OT: (but could be related) Jay Leno?s 3D Printer Makes Old Car Parts - NextEngine 3D scanner and Dimension 3D printer - Popular Mechanics

[Ben]

What about the smallest mechanical machines. I read about this in a old 
book. You start with a machine that makes a flat surface by rubbing two
bars of material. Then you make a lathe and some other tiny tools and a 
electric motor of some kind.  Then wash rinse and repeat to get a 
smaller lathe and motor ect ...
Ben
PS. I don't trust the level of technology to do all this... too much
hidden over head. What is wrong with a REAL MACHINE SHOP?
While it will not do for transistors,big iron still has a lot of 
mechanical parts.