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FAQ's

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CUSTOMER QUESTIONS

We don’t work with anything that is inherently dangerous, such as lead, reactive metals, or radioactive metals.

We handle work on a case-by-case basis. We can probably do it, but if we can’t, we’ll tell you upfront before accepting the job.

Absolutely! We don’t hide the shops from you like some of the other shop networks.

We will not make any parts that run counter to the Subtract values or applicable national and state laws.

We will not manufacture any destructive devices. We do have shops with the ability and licenses to work on firearms, but these may need to be reviewed first.

We do not perform repairs, or automotive machining, though we CAN modify off the shelf components.

We specialize in chip-removal subtractive manufacturing. As we grow we may add more capabilities, but we would rather focus on what we are best at.

Not necessarily. Our biggest strength is that we have a variety of niche vendors. If your order has turned and milled parts, we may send the turned parts to one shop that is an expert at turning, and the milled parts to a shop that is an expert at milling. Additionally we sometimes break up large orders to reduce lead times.

Maybe! At the moment we have a rather long waitlist, and only add more shops when our network is at full capacity. If you are interested in becoming a vendor, start here

No, we are privately owned entirely by our founders and early employees. We are not accepting investment at this time.

VENDOR FAQ'S

If you have used any of the other job boards, you will understand they are not perfect. The best jobs get snatched up in seconds while you sort through jobs that *might* cover material cost if you are lucky.

We do not put our shops in competition against each other to drive down our prices, rather our shops work together to improve, grow, and support each other. Subtract does not own a network of machine shops, we work to create a community of the best shops in the country.

Can you make outstanding parts and delivery them on time? Can you be part of a community, willing to learn from others and share what you know?  If yes, then you are a good fit for us. 

We would love to get as many shops on the network, but we won’t do it in a manner that compromises 1) quality, 2) our community, 3) the ability for our existing shops to make a living.

As of August 2026, we have over 300 shops on the waitlist, and we’re admitting new shops to the network at a rate of about 1 per month. We are adding shows slowly so that we can maintain a steady load, providing our shops with great work, at a even pace.

Honestly, realistically, not that great. For you to become a part of the Subtract team you not only need to be an outstanding shop, you also need to be able communicate clearly, and fit well into our community and culture.

Please do not apply if you settle for parts that are “good enough”, or if you are unable to play well with others.

The best way to improve your odds is to come hang out in the Subtract Vendors Discord. You will be invited after joining the waitlist. This is a place where you can prove to us that you are a great culture fit, and we can move forwards from there.

Absolutely! Having up-to-date information about your shop can only help you. Our needs are constantly changing and knowing what you’re capable of helps us when deciding who to admit.

We specialize in chip-removal subtractive manufacturing. As we grow, we may add more capabilities, but right now, we would rather focus on what we are best at.

Monitor our social media, get on our email list, and we will let you know if something changes.

Yes, you really do.

You have to pay your dues before you can join the big-leagues. Subtract has very strict quality requirements from day one. We do not give our vendors a quality score, because no defects are permissible. To thrive on our network, we have found it’s necessary for shops to have learned the ropes elsewhere first.

“We run a large and mature shop, can we skip this step?”: No, if you are unwilling to put a little work in, you will not be a good culture fit for us.

Yes! and we encourage it! Having one customer is a dangerous place to be as a business. We do actually want our shops to be successful with or without us.

We are confident in the work and margins that we provide, we don’t need to hold our shops hostage for fear of them going elsewhere.