So, here's the news
almost 10 years ago
– Sat, Apr 09, 2016 at 05:12:21 PM
While I really do like my CNC machine, I have to say that the customer service for it is really lacking. After finally figuring out what I need, I contacted the manufacturer for the replacement part and he said he'd get it in the mail the next day. 3 days later (with no part) I drop him a line. "oh...ya...I put that in the mail yesterday," he says.
I could almost hear him packing up the part and putting it in the box at the time even through email.
So I got the part today. No instructions with the part...just the part. I'll send him another message today requesting a little more info before I try this out. But worst case, I'll have it install on Monday, cuz one way or the other I'm getting this sucker to work.
I apologize for the delay. You have no idea how bad I've been wanting to finish this project up. I've got big shows coming up in the next six weeks and don't have nearly the stock I wanted to have ready for the shows. I see a lot of late nights in my future trying to play catch-up.
fingers crossed.
John
And someday I'll learn to keep my big yap shut....
about 10 years ago
– Tue, Mar 29, 2016 at 09:25:34 PM
So, soon after my glowing report last week, on how everything was repaired and running great, the CNC decided to take another big old crap on my schedule. The Y axis refuses to respond and I can't figure out why.
I have a question in to the manufacturer....could be a motor that needs replaced. I think I've ruled out software issues...but we'll see what they have to say.
I'll keep working on the monks that I cut last week, but the Bards are on standby for at least a couple more days.
So next time, I won't tempt the CNC gods by giving good news.
*grumble*
Project update
about 10 years ago
– Fri, Mar 25, 2016 at 10:13:15 AM
OK...finally some good news on the project front.
Over the past month or so, I've seen setback after setback. If it wasn't the weather (I've learned not to end my projects in the middle of winter), it was equipment failure. I've had computer problems with the CNC router, I've had routers burning up (yes, that is plural), I've had the bearings wear out on my planer. Oh...and I've had a supplier sit on my order of wood for over a month without delivery.
So...when I got done with Cleveland ConCoction (a surprisingly good, if small, CON), I made a stop off at my wood supplier and picked up the wood. They managed to pull boards of the wrong size and dimensions from what I ordered, but rather than argue the point (I'll just personally select wood in the future), I got it home so I could start doing some work.
I got new bearings for the planer. Took me a couple days to pull the machine apart and put it back together, but it was well worth it. Can barely hear it now.
Called the manufacturer of my CNC to see what could be done about getting the machine to work with a new computer (it runs off a parallel port, which isn't included on computers anymore). He sold me an adapter. Plugged it into a new computer. A little fine tuning on the setup and I was back in business.
I can honestly say that the CNC has never ran this smooth before. Much more reliable than it used to be. I haven't had one screw up since I switched over (I used to have 1 or two a day).
So, I got the rest of the MONK cases cut the other day and have started in on the BARD. I expect to have all the pieces cut over the weekend. From there it is finish work which will be done next week. I hope to get a few more shipments out next week with the bulk of the rest the week after. I don't think I'll make my April 1 goal of having the project complete, but it should be complete soon afterwards.
And I want this done because I really want to launch my next project very soon. But I want this one to be done first.
Which brings me to my final point:
There are 9 people who have not completed their surveys. I will send a reminder out to those who have not finished it. PLEASE GET THIS IN SOON!
I'm running low on some woods so I'm anticipating another run to the exotic wood shed. If you want something special, I need to know about it before I make that run. It is an all-day event going to the store (about 3 hours on the road each way) and don't want to have to make that trip more than once.
That is all. I'll be back next week with another update.
John
Last call for Fractured Starlight
about 10 years ago
– Sun, Mar 20, 2016 at 09:12:41 AM
There are just about 3 hours left in my daughter's writing project: Fractured Starlight. If you are interested in a story based in part on her D&D adventures, take a look at: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/1658949603/fractured-starlight
Greetings from GaryCon
about 10 years ago
– Sun, Mar 06, 2016 at 04:30:12 PM
I know I haven't made an update lately. I'm still waiting on that wood delivery to finish up the project, and oh ya.....I'm at GaryCon and haven't been able to work for a few days.
For those who can make the trip, GaryCon is well worth the trip, especially if you like old-school AD&D. It is still fairly small (it'll be interesting to see what the final attendance numbers are), but it is really a living tribute to E. Gary Gygax and all of the original TSR people come to this.
Luke and Ernie (Gary's sons), are both very friendly and accessible. They seem to love their role as hosts and are frequently seen signing just about anything for people who attend the con. Everyone here seems to have a story about Gary and the era when gaming was born. I had a long talk with Diesel, one of the original artists and sculptors, and we will hopefully combine our talents for a future project. I'm very hopeful that this will come to fruition.
I also had good talks with Andy from 6D6 Studios, and Tom from Fat Dragon Games. Both are great guys who run good companies that you've probably seen on Kickstarter. I got some good marketing ideas from them that I hope to employ soon.
The Critical Hits decks were a huge success as I sold out of all my prototypes midway through Saturday. Everyone liked the first edition feel to them, even if they are specifically designed with 5e. The cards are nice and stiff too...the benefit of not going with the cheapest stock paper available. After talking things over with Tom, I've decided to push the launch of the Decks to mid-April. There are a couple reasons for this, not the least of which is that Dwarven Forge starts their latest campaign today and it would be a good idea if I'm not trying to compete for eyeballs while that campaign is going on.
I'll be packing up in a few hours and then it is the 9 hour trip back home...so I'll get back sometime in the middle of the night. Monday will be spent re-packing for next week's show. If I don't get the lumber in on Monday or Tuesday, I'll be going to pick it up myself. Next Friday, I'll be at Cleveland ConCoction and when I return, I'll be focusing on getting the remaining Bard and Monk cases delivered. I definitely want this project closed by April, so if you haven't gotten your survey in yet, now is the time to do it.
Thanks so much. And to those who have backed my daughter's campaign, thank you SO much. I'll try to find something special I can include in for you from me as well. She is so grateful and is excited at the prospect of selling her book at conventions.
Anyone who wants to help join her, take a look at https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/1658949603/fractured-starlight
