Boltwork
Pay per use for agent-callable AI work—PDF summarization, code review, translation—settled over Bitcoin Lightning instead of a traditional API subscription.
Overview
Boltwork is a MCP server for the Build phase that routes agent requests to Lightning-paid AI services such as PDF summarization, code review, and translation.
What is this MCP server?
- MCP stdio package boltwork-mcp (PyPI) version 0.1.5
- Micropayment-settled AI services: PDF summarization, code review, translation, and related tasks per description
- Wallet options: NWC_CONNECTION_STRING (Alby/Mutiny) or PHOENIXD_URL + PHOENIXD_PASSWORD
- No flat subscription narrative in catalog—usage paid via Bitcoin Lightning
- Python registry transport stdio for agent hosts that support MCP
- Catalog version 0.1.5 on PyPI package boltwork-mcp
- Stdio transport only in published server.json
- Three environment variables documented for wallet configuration
What problem does it solve?
You want agent-callable AI tasks without locking into another subscription API, but wiring payments and tools cleanly is awkward.
Who is it for?
Solo builders already running Lightning (NWC or Phoenixd) who want usage-metered AI tools inside Claude Code or Cursor.
Skip if: Builders who need predictable fiat billing, cannot operate a Lightning wallet, or want full-featured hosted LLM chat without micropayments.
What do I get? / Deliverables
After install, your MCP client can invoke Boltwork tools that charge per use over Lightning using NWC or Phoenixd credentials you configure.
- MCP tools that call Lightning-billed AI utilities from your agent session
- Usage-based spend model tied to your own wallet instead of a flat SaaS API plan
Recommended MCP Servers
Journey fit
Boltwork lands on Build integrations because it is an MCP bridge that lets your agent invoke external AI microservices from the toolchain. Integrations is the right subphase: Lightning wallet wiring (NWC or Phoenixd) plus MCP stdio is connecting the agent to a paid service fabric, not owning app UI.
How it compares
Lightning-settled AI tool MCP, not a general code search or project-memory server.
Common Questions / FAQ
Who is Boltwork for?
Boltwork is for developers and indie builders who use MCP agents and Bitcoin Lightning wallets and want pay-per-use AI services like summarization, review, and translation.
When should I use Boltwork?
Use Boltwork when you are integrating agent workflows during Build (or quick Ship review) and prefer micropayment-settled AI calls over a traditional API subscription.
How do I add Boltwork to my agent?
Install the boltwork-mcp PyPI package with stdio MCP config and set either NWC_CONNECTION_STRING or PHOENIXD_URL with PHOENIXD_PASSWORD before the agent invokes tools.