That may turn out to be interesting.

The business model of this machine (well, aside from the advocacy/self-promotion angle others describe) is that one person buys this, then allows others to use it to finish their "80% receivers". (And then they do a hell of a lot more work to turn it into a safe, functioning gun, but that's assembly, not machining, a lot more people are good (enough) at the former than the latter.)

Why couldn't someone buy the thing, and then rent it to other hobbyists? Or perhaps a serial resale network could develop. Eventually, I presume that Defense Distributed would release designs for the mill itself.

It's overkill. Completing a lower is doable with normal shop tools. DD is making a point, not a product.

> A DVD drive like this seems like it would be used to make a lot of DVD copies, which implies trade, which raises the specter of illegal activity.

No it doesn't. Most people who have computers with DVD drives do not sell DVDs. On the other hand, most people who have gun manufacturing machines do trade in guns.

Just as relevant, you don't need a license for DVDs, but you do need a license for guns.

A lathe and drill press are all you need to make a gun, but I don't think that most people that own them do trade in guns.

This was the comment that started the thread you're posting in. You might want to go back and reread the conversation that preceded your comment.