Jeff Moe from LulzBot here (aka jebba). Thanks for your nice comments.
We actually don't have an interest in *running* a free/open/libre repository, but we'd sure like to see one exist. Ideally, there should be a thingiverse-like site that is run more like the Wikipedia Foundation. A "neutral" non-profit, with no ads, run by donations. The donations can come from various 3D printer companies and end users.
Also note, some folks think MediaGoblin is the hosting site. They are just the makers of the web software. Anyone can set up a MediaGoblin site on their own servers. With luck, many will do so.
Jeff Moe here, founder of Aleph Objects, Inc. maker of the LulzBot 3D printer. Note this is a printer which makes *objects*, not a printer that prints on paper.
I haven't spent much time on
I am a long time supporter of free software, open culture, open publishing, etc. I am not a communist, as you can figure out if you go to opensecrets.org or many other places (cf. http://thebubblefilm.com/ )
Just saying hi. Thanks again, and happy hacking!
MakerBot has a patent on their automated build platform. See here:
http://www.google.com/patents/US8226395
-Jeff Moe (jebba)
For milling type machines along the lines of a makerbot, see the Contraptor:
http://www.contraptor.org/
Anyone can make an omelet with eggs. The trick is to make one with none.