CNC Life Tree Work Finished, Drawbot disappointment

I spent the last three days in the garage using the CNC machine and a couple of jigsaws to make 100 cut wood patterns for a burning man project. They swear up and down they’re going to tell everybody about my service so I hope that will translate into paid work. (@$60/h+setup consultation)

We got a really good Kanban rhythym going with the jigsaws. Teams of two on a temporary table made out of sawhorses. One would hold the wood, the other would hold the jigsaw. The wood stays as still as possible and the jigsaw turns. When the jigsaw gets to a wierd angle for one user, we’d switch. Each team would do one type of cut (like the exteriors, or just one of the inside cuts) so we’d have to cut the same board two or three times but the speed we were cutting was really great, we could finish a complicated piece in about 2 minutes each, total. Compare that to CNC machining a part that took 40 minutes and left the mill bits covered in blackened glue and gum. Yuck!

I added a few parts to the CNC and it’s running very reliably now. It’s almost enjoyable to use! A proper dust shoe and a good vacuum would really make a world of difference. Before that I’m going to get a fire extinguisher, just in case. Wood table, lots of friction…

Talking with a teacher yesterday I found out their entire annual budget for new class stuff is $100 CDN. No wonder nobody buys a Drawbot or a Cando! I said send home a note with each kid asking for $5 and you’ll have enough for two Candos. The kids who finish work first get to put it together. I don’t think I won her over. So… great product, broke target audience. I’m told if a product can teach enough of the required subjects for a given class year the province will buy that product for every school. I have to think bigger and talk to the school board. Have you got a contact? Are you a teacher? Let’s make this work.

The rest of the day will probably be spent on home renovations. Mudding drywall is my least favorite part. Tonight I’m at the VHS signing a contract and (probably) installing a new eyewash station. Wednesday nights are Kaizen nights at the VHS, when members are encouraged to make a small improvement to the space.