastor to Vector Image Software

Arbor Image has two products that are interesting for drafting; Draftsman Cutting Shop and Draftsman 2002. These programs take rastor images (like a photograph or scanned in drawing) and covert it to vector art. Vector art can be used for cnc cutting. With the listed prices, you would need to see how much you would use it before it would be cost effective, but it sure would beat importing and image and "tracing" over it, which I have often done in the past for scenic units such as ground rows, proscenium edges and other decorative cut pieces (both for hand cutting and cnc work).

Austin Hardware

If you're looking for an illusive piece of hardware check out Austin Hardware Supply. They have a bit of everything, including extensive toggle clamp and hinge options.