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The S.A.B.E.R. GUILD: Saber Manufacturers => Acerocket's Orbital Machining => Topic started by: Acerocket on July 06, 2015, 01:22:01 PM

Title: Orbital Machining news and information
Post by: Acerocket on July 06, 2015, 01:22:01 PM
A few people have been asking about updates. Quite frankly, I am embarrassed to say that there are no updates to post about lately – I haven't had as much time as I anticipated to work on my runs this year due to some major business changes. Now, before you get out the pitchforks, tar and feathers, let me explain.

My runs are important to me and they will be finished. At the present time, I am sad to say that I cannot give updates or completion dates for any of them, but rest assured I have been and will continue to work on the runs and hope to have some more significant updates available as soon as I can.

I have never made it a secret I have a 'Monday to Friday' job and do my saber runs on the weekends. True, I have never divulged the exact nature of my M-F job, but I have always maintained that my runs are done on weekends and when I get chances to fit them in during a slow week.  This will come as news to some, but a handful of people know or have guessed as much – but for the past 7 years, I have been pretty much the sole machinist for Tim at The Custom Saber Shop. With Celebration, the new movie coming out and renewed interest in Star Wars and light sabers, Tim's sales have taken off. We have dealt with some out of stock issues in the past but have always gotten past them. But the past year has seen a continual growth in sales and I find that I can no longer keep up with them. I have been working 7 days a week for the past 8 months just trying to keep Tim's stock up as much as I can. Tim and I started talking earlier this year about how to deal with this and a plan was hatched. You already have seen the first result of that – Tim relocating to Idaho (Idaho Falls to be more precise). I no longer run Orbital Machining out of my garage. I am now a full time employee of The Custom Saber Shop. I moved my equipment to Tim's shop and I maintain the production half while Tim runs the store half. We will be expanding in the future to add more machines and equipment. I have Tim's two custom work machines that I am in the process of learning so I can turn them into second operation machines and we are looking at options to add another main production lathe. It will take us time to get everything in place and we hope to tackle the out of stock issue as quickly as possible and add in new parts as we are able, as well as expanding the MHSV2 line and completing my current runs. The extra/new machines will also allow me to complete my runs sooner than if I were to run them on my single lathe and mill.  We are just asking for patience while we get all our growing pains sorted out.


As we believed it best to keep our partnering quiet until it was all worked out and completed, I have not been able to address people's concerns over my runs (lack of updates and vague answers to certain questions).  It has been decided that now would be a good time to finally make this announcement and inform the community and my run participants of the current state of my affairs. 

You may have noticed that I am no longer a moderator here on the FX-SABER forums. I no longer go by Wat Tambor. I asked to be removed from the moderation staff and returned to my former user name and title. There are a few reasons for this change, but suffice it to say the main reason is to avoid conflicts of interest.

I have no intentions of leaving the hobby anytime soon. My stepping down as a moderator and lower forum profile have nothing to do with me trying to 'ditch out'. I have just been busy with the merger, move and making parts. I do thank everyone who is in on one of my runs for their continued patience and I will be updating / completing the various runs as soon as I am able to.

Please, do not email/PM me about TCSS business, TCSS stock questions, TCSS custom work, TCSS part sizes, or TCSS new part ideas.  In short, please refer all TCSS related questions to Tim at TCSS.


I will, however, be more than happy to answer any questions about items relating to my past and current runs.


I would like to close by offering my gratitude to those who have supported me these past 9 years, and I hope to keep up with the highest quality work I can for years to come.

Erik
Title: Re: Orbital Machining news and information
Post by: lgtsbr on July 06, 2015, 01:39:45 PM
Congrats Erik

Dave
Title: Re: Orbital Machining news and information
Post by: NeptuneTQ on July 06, 2015, 01:46:50 PM
Wow!  That's incredible news!  And also wonderful news to know that all my TCSS customs were also crafted by you!  My collection has gotten more special with this anouncement :)  It is totally understandable that you've been busy now with all the changes happening, good luck and I will continue to patiently await the 2 runs I'm part of with you in addition to all the custom parts I plan to be ordering from Tim  :D
Title: Re: Orbital Machining news and information
Post by: 97th Acolyte on July 06, 2015, 03:01:18 PM
That's great news! For us as well as you. More high quality parts for our sabering needs. Does this affect any runs you might take on in future?

Looking forward to my Obi even more now. ;)
Title: Re: Orbital Machining news and information
Post by: bombarta on July 06, 2015, 03:04:55 PM
 :D so I've you to thank for the excellent work on my JSK blade holders. So thats a bonus for me. And any one that sticks their noses in the air not wanting to use tcss parts might think twice now knowing you are involved. Actually this announcement might make your work load even higher lol. Just remember to take a break once in a while, don't burn yourself out.
Title: Re: Orbital Machining news and information
Post by: EV-9D9 on July 06, 2015, 03:17:05 PM
Wow, Tim moved away from Country Boy's Barbeque?  :o
Title: Re: Orbital Machining news and information
Post by: cannibal869 on July 06, 2015, 04:02:56 PM
(https://31.media.tumblr.com/f0f0c0944f2bba3215aa4b843bd53d50/tumblr_inline_nauonmjyPs1snjmql.gif)

Congrats and good luck!
Title: Re: Orbital Machining news and information
Post by: Jm419 on July 06, 2015, 08:09:38 PM
You know, that... makes a lot of sense, actually.  Surprised I never put two-and-two together.
Title: Re: Orbital Machining news and information
Post by: Cavjo on July 06, 2015, 09:33:52 PM
Congrats man that is great news!!!!!
Title: Re: Orbital Machining news and information
Post by: Wickedreamz on July 06, 2015, 10:16:15 PM
Super cool...congrats Acerocket!
Title: Re: Orbital Machining news and information
Post by: Pinousse on July 06, 2015, 11:40:26 PM
 :))
Title: Re: Orbital Machining news and information
Post by: Zelazny on July 07, 2015, 12:01:27 AM
Does this mean I can say all my MHS sabers are Acerockets?  You know technically he did make the parts......
Title: Re: Orbital Machining news and information
Post by: Darkjedi on July 07, 2015, 03:37:20 AM
Congratulations and good luck with all your stuff.

I wish I lived closer I offer my services as a clean up guy.lol I'll sweep the shop! Just smell the aluninum. I miss that stuff.

That's great news for you guys. Please don't burn yourself out it sounds like way more work than your saying. Take your breaks and smell the roses.


MTFBWY
Title: Re: Orbital Machining news and information
Post by: Cad-Bayne on July 07, 2015, 05:27:21 AM
Wow, he really is a Secret Apprentace... Well not a real Apprentace, but you k ow what I mean. 😈
Title: Re: Orbital Machining news and information
Post by: Sandpeople are people too on July 07, 2015, 08:32:27 AM
Great news!  I hope the transition goes smoothly.
Title: Re: Orbital Machining news and information
Post by: basalter on July 07, 2015, 09:09:24 AM
Good luck on the new premises, pretty amazing revelation, and as discussed, it just makes my MHS pieces all the more precious. I should have guess the amazing tolerances coming from TCSS and the equal precision on the Legacy had 'something' in common! Hope you and Tim continue to provide wonder and joy for the saber community for MANY years to come mate!
Title: Re: Orbital Machining news and information
Post by: Wildcard on July 07, 2015, 10:26:03 AM
Congratulations, and wishing you the best of success with the joint venture!
Title: Re: Orbital Machining news and information
Post by: Adi on July 07, 2015, 10:55:53 AM
Congratulations and I wish you good luck ^___^
Keep up your excellent work !
Title: Re: Orbital Machining news and information
Post by: Silver Serpent on July 07, 2015, 11:33:39 AM
A while back, I saw your post showing some of your new toys in the shop.  I was wondering what kind of job you could have that would allow you to spend that kind of money on a hobby.

I guess if the hobby and the job are one and the same, it all works out.  Thanks again for all the hard work you've done in the past, and for all that you will do in the future!
Title: Re: Orbital Machining news and information
Post by: Darth Ryô on July 22, 2015, 02:07:17 AM
Heh, now that's good to know.
Congrats and good luck ;)
Title: Re: Orbital Machining news and information
Post by: Foe Hammer on March 14, 2016, 05:06:29 AM
Hi Ace,

The Obi thread was apparently locked so I figured I would ask here if you've been able to make any progress on that run in the past couple months?  You mentioned you had plans to take care of projects heading into 2016, just wondering how that's going.  Hope all is well.

FH
Title: Re: Orbital Machining news and information
Post by: Wolfgeorge on March 14, 2016, 10:52:22 AM
I bought a place in the run about a month ago, I talked to Acerocket he said it will be finished later this year but he couldn't give a solid date!

He's work is top notch and he doesn't work just on this but he also make hilts for other brands too!
Be patient . I'm sure you won't regret it once you get the saber in your hands!
Plus I don't think he'll make another run !


Wolf
Title: Re: Orbital Machining news and information
Post by: Foe Hammer on March 14, 2016, 12:08:23 PM
I bought a place in the run about a month ago, I talked to Acerocket he said it will be finished later this year but he couldn't give a solid date!

He's work is top notch and he doesn't work just on this but he also make hilts for other brands too!
Be patient . I'm sure you won't regret it once you get the saber in your hands!
Plus I don't think he'll make another run !


Wolf

Thanks for the info Wolf.  Believe me, I'm well aware of his volume and quality of work. :smiley:  I'm not being impatient and there are certainly no regrets, so no worries there!  :cheesy:  Just trying to keep some dialog going and genuinely am curious how Ace is doing.
Title: Re: Orbital Machining news and information
Post by: IndustrialAction on March 14, 2016, 01:33:35 PM
Agreed. I don't think anyone is worried about getting their hilts but more frequent updates on open runs would be appreciated
Title: Re: Orbital Machining news and information
Post by: Sohryu76 on March 22, 2016, 04:29:40 PM
I'll buy someone's slot of the Obi if they do not want theirs anymore!
Title: Re: Orbital Machining news and information
Post by: IndustrialAction on March 29, 2016, 06:48:27 PM
Any updates?
Title: Re: Orbital Machining news and information
Post by: Foe Hammer on April 05, 2016, 12:26:35 PM
TCSS is moving to a new larger facility soon.  Hopefully this will help to free Ace up a bit.
Title: Re: Orbital Machining news and information
Post by: CHEWBACCA on April 11, 2016, 08:12:41 AM
Posting the below for acerocket.


As some people have noticed, I have been less active on this forum as of late.  Run progress updates have become less frequent and I realize I owe people an explanation.  I have been working as much as possible on all of my run commitments.  Recently however, the last few updates have been met with anger and accusations. Because of this, I decided to stop posting updates on my projects.  I will address the 'why' runs are taking longer in a bit, but I want to address why I am no longer posting updates.  I have 5 different runs that I am currently working on, and while I have now come to realize my mistake in taking on so much work (again, I will address this in a moment), I have tried to be fair and work a little of each run and make the rounds so progress on all runs could be reported.  When I would post progress on one run, people would post, PM and email me about why I wasn't working on a different run.  It got to the point where some run participants were demanding I work on their run and not others. I grew tired of the constant battles with each new update and made the decision to stop making update posts.  I now am reaching the conclusion that, without explaining this, I have made the issue worse as people are viewing the lack of updates as me 'hiding from my obligations'.

I have already completed all machine work on the Vader's Vault TFUII run. I am just waiting on the parts to return from the anodizer to complete minor assembly and ship them out to Vader's Vault.

I have completed all machining (with the exception of the brass circuit
card) on the Chewbacca/General Grievous Obi ROTS run and they have shipped to Chewbacca.

All turning work has been completed on the Skinnyflex run.  The bottleneck is mill time as there are a dozen different parts, each with
70+ pieces per part and each piece requiring several mill setups.  They
are taking time.

The Obi TPM run was started and then put on hold as I worked to finish
up some other runs, thus allowing me to have more time to focus on it. 
Now that the VV TFUII and the Chewbacca Obi ROTS run are shipping, I
will get back on these.

The Black Mamba is on a hold at the moment as I am having issues getting
payments from some run participants, and this project was always
expected to be a longer one.  I will tackle the next section as soon as
I can free up a machine.

Beyond these five runs, I am not involved in any other saber work
(except for TCSS work which is my M-F work).  As has always been the
case for the past 9 years, TCSS work has always been Monday through
Friday and my runs get done on weekends. I don't have any intention of
taking any further runs until all of my current runs have been completed.

Now, as to why the runs have taken longer than expected.  This is where
it gets much more personal and is more difficult for me to share,
because of the personal nature.  In the past few years, some personal
health issues have had an effect on my business obligations.  As some
people are well aware, I announced back in October 2013 that I would be
undergoing spinal surgery.  I had been having increasing leg pain for
several years prior to that that was making work harder and harder.  I
dislocated both of my hips in my early teens and had 4 surgeries to
correct those issues.  I also worked in the steel construction industry
for 25 years before getting in this community. Suffice it to say, I have
not treated my body like a temple.  I have had to deal with leg pain and
cramps since I was 13.  I also tend to have a higher pain tolerance than
most so I did not realize how much pain I was actually dealing with. 
After an extremely pain filled week, I sought medical treatment and was
diagnosed with a whole plethora of issues.  X-rays found arthritis in
the spine, occlusions, bony growths and bunch of other 'old man'
things.  They also found a 2.1 cm kidney stone.  An MRI found two
bulging and two herniated discs in the lower back.  The two herniated
discs were impacting the spinal column pretty good. In the span of two
weeks, I had surgery to break up the kidney stone and surgery to remove
portions of two discs.  One disc had been herniated for well over a year
given the level of calcification of the disc material, and the other had
impinged pretty good on the spinal cord.  After the surgery, the leg
pain, numbness and cramping did not abate as much as I would have
hoped.  Some issues seemed to go away, but others took their place  I
was prescribed a med to help with the nerve pain.  But after a month, it
was clear it was not working and a second med was prescribed.  This
medicine appeared to help, but after a few weeks, I started getting
dizzy, feeling light-headed and started having trouble with my memory. 
I had to go off this medicine and there was nothing else to try.  I
still have to deal with the nerve/leg pain.  It took a few months for
the light-headedness and dizziness to stop, it took about 6 months for
my head to get clear, and from time to time, I am pretty sure I still
have bouts of forgetfulness.  During this time, I made several unwise
decisions to take projects I probably should have passed on.

Just as I was starting to get my head clear and get back on top of my
projects, I was offered an opportunity I could not pass up. Instead of
being a behind the scenes player, I was going to join the TCSS family
and 'officially' become the shop machinist.  It meant I would be able to
add more machines to the shop and get some help.  It sounded like a
win-win situation for Tim and myself.  As you know, a new Star Wars
movie was on the horizon and we were caught off guard by the enormous
surge in sales.  It's not just TCSS, ask anyone on this forum and they
will tell you they were caught by surprise by the shear amount of
interest and people looking to buy sabers/parts.  As a result of this
crush, the workload has increased substantially and that initially
caused some issues with my weekend work.

A few months ago, I started to have back pain again.  An MRI conformed I
had re-herniated one of two previous discs I had repaired.  So, in
November I was back in the hospital for a second spinal surgery.  And
just recently, I have run into more kidney stone issues with several of
the fragments from the initial breakup passing (or trying to pass).

So to be truthful, my health has been a major issue with my ability to
complete work the past few years.  Every time I think I am mended and
can get back on top of my game, I get sidelined again.  I have been
loathe to post about this because I do not people to think I am trying
to take the path of 'poor me' and blame my health issues.  But it is
what it is, my health has affected my capacity to get work done.

Rest assured however, runs are getting worked on and substantial
progress has been made.