FX-Sabers.com
The Mining Colony: Home of approved FX-Sabers vendors => The Mining Colony - Archived Posts => Topic started by: ANAKIN SKYWALKER on March 20, 2013, 01:07:19 PM
-
Evolution Arms Services and Build Log.
Install in hilt Rechargeable battery system (Includes charger, adapter + custom kill key):
• NIMH - $65
• Li-ion - $65
• Prices can change based on different batteries.
• I will most likely need to add a hole to your hilt.
Install Ultrasound
• Customer Supplied boards - $75
• (Meaning YOU buy the board, then PAY me to install it) This price is for a straight swap of boards only. Should you want your MR sound board returned to you there is a surcharge of 25.00*
• Be advised these prices do not include misc* parts cost.
*Hilt must be FULLY install ready for base prices
Install Petit Crouton from TCSS
• Customer Supplied boards - $95 (Meaning YOU buy the board, then PAY me to install it
- FoC add $70
Install Crystal Focus: (***Customer supplied boards ONLY***)
• Basic Install and setup (Includes Novastar's Stock sound fonts, and basic calibration) - $150
• Flash on Clash $70
• Custom Installs and advanced setups - **CONTACT FOR ESTIMATE**
• Be advised these prices do not include parts cost.
*Hilt must be FULLY install ready for base prices
MISC. parts
• This list can include TCSS Premium speakers, switches, wire, battery holders, ETC. Basically anything I need to purchase to build your saber.
Machining fees
Basically, if I have to fire up the machines, it’s because something custom has to be done. As such, it is hard to put a firm price range on this. Depending on the work that needs done, the fees can be anywhere from $25/hour and $35/hour. This covers the wear on the machine and tooling as well as my standard hourly labor fee.
Powdercoating Services
- Minimum charge - $25 This covers up to the first 2 parts in the same color.
- $12.50 per part after that.
- $25 per additional color up to 2 parts in that new color.
- $12.50 per part after that in the new color.
- transparent colors have the same minimum cost, but it only covers one part and each additional piece is $17.50 in the same color.
-If I do not have the color in stock and you really want it, you can have it, but you will be charged the cost of ordering the color (plus shipping from the company) plus the fees above.
If it is not a BASIC swap, install and is not listed here, it falls into the CUSTOM category. This can be anything from a total custom hilt to a crystal reveal. Please contact me via PM. Your costs will go up.
If you have something special in mind , based on my previous work, PM me to discuss it.
***I offer a 90 day repair on my work from the day you receive it. ANYTHING after that is subject to a repair fee***
Last of all. I want you to be happy with your saber. please contact me with ANY issues before the 90 day deadline, I will help you.
*****I am not responsible for US 2.0 failures, blown speakers, over driven LEDS, worn AV switches, or depleted li-ion packs. *****
And Finally LATE CHANGES TO A BUILD WILL COST MORE, AND THE SABER WILL NOT SHIP UNTIL THESE CHARGES ARE PAID.
Late Change Fee structure
If a deposit has been paid and the parts are ordered, and changes by the client after that will involve a fee.
Parts cost/parts return cost + 20.00-25.00
Rush Order Fee
Rush Order 10.00 base+ 10.00 for each saber ahead of yours
For example: Your saber has 7 other builds ahead of it. You need it NOW! An $80.00 fee will be imposed.
No one likes a line jumper.
Nuisance Fee Structure
Once your build is started I will answer status requests once a week. 3 status requests in 1-2 weeks will get a 20.00 fee added, per request. This is a guideline, and subject to my judgment. If you want it rushed see above.
If any of these fees is applied/billed to you, they must be paid before your saber is shipped.
Payment policy
Money orders and paypal are preferred methods of payment.
• Money orders must clear the banking system and authenticity checks before your item is shipped
• Paypal
1. Personal payment type, payment owed. no fees or buyer protection from paypal.
2. Purchase payment type. You will have buyer protection, but a 4% surcharge will be added to your total.
Shipping
• Domestic:
Your items will be shipped by USPS or UPS
Delivery Confirmation or a tracking number will be sent automatically from USPS or UPS
Insurance is added in as well.
• International:
Expedited mail service or Priority mail(depending on the value)* via USPS
Don't ask me to lie on customs forms.
I will declare it as a gift or product sample. For all I know, it is a gift for a relative.
I will not declare it lower than it's value.
Insurance will be added in as well.
• Warranty Info
Limited Warranty covers defects in workmanship for the Product for a period of 90 days from the original date of Receipt from Evolution Arms.
This limited Warranty does not cover any damage due to (1) acts of God, accident, misuse, abuse, negligence, improper handling, commercial use or modifications of this Product, or normal wear and tear; (2) improper operation or maintenance of this Product; or (3) attempted repair by any party other than Evolution Arms.* This Limited Warranty does not apply where it is determined by Evolution Arms that there is no fault with the Product itself. Repairs not covered by the Limited Warranty may, at the discretion of Evolution Arms, be carried out at the owner's expense.
And - You, the customer, are responsible for the cost of returning the Product to and return shipping from Evolution Arms.
Electronics, such as soundboards, batteries and LEDs are not warranted by me, as I did not make them.
Crystal Focus Repairs must be preformed by Plecterlabs. You will be responsible for any fees this incurs.
*If you attempt to repair it yourself, the warranty is void. I will repair, but it will be at the buyers expense.
Warranty is non transferable.
-
Build Log
Below is my current build log, in order of expected completion. I will add slots as I am contacted for custom work.
Build log:
1: [/color]russrep v2 CF LS for aginor Hilt received, designing the hidden spring mechanism
2: MKVI Reveal for Spaznick Parts and hilt in hand, cnc'd chamber fins made and ready to go
3: Build for Sabernoob
Skinnyflex Installs:
1: Me (Crystal Reveal CF7)
2: Juansith (Crystal Reveal CF7)
3: Aginor (Crystal Reveal CF7)
4: Pfockerchief (Crystal Reveal)
5: RyDiddy (Crystal Reveal PC3)
6:
7:
LEGACY Installs:
1: Me (CF7)
2: Juansith (CF7)
3: Aginor (CF7)
Completed Builds since being accepted into the Mining Colony:
Obi TPM Reveal for Darth Smorgis
Rebellion KOTOR powdercoating and Machining for Darthvix
MKVI v2 collaboration with LDM
DL-44 for JYN
Amber Ring Jedi Tribute Saber for Darth Smorgis
Awesomesauce X11000 x3 w/ crystal pommel
MKVI Epic Reveal CF-LS
Powdercoating for JM419
Powdercoating and polishing for Sidd
DL-44 for Enaswede
Parks (?) qui conversion for RogueJedi
Steampunk Luke ESB saber for Clark kent
E-11 for me
E-11 for Enaswede
OR Qui CF5
OR Qui Powdercoating for Justintmars
Double MRFX/HFX maul PC3 retrofit
MR LE Count Dooku Conversion CFv6 #1
DL-44 Denix conversion BC 4.0 for Rydiddy
Graflex Reveal PC 2.0 for mkadvil
OR Qui CF7.5 for Juansith
MR LE Count Dooku Conversion CFv6 #2 for Juansith
Nocturne Armory TFU2 Starkiller modification for Rydiddy
2x Delta Voodoo Installs
25x Heroes in various led configurations
PM Box Emptied 2/23/2017
-
You are "on line" and official. Welcome Alex and ACG Custom Sabers
Congrats Alex. Your sabers have definitely improved. Being inducted to the Mining Colony is a big step.
Good luck!
Sorry Iggy, had to bump your post but wanted to keep your greeting here ;)
-
Hey AlexGordon.... I dont post much but Ill post and say... Congrats 8)
-
Woohoo! It's official! Congrats, "you've come a long way..." ;D
-
congratz on getting in on the MC man!
Good luck!
-
Lol, see why I hogged the next post? ;D
You are "on line" and official. Welcome Alex and ACG Custom Sabers
Thanks, I'll be modifying the previous post to reflect my availability and build log now that it's checked over and okayed.
Congrats Alex. Your sabers have definitely improved. Being inducted to the Mining Colony is a big step.
Good luck!
Thanks Iggy, it's been a long time coming, and this is only the beginning of the road. 8)
EDIT:
AH! too many posts. ;D
Thanks everyone.
-
Sweet action!
-
congrats, alex! have fun in your new position! good luck with your business! :)
-
Like I have told you already.... Congrats again. 8)
-
Good job, kid. ;)
-
Okay, that takes care of the housekeeping. Unfortunately due to the timing of this, I'll be closed until 3/31 (as mentioned and detailed above), but I have everything up that I need at the moment.
@everyone who has posted above, Thanks! 8)
-
Welcome to the MC AG ;) You've earned it!
-
Welcome to the MC AG ;) You've earned it!
I agree completely. Welcome to the MC Alex. ;D
-
this is really great congrats to you alex do you remember a post of mine a good while ago i said "we have a sabersmith in the making here"
HA! i was correct ;D
another talented smith to add to the list of talented smiths, i have worked with alex on previous projects hes great to work with and excellent with updates etc and always comes up with great ideas and suggestions
alex you really have come along way in a short time mate, i wish you all the best with ACGCcustomsabers
now about that 75% previous customers discount... ;D HA!
-
Welcome aboard Alex... good job...
-
Congratulations!! :)
-
Congrats Alex!!
-
Congrats!
-
Build Log
Alright guys, from 3/20/13-3/22/13, I have nothing but tests. Immediately afterwords, I am leaving for spring break, so I will be "closed" until 3/30/12 at the earliest.
Closed until last year?
Just ribbin ya, grats on the position Alex.
-
Oh my dude. At last. Im so happy for you.
Its good luck in my field to give a kick in the butt to whoever begins a journey in the job.
Good things.
Kick in the butt
-
Welcome aboard Alex. 8)
-
Alright guys, I'm back from spring break. I'll be sending emails and pms out with updated timelines and such today, and I will resume building shortly. Thanks for your patience.
-
Updated. Due to the last few weeks of school kicking my butt, I'm a little behind, but not too much. I won't be doing much (if any) building next week or the week after for exams, but if anyone wants to get on the build log, feel free to contact me.
-
Well deserved. ;D Congrats, Alex - you earned it. My Revan saber is still running strong.
-
thanks jm.
speaking of, I haven't forgotten about that work we discussed. expect a pm soon. ;)
-
Updated. Due to the last few weeks of school kicking my butt, I'm a little behind, but not too much. I won't be doing much (if any) building next week or the week after for exams, but if anyone wants to get on the build log, feel free to contact me.
I know how you feel. School's also been kicking my butt recently in preparation of exams.
Nonetheless, good luck on your current builds and I hope to do business with you in the future. ;)
-
Well guys, I'm done with exams and I've had the weekend to chill, so I'm back into the swing of things as far as saber building goes. I expect to have a wide open bench sometime next week. Emails are going out right now to those who I have been contacted by in the last few days.
-
Well guys, I'm wrapping up the dookus and dl-44 and I'm wide open for projects. if no one contacts me with a project before the awesomesauces are done, those will take over some slots as will a potential personal crystal chamber project that I've been thinking about for a while.
I haven't finished these builds sooner simply because I haven't needed to. no one has contacted me about any projects so I've only been putting in a couple of hours per day.
-
Updated. I have a huge order of batteries, leds, some soundboards, and tcss parts coming up next week, so now would be the ideal time if anyone else wants on the build log.
-
Sent you a PM.
-
Replied and added.
Also, I'll be posting a new shop vid in this thread very soon to show off exactly what capabilities I have now. I'm currently installing the latest piece to the shop and it is going to increase my capabilities immensely.
-
updated.
-
Updated. those who have sent email and pm inquiries, I'll try to get them answered before I leave for the weekend, but I might not get to them before monday.
Build logs to be posted soon:
DL-44 for JYN
Awesomesauce install
-
Updated and an announcement. I'll be out of town from wednesday 7/3 through sunday 7/7.
I'm done with the awesomesauce installs, and there's a vid uploading now. I'll post that build log and the DL-44 tomorrow.
-
added a new log of when I empty my pm box in the second post. it fills up faster than I can empty it and this is just a way for everyone to know when I've last emptied it. If anyone ever needs to reach me and cannot get through, check the list to see if I've emptied my box (typically I don't realize it's full until a few minutes after I send a pm, which is usually enough time for someone to respond) and then feel free to post here reminding me that my box is full.
-
Updated and pm box emptied. didn't realize it was full till just now
Also, I'll be taking the day off today as it's my birthday. Work will resume tomorrow
-
Updated and pm box emptied. didn't realize it was full till just now
Also, I'll be taking the day off today as it's my birthday. Work will resume tomorrow
Happy birthday, Alex! Enjoy your day off, I know they are rare for you sabersmiths ;) I just celebrated my birthday on Friday! July birthdays are only for the best people hehehhheh 8)
-
Happy birthday!
-
I've been due for an update here for quite a while. The dl-44 that's currently on the bench has taken an insane amount of time. It's very near to completion (don't want to say how near for fear of the voodoo taking over) and I should be moving right along the build log after that. I've gotten quite a few requests for builds, and as each client confirms the project, I'll add them to the list in the order that I'll be tackling them.
Obviously, after a 3 month build, I'm gonna need a break from big projects. So, I may jump around a little bit to some smaller projects before hitting another big one.
As most of you probably know, I'm a 3rd year Mechanical Engineering student, so school is taking up a lot of my time, and pretty much forcing me to build only on the weekends with larger projects, which cause things to get backed up. Things are going really well with school (for once) but it's still taking up most of my free time.
@Enaswede: the end is finally in sight. Expect a few emails throughout the day with more progress pics.
EDIT:
There has also been some confusion about the *customer supplied boards only* line in my services list. I'll think up a better way to word that when I get some time later on, but basically, if it's in stock at plecterlabs, I can order a CF for your build at cost. I've also been known to occasionally use a CF out of my personal stock for a build if the project that the CF was for wouldn't be built prior to a restock at plecterlabs.
-
Updated.
-
Sorry I have been so quiet lately guys. It's been xxx with school. 12 exams in the last 7 weeks, plus finals start this friday (I have 1 early and 4 next week).
That said, Roguejedi, your saber is done.
Clark kent, your saber is being wrapped up tonight
Mkadvil, I got your pm, no problem.
Aginor, still waiting on a few things for your build.
I'm done with school on the 13th, after which I'm sure I'll be playing a long night of COD. The following week, I'll finally be able to sit down and work for more than 3 hours at a time. The ideal time for builds would be between december 14th and january 14th, so if anyone wants a build done, that's the time to do it. I'm hoping next semester won't be as difficult either.
And unfortunately, my lathe seems to be on it's last leg. It's getting bogged down under normal operations and it starts to fluctuate when I turn it on most of the time. Looks like I'll be forced to upgrade to the bigger one sooner than I had hoped.
Build log updated
-
Just so everyone is on the same page, Alex Gordon is now ANAKIN SKYWALKER. There was an announcement posted, but I want to post it here as well to avoid any possible confusion.
Thanks everyone!
-
This day has been a long time coming. So proud of you boy! (Maybe a "formerly known as" in your profile and I'd say your as good as golden!)
I did post a congrats in the fx thread but allow me to say it again here.. Huge Congrats!!
-
updated. I'm fully back in the swing of things. It took me a while, but I guess I was just worn out with star wars stuff for the last 6ish months. Didn't help that I've had big project after big project lined up with no breaks in between for some easier ones. Aside from the occasional interruption from school and family (you know, the important stuff), I expect things to move much faster and more smoothly from this point on.
Finished my e-11 last weekend (well, really monday afternoon I guess), and I've got #2 on the bench. I probably won't be doing any more e-11s after I finish enaswede's. They are just too much work, and to be fairly compensated for ~36 hours of labor (much more for a demilled base like mine was) would just be an insane amount of money, and I don't feel comfortable charging that much for a prop. A run doesn't seem feasible given the cost of these, but it would be the only way I'd do more going forward. Same goes for the dl-44's. I'll continue to do those, but one at a time is a huge pain. I'd much rather do them in batches of 5's. So if you want one of those going forward, don't hesitate to ask, but I won't move forward until I have around 5 interested parties. I'd have to hunt for parts on those now as blas-tech stopped selling theirs.
Expect a vid and some glams over the weekend. If I can stop playing with it for long enough to shoot the vid, lol. It's definitely going to be a centerpiece of my colection.
-
Updated. Will be finished with the e-11 on tuesday or wednesday, then moving on down the list.
I'll be offering installs for the skinnyflex run at varying trim levels. Since I'm already doing 2, I figured I don't mind offering up a few installs. I obviously don't have any pricing info (as I don't have the sabers in hand), but I'd be happy to take on anything from a PC install through a crystal reveal CF install. Polishing will likely add $50-$75 to each saber given that there are quite a few parts that will need done.
Also, since I'm in on the Legacy (killer penny) run, and I'll be installing at least 2 of those, I don't mind taking on an install or two for those either. I do have something "special" in mind, but I'm not entirely sure how crazy I'm going to be able to go until I know how the hilts disassemble for possible reveal sections.
If anyone is thinking that far ahead and wants to line up an install, feel free to contact me or post here. When those runs finish, I'll be "dropping everything" to do the installs, so it should be a short lead time.
-
Updated. The e-11s are finally off of the bench. Should be able to wrap up the rest of the build log pretty quickly. If anyone else wants a reveal skinnyflex install, now is the time to speak up. If I get enough interested parties, I might see about having the chassis parts CNC machined. If not, I'll just go ahead and do them manually. What I don't want to do, however, is manually make 7 sets of chamber parts because people didn't speak up until after I finished the 3 I already have to do. Regular installs can be added at any time. As a general rule of thumb, the kind of crystal chassis I do adds about $500 to the cost of a build (it's $750 for the install and machinework to make a chamber like my mkvi has, plus the cost of parts).
I'll take regular installs for the skinnyflex at any time, but don't be shocked if I start saying no to crystal reveal ones because I get burned out after #4 or #5 being made manually.
-
updated, and e-11 is shipping this morning.
Just wanted to let everyone know that my new lathe is on order, so I'm pretty much gonna hold all projects until it arrives. No sense in finishing everyone's any projects with my mickey mouse lathe if the new one will be here 4 days later. I'll continue doing what work I can on the dl-44 that's on the bench and then I'll be cleaning/reorganizing the shop to prepare for the new lathe.
It's the SC4 from little machine shop for anyone that's curious.
HiTorque 8.5x16 Bench Lathe - LittleMachineShop.com (http://www.littlemachineshop.com/products/product_view.php?ProductID=3536&category=1271799306)
that one ^^^
It's the biggest lathe I can fit in my current shop space, but will increase productivity dramatically. I'll post again when it arrives and I'm back in full swing.
-
Oooooh, she is pretty!!!
-
Updated. Doing a total revamp of the shop in preparation for the new lathe. Initially I was just going to do a standard cleaning, but I figured I'd go ahead and reorganize everything at this point. I'm about 2/3rds done so far, and it's going really well.
I totally cleaned and lubed my mill (the yearly maintenance) yesterday and re-squared the vice to .0004" across the 3" vice. That equates to an straightness of .0016" from one end of a 12" saber to the other. A piece of paper is .003" to give you a reference point.
Point is, once the shop is back together, it will be better than ever.
Also, I wanted to take a minute to just touch on something. I haven't been asked why labor is so much yet, but I know it is a common topic, so while I'm in the process of revamping the shop, I figured it's the perfect time to explain it.
When I buy a machine, like the new lathe, it's $1650 for the machine, if you do it right, another $1500 for tooling, $200 for freight shipping. Then, I have to either clear a spot for the machine, or buy another table/stand to put it on. The shop needs rearranged to fit the new machine. Next, when the crated machine arrives, it has to be uncrated and degreased, mostly disassembled for degreasing and proper lubricating, and then reassembled. It then has to be placed on it's bench/table/stand with help from someone else, since the machines are very heavy.
Most of the tools also arrive covered in grease, and will need to be degreased and organized.
Once that's done, the lathe needs adjusted for it's initial accuracy, and then constantly adjusted based on changing temps and normal wear and tear (it's designed to accommodate that, but requires constant adjustment).
Monthly maintenance on a machine takes about 2 hours each (cleaning all of the chips out of the hard to reach places, oil/grease where needed, adjusting the accuracy, etc). Every year, it's a 3 hour job and needs to be done more thoroughly.
Next up is tooling. On the lathe, I go through a carbide insert per big build (or several small ones), and one HSS boring insert typically every two. I "can" use them longer, but I usually choose not to when they start losing their touch. Each of these is between $5 and $7. On the mill, it's a different story. Mill bits last a bit longer, but are more expensive to replace.
On special occasion, I need a specific type of milling bit or lathe tool just for your build. If it's going to be something I never use again, the cost will be passed on to you, but if it's something I will use again, I eat most of the cost, and just count that as a tool purchase.
The biggest one of all, is the cleaning of the entire shop. When you get machines, you make lots of metal chips. You have to constantly clean the floor and tables in the shop in order to avoid having metal shavings everywhere. You can't clean every inch every time you clean the shop between builds, but the floors and work surfaces are all cleared and cleaned. For me, it's a 1-2 hour process between builds since my work area is so spread out.
Then, there comes that time of year (like right now) when you simply have to take everything out of every drawer and off of every table and shelf, clean all of the drawers, shelves and floor space, and then put it back together (hopefully neater than it was before).
All of that, and it's only part of the story. The installs themselves are an entirely different beast, but I'll get into that another day.
So, what's the moral of the story? When I charge an hourly rate on the machines for a build, it's not just for me operating the machine. It's for the wear on tooling, cleaning of the machine and then the whole shop, and the maintenance and upkeep on the machines and yearly big cleaning spree of the whole shop. I am making the investment in the machines to be able to offer these services to you guys, so yes, I do expect a return on my investment over time, but it doesn't mean my rates go up when a new machine arrives. I usually wind up putting all of my money that I earn on sabers back into my shop or into my collection of sabers (which means it goes directly back into the community here).
I'm about 16 hours in and 2/3rds done (by my best guess).
If you made it through that, thanks for taking the time to read it. I hope it helped inform everyone why labor costs are as much as they are for sabers, not just off of my bench, but from anyone in the SABER GUILD or mining colony here.
-
It's here!
(https://www.fx-sabers.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1099.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fg384%2Fagordon117%2F20140317_143048_zps2twbo3ef.jpg&hash=1f5ef648d573f2255e9df5729f6d2dbd152111f6) (http://s1099.photobucket.com/user/agordon117/media/20140317_143048_zps2twbo3ef.jpg.html)
Man is this thing awesome. I made my first threaded piece in like 20 minutes (after the hours of cleaning and adjusting the lathe), and tested the various methods of feeding the lathe. I can't wait to do some big projects on it. It is going to make life so much easier. Everything about the lathe is incredibly rigid for a machine of any size, and coupled with the oxa tool post, it is just a perfect saber building setup. Tomorrow I'll try boring some steel and see how it does with that.
The shop is also totally revamped from top to bottom, and I plan on keeping it that way now that I've done it.
Those of you that have crystal reveals up and coming with me, hang on to your hats, because you're about to be blown away.
-
This looks fantastic! Always wonderful to see someone get a new toy, especially one that can create MORE beautiful toys! (Machines making machines!) Of course, it helps to have a talented captain at the wheel! ha ha
-
Congratulations on the new lathe setup! I'm envious, (even though I don't know much about lathes...yet!)
-
the new lathe works great (as you'll all see in the next few days when I post my next build), and I've gotten several requests for skinnyflex install pricing.
It will be slightly more than a regular install fee for a basic install, since lots of machining will have to happen for some kind of chassis or sled.
For a finned reveal, you're looking at $750+ parts cost
For a more basic reveal, you're looking at more like $500+ parts cost.
I'll have an example of a more basic reveal over the next week or so.
those costs include polishing fees and install fees for CF 5-7 or PC 2-3. the CF vs PC install will be exactly the same in these, so there is no difference in price.
I won't know exactly what the chambers will look like for each option until the hilts arrive and I can do some measuring. I do have the needed dimensions already, but I've got to see it in person.
-
I'm in for a Skinnyflex install w/ reveal. PC 3.0, but undecided on finned or basic reveal.
-
Gotcha. I'll add you to the list in the morning.
The graflex that will be the ""benchmark" to decide finned vs non finned should be done late this week, so stay tuned. Both designs will be "similar" but obviously the finned one will be more elaborate.
Looks like i'm gonna need to order a bunch of aqua aura crystals 8).
-
Just so everyone knows, we're getting to that time of the year where I start to get bombarded by the last tests of the semester and then final exams. I am probably going to start slowing down production in the next two weeks, and then stop completely until may 10th. I'm going to be wrapping up the graflex reveal and the darth maul staff for sure by then (the maul staff will be done tonight) and the rest is dependent on parts. I'm also going to squeeze one secret project in between now and the end of the semester, but I don't think anyone is going to be delayed by that or my exams. Everything else is still awaiting parts.
Those who want skinnyflex installs, if you haven't already, just let Wat know where to send the hilts when they're finished. It looks like I'm gonna be getting a pretty big box from him. :))
-
Updated. I've read all pm's but I believe I haven't yet responded to some of them. I'll get to everyone by mid next week.
As it sits, production is pretty much wrapped up for about 1 month, and then it will be sporadic throughout may. Even though I'll be gone off an on during may, it will probably equate to the same amount of shop time since classes will be over for the semester. I just don't know yet, so I'm making it a point to let everyone know.
Also, I'll be gone from june 29th to july 15th, so I'm letting everyone know in advance. I don't believe that will really affect any builds, but we'll find out when we get there.
-
well, I'm at the tail end of the worst finals week ever. I just have a 3 page research paper standing between me and summer vacation (which is cake) so officially, I'll be done tomorrow. Unofficially, I'm totally and completely burned out beyond belief. Just keeping up my workouts during exam week is almost too much with the stress that exams add. So, I'll probably clean the accumulated mess (if you've studied for finals, you know what I'm talking about) from the last 3 weeks over the weekend and early week with plenty of xbox time to unwind and come back to planet earth before resuming my builds. I know I have more than a few interested parties I have to get back to about various things, and I will definitely do that soon. If you guys don't hear back from me via pm by next wednesday, go ahead and shoot me a reminder to make sure I didn't miss it.
And with that, I leave you the facebook meme of the semester.
(https://scontent-b-iad.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-prn1/t1.0-9/q71/s480x480/10302180_10154142583130094_786717706292518935_n.jpg)
-
alright guys, I am getting back into production. I spent the weekend near chicago playing paintball at an event called Living Legends 7 at CPX Sports. It was one heck of an event and I had a blast. It took a lot of preparation last week, but I'll be back in the swing of things very soon. Just catching up on a little sleep (got very little between playing on saturday and sunday and didn't get home till 1:30am today).
I'm reopened for builds starting now, and I'm going to work my down the build log hopefully pretty quickly.
-
Hey everyone, I'm having internet problems and I also broke my phone over the weekend, so I may be in and out of touch until I get it resolved. While the internet is up I wanted to let everyone know.
-
Just an update, I got the internet back (it still cuts occasionally) but still am without a phone at least until friday. I won't be able to instantly reply to quick pm's like I normally do.
-
updated.
-
Alex, I send you A PM regarding the Hilt i sent you please advise as its important!
Thanks!
-
Alex, I sent you a PM a while back and never heard back from you, let me know if I should resent it ;)
-
Sorry guys, prepping for school next week (ordered a razer blade and been prepping to transfer to it). Also been working on a secret project when I couldn't get to the shop. Hoping to wrap up two builds this week and i'll get back to everyone soon.
Vercify, go ahead and send it again
-
Hi Alex
I tried to PM you bit your inbox is full
I got a member inquiring about a conversion price for the Hilt parks Hilt.
if you can PM me a Ballpark of the conversion cost with the reveal that would be great!
Thanks!
-
Sorry everyone, I know my pm box is full, but I have limited internet until this evening and can't sort through pm's to delete on my phone. I'll be in touch with everyone tomorrow.
-
apologies to everyone. I'm having real problems connecting to the university wifi, and I have 11 hour school days 3 days a week. Spent all night at home trying multiple ways to fix the wifi, but since I can only download drivers and whatnot at home, and only test them at school, it's a tough process. Working as hard as I can to get the issue resolved.
-
I did end up fixing my wifi problems at the university around 4:00pm, but left shortly after, so I didn't get much done in the way of pm's. I'm also in the process of having my home internet upgraded (6mbps is not satisfactory anymore) and building a new desktop computer(yes, in addition to the blade), so I may be in and out all week. Assuming the internet upgrade at home doesn't happen this week, I should be getting to pms around 1:00 tomorrow (while I'm waiting for all of my software to download on the new desktop).
The good news is since I'm knocking all of this out at once, it will be smooth sailing for the forseeable future. Especially given what I'm putting in this desktop. It may last 10 years.
-
I've seen some of your work on YouTube. Congrats, well deserved.
-
Just a small update here. I've been buried alive by school, and I've been working weekends for my Grandfather, but I expect my weekends to free up in the next 2-3 weeks, so I'll be able to get some progress on these builds again. I should be able to knock out 2 in my first weekend back (the dl-44 and the graflex reveal).
Also, since this concerns 3 of you, I'll just post it here. I'm having the chamber fins for the rotj reveals I have on my build log cnc'd, and the first batch didn't come out right. The machinist had his tool offset wrong, so the hole pattern was drilled properly, but then the half-donut cutout was .030" off to one side. I'm not sure how he didn't see that, but he has said he is going to do it again. He is just waiting for a new machine to get setup, and then he should be able to get moving. The 3 of you already knew most of that, but the last part was only recently discussed.
I'm currently at home bundled up in a blanket with a cup of chicken soup, as I have all of the symptoms of the flu (but it's not the flu, I checked). I just wanted to post a little update for everyone.
There's also one more thing. Celebration is just around the corner. I've got 10-12 builds to finish up between now and then that are just for me and Juansith. That means I've got to finish one build (which is 2 sabers) about every 2 months between now and then in order to have all of the projects done that I want to take with me. This doesn't really affect the structure of anyone's build right now, but if anyone is considering a celebration delivery even just a little bit, now would be the time to talk to me about it. I have a few skinnyflex installs lined up, and from what I can guess, those will be ready sometime close to celebration whether it's before or after. I am just guessing that I'll end up taking 3 of the 5-6 projects with me to hand-deliver to Juansith in person, which means they will end up being finished in the last few weeks (or less) prior to Celebration. If I get a pm in February asking if I can do a project and hand-deliver at Celebration, I'm just warning you in advance it might not be possible. Obviously, the closer we get to Celebration (and the more builds I finish) the more I'll know, but that could go either way (being able or not able to hand deliver at Celebration).
I have a few outstanding pm's to return, which I will hopefully get to later on today or tomorrow.
-
Sorry for the lack of updates guys, this semester has really been taking its toll on me. I'm almost done though, and we're getting to the point where I'm going to be rapid firing some builds, so if you haven't already heard from me about your build, expect to in the next 2 weeks.
My next 2 weeks are pretty much totally shot. I've got 6 assignments (projects and homeworks) due this week, a final this week, and 5 more finals next week (3 on monday, 1 on tuesday, and 1 that hasn't been announced yet). After those wrap up, I'm going to take a few days to regain my sanity, and then we're going to see some builds moving forward very quickly.
Also, for those of you that are wondering if this is going to be a continuing pattern (where builds just halt during the schoolyear), it is never easy to say ahead of time, but this semester, I was on campus for 30 hours a week, plus homework time. Next semester, it will be less than half of that on campus per week, which took some very careful scheduling on my part (same amount of credit hours, just not as stupid of a schedule), but it should allow for me to continue building while the semester is in progress.
-
I'll be out of the shop for Star Wars Celebration from Wednesday to Sunday and may only have internet access on my phone, so if anyone is trying to reach me, I'll be able to see your messages, but I may not immediately respond if it isn't something urgent.
As you can see in my build log, I wrapped up quite a few builds this month. Cleared a lot of stuff off of the bench, but the shop is an absolute mess, and final exams are right around the corner. After that, I'm spending a week working on a CNC project with a friend of mine. We have access to 3 cnc mills (all are big HAAS mills) and 2 cnc lathes. No 4th axis, so I can't do much saber work on the mill, but I will be doing quite a bit of saber work on the lathe while my main project is running on the mill. Those of you that know what the big project is, no spoilers please. ;) I'll reveal it as soon as I have something tangible to reveal.
-
Hey everyone, as you may have noticed, I've been pretty quiet lately, and I wanted to talk about that. The reason I've been so quiet is that I'm in the planning stages of some upgrades to the shop, and I didn't want to push any builds through just to suddenly have all of this new equipment at my disposal.
Friday, I ordered an Ultimaker 2 Extended. That's the highest resolution 3d printer available (consumer grade, not the $200,000 stratasys machines) and the build volume is not to shabby. This will help me be able to work on multiple things at once, meaning I can be printing chassis parts while I'm machining chamber parts, I can make switch holders and speaker mounts while I'm sleeping, etc.
The second part of the upgrade to the shop hasn't been ordered yet, but I'm going to be converting my mill to CNC complete with 4th axis capabilities. Again, this will increase productivity, quality, and also increase the amount of detailing that I can put into builds without winding up spending 200+ hours doing it all by hand. Again, I'll be able to work on multiple things at once. Part 1 can be on the mill while I'm lathing part 2 to prepare it for its milling operations. I expect to be up and running on this by the end of september. The only holdup will be the amount of time it takes for the CNC conversion kit to arrive.
I've always planned on getting a bigger machine, but I've had to keep putting it off because I just don't have the space (among other things). In the mean time, I still don't have cnc capabilities, and the cycle continues. So I'm finally taking the plunge for both myself and all of my clients. It won't be so simple that I can program it, set the tools, and walk away, but it will be faster and just as accurate as anything I do by hand. A 90 minute sound hole drilling operation would be reduced to maybe 10 minutes with a tool change.
I know I still owe some people some pm's, and don't worry, I haven't missed them. This has been a lot of planning to be sure that these upgrades fill the gaps in my shop, and they really do. It's going to be a big step for me, and shouldn't really have any learning curve. I built a 3d printer back in 2010, and am an expert with 3d CAD software, so the only learning curve with the printer will be the handling of the different kinds of material. For the CNC, I can do all of the toolpaths and am no newbie to using CNC machines, so it really shouldn't take much learning at all, especially since I already know the limitations of the machine I'll be using.
I appreciate everyone's patience, and I promise, it will be rewarded.
-
WOW!
That is Fantastic Alex ;)
Sound like this will help increase productivity and Help you get better RNR :)
Amazing! that 3D printers can do now day.
-
well, I've got my mill all setup for cnc, enclosure done and 95% waterproofed (there are 2 little spots that got missed), 3d printer up and running around the clock, and for the first time, I'm running both the mill and 3d printer simultaneously. Everything is going good so far. I'm blown away by what this tiny mill can produce. I've got a few more tests to perform, and a few pieces to make to get my 4th axis running, but progress should start coming quickly. The only real question is whether or not my garage can handle the power draw from running the manual lathe and cnc mill at the same time. I plan to test that when I don't have an 8 hour test part on the mill.
More to come
-
Hey Alex,
I sent you a PM a couple of days ago. Just posting in case you missed it.
Hope all is well.
-
Hi Alex,
Tried to pm you but your box is full.
-
Sorry guys, I am here and I am getting your pm's, but school has been quite a challenge the past few months. I spent most of my free time the first month of the semester getting the cnc mill up and running. Then the projects, presentations, and tests started to hit.
I'm in 7 classes right now. In 2 of them, I actually have to do hands on manufacturing of stuff. They expect us to just use the resources available at the university (a couple of small 3d printers, a drill press, and a band saw). However, you guys know me, I have to do things my way. There's no way with my CNC sitting in the garage that I was going to just use a drill press and a bandsaw to make anything, nor was I going to pay for access to 3d printers that aren't even really big enough to print what I need anyway.
So, I built up an enclosure for the mill when I first assembled everything, complete with flood coolant. It's not finalized yet (I still have to tram the column and get a monitor mount for the right side of the enclosure to free up my bench) but it is running. I did a few sample pieces with it a couple of months ago. Some of you may have seen my Rumplestiltskin dagger that I made on a big HAAS minimill last year. Well, for a test, I pulled up the name section in my CAM software, setup the toolpaths, and let the mill do its thing. I think it was about 6 hours with my slow spindle.
(https://www.fx-sabers.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1099.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fg384%2Fagordon117%2Fmore%2520private%2520stuff%2Freceived_10156195739855094_zpsok9ghtgy.jpeg&hash=d3a4268555f65f2c7398ad0f3ddca7f37eabd0ca) (http://s1099.photobucket.com/user/agordon117/media/more%20private%20stuff/received_10156195739855094_zpsok9ghtgy.jpeg.html)
(https://www.fx-sabers.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1099.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fg384%2Fagordon117%2Fmore%2520private%2520stuff%2Freceived_10156235431890094_zps2vnowofa.jpeg&hash=d054c399a4621035b1bb5f8f9b25bc971a23b530) (http://s1099.photobucket.com/user/agordon117/media/more%20private%20stuff/received_10156235431890094_zps2vnowofa.jpeg.html)
The quick and dirty (sharpie) blackwash aside, it looks pretty fantastic.
(https://www.fx-sabers.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1099.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fg384%2Fagordon117%2Fmore%2520private%2520stuff%2F20151022_181734_zpsawze02qr.jpg&hash=31e144b1f7a287a154d92239e4c3614e2d28b37a) (http://s1099.photobucket.com/user/agordon117/media/more%20private%20stuff/20151022_181734_zpsawze02qr.jpg.html)
Worked on another test piece (SHH if you know what that is, don't spoil the surprise) a few weeks later when I found myself with another hour to burn.
(https://www.fx-sabers.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1099.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fg384%2Fagordon117%2Fmore%2520private%2520stuff%2F20151111_170939_zpsgmnn70wc.jpg&hash=dc955cc352599230812fb1143b0b2a007035db4e) (http://s1099.photobucket.com/user/agordon117/media/more%20private%20stuff/20151111_170939_zpsgmnn70wc.jpg.html)
(https://www.fx-sabers.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1099.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fg384%2Fagordon117%2Fmore%2520private%2520stuff%2F20151111_173535_zpswwicpyoa.jpg&hash=3d93b19f74543b89fc324bd5574eeed5a5f390f0) (http://s1099.photobucket.com/user/agordon117/media/more%20private%20stuff/20151111_173535_zpswwicpyoa.jpg.html)
And those were 2 weeks ago when I was beginning to manufacture the 4 bar linkage (shown completed below).
The first manufacturing project was a 4 bar linkage. You tear apart a rat trap, put the spring from it into your manufactured linkage, and it has to be able to support a weight of 6 pounds being held at any angle from -45 to 45 degrees on the other side. The lighter your arms are the better, and when the professor gave me a little bit of lip about it being too heavy if I made the base out of aluminum, I had to prove him wrong and make the entire thing lighter than the wooden base that the other students used.
(https://www.fx-sabers.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1099.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fg384%2Fagordon117%2Fmore%2520private%2520stuff%2F20151124_213355_zpsbj3redcj.jpg&hash=b9d0265c33193ab76c0a685ddc810d3274dcb3c3) (http://s1099.photobucket.com/user/agordon117/media/more%20private%20stuff/20151124_213355_zpsbj3redcj.jpg.html)
(https://www.fx-sabers.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1099.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fg384%2Fagordon117%2Fmore%2520private%2520stuff%2F20151125_134919_zpsu3wryekq.jpg&hash=d1f8c0cdc2de765127f9cd63041d506df99ecf1f) (http://s1099.photobucket.com/user/agordon117/media/more%20private%20stuff/20151125_134919_zpsu3wryekq.jpg.html)
(https://www.fx-sabers.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1099.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fg384%2Fagordon117%2Fmore%2520private%2520stuff%2F20151125_134926_zps8zidfsog.jpg&hash=5eaabd45f6fcc0bdb6e689d5bcc983404eba005b) (http://s1099.photobucket.com/user/agordon117/media/more%20private%20stuff/20151125_134926_zps8zidfsog.jpg.html)
(https://www.fx-sabers.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1099.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fg384%2Fagordon117%2Fmore%2520private%2520stuff%2F20151125_134932_zpsfsoflt8s.jpg&hash=7b36bfa0bed1caa2c75cb1dc7ced81f9e314baa3) (http://s1099.photobucket.com/user/agordon117/media/more%20private%20stuff/20151125_134932_zpsfsoflt8s.jpg.html)
(https://www.fx-sabers.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1099.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fg384%2Fagordon117%2Fmore%2520private%2520stuff%2F20151125_134939_zpsnnvgy43d.jpg&hash=71788278fe161e630527bac44dcf8c0f24957fcb) (http://s1099.photobucket.com/user/agordon117/media/more%20private%20stuff/20151125_134939_zpsnnvgy43d.jpg.html)
(https://www.fx-sabers.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1099.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fg384%2Fagordon117%2Fmore%2520private%2520stuff%2F20151125_134943_zpsw0xdi5u7.jpg&hash=c94c347522fef16f339c2487ccf032a534324e97) (http://s1099.photobucket.com/user/agordon117/media/more%20private%20stuff/20151125_134943_zpsw0xdi5u7.jpg.html)
I gave it a little bit of pizzazz to ensure we got all of the possible points for the appearance of the linkage (possible 10 bonus points) and we ended up getting more points for it than we were supposed to (15 bonus points). The professor wanted to keep it as an example for future years. Other students told him he could keep theirs if he needed it, and his response was "No, I don't want it." So, I think I knocked that one out of the park.
Next up is for flight class. I have to design and manufacture a new wing for a remote controlled plane, and whoevers wing carries the heaviest load with a 10 meter takeoff distance gets a full letter grade boost. The project is worth 8% of the grade regardless of whether you win. So, 2 weeks ago, we emailed the person in charge of the wind tunnel so we could test some 3d printed wings. No response for 2 weeks. In the meantime, I go by what assumptions I can, and print 4 different wings that are from 8" in span to 9.75" in span (full scale is 60" to 72"). Finally he responds and we I go talk to him. He tells me the wings are too small, and that I should have measured the wind tunnel. Okay, sure, I'm gonna go down and take the panels off of the side of the wind tunnel that someone has their senior design project setup in, and stick a tape measure in there. Or, maybe 2 weeks ago when I asked, you could have told me the wind tunnel was 24" across.
So anyway, I'm now printing the wings at a much larger scale (18"-22" span) and it's costing me a lot of money worth of material to do it in this size (it's about $30 per wing and 50 hours on the printer times 4 wings). I can do 12" high prints, so I'm splitting the prints right in the middle and it's a very good fit to the size of this printer.
(https://www.fx-sabers.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1099.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fg384%2Fagordon117%2Fmore%2520private%2520stuff%2F20151127_162244_zpsstnynz6b.jpg&hash=b6f9e208ca4ce44a95cad1038871456c068378d1) (http://s1099.photobucket.com/user/agordon117/media/more%20private%20stuff/20151127_162244_zpsstnynz6b.jpg.html)
(https://www.fx-sabers.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1099.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fg384%2Fagordon117%2Fmore%2520private%2520stuff%2F20151127_162249_zpsihvwlgz9.jpg&hash=5045332c02427615e2015bf4cc2f8a677a52f1f4) (http://s1099.photobucket.com/user/agordon117/media/more%20private%20stuff/20151127_162249_zpsihvwlgz9.jpg.html)
Finally, I started building an R2 over the summer. I didn't mention anything right away because I didn't want to deal with the eyerolls and the "why are you spending time on that instead of my sabers". Though to be fair, I know you guys are a pretty understanding bunch. But the reason I held it back for a while was really just because of time. I wanted to post a huge thread about it when it was done, all of the details of the build, yada yada.
So why am I telling you this now? Well, because the reason I picked "right now" to build the R2 is because this is my final year at the university. This means I needed to have a Senior Design Project to complete, give a presentation and 2 reports on, etc. So, I pitched it to the instructor for senior design. After a month of confusion about whether I needed a team or not (I didn't), I finally got it approved. So yes, I am in fact building an R2-D2 for school. I've had to submit bi-weekly progress reports since the beginning of september. And when it's done in april, I'm gonna have to log it to the school to give a presentation/demonstration.
I have all of the parts besides the feet and center ankle (don't really want to talk about why I don't have those yet) and the whole point of it being a senior design project is the retractable center leg. That's the system they want me to focus on for the project.
(https://www.fx-sabers.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1099.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fg384%2Fagordon117%2Fmore%2520private%2520stuff%2F20151103_172237_zps73bko2xa.jpg&hash=8684233e927f198b39c7b6c8377dc43ee7e06bdb) (http://s1099.photobucket.com/user/agordon117/media/more%20private%20stuff/20151103_172237_zps73bko2xa.jpg.html)
(https://www.fx-sabers.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1099.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fg384%2Fagordon117%2Fmore%2520private%2520stuff%2F20151103_172230_zpskj9vlm5u.jpg&hash=c7cb15183ec1ba873a57ec017358572f0bb1d9f9) (http://s1099.photobucket.com/user/agordon117/media/more%20private%20stuff/20151103_172230_zpskj9vlm5u.jpg.html)
(https://www.fx-sabers.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1099.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fg384%2Fagordon117%2Fmore%2520private%2520stuff%2F20151101_235217_zpsj72g2icz.jpg&hash=a698a364293753557f0e3e85e2c53c4a0295393f) (http://s1099.photobucket.com/user/agordon117/media/more%20private%20stuff/20151101_235217_zpsj72g2icz.jpg.html)
The 3d model is not as far as the parts I have, besides the center foot and center ankle, but I also don't have all of the current parts fully assembled. I have quite a few internal and structural bits that I have to mill, but I've been so busy with my other schoolwork that I've not had much time to work on my favorite bit of schoolwork.
All of that, and I've covered 3 of 7 classes. Right now I'm typing a presentation that I have to give on monday about the effects of temperature on the properties of aluminum vs steel, working on proving the stability of the wings I've designed for class, printing the wings so we can read our actual values for lift and drag from the wind tunnel to get our final payload numbers, and applying for graduation in the spring. I scheduled for next semester, and I've got 4 classes, 1 of which is senior design.
I haven't forgotten about anyone, and I promise, I'll get to everyone. But, the unfortunate thing about being a student is when the professors decide that I'm going to have 60 hours of homework per week, I have to prioritize that. With the CNC, I "can" do homework and do some milling at the same time, but at the moment, each toolchange takes about 5 minutes. I can get that down to about 10 seconds, but I need to spend about $2000 on toolholders to make that happen. It also isn't as simple as 3d modeling something and hitting go. You have to actually generate the toolpaths yourself. Each different type of operation with each different tool takes a few minutes to setup, and sometimes the software just doesn't want to do something correctly, so you have to fight with it for a few hours. Once you've spent a few hours setting up toolpaths (and it can be less time for simpler parts like the 4 bar linkage arms) you have to put the part in the machine, locate it, make sure everything fits the travels of the machine, put your tool in the spindle, measure the z height, adjust your coolant hose, and start the cycle. If I had the time to generate the toolpaths, I'd tough it out and do my homework in the garage while the machine ran (it's pretty uncomfortable to sit out there hunched over a book) but I just am not finding the time to be able to do that. Most of the things for the sabers on the bench are short operations too, so I'd have to man the machine changing tools and parts the whole time. Not to mention the fact that I actually have to make most of the parts on the manual lathe before putting them in the mill.
All in all, we're about 80% of the way to where we want to be. I have the cnc setup, I've learned how to use it without trashing any saber parts (since I didn't just jump right into that), and it's here at my disposal whenever I'm ready to make something. I don't need any special permission to use it, don't have to go to some obscure place, it's right outside in the shop. I invested a lot of my own money to be able to have such capabilities (you don't even want to know what that polycarbonate for the enclosure cost), and I did it all for building sabers. Being able to use it for anything else was a bonus.
As it sits, we're 3 weeks from the end of the semester (december 18th is the last possible final exam day). In that time, I've got to build this plane, write a 25 page paper on a catapult lab we did, give a 20 minute presentation (mentioned eariler), design a jet turbine, design and 3d print a tablecloth clip that can withstand a given amount of force, write a 30 page paper on desalination of water, do 8 hours of community service (same class as the 30 page paper), plus submit weekly 10 hour assignments in 3 other classes, and survive the weekly quizzes in 4 of my 7 classes.
I'm not telling you all this so you can go "oh, poor Alex, yeah, take your time, I understand" so much as that you understand I'm not just spending my time on other projects for myself or anyone else. I'd much rather be building sabers, especially this batch that's on the bench with my new CNC capabilities. The only thing I've worked on for myself is a full scale bb-8, and the only reason I've been able to do that is because with the 3d printer, you spend 15 minutes setting it up, start the print, and then the printer just goes for 60 hours. Rinse and repeat. It's much less setup to print something than to mill it, and it takes a significantly longer amount of time without having to think about it. Right now all I have is a pile of BB-8 dome parts and 2 polycarbonate hemispheres sitting in the corner of my room collecting dust. It's just been something to keep the printer running while I'm doing my schoolwork. But even for the last month and a half, I haven't printed a single new part for that project. I had some downtime and didn't have time to fix the problem, and then I had to start printing these wings.
Went ahead and cleared out my PM box. I know I owe some people some pm's, but I'm probably not going to get to that today.
-
I sent a pm for some custom work, but not sure it gone through. let me know if you don't see a pm from me
-
(https://www.fx-sabers.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1099.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fg384%2Fagordon117%2Fagordon117001%2F12545994_10156507640840094_990677024_o_zpslkxy58fk.jpg&hash=eee5a752feec78b62827ef644b2d452f74864b6a) (http://s1099.photobucket.com/user/agordon117/media/agordon117001/12545994_10156507640840094_990677024_o_zpslkxy58fk.jpg.html)
took delivery of some toolholders for my mill yesterday. in practice, it ends up taking me 5-10 minutes to change tools with standard r-8 collets. But, with these er-20 collets and collet holders, it's down to 5-10 seconds without having to switch toolpaths.
In case anyone's curious, that's about $2200 worth of toolholders, collets, a "3d sensor", and a height gauge. I can have up to 20 tools setup at a time, plus the "3d sensor". CNC was quite an investment, but I have to say it's totally worth it.
-
Hey everyone. I've got a few things to mention today.
First off, my mill is down at the moment. I use a usb to parallel port converter to send the G-code from the mill controller to the mill, and that has been giving me problems. Finally a week or so ago, it quit altogether. I ordered an ethernet to parallel port converter (much nicer, faster, and more expensive). Installed that and it worked great except for backlash compensation. So now, each time my mill changes directions, the tool is out of position by about .002" give or take. This seems to be a known issue with the product, and I'm working with the manufacturer of the ethernet to // port converter to try to get this resolved quickly.
Next thing is that ACGCustomSabers now offers Crystal Shard installs. I don't have any pricing worked out on that yet, but it's now an official option.
Since I've been unable to use the mill for the past week, I had a chance to take care of something that's been on the backburner for a while. I'm sending off the drawings to a machine shop today to have my first batch of production sabers manufactured. I'm still working on the details for those, but I hope to be offering them in the $550 range. They're setup for a 1" blade, tri cree, crystal shard, and the overall dimensions are 10.75" x 1.375". There's a nice choke point in the bladeholder, and it should make for a very nice dueling saber. When I have more information, I'll post it here, but for now, here's a couple of renders.
(https://www.fx-sabers.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1099.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fg384%2Fagordon117%2Fagordon117005%2FResolute%2520Saber%25202_zpsohzinise.png&hash=4ead873b6f6faba0a4d743ade38affb36e15f54e) (http://s1099.photobucket.com/user/agordon117/media/agordon117005/Resolute%20Saber%202_zpsohzinise.png.html)
(https://www.fx-sabers.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1099.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fg384%2Fagordon117%2Fagordon117005%2FResolute%2520Saber%25201_zpsxdeajuix.png&hash=2d437fd4ce740c2e8762d1154b2df926110eff0e) (http://s1099.photobucket.com/user/agordon117/media/agordon117005/Resolute%20Saber%201_zpsxdeajuix.png.html)
-
https://www.facebook.com/Evolution-Arms-1247595518591000/ (https://www.facebook.com/Evolution-Arms-1247595518591000/)
Hey everyone, Alex Gordon here. As Revenge of the Sixth comes to a close, I wanted to take a minute to unveil the banner under which I'm going to be producing custom sabers (and my partnership with Vader's Vault will continue, rest assured). There isn't much here yet, because I just don't have enough time in this last week of my college career, but I still wanted to go ahead and make this announcement. I've spent a lot of time working on this, and the website is still under construction. All of my existing customers will be relieved to hear that I am going full time in this endeavor once I'm done with college in a week, and all of my future customers will be delighted to know that I will have a batch of Crystal Focus tier HERO sabers available in the coming weeks. This page will serve as the place that I make all of my major announcements, and give all of my major updates, but the main reason I am sharing this now, with so little content is to unveil the name. I've kept this under my hat for a few months now, and I'm very proud to present Evolution Arms to the world.
-
(https://www.fx-sabers.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1099.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fg384%2Fagordon117%2Fagordon117006%2F13445296_1346116832072201_5619172679226611251_n_zpskadhtxta.jpg&hash=d9c7db6c08baaf9ae4791e2226b28d7639c74c27) (http://s1099.photobucket.com/user/agordon117/media/agordon117006/13445296_1346116832072201_5619172679226611251_n_zpskadhtxta.jpg.html)
So, I was doing some light reading yesterday. :angel:
-
So, since I guess I haven't totally announced it here, I am moving to a new shop over the next couple of weeks. Right now I'm working on a concrete pad that's 13'x6' in my garage. I'll be moving to a 24'x60' work area that has plenty of room for expansion if I find that I need more room.
I graduated with a B.S. in Mechanical Engineering in May, and pretty quickly after that, I lost almost a month to a family emergency. Now that we're getting past that, it's finally time to get moving on sabers full time.
Today was the second time I've been to the shop, and I was very pleasantly surprised to find that my new 13"x40" lathe with DRO, vertical bandsaw, and 7"x12" horizontal bandsaw with hydraulic feed and coolant, my shop desk and chair, and 3 of my 6 workbenches had arrived.
As some of you may have gathered from the previous post, I have 2 Haas CNC machines on order. An ST-20SS and a DT-2 with HRC-210 4th axis. They are very nice, very expensive, and should be able to make short work of production runs. They are due in the week of the 18th. Once they are completed (the lathe on 7/7 and the mill on 7/13), they will be put on a truck and brought to a local rigging company. From there, the rigging company will call to setup delivery, and they'll bring the machines into the building for me. Once the machines are in the building, I have to call the electrician to come back, so the machines can be wired for power. Once they have power and air, I can then call the Haas Factory Outlet (which is 6 minutes from the shop) to schedule the actual installation of the machines, where they go through the first powerup cycle, level the machine, and calibrate everything to perfection. The obvious goal is to minimize the amount of time it takes between when the machines arrive and when I can start using them.
The electrician came out today, and gave his recommendation on powering the machines. I was only there for about 4 hours, and while the electrician was checking everything out, I assembled my desk, chair, and 2 of the workbenches.
I've pretty much been spending all of my time on the purchasing of equipment (and the absurd amounts of research that come with it), tooling, workbenches, building a computer, and the overall layout of the shop. Since I'm wanting to do this in the least amount of time possible, I had to draw blueprints of the floor layout of the shop, so the electrician knows where to wire the power up for each machine. I could easily sit on my butt right now, and wait for the machines to arrive, then call the electrician to come out and wire it. But that could add any number of days to the time before when I can use the machines, so instead I'm doing 3x as much work to ensure everything is lined up ahead of time.
I've had more than a few meetings about the machines, meetings with tooling reps, dozens of hours spent checking machine specifications, etc. I've basically been working 16 hour days for the last 2 weeks. I expect that will continue throughout the next 3 weeks until the machines arrive and are ready to cut.
I'll be heading back in tomorrow bright and early to get the rest of the stuff assembled, and start uncrating/degreasing the machines that have already arrived.
There is still 1 major thing I have to deal with at the shop, and that's internet. I'm currently relying on my phone for internet while I'm at the shop. That's a pretty unreliable, and very expensive way to stay connected, so I may be in and out of touch until I get service hooked up to the building. Hopefully it's a simple hookup.
-
HERO AVAILABILITY ANNOUNCEMENT
At this time, I am planning to launch the Evolution Arms Crystal Focus 8 Tier Heros on August 5th at 12pm EST.
I'm unsure if it will be on etsy or on my site. That is TBD.
There will also be a small quantity available on FX-Sabers, which will be listed in the Trade Federation as a Pre Order.
Pricing starts at $1049.
RGB w/ Color Xtender: $165 (basically, CeX cost plus RGB wiring, even though CeX wiring is much more complex than standard RGB)
Emitter Extension Delete: $30
Emitter Extension Delete W/ Blade Plug: $55
Emitter Extension Delete W/ Photon Plug: $60
Control Box LEDs: $30
Tip Type: Regular/Bullet
Sabers will come with chargers and 34" Vader's Vault Dual Diffused Blades (made by VV and shipped to me in bulk).
Sabers will be built to order.
Led color and FoC color choices will be available, the same LED tech found in the Vader's Vault Hero will be used. For those wanting to use Photon Blades, Photo plugs will be available.
There will be no changes to orders on this batch. How you order it is how you will get it, so plan accordingly.
Updates on other builds are forthcoming. The machines are still not here yet unfortunately.
-
Awesome Alex! :cool:
Really like to swing that Baby!
-
Hoping to hear from you about the status of my build/design.
-
Hey Alex, are you still planning on doing a run of reveal chambers and polishing for the skinnyflex sabers? Would love to have a crystal reveal and crystal focus install on mine, I just received it today :)
Updated. Will be finished with the e-11 on tuesday or wednesday, then moving on down the list.
I'll be offering installs for the skinnyflex run at varying trim levels. Since I'm already doing 2, I figured I don't mind offering up a few installs. I obviously don't have any pricing info (as I don't have the sabers in hand), but I'd be happy to take on anything from a PC install through a crystal reveal CF install. Polishing will likely add $50-$75 to each saber given that there are quite a few parts that will need done.
Also, since I'm in on the Legacy (killer penny) run, and I'll be installing at least 2 of those, I don't mind taking on an install or two for those either. I do have something "special" in mind, but I'm not entirely sure how crazy I'm going to be able to go until I know how the hilts disassemble for possible reveal sections.
If anyone is thinking that far ahead and wants to line up an install, feel free to contact me or post here. When those runs finish, I'll be "dropping everything" to do the installs, so it should be a short lead time.
-
Yep, I sure am. I'll have some details on that hopefully in the next couple of months. I haven't seen my hilt yet, but I have at least 3 to install, which means I can make some fixtures and just do a small run of skinnyflex chambers. Shoot me a message next week (tuesday or later).
-
Did someone say "small run of SkinnyFlex chambers"? Definitely interested. Let me know, thanks.
-
We'll see how things go. The original plan was to machine some chambers for installs that I do on these. I might consider releasing some high cost kits if things go well, but my concern with that is people won't realize the skill level involved in such an install, and I'll be fielding technical questions nonstop.
-
Chamber kits sound really interesting. Count me in if you decide to go ahead and make them available. :cheesy:
-
.