Post by: smittysteve on Thu, 28 June 2018, 04:50:04
FYI, Interest Check Thread here: https://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=95953.msg2618288#msg2618288
IMPORTANT: For the Viper/ Eagle and the TC-V3 weights you have a choice to make on the desired graphic for the weights. I will only run one engraved version for each weight. There is a not-insignificant set-up fee for the engraving, so for cost and simplicity we will end up with one engraved version of each weight. However, as a result of feedback in the IC, there are two options for the Viper/ Eagle and the TC-V3 on the order form. On the order form, please select the engraved weight design you like best if you plan to purchase an engraved weight for that board. Simple majority wins on the voting. If the design you prefer does not win and you wish to change to the un-engraved option, we can do that.
Without further ado, here are your brass weight options for most pleasant keyboard happiness:
Viper/ Eagle
NEW Graphic Option:
(https://i.imgur.com/DLfGbfC.jpg)
OLD Graphic Option:
(https://i.imgur.com/czQCUl1.jpg)
Lightsaver v3 (LSv3)
(https://i.imgur.com/uluRBb2.jpg)
Jetfire
(https://i.imgur.com/3Nnj4iu.jpg)
TC-V3
NEW Graphic Option:
(https://i.imgur.com/pg5vxxD.jpg)
OLD Graphic Option:
(https://i.imgur.com/Mjx8HYA.jpg)
UPDATE: I can also run Orion v2 and Blackbird weights!! They will not have a graphic, but I have the files, they are available. Message me/ fill out the form if you're interested.
Details
Once again, many thanks to my friend Gaiden for the assist on the graphics for all of these. He did a freaking awesome job and I can't thank him enough!
PRICE:
$65 engraved (edit: + PP fees... always forget about that!)
$35 plain brass (+ PP fees)
Price: is the same for all weights. I was a little surprised by this, but the material difference isn't enough to change pricing much at all. The manufacturer I'm going with quoted the quantity across all the weights for one price, so I'll do the same here. There is still a small chance the price could come down a little as we go if the quantity is really high but I feel good about being able to execute the GB at these prices. If possible, I'll refund everyone a few bucks. The plain brass will be a tumbled finish- uncoated and unpolished. The engraved weights will be polished.
TIMELINE: This group buy will be open for at least two weeks from the time of approval. I will target placing the order the week of July 16 and assuming all goes well I expect to be shipping these by the second week of August. Fwiw, I'm doing everything here in the US. I did investigate overseas manufacturing, but I really like the folks I'm working with for the weights and the engraving, so I feel more confident doing everything here and think it's worth a little extra $.
SHIPPING: will either invoice shipping later or do it all all at one time- not sure yet. (edit at time of GB posting: still unsure about this. I'll work on it as soon as I get back to the US and obviously sort out a plan before sending invoices.) If I feel good about estimating shipping and doing it all with one invoice, I'd prefer that instead of sending shipping invoices separately later on. TBD... Will ship internationally, but will definitely have to quote that case-by-case. That could get expensive- sorry international peeps.
I am not sure whether these weights will fit earlier versions (Viper/ Eagle v1, LSv2) of these boards. My hunch is that they will, but if anyone would like to measure and evaluate with me, I'm happy to share sizes of the weights we will be making here.
Miscellanei
I am trying to get an option together for Orion boards. Cannot confirm yet and I wanted to open the buy, but I'll announce asap whether this will be possible or not. If you want an Orion weight, please fill out the form and let me know. It will most likely just be an un-engraved option.
I've had a couple of inquires about custom engraving. I'm happy to offer it, but the cost will be ~$70 additional. PM me if you'd like to explore this as an option.
Speaking of that- please feel free to reach out anytime by PM here on GH or Discord (preferred). I'm smittysteve on all platforms, so should be easy to find. Can also email me at smlsmith9@gmail.com.
Thanks very much for reading and considering joining the GB. I will update throughout the process and I really look forward to getting these weights together for us all. I mentioned somewhere in the IC, but I am absolutely a customer of this GB as well and will make sure this turns out awesome for us all! :) :thumb:
(edit) Screws will be included to hold it in the case. Keep forgetting that bit!
GB ORDER FORM: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScYxT9pFlBQUyW8mmPEYDhGc3F8UUTD_b0aGH_u97CZQxYyFw/viewform?usp=sf_link
DESIGN VOTING UPDATE 7/12/18:
Eagle/ Viper is really close... Separated by one vote, the old design is winning.
TC-V3 will be the new weight design- it's slaughtering the old by about 2x.
UPDATE: ORDERS WILL CLOSE SUNDAY NIGHT. If the form is still up, your order will be taken.
Confirmation emails sent... invoicing will start now.
Post by: Photoelectric on Sat, 30 June 2018, 10:29:18
For any group buy participants, please read through this post (https://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=36773.0).
Post by: Puddsy on Sat, 30 June 2018, 10:32:03
glwgb
Post by: eddible on Sat, 30 June 2018, 10:38:34
Post by: clasicks on Sat, 30 June 2018, 10:47:14
Post by: Okonomiyaki#2832 on Sat, 30 June 2018, 10:54:23
Post by: lecorsair on Sat, 30 June 2018, 11:12:02
Post by: JubJubCity on Sat, 30 June 2018, 11:23:12
Sent a PM pertaining to shipping.Awesome have been waiting to get some brass weights for the Ducks lol Thanks yo
Post by: Krona on Sat, 30 June 2018, 13:18:35
Post by: phorx on Sat, 30 June 2018, 13:41:30
Post by: smittysteve on Sat, 30 June 2018, 13:52:40
Could you clarify what the finish will be for the engraved weights? Are these polished? Or are they also (raw) tumbled? Is there a sample of the finish(es) that you could share?
Thanks for the question- I should add that above. The engraved will also be mirror polished. I don't have a sample handy, but it will be a lot like the finish we ended up with for the Blackbird weights Merlin ran. Mine is at work and I'm headed to Colorado for the week. If anyone has it that can post, that would be awesome.
Post by: razor_blade on Sat, 30 June 2018, 14:06:17
Post by: smittysteve on Sat, 30 June 2018, 14:15:19
Joined for 2!
Thank you!
Post by: Eggplant on Sat, 30 June 2018, 14:54:04
Thanks for running this, can't wait!
Post by: Vadurr on Sat, 30 June 2018, 23:30:56
Post by: phorx on Sun, 01 July 2018, 06:40:02
Post by: Hamel on Sun, 01 July 2018, 07:16:55
By any chance, can we get prior quote for Int'l shipping beforehand? If int'l shipping is too pricey I really would like to use int'l freight forwarder service instead.
Post by: smittysteve on Sun, 01 July 2018, 10:27:06
In for TC-V3.
By any chance, can we get prior quote for Int'l shipping beforehand? If int'l shipping is too pricey I really would like to use int'l freight forwarder service instead.
Yes, thanks for the question. I will get some US and international shipping estimates this week and add to the thread.
Post by: Pemdas on Tue, 03 July 2018, 00:53:49
Post by: LeoShi on Sat, 07 July 2018, 04:00:40
Post by: eyedrop on Wed, 11 July 2018, 00:19:01
Post by: smittysteve on Wed, 11 July 2018, 08:34:25
Back to civilization now, showered the campfire off and ready to get these beauties made. A few updates:
I'm going to make another mm post today to make sure everyone who wants one can join and then close the GB next Wednesday the 18th.
Invoices will start going out this afternoon and I'll post here when those are all sent. It will take me a few days as it's still vacation time here. All invoices will be due August 1 and I will place the order with the vendor then. I have been in steady contact with them and all is well- material is ordered and ready to go on their side. I expect a pretty quick turnaround on the brass and then it will be on to polishing/ engraving. Those that chose raw/ tumbled brass should be shipped by the end of August. Engraved will not be far behind.
Have a good one and thanks for participating in this buy!
Post by: anthorix on Sat, 14 July 2018, 20:46:02
Post by: jrfhoutx on Thu, 19 July 2018, 10:15:28
Post by: phorx on Thu, 19 July 2018, 10:35:56
Haven't seen an invoice, have they gone out yet?
I also didn't get one yet.
Post by: Atredl on Thu, 19 July 2018, 11:23:57
They sent an email to confirm the orders and said that the invoices should be out by the end of this week.Haven't seen an invoice, have they gone out yet?
I also didn't get one yet.
Post by: smittysteve on Thu, 19 July 2018, 11:41:53
Some updates:
Correct, I’m about two thirds sending order confirmation emails to everyone. Remember that pathological optimism... maybe should have just posted an order check spreadsheet. But I like the chance to reach out to everyone and say hi. Bear with me, I’m committed at this point.
Invoices will follow- really do plan to have them all out by Sunday night. I’ll post when those are complete.
In the meantime, the vendor is making me some SS samples so I can check fit on at least the three boards I have. Running with thin safety net, so I do not want a gotcha when a box o’brass arrives. I’ll post pics when I see the steel.
Thanks for everyone joining this GB. If you’re on the fence I’ll close orders this weekend, but as long as the order form is up, you’re in.
Post by: TheKeyCompany on Thu, 19 July 2018, 13:59:58
Please make one for the Blackbird that has an image of the SR71.
Sincerely yours,
YOUR BOY HONCH0
Seriously, this is an awesome project!
Post by: typischt on Thu, 19 July 2018, 14:17:42
Post by: smittysteve on Thu, 19 July 2018, 14:56:51
Is the weight for the TC-V3 going to be inside the case? Sorry if obvious.. :)
No worries- it’s not obvious. And a little different really. Many weights do show through to the bottom of the board (TGR, TX, LZ, Noxary...), but the Duck boards do not. They are only internal, fastened with screws. It’s a bit of a shame, because the graphics are pretty bad ass (if I do sayso myself)... But I will say, I get a smile out of seeing the polished, engraved Blackbird weight each time I open the case, so I do personally get some enjoyment out of the engraved weights.
I should also say (and add to main post), I’m probably going to order one extra of each one, just in case, but not planning to have extras, really. Get ‘em now while the gettin’s good.
Post by: smittysteve on Thu, 19 July 2018, 14:58:00
Steve,
Please make one for the Blackbird that has an image of the SR71.
Sincerely yours,
YOUR BOY HONCH0
Seriously, this is an awesome project!
Thanks for the support, my friend!!
And let’s talk... we just may be able to make a SR-71 happen!!
Post by: smittysteve on Sat, 21 July 2018, 21:18:38
Working through the last third of order confirmations... we're getting there.
It's 11th hour, but wanted to let everyone know, Duck very kindly gave me the file for Orion v2... I can run those if anyone wants. Blackbird too. No graphics on those, but if you want plain brass for Orion of Blackbird, send me a message if you've already filled out a form or fill out the form if that would be your first order.
Post by: typischt on Mon, 23 July 2018, 03:09:58
Post by: smittysteve on Mon, 23 July 2018, 09:40:55
Orders are still open as long as the form is up. Test fit pieces are in production. We’re moving along. Thanks for bearing with me. :)
Post by: JubJubCity on Mon, 23 July 2018, 11:11:34
So, lost yesterday a bit with family adventures. On a plane now, traveling for the day, but using bored hotel time tonight for the last chunk of order checking and then starting to invoice. Sorry, order checking has taken me WAY longer than I expected. Next time maybe a spreadsheet but I really appreciate the fast responses from everyone and the chance to chat just a little.I'm just happy you are at least providing updates pretty frequently :thumb:
Orders are still open as long as the form is up. Test fit pieces are in production. We’re moving along. Thanks for bearing with me. :)
Post by: smittysteve on Fri, 27 July 2018, 18:53:19
All order confirmation emails are out. That took way longer than I thought it would, but it was fun getting to say hello to so many nice folks even briefly. :) And thanks for the speedy replies, very helpful. If you have not received an order confirmation email from me, please check spam, etc or message me here, email, Reddit or Discord (smittysteve on all platforms). I have tried to contact everyone in the method indicated on the form, but there were a few cases I forgot to look or emailed while GH was having issues yesterday. I've been focused on getting the confirmations out, so there are a few messages to me I haven't returned yet, sorry. Will get to those asap.
Orders will close Sunday night. Know there are a few still mulling, so again, as long as the form is up, the order will be taken.
Now that confirmations are out, I'll start invoicing tonight. Again, I'll go as quickly as possible and will keep everyone updated here. Don't sweat if you don't have an invoice tonight.
Logistics:
Stainless steel prototypes have been ordered for all weights and I'll check those in the three boards that I do have. I'll share pics when I have them, just for fun. Should see those maybe the 6th or 7th.
I have been working with the brass polishing shop and am really happy with their work. If you have an un-engraved weight but would like to add a mirror polish to it, I can probably do that for like another $5 or $8 (have to do the math). I didn't have that as an option when ordering, but think I should be able to get you that if you would so desire. Hold tight for now- I'll post a form or something for that so I don't miss messages if/ when that becomes an option.
The engraving folks are also ready to go. I'm getting them the graphics next week so they can get the setup work done. Not that interesting, but certainly even in a "little" GB like this one, there are a fair amount of things to wrangle.
Thanks again for the support and kind words. Have a great weekend.
EDIT:
Forgot to mention, NEW Eagle/ Viper design won (8-5) as did the NEW TC-V3 design (19-6). I've asked in the confirmation emails, but if that changes your order, just let me know. :)
Post by: Sshimosawa on Fri, 27 July 2018, 20:44:16
Post by: profanum429 on Fri, 27 July 2018, 20:46:21
UPDATES 7-27-18
All order confirmation emails are out. That took way longer than I thought it would, but it was fun getting to say hello to so many nice folks even briefly. :) And thanks for the speedy replies, very helpful. If you have not received an order confirmation email from me, please check spam, etc or message me here, email, Reddit or Discord (smittysteve on all platforms). I have tried to contact everyone in the method indicated on the form, but there were a few cases I forgot to look or emailed while GH was having issues yesterday. I've been focused on getting the confirmations out, so there are a few messages to me I haven't returned yet, sorry. Will get to those asap.
Orders will close Sunday night. Know there are a few still mulling, so again, as long as the form is up, the order will be taken.
Now that confirmations are out, I'll start invoicing tonight. Again, I'll go as quickly as possible and will keep everyone updated here. Don't sweat if you don't have an invoice tonight.
Logistics:
Stainless steel prototypes have been ordered for all weights and I'll check those in the three boards that I do have. I'll share pics when I have them, just for fun. Should see those maybe the 6th or 7th.
I have been working with the brass polishing shop and am really happy with their work. If you have an un-engraved weight but would like to add a mirror polish to it, I can probably do that for like another $5 or $8 (have to do the math). I didn't have that as an option when ordering, but think I should be able to get you that if you would so desire. Hold tight for now- I'll post a form or something for that so I don't miss messages if/ when that becomes an option.
The engraving folks are also ready to go. I'm getting them the graphics next week so they can get the setup work done. Not that interesting, but certainly even in a "little" GB like this one, there are a fair amount of things to wrangle.
Thanks again for the support and kind words. Have a great weekend.
EDIT:
Forgot to mention, NEW Eagle/ Viper design won (8-5) as did the NEW TC-V3 design (19-6). I've asked in the confirmation emails, but if that changes your order, just let me know. :)
Whoa, did I miss a stainless option? I'd love to get both a brass and stainless (depending on price of course ;))
Post by: smittysteve on Fri, 27 July 2018, 21:14:01
UPDATES 7-27-18
All order confirmation emails are out. That took way longer than I thought it would, but it was fun getting to say hello to so many nice folks even briefly. :) And thanks for the speedy replies, very helpful. If you have not received an order confirmation email from me, please check spam, etc or message me here, email, Reddit or Discord (smittysteve on all platforms). I have tried to contact everyone in the method indicated on the form, but there were a few cases I forgot to look or emailed while GH was having issues yesterday. I've been focused on getting the confirmations out, so there are a few messages to me I haven't returned yet, sorry. Will get to those asap.
Orders will close Sunday night. Know there are a few still mulling, so again, as long as the form is up, the order will be taken.
Now that confirmations are out, I'll start invoicing tonight. Again, I'll go as quickly as possible and will keep everyone updated here. Don't sweat if you don't have an invoice tonight.
Logistics:
Stainless steel prototypes have been ordered for all weights and I'll check those in the three boards that I do have. I'll share pics when I have them, just for fun. Should see those maybe the 6th or 7th.
I have been working with the brass polishing shop and am really happy with their work. If you have an un-engraved weight but would like to add a mirror polish to it, I can probably do that for like another $5 or $8 (have to do the math). I didn't have that as an option when ordering, but think I should be able to get you that if you would so desire. Hold tight for now- I'll post a form or something for that so I don't miss messages if/ when that becomes an option.
The engraving folks are also ready to go. I'm getting them the graphics next week so they can get the setup work done. Not that interesting, but certainly even in a "little" GB like this one, there are a fair amount of things to wrangle.
Thanks again for the support and kind words. Have a great weekend.
EDIT:
Forgot to mention, NEW Eagle/ Viper design won (8-5) as did the NEW TC-V3 design (19-6). I've asked in the confirmation emails, but if that changes your order, just let me know. :)
Whoa, did I miss a stainless option? I'd love to get both a brass and stainless (depending on price of course ;))
No, thought about it, but running so many boards, I wanted to limit complexity a little. Sorry. If you really want one, send me a message and I can get you a price or perhaps sell you one of the samples or something.
Post by: Okonomiyaki#2832 on Sat, 28 July 2018, 05:39:57
UPDATES 7-27-18
All order confirmation emails are out. That took way longer than I thought it would, but it was fun getting to say hello to so many nice folks even briefly. :) And thanks for the speedy replies, very helpful. If you have not received an order confirmation email from me, please check spam, etc or message me here, email, Reddit or Discord (smittysteve on all platforms). I have tried to contact everyone in the method indicated on the form, but there were a few cases I forgot to look or emailed while GH was having issues yesterday. I've been focused on getting the confirmations out, so there are a few messages to me I haven't returned yet, sorry. Will get to those asap.
Orders will close Sunday night. Know there are a few still mulling, so again, as long as the form is up, the order will be taken.
Now that confirmations are out, I'll start invoicing tonight. Again, I'll go as quickly as possible and will keep everyone updated here. Don't sweat if you don't have an invoice tonight.
Logistics:
Stainless steel prototypes have been ordered for all weights and I'll check those in the three boards that I do have. I'll share pics when I have them, just for fun. Should see those maybe the 6th or 7th.
I have been working with the brass polishing shop and am really happy with their work. If you have an un-engraved weight but would like to add a mirror polish to it, I can probably do that for like another $5 or $8 (have to do the math). I didn't have that as an option when ordering, but think I should be able to get you that if you would so desire. Hold tight for now- I'll post a form or something for that so I don't miss messages if/ when that becomes an option.
The engraving folks are also ready to go. I'm getting them the graphics next week so they can get the setup work done. Not that interesting, but certainly even in a "little" GB like this one, there are a fair amount of things to wrangle.
Thanks again for the support and kind words. Have a great weekend.
EDIT:
Forgot to mention, NEW Eagle/ Viper design won (8-5) as did the NEW TC-V3 design (19-6). I've asked in the confirmation emails, but if that changes your order, just let me know. :)
Just to check, am I suppose to receive a paypal invoice yet?
Post by: smittysteve on Sat, 28 July 2018, 10:13:01
UPDATES 7-27-18
All order confirmation emails are out. That took way longer than I thought it would, but it was fun getting to say hello to so many nice folks even briefly. :) And thanks for the speedy replies, very helpful. If you have not received an order confirmation email from me, please check spam, etc or message me here, email, Reddit or Discord (smittysteve on all platforms). I have tried to contact everyone in the method indicated on the form, but there were a few cases I forgot to look or emailed while GH was having issues yesterday. I've been focused on getting the confirmations out, so there are a few messages to me I haven't returned yet, sorry. Will get to those asap.
Orders will close Sunday night. Know there are a few still mulling, so again, as long as the form is up, the order will be taken.
Now that confirmations are out, I'll start invoicing tonight. Again, I'll go as quickly as possible and will keep everyone updated here. Don't sweat if you don't have an invoice tonight.
Logistics:
Stainless steel prototypes have been ordered for all weights and I'll check those in the three boards that I do have. I'll share pics when I have them, just for fun. Should see those maybe the 6th or 7th.
I have been working with the brass polishing shop and am really happy with their work. If you have an un-engraved weight but would like to add a mirror polish to it, I can probably do that for like another $5 or $8 (have to do the math). I didn't have that as an option when ordering, but think I should be able to get you that if you would so desire. Hold tight for now- I'll post a form or something for that so I don't miss messages if/ when that becomes an option.
The engraving folks are also ready to go. I'm getting them the graphics next week so they can get the setup work done. Not that interesting, but certainly even in a "little" GB like this one, there are a fair amount of things to wrangle.
Thanks again for the support and kind words. Have a great weekend.
EDIT:
Forgot to mention, NEW Eagle/ Viper design won (8-5) as did the NEW TC-V3 design (19-6). I've asked in the confirmation emails, but if that changes your order, just let me know. :)
Just to check, am I suppose to receive a paypal invoice yet?
Nope, not yet. I’ll post here when invoices are all out.
Post by: phorx on Fri, 03 August 2018, 22:52:34
Post by: smittysteve on Sat, 04 August 2018, 09:04:02
I've been working with the metal shop on optimizing the run as much as possible. We have two thicknesses of brass and six models of weighs being made. I knew doing all of this would add some complexity, but one wrinkle has been in maximizing the brass sheets. For example, I made the SS prototypes to make sure we get the fit right and it did not cost me much more to make two of the four compared to making all four since I had to buy x size SS sheet and the cutting time only added a bit. They should have the final layouts done Monday and I'm going to place the order then to try my best at keeping to timeline.
If you're curious, here is the final weight distribution:
Blackbird: 2
Eagle/ Viper: 40
LSv3: 40
Jetfire: 44
TC-V3: 37
Orion v2: 2
Really pretty even ordering, eh?
I had a brass piece made to replace the plastic diffuser for my LZ CLSh. Thought it would add a little weight and make for a different black and gold look. I had it cut from the same place I'm doing the weights (dangerous for me to now love a metal shop!) and I took it over to the polishing shop I'm using here in Tucson to test them out. I wasn't thinking fast enough and did not grab a before picture- whoops, FAIL! However, it was raw brass. It wasn't terrible at all, but... here is the after:
(https://i.imgur.com/3m0Oodi.jpg]https://i.imgur.com/3m0Oodi.jpg)
Needless to say, I am extremely happy with the polishing shop!
I am going to offer polishing on the un-engraved weights. I'm hoping it will add about $3 to those- no more than $5. I highly encourage you to go for because the shiny brass is pretty. Please don't message or anything yet- here's my plan... I'm just going to do it on all the weights and then just ask for honor system- people with un-engraved weights to send me another $3 or whatever it ends up being. Please don't do this yet- wait until I get all the brass to the shop and see how much it ends up costing to polish 165 weights. :)
Timeline update:
Going to carve out a few hours this weekend and get all the invoices out. Again, I'll post here when everything is out, so if you don't get an invoice at that time, please let me know. As mentioned, I'm going to place the order Monday, so I'm not too worried about a payment deadline, but kindly pay as quickly as possible.
Order to be placed: Aug 6
Brass in hand: Aug 15-17
Brass to polishing: Aug 20
Un-engraved weights start to ship: Aug 27
Other brass to engravers: Aug 27
Engraved weights start to ship: HOPEFULLY Aug 30/31. I'm going to be in Tokyo the week of 9/3, so I really hope to have everything done before losing that week. If anything is delayed, the engraved weights will ship when I get back, sorry.
This week, I'm going to work on shipping estimates. There are several of you thinking about most efficient shipping/ using proxies/ etc. I will sort this out and message people who have asked for shipping information.
Think that's it. Thanks for following along here. Been fun for me so far, but (obviously?) quite a bit more work than I expected. There are a lot of details to manage and this is a baby GB. MUCH respect to anyone running full boards. Whew, can't imagine!
Post by: Jedi on Sat, 04 August 2018, 09:53:39
Best not to mention brass gaskets or you'll have a full time job doing this for all those LZ, Kin, and TGR boards in existence.
Post by: packman86 on Sat, 04 August 2018, 10:14:13
Post by: smittysteve on Sat, 04 August 2018, 10:23:36
Ya I am going to need one of those brass gaskets to replace the diffuser on my LZ CLShhkb. Thanks!
Yeah, I'm looking forward to it. Love the look on my TX1800, so thought I'd give it a try on the CLSh. :) Hoping to build that in the next week or two- I'm really slow on builds! If you want any more info, feel free to message me.
Nice update chief!
Best not to mention brass gaskets or you'll have a full time job doing this for all those LZ, Kin, and TGR boards in existence.
Hahaha- right, good point. I'll say, it was a little spendy, but perhaps when entertaining these wild fancies in the future, I'll throw it out there for any other nutjobs like myself and perhaps save us all a little coin by getting 4 or 5. Like anything one-offs are just pure extravagance!
Post by: packman86 on Sat, 04 August 2018, 10:28:23
Quote
Yeah, I'm looking forward to it. Love the look on my TX1800, so thought I'd give it a try on the CLSh. :) Hoping to build that in the next week or two- I'm really slow on builds! If you want any more info, feel free to message me.
Already PM'd you on discord ;)
Post by: lecorsair on Sun, 05 August 2018, 12:22:19
Post by: Evilocity on Mon, 06 August 2018, 17:58:02
Sent from my Pixel 2 XL using Tapatalk
Post by: smittysteve on Mon, 06 August 2018, 18:05:17
I heard that invoices are starting to roll out. To confirm, we have to add $3 on the unengraved weights to get them polished?
Sent from my Pixel 2 XL using Tapatalk
Yes, I've mashed through a pretty big batch of them this afternoon.
No, don't add anything yet. I'm going to wait and see how much the polishing ends up coming out to be in total. I'll ask you to add it on to the shipping invoice or just send over $3 later on. My plan right now is to polish all 165 weights and then ask for honor system payments later on. It seemed too painful to go back and ask all the un-engraved folks who wants polished. I assume no one is going to be mad about polishing and I'll sort out getting the extra $ later on. Hope that makes sense. :)
In other quick news- I got the SS samples in today, the final layout done and the quote issued from the manufacturer. Things are moving right along.
Post by: JubJubCity on Mon, 06 August 2018, 18:05:56
Post by: Evilocity on Mon, 06 August 2018, 18:08:38
Ah okay, makes sense. Can't wait for my invoice!I heard that invoices are starting to roll out. To confirm, we have to add $3 on the unengraved weights to get them polished?
Sent from my Pixel 2 XL using Tapatalk
Yes, I've mashed through a pretty big batch of them this afternoon.
No, don't add anything yet. I'm going to wait and see how much the polishing ends up coming out to be in total. I'll ask you to add it on to the shipping invoice or just send over $3 later on. My plan right now is to polish all 165 weights and then ask for honor system payments later on. It seemed too painful to go back and ask all the un-engraved folks who wants polished. I assume no one is going to be mad about polishing and I'll sort out getting the extra $ later on. Hope that makes sense. :)
In other quick news- I got the SS samples in today, the final layout done and the quote issued from the manufacturer. Things are moving right along.
Post by: Hamel on Mon, 06 August 2018, 19:35:54
Post by: packman86 on Mon, 06 August 2018, 20:41:18
Post by: Eggplant on Mon, 06 August 2018, 20:54:53
Can't wait! :D
Post by: Shados on Mon, 06 August 2018, 20:55:46
Post by: captainish on Tue, 07 August 2018, 07:55:16
Post by: clasicks on Tue, 07 August 2018, 09:00:35
Post by: inosint on Tue, 07 August 2018, 11:03:02
Post by: LightningXI on Tue, 07 August 2018, 16:21:49
Post by: smittysteve on Tue, 07 August 2018, 16:29:27
What is the new timeline looking like with the payments being done now?
Timeline update:
Going to carve out a few hours this weekend and get all the invoices out. Again, I'll post here when everything is out, so if you don't get an invoice at that time, please let me know. As mentioned, I'm going to place the order Monday, so I'm not too worried about a payment deadline, but kindly pay as quickly as possible.
Order to be placed: Aug 6
Brass in hand: Aug 15-17
Brass to polishing: Aug 20
Un-engraved weights start to ship: Aug 27
Other brass to engravers: Aug 27
Engraved weights start to ship: HOPEFULLY Aug 30/31. I'm going to be in Tokyo the week of 9/3, so I really hope to have everything done before losing that week. If anything is delayed, the engraved weights will ship when I get back, sorry.
This slips by maybe a day or two- really depends on how fast they get me the brass. I have final quote- just waiting on a few minor changes to that... should have it paid this afternoon or tomorrow. I still think un-engraved weights ship the week of the 27th. I'll keep updated here- clearly I'm an optimist and things can happen to delay a bit, but I don't see any major trainwrecks ahead (famous last GB runner words... what was the original E8-V1 shipping estimate, like 8 weeks after order? :'().
Post by: smittysteve on Tue, 07 August 2018, 18:13:13
Thank everyone VERY much for paying so quickly. We are well over halfway paid and I appreciate that a lot.
As mentioned, I'm waiting on a couple minor updates on the quote and these bad boys will be ordered!
Any other questions or comments or just want to shoot the breeze- feel free to reach out anytime! :thumb: :thumb:
Post by: jrfhoutx on Tue, 07 August 2018, 21:42:30
Thank you for putting this buy together!
Post by: xine007 on Tue, 07 August 2018, 22:20:37
Post by: breitling on Wed, 08 August 2018, 17:51:51
Post by: breitling on Tue, 21 August 2018, 15:54:16
Post by: smittysteve on Tue, 21 August 2018, 19:44:33
Been meaning to find some minutes to sit down for an update on all that's going on- sorry it's been a bit.
Things are going very well for the most part. Manufacturer is working away on our brass and will be shipping on the 27th.
There is one potential bump in the form of a newly added next step. The manufacturer I've gone with is water-jet cutting the brass. That is lovely for cutting the metal, but does not lend itself nicely to detail work. In Merlin's run, he had a nice countersink around each screw hole so the screws sit flush against the brass weight. I have gone slightly beyond the suggested thickness for the weight, as provided by Duck. Side note, Merlin's were as well, and they fit perfectly, so I'm not worried about that, but if we then don't have countersinks, I'm nervous about metal screws in dangerous territory for bumping against PCB underbellies. I THINK we would be ok still, and thought about doing nylon screws so we don't short anything, but then decided that just isn't the way to go, let's do this all right. SO, long story short, I have found a CNC shop in Tucson that will cut the countersinks for us. I did go back in and do an 11th hour analysis of doing the whole thing at the CNC shop vs water jet cutting the brass and then CNC-ing the countersinks. It was still more cost effective to water-jet cut the brass as planned... but I'm effectively through my safety margin. I've been part of enough GBs that I expected something like this (Jordan and I say they aren't unplanned expenses around the house- we expect an AC to fail or a pool pump to go south - both summer events for us by the way - we just don't know what it will be or when), so I did build in a bit of safety net. I was hoping to not need that and pass that over to shipping... but at $1/ hole (the bigger weights have 6!! And seems an ok place, the other place in town quoted me $4 a hole!?!), this chews up that net. Onward without a parachute!! :)
This will also add two weeks. Sorry about this, but the CNC shop is slammed and for the price, I have to wait for them. CNC shop has us on the schedule and the brass will be shipped directly to them, but it's going to take a bit of time.
From there, I'll take them for polish, and the polishing shop is ready to roll. Then will start shipping the un-engraved and take the others for pretty picture/ word carving.
Updated timeline:
Brass ships: 8/27
Countersinks done: 9/14
Polishing done: 9/21
Shipping un-engraved: Week of 9/24
Engraving done: 9/28
Shipping engraved: week of 10/1
Whew, time flies.
Thanks for everyone's interest, kind messages and fast PayPal payments. We're about 80% paid for... if you still are waiting to pay an invoice, no worries, but please do clear that up asap as we have these other services to pay for. If you need a lot more time, also no worries, just please send me a note. I start to get nervous that all the kids are getting... BRASS for Christmas if I'm holding too many of these bad boys. :thumb: :thumb:
Post by: clasicks on Tue, 21 August 2018, 20:02:23
hopefully there is enough clearance for some button top like screws if no one else does
Post by: Jedi on Tue, 21 August 2018, 22:04:53
Keep up the great work!
Post by: Okonomiyaki#2832 on Tue, 21 August 2018, 22:16:45
Post by: Sshimosawa on Wed, 22 August 2018, 00:11:27
You've been awesome. Thanks for the 411.
Post by: JubJubCity on Wed, 22 August 2018, 00:23:01
+1 on paying additional fees for the holes.I second this!!!!!!
You've been awesome. Thanks for the 411.
Post by: Hamel on Thu, 23 August 2018, 18:48:07
Post by: Okonomiyaki#2832 on Fri, 24 August 2018, 23:18:10
Have you gotten a quotation for overseas shipping? I really do not wish to be shell shocked later.
Any updates on this?
Post by: smittysteve on Mon, 03 September 2018, 20:53:04
Sort of a non-update update here. I'm in the Tokyo area for the week working. I just love this place. :) Hoping Typhoon Jebi fades as it comes ashore today/ tomorrow down by Shikoku/ Honshu. Sending thoughts of safety for everyone down there. Here in Chiba and Tokyo, they are calling for rain and 30-35mph winds- not too terrible.
With Monday being a holiday in the US, no mail moved, but I expect the brass will arrive in Tucson tomorrow for the CNC work. I'm hoping they can get to them quickly, but he's told me it's going to take a couple of weeks due to their schedule. I'm pushing on that as much as possible.
After that, polishing and engraving is ready to go.
With many apologies, I do not have international shipping quotes yet, really sorry. Just one thing I've not gotten to in the midst of running the buy, normal life, travel, etc. I promise to get more information on that when back in Tucson next week.
Have a good one, all and thanks as always for all your support on this little GB ride with me. :thumb: :thumb:
Post by: anthorix on Wed, 12 September 2018, 07:52:11
Post by: smittysteve on Fri, 14 September 2018, 18:57:13
Hi all- hope the "fall" is going well for everyone. I "" fall because it's still a bloody 103 degrees here today! Anyone in Florence's path, stay safe!
Thanks for everyone's patience through a busy few weeks for me. Japan was awesome- so love that place and somehow made it back without a JIS Topre board in tow... though I was tempted a few times in Akihabara.
The weights are in Tucson! I went and visited them a couple of days ago at the CNC shop- they look lovely (sorry, totally flubbed grabbing a picture of the stack o'brass on the shelf!). The countersink cnc'ing is in progress- I groveled (with dignity, thank you) to ask him to work them in between jobs. I think this will happen and I should be picking them up latter half of next week. Then will be over to polishing and then will start shipping the un-engraved while the others go off for drawings.
I spent some time over lunch today at the post office. It's not going to be as bad as I feared for the international folks. I looked at the size and weight we are likely to be sending here and it's going to be between $20-40 for everyone outside of North America, I believe - and significantly closer to the $20 range for almost everyone. Even AUS I think I can keep under $30 if I do it right. Cross your fingers, ladies and gents outside NA, I'll do my very best to keep the shipping down as much as possible.
Outstanding invoices... we're in pretty good shape, but as I've mentioned, it's going to take every dollar here. There are about 10 outstanding invoices. Again, please pay as soon as possible as the next phases of the project will require payments soon.
That's about it for now. Have a great weekend!!
Post by: YiZZo on Fri, 14 September 2018, 19:04:19
Post by: packman86 on Fri, 14 September 2018, 19:15:30
Post by: Okonomiyaki#2832 on Fri, 14 September 2018, 19:37:34
Post by: sozo on Tue, 18 September 2018, 16:15:02
Post by: sozo on Tue, 18 September 2018, 16:20:45
Outstanding invoices... we're in pretty good shape, but as I've mentioned, it's going to take every dollar here. There are about 10 outstanding invoices. Again, please pay as soon as possible as the next phases of the project will require payments soon.
That's about it for now. Have a great weekend!!
If it's possible to take someone's spot for the weight I'd be down!
Post by: Visionaire on Wed, 19 September 2018, 14:14:06
Post by: smittysteve on Fri, 21 September 2018, 18:46:49
Looks like I robbed Fort Knox. And please excuse the dirty Subee- I'll get rid of the dog hair from everyone's weight before shipping. :-[
(https://i.imgur.com/bdHwAJh.jpg?1)
(https://i.imgur.com/2BExWST.jpg)
They are now with the polishing house- should be done by the end of next week. I'm out traveling again next week, so will pick them up Monday the first and start shipping the un-engraved weights/ get the others to the engraver. That's the good news. The bad news is that the countersink work drained my safety net and went right into the polishing money. The countersinks were $1 a hole, so as you'd imagine, 872 unplanned holes blows up my nice spreadsheet. As I mentioned, I'll ask for everyone to kindly add $5 for polishing as you pay shipping invoices. It's not mandatory - I set the pricing and will stand by that- it's my bad. However, as to not take it too badly in the shorts, I'd sure appreciate chipping in on the polishing and thank everyone who has replied here or messaged to say no sweat on that. Really sorry for the unplanned expenses.
Have a great weekend, everyone!
Post by: Visionaire on Fri, 21 September 2018, 18:56:41
Post by: neon_tom on Fri, 21 September 2018, 19:09:53
Post by: clasicks on Fri, 21 September 2018, 19:49:28
Post by: JubJubCity on Fri, 21 September 2018, 19:54:31
Post by: smittysteve on Sat, 22 September 2018, 01:51:53
These look amazing and I’ll be more than happy to chip in to cover the extra cost on my shipping invoice. Can’t wait to see the finished product!
Same here just bill me and i will pay for those lovely weights :p
no problem, can get you another $20 on top of shipping for my two weights Steve. GLWGB!
Steve these are looking good! Sorry to hear about the unexpected expense with the screw holes. I'll throw ya some more money via PayPal. I can donate $20 to the cause.
Thank you all very kindly- so very much love our community!
I'm really pleased with the way they turned out, I think everyone will be stoked when they see them. The CNC work on the countersinks is tight and I know this polisher does a really nice job. Going to be worthy additions to these tasty boards.
Post by: hhkbp2 on Sat, 22 September 2018, 03:06:14
Post by: techfresh on Sat, 22 September 2018, 13:55:46
Post by: japanesehorrorwriter on Sat, 22 September 2018, 17:17:39
no problem, can get you another $20 on top of shipping for my two weights Steve. GLWGB!
+1 here too.
Post by: inosint on Tue, 25 September 2018, 11:34:39
no problem, can get you another $20 on top of shipping for my two weights Steve. GLWGB!
+1 here too.
Post by: phorx on Tue, 25 September 2018, 12:32:52
Post by: smittysteve on Tue, 25 September 2018, 15:18:57
Damn those are looking sexy. Can't wait to complete my Viper :)
Thanks man- same here! I put the sample SS weight I made in my Viper and it was very noticeable. Looking forward to upgrading that to brass.
+1 be happy to pitch in. Thanks for the updates and transparency Smitty.
Thanks, my pleasure!no problem, can get you another $20 on top of shipping for my two weights Steve. GLWGB!
+1 here too.
Many thanks!
Is it still possible to get one engraved weight for now?
Think I've got you covered.
Same here
Thank you very much!
no problem, can get you another $20 on top of shipping for my two weights Steve. GLWGB!
+1 here too.
Thank you, my friend!
Also, super minor, but since we're all in for the ride together... we have screws! Arrived today. Went for brassies for you fine ladies and gents!
(https://i.imgur.com/oMUUsPP.jpg?1)
Post by: Visionaire on Tue, 25 September 2018, 15:23:22
Post by: JubJubCity on Tue, 25 September 2018, 18:59:34
Post by: anthorix on Thu, 27 September 2018, 23:31:06
Post by: DreLLin on Fri, 28 September 2018, 01:27:33
Can’t wait to get mine and for sure will pay additional 10$ to help you cover the costs.
Post by: smittysteve on Sat, 06 October 2018, 16:47:40
I have mostly good news to share this fine Saturday... with just a little bad too, sorry.
The good:
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20181006/e7fdcad528960ed38d518d1693756bc6.jpg)
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20181006/72ad93f1f4360fe9946736921ef13248.jpg)
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20181006/057a895d4284cc77b9aa1cd2baaa01a3.jpg)
These things came out SO nice. I’m really pleased with everything and as you can see, the polishing, fit and counter sinks are all perfect.
The bad - well, it’s masking as more good for me. Not ideal for everyone waiting to strap these babies in. I cashed out the frequent flier bank and we’re off on vacation for a week. I’m sitting at LAX with a sleeping Ruby on my lap, boarding shortly for Kauai. Sorry, not sorry.
I had really hoped to ship un-engraved this week, but the polishing house was slow. They did good work, but I picked them up after work yesterday, so nothing will get out until next Monday the 15th.
Apologies for that, but life is always so busy in the fall. I did wake up extra early this am to test the fit in my LSv3 here because I just had to know everything was good before I left. It felt heavy in there and looked great. Everyone will be stoked. Remember that I did this all just because I wanted these in my boards and I’d be really happy to receive this hunk o’brass, so I’m excited to see them in everyone’s rigs.
There are still 6-7 invoices outstanding. If you’re one of those and happen to see this, please message me and let me know if you’re still in or not. Willing to work with you, as needed, just kindly let me know.
As a reminder, I’m going to invoice everyone for shipping and polishing as I send them off. Shipping will be $13.95 flat rate box for everyone CONUS and $5 (optional but appreciated) for the polishing fund.
Have a good week, y’all. Thanks so much for everyone’s support all along the ride. It’s been fun and the end is in sight. Aloha!
Post by: LightningXI on Sat, 06 October 2018, 17:01:37
Hello All,
I have mostly good news to share this fine Saturday... with just a little bad too, sorry.
The good:Show Image(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20181006/e7fdcad528960ed38d518d1693756bc6.jpg)Show Image(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20181006/72ad93f1f4360fe9946736921ef13248.jpg)Show Image(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20181006/057a895d4284cc77b9aa1cd2baaa01a3.jpg)
These things came out SO nice. I’m really pleased with everything and as you can see, the polishing, fit and counter sinks are all perfect.
The bad - well, it’s masking as more good for me. Not ideal for everyone waiting to strap these babies in. I cashed out the frequent flier bank and we’re off on vacation for a week. I’m sitting at LAX with a sleeping Ruby on my lap, boarding shortly for Kauai. Sorry, not sorry.
I had really hoped to ship un-engraved this week, but the polishing house was slow. They did good work, but I picked them up after work yesterday, so nothing will get out until next Monday the 15th.
Apologies for that, but life is always so busy in the fall. I did wake up extra early this am to test the fit in my LSv3 here because I just had to know everything was good before I left. It felt heavy in there and looked great. Everyone will be stoked. Remember that I did this all just because I wanted these in my boards and I’d be really happy to receive this hunk o’brass, so I’m excited to see them in everyone’s rigs.
There are still 6-7 invoices outstanding. If you’re one of those and happen to see this, please message me and let me know if you’re still in or not. Willing to work with you, as needed, just kindly let me know.
As a reminder, I’m going to invoice everyone for shipping and polishing as I send them off. Shipping will be $13.95 flat rate box for everyone CONUS and $5 (optional but appreciated) for the polishing fund.
Have a good week, y’all. Thanks so much for everyone’s support all along the ride. It’s been fun and the end is in sight. Aloha!
These look absolutely gorgeous and I'm glad that the fit is good. I kind of wish I could make my SaiB-CP weight (the GB runner shared the design file!) under this manu and polishing service -- I wonder what the MOQ is? Please do let me know any details on this if it's doable.
Enjoy your vacation :cool: I'm not in a particular rush to get this weight! Here's my rebuilt Lightsaver v3 (https://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=35864.msg2666743#msg2666743). It's ready and waiting for its weight. :thumb:
Post by: damagepoint on Sat, 06 October 2018, 19:01:59
Post by: neon_tom on Sat, 06 October 2018, 22:00:16
Post by: inosint on Sat, 06 October 2018, 22:35:17
Post by: jrfhoutx on Sun, 07 October 2018, 02:55:45
Awesome news, it looks great. Now I'm just wondering if I'll get the weight first or TC-V3...
At this rate, I'm thinking we'll see the weights before we see the TC-V3s... Either way, I'm stoked for both.
Post by: Hamel on Wed, 17 October 2018, 22:46:07
Can you give us an update on engraved weights? ;D
Post by: Okonomiyaki#2832 on Thu, 18 October 2018, 01:12:52
Post by: Chimera on Fri, 19 October 2018, 09:55:17
Post by: Okonomiyaki#2832 on Fri, 19 October 2018, 10:26:57
Have the shipping invoices even gone out Mikiberry? I have an unengraved and haven't received a shipping invoice yet.
Mine was engraved. Not sure what happened to the original timeline either. Was hoping for an update since the project kinda started on June.
Post by: smittysteve on Fri, 19 October 2018, 12:25:07
Have the shipping invoices even gone out Mikiberry? I have an unengraved and haven't received a shipping invoice yet.
Mine was engraved. Not sure what happened to the original timeline either. Was hoping for an update since the project kinda started on June.
Have the shipping invoices even gone out Mikiberry? I have an unengraved and haven't received a shipping invoice yet.
Hi Steve,
Can you give us an update on engraved weights? ;D
Hi All-
As updated two weeks ago on my way out of town, I have all brass polished and in hand. Plan was to ship unengraved this week... but I’ve been without a car- mine was totaled. Neither here nor there, as we all know, life happens and I’m 100% committed to getting this project done asafp. Sadly, this week I’ve been mooching rides/ getting dropped off by wifey at work, thusly, carrying a bunch of brass around was problematic.
I will be dropping off all the NA unengraved orders and as many international as possible on Tuesday. I’ll ship first and send the invoices after to save everyone a day or two.
Graphics for engraved weights are ready, just need to get the engravers our brass. This will be much easier with a car. Planning to take them brass Tuesday and will ship as soon as they give it back with awesome graphics.
I’ve tried hard to bring everyone on the journey of a working dad of three who loves keyboards way too much running a little GB. Clearly by the anxiety level, I’ve missed that mark a bit lately and apologize. I warned of my pathological optimism and I’ve tried to temper that, but yes, we are past projected ship dates. I think we’ll end up at a little more than one month past... believe my original (or second original?) timeline was to ship engraved by early October. It’s safe to say that will now be around early Nov. May get them out by Halloween if the engravers are fast, we’ll see.
As luck has it, I will be at the Mechanicon 2018 meetup in Frankfurt next month. If any euro folks waiting on a weight will be there, please let me know and I’ll mule it over.
Also, as someone definitely hoping to snag a spot in Orion V3, I’m happy to run a weight GB again. Now that the process is worked out and only running one size, i think we can put that together and have weights done before the boards.
Thanks for hanging in there with me. Have a good one, everyone. I’ll post when the first wave has been dropped off and is headed your way. :thumb: :thumb:
Post by: phorx on Fri, 19 October 2018, 14:03:31
Thanks for the update!
Post by: clasicks on Fri, 19 October 2018, 14:07:18
Post by: Hamel on Fri, 19 October 2018, 16:39:23
Thanks for the update Steve,Have the shipping invoices even gone out Mikiberry? I have an unengraved and haven't received a shipping invoice yet.
Mine was engraved. Not sure what happened to the original timeline either. Was hoping for an update since the project kinda started on June.Have the shipping invoices even gone out Mikiberry? I have an unengraved and haven't received a shipping invoice yet.Hi Steve,
Can you give us an update on engraved weights? ;D
Hi All-
As updated two weeks ago on my way out of town, I have all brass polished and in hand. Plan was to ship unengraved this week... but I’ve been without a car- mine was totaled. Neither here nor there, as we all know, life happens and I’m 100% committed to getting this project done asafp. Sadly, this week I’ve been mooching rides/ getting dropped off by wifey at work, thusly, carrying a bunch of brass around was problematic.
I will be dropping off all the NA unengraved orders and as many international as possible on Tuesday. I’ll ship first and send the invoices after to save everyone a day or two.
Graphics for engraved weights are ready, just need to get the engravers our brass. This will be much easier with a car. Planning to take them brass Tuesday and will ship as soon as they give it back with awesome graphics.
I’ve tried hard to bring everyone on the journey of a working dad of three who loves keyboards way too much running a little GB. Clearly by the anxiety level, I’ve missed that mark a bit lately and apologize. I warned of my pathological optimism and I’ve tried to temper that, but yes, we are past projected ship dates. I think we’ll end up at a little more than one month past... believe my original (or second original?) timeline was to ship engraved by early October. It’s safe to say that will now be around early Nov. May get them out by Halloween if the engravers are fast, we’ll see.
As luck has it, I will be at the Mechanicon 2018 meetup in Frankfurt next month. If any euro folks waiting on a weight will be there, please let me know and I’ll mule it over.
Also, as someone definitely hoping to snag a spot in Orion V3, I’m happy to run a weight GB again. Now that the process is worked out and only running one size, i think we can put that together and have weights done before the boards.
Thanks for hanging in there with me. Have a good one, everyone. I’ll post when the first wave has been dropped off and is headed your way. :thumb: :thumb:
Also Orion V3 GB would be awesome, I have already joined the local GB in Korea :)
나의 SM-G950N 의 Tapatalk에서 보냄
Post by: Visionaire on Fri, 19 October 2018, 17:01:29
As a father of two (with a third on the way this week) I totally understand. Thanks for keeping us updated. Really goes a long way!
Post by: Okonomiyaki#2832 on Mon, 22 October 2018, 08:38:16
Post by: smittysteve on Wed, 24 October 2018, 15:27:44
First 10 boxes are in transit! I'll be messaging those folks with tracking information and invoicing for shipping. I'm going to add the PayPal fee (for US, 2.9% + $0.30 fee) this time since I'm charging you the exact amount I paid for shipping. Also, please remember, I decided to polish all the weights because I wanted them to look awesome. I'm asking for $5 extra to cover polishing- OPTIONAL only. I made the mistake in not accounting for the countersinks and I'll eat that. However, if you want to help offset that for me, it's much appreciated and I sincerely thank those who have already sent a few extra coins. :thumb: If you do choose to add that $5, I think you can just enter in the invoice amount + $5 as you pay... early invoice folks, please let me know if that's not the case.
As I've been packing the weights, I noticed that there is a bit of polish residue left on the back (unpolished side) of some weights. More than I'd like anyway- it's ok aesthetically, you won't see that face when it's mounted in your board, the polished faces are all lovely but I still don't like the look of it. I'm reaching out to the metal finishing company I used today to see if they have any suggestions for removal so I can try getting rid of that and/or share information with you all so you can get rid of it if you'd like on yours.
Going to keep dropping off packages/ sending shipping invoices and tracking every day until they are all out. Will have all of the un-engraved US orders out in the next couple of days, then on to international and then engraved. Really hoping to get the engraved weights back early/ middle next week so I can get them moving.
Thanks to all for the patience and support- these babies will be in your boards soon!
Post by: smittysteve on Wed, 24 October 2018, 15:34:56
No worries dude! I may be one of the few, but I know I got an engraved and an unengraved - can you hold my unengraved until the engraved are done so I am not paying shipping twice please!
Yes- no sweat! I am holding all orders with multiples and shipping together. :thumb:
Sorry to hear about your car, hopefully nobody was injured!
Thanks for the update!
Thanks man- appreciate that. Everyone was fine. Subaru... can recommend!!
Sorry to hear about your car! That's terrible. Hopefully everyone is ok.
As a father of two (with a third on the way this week) I totally understand. Thanks for keeping us updated. Really goes a long way!
CONGRATS!! Hope he/she arrives safely this week. Three is an awesome number- it's a lot of fun to see how they grow up and interact with each other. Very excited for you guys!!
Post by: Evilocity on Wed, 24 October 2018, 15:48:40
Hi All,
First 10 boxes are in transit! I'll be messaging those folks with tracking information and invoicing for shipping. I'm going to add the PayPal fee (for US, 2.9% + $0.30 fee) this time since I'm charging you the exact amount I paid for shipping. Also, please remember, I decided to polish all the weights because I wanted them to look awesome. I'm asking for $5 extra to cover polishing- OPTIONAL only. I made the mistake in not accounting for the countersinks and I'll eat that. However, if you want to help offset that for me, it's much appreciated and I sincerely thank those who have already sent a few extra coins. :thumb: If you do choose to add that $5, I think you can just enter in the invoice amount + $5 as you pay... early invoice folks, please let me know if that's not the case.
As I've been packing the weights, I noticed that there is a bit of polish residue left on the back (unpolished side) of some weights. More than I'd like anyway- it's ok aesthetically, you won't see that face when it's mounted in your board, the polished faces are all lovely but I still don't like the look of it. I'm reaching out to the metal finishing company I used today to see if they have any suggestions for removal so I can try getting rid of that and/or share information with you all so you can get rid of it if you'd like on yours.
Going to keep dropping off packages/ sending shipping invoices and tracking every day until they are all out. Will have all of the un-engraved US orders out in the next couple of days, then on to international and then engraved. Really hoping to get the engraved weights back early/ middle next week so I can get them moving.
Thanks to all for the patience and support- these babies will be in your boards soon!
Post by: Butter on Wed, 24 October 2018, 16:05:25
Post by: smittysteve on Wed, 24 October 2018, 16:19:51
Oh boy Oh boy I got a invoice!! Also send you $20 separably because I can't change how much to pay in a invoice.
Thanks- good to know. I tried the next couple of invoices with the option to "add a tip" on... maybe that will work to add the polishing if desired. If anyone wants to just send it friends and family instead, that's just fine- I didn't go that route so everything could be invoiced and disputable should there be any issues, but at this point, pretty sure you know I'm not absconding with a carload of brass. :)
Post by: smittysteve on Fri, 26 October 2018, 16:15:56
I spoke with the metal finishers, a little thinner takes off any excess polish on the back/ sides of the weight. Again, apologize if you see a bit of this, I'll make sure they get rid of that for us on the Orion weights.
I'm getting my routine dialed in and will be packing up the rest of the un-engraved over the weekend. Hope to have an ETA on picking up the engraved weights early next week. I'll keep everyone posted.
Have a great weekend! :)
Post by: Hamel on Sun, 28 October 2018, 23:34:29
Meanwhile, I have sent you a email regarding a change of shipping address on engraved weight order,
so I would greatly appreciate it if you can help me out with it.
Again, thank you for conducting such a great GB!
Post by: smittysteve on Mon, 29 October 2018, 11:49:47
Steve, thank you for the update. :thumb:
Meanwhile, I have sent you a email regarding a change of shipping address on engraved weight order,
so I would greatly appreciate it if you can help me out with it.
Again, thank you for conducting such a great GB!
Thanks for the email- replied.
To all- no sweat to change addresses, but please do let me know asap if you would like it shipped somewhere other than where PayPal is going to tell me to send. I'm doing this in a slightly odd manner to save a little time- I'm going to the post office, dropping packages and then invoicing you for shipping after it's already sent. This means by the time you see the shipping invoice, it's already in motion. Please email me (smlsmith9@gmail.com) if you need an address change- easier to track there than the various PM platforms.
Another batch heading out today, including some international folks. Chewing through all of the un-engraved weights... more slowly than I hoped, but I don't want anyone getting a bent or dinged weight. :)
Have a good week!
Post by: JubJubCity on Mon, 29 October 2018, 12:30:20
I can't wait to get my hands on the weights, i hope i get my invoice in this batch.Steve, thank you for the update. :thumb:
Meanwhile, I have sent you a email regarding a change of shipping address on engraved weight order,
so I would greatly appreciate it if you can help me out with it.
Again, thank you for conducting such a great GB!
Thanks for the email- replied.
To all- no sweat to change addresses, but please do let me know asap if you would like it shipped somewhere other than where PayPal is going to tell me to send. I'm doing this in a slightly odd manner to save a little time- I'm going to the post office, dropping packages and then invoicing you for shipping after it's already sent. This means by the time you see the shipping invoice, it's already in motion. Please email me (smlsmith9@gmail.com) if you need an address change- easier to track there than the various PM platforms.
Another batch heading out today, including some international folks. Chewing through all of the un-engraved weights... more slowly than I hoped, but I don't want anyone getting a bent or dinged weight. :)
Have a good week!
Post by: smittysteve on Mon, 29 October 2018, 12:31:47
I can't wait to get my hands on the weights, i hope i get my invoice in this batch.Steve, thank you for the update. :thumb:
Meanwhile, I have sent you a email regarding a change of shipping address on engraved weight order,
so I would greatly appreciate it if you can help me out with it.
Again, thank you for conducting such a great GB!
Thanks for the email- replied.
To all- no sweat to change addresses, but please do let me know asap if you would like it shipped somewhere other than where PayPal is going to tell me to send. I'm doing this in a slightly odd manner to save a little time- I'm going to the post office, dropping packages and then invoicing you for shipping after it's already sent. This means by the time you see the shipping invoice, it's already in motion. Please email me (smlsmith9@gmail.com) if you need an address change- easier to track there than the various PM platforms.
Another batch heading out today, including some international folks. Chewing through all of the un-engraved weights... more slowly than I hoped, but I don't want anyone getting a bent or dinged weight. :)
Have a good week!
Yours is in the back of my car... will be dropped off today! :thumb:
Post by: JubJubCity on Mon, 29 October 2018, 12:59:18
Oh Monday, Tuesday Happy Days!I can't wait to get my hands on the weights, i hope i get my invoice in this batch.Steve, thank you for the update. :thumb:Oh Monday, Tuesday Happy Days!
Meanwhile, I have sent you a email regarding a change of shipping address on engraved weight order,
so I would greatly appreciate it if you can help me out with it.
Again, thank you for conducting such a great GB!
Thanks for the email- replied.
To all- no sweat to change addresses, but please do let me know asap if you would like it shipped somewhere other than where PayPal is going to tell me to send. I'm doing this in a slightly odd manner to save a little time- I'm going to the post office, dropping packages and then invoicing you for shipping after it's already sent. This means by the time you see the shipping invoice, it's already in motion. Please email me (smlsmith9@gmail.com) if you need an address change- easier to track there than the various PM platforms.
Another batch heading out today, including some international folks. Chewing through all of the un-engraved weights... more slowly than I hoped, but I don't want anyone getting a bent or dinged weight. :)
Have a good week!
Yours is in the back of my car... will be dropped off today! :thumb:
Post by: profanum429 on Mon, 29 October 2018, 20:42:49
Post by: yonghf on Wed, 31 October 2018, 02:08:24
Post by: dantambok on Wed, 31 October 2018, 02:14:40
Post by: Hamel on Wed, 31 October 2018, 02:16:13
Does anyone know how much is international shipping? I have a US proxy address too so if it's too expensive I might opt for the latter.
AFAIK even Steve does not have the exact quote for int'l shipping as he ships them first then sends invoice accordingly.
However, by roughly guessing looking at the CONUS shipping fee, I think using proxy would be cheaper in most cases.
FYI, I have decided using proxy too, for cheaper & faster shipping.
Post by: Butter on Wed, 31 October 2018, 11:02:27
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20181031/ff65d9cc82bf7ff516d59dde0c66e334.jpg)
Post by: elton5354 on Wed, 31 October 2018, 11:56:40
Post by: smittysteve on Wed, 31 October 2018, 16:45:09
Got mine Saturday, looks great! Thanks again, my Viper will be happy with this now :) It's finally done I think!
Woot! Glad you like!!
Got my weight on last Friday. They fit pretty good. Thank you Steve for the GB :)
Looks awesome- thanks for the pic and enjoy!
Looks good Steve. You really did a good job!
Thanks Elton, really appreciate that!!
^ Same question with Yong, i have exactly the same question
Does anyone know how much is international shipping? I have a US proxy address too so if it's too expensive I might opt for the latter.
AFAIK even Steve does not have the exact quote for int'l shipping as he ships them first then sends invoice accordingly.
However, by roughly guessing looking at the CONUS shipping fee, I think using proxy would be cheaper in most cases.
FYI, I have decided using proxy too, for cheaper & faster shipping.
Does anyone know how much is international shipping? I have a US proxy address too so if it's too expensive I might opt for the latter.
Ok, all the shipping questions together...
International shipping is a bugger for everyone! I had my first five international boxes ready to go, customs forms filled and went to send off. I used a USPS Priority box and for that to go international, it would have been $39!! If it was in a non-priority box, it would have been more like $17 (this was to Canada). SO, I'm trying to pick up some generic boxes for the international orders. If you have a US proxy, that's extremely helpful- please let me know (if you haven't already) if that may be an option. Otherwise, I'll find some good boxes to minimize your cost and chew through the international shipping as fast as I can. Thanks for your patience!
US shipping is going well. I have a big batch being dropped off tomorrow. Getting close to done with non-engraved orders.
Engraved weights. None have shipped yet- I have yet to get the engraved weights back. Seems that we were behind another big job for this shop and they will have them done Monday or Tuesday. Sadly, I have another week-long business trip next week, so engraved orders will begin shipping on the 12th.
Thanks again to everyone. Really enjoying seeing the early pics of weights mounted in boards and hearing feedback as you're receiving them.
Post by: yonghf on Wed, 31 October 2018, 20:50:46
Post by: Evilocity on Fri, 02 November 2018, 09:16:51
Post by: Vadurr on Mon, 05 November 2018, 02:43:54
Post by: typischt on Mon, 05 November 2018, 06:23:12
Sorry if this is obvious, but I don‘t really understand: If you ship to a US proxy, the shipping to them would be cheaper ofc, but if the proxy ships it then outside of US, it would cost the same then, right?Got mine Saturday, looks great! Thanks again, my Viper will be happy with this now :) It's finally done I think!
Woot! Glad you like!!Got my weight on last Friday. They fit pretty good. Thank you Steve for the GB :)
Looks awesome- thanks for the pic and enjoy!Looks good Steve. You really did a good job!
Thanks Elton, really appreciate that!!^ Same question with Yong, i have exactly the same questionDoes anyone know how much is international shipping? I have a US proxy address too so if it's too expensive I might opt for the latter.
AFAIK even Steve does not have the exact quote for int'l shipping as he ships them first then sends invoice accordingly.
However, by roughly guessing looking at the CONUS shipping fee, I think using proxy would be cheaper in most cases.
FYI, I have decided using proxy too, for cheaper & faster shipping.Does anyone know how much is international shipping? I have a US proxy address too so if it's too expensive I might opt for the latter.
Ok, all the shipping questions together...
International shipping is a bugger for everyone! I had my first five international boxes ready to go, customs forms filled and went to send off. I used a USPS Priority box and for that to go international, it would have been $39!! If it was in a non-priority box, it would have been more like $17 (this was to Canada). SO, I'm trying to pick up some generic boxes for the international orders. If you have a US proxy, that's extremely helpful- please let me know (if you haven't already) if that may be an option. Otherwise, I'll find some good boxes to minimize your cost and chew through the international shipping as fast as I can. Thanks for your patience!
US shipping is going well. I have a big batch being dropped off tomorrow. Getting close to done with non-engraved orders.
Engraved weights. None have shipped yet- I have yet to get the engraved weights back. Seems that we were behind another big job for this shop and they will have them done Monday or Tuesday. Sadly, I have another week-long business trip next week, so engraved orders will begin shipping on the 12th.
Thanks again to everyone. Really enjoying seeing the early pics of weights mounted in boards and hearing feedback as you're receiving them.
Post by: yonghf on Mon, 05 November 2018, 06:36:09
Sorry if this is obvious, but I don‘t really understand: If you ship to a US proxy, the shipping to them would be cheaper ofc, but if the proxy ships it then outside of US, it would cost the same then, right?
My proxy charges S$ 3.99 per 500g (actual weight and not volumetric), I'm fairly certain it's cheaper than UPS or USPS etc.
Post by: Okonomiyaki#2832 on Mon, 05 November 2018, 07:29:36
Post by: packman86 on Mon, 05 November 2018, 08:46:12
[attachimg=1]
Post by: Darknight00z on Mon, 05 November 2018, 17:44:41
Post by: smittysteve on Mon, 05 November 2018, 18:12:01
My Jetfire is finally a heavy boi
(Attachment Link)
YES! Looks awesome. I think when I add this to my Jetfire, it may challenge the Blackbird for favorite Duck status!
Any updates on the engraved weights?
They are all done Tuesday, but I'm out on business travel until the weekend. I'll pick them up Monday and get them boxed and shipped asap!
Anyone looking to sell their TC-V3 spot?
Shoot me a message here or Discord (same name). I think I'll have an extra at the end I can get you- had about 10 weights or so go unpaid. I've found many homes, but I'm pretty sure I'll have one for you. :thumb:
Post by: smurkcity12 on Sat, 10 November 2018, 20:25:52
Post by: smittysteve on Thu, 15 November 2018, 13:21:12
Back from Germany... several schnitzel-related pounds heavier. More weights have been shipping this week- keep an eye for the shipping invoices. Should have a big bunch dropped off tomorrow... including... the first of the engraved weights!!
Picked everything up yesterday evening- they came out really nice!! :)
Pics (and sorry, turns out it's really hard to get a good photo of polished brass with an engraving in my messy workshop that doesn't include my face or phone in the reflection!):
(https://i.imgur.com/VlFAyZB.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/H1VTBoo.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/hlVKChl.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/klY4NtU.jpg)
Thanks to everyone for their patience. Should be able to pack the rest of the orders up over the weekend and get them headed your way. This means last call for address changes, please let me know asap if you'd like it shipped to anything other than your PayPal address if we haven't already talked and confirmed an addy change. And many thanks to those adding the $5 for polishing on the shipping invoices- that helps minimize my red ink on the project a lot, really appreciate that!
Have a good one!
Post by: clasicks on Thu, 15 November 2018, 13:26:17
Post by: smittysteve on Thu, 15 November 2018, 13:38:53
lol. little unhappy with those engrave, but it is what it is. were they free hand?
Sorry to hear that. No, they generated engraving files from the artwork Gaiden put together (the files in OP). There are a couple of wobbles in there and I did ask how we can provide better artwork for future runs. I may also shop around for other engraving shop options next time to make sure we get the highest quality art on the brass.
Post by: clasicks on Thu, 15 November 2018, 13:42:56
lol. little unhappy with those engrave, but it is what it is. were they free hand?
Sorry to hear that. No, they generated engraving files from the artwork Gaiden put together (the files in OP). There are a couple of wobbles in there and I did ask how we can provide better artwork for future runs. I may also shop around for other engraving shop options next time to make sure we get the highest quality art on the brass.
Roger roger - they live internal anyway :P Can't wait to get my hands on em!
Post by: homiechicken on Thu, 15 November 2018, 15:33:21
Post by: Hamel on Thu, 15 November 2018, 17:44:41
Hello All,
Back from Germany... several schnitzel-related pounds heavier. More weights have been shipping this week- keep an eye for the shipping invoices. Should have a big bunch dropped off tomorrow... including... the first of the engraved weights!!
Picked everything up yesterday evening- they came out really nice!! :)
Pics (and sorry, turns out it's really hard to get a good photo of polished brass with an engraving in my messy workshop that doesn't include my face or phone in the reflection!):Show Image(https://i.imgur.com/VlFAyZB.jpg)Show Image(https://i.imgur.com/H1VTBoo.jpg)Show Image(https://i.imgur.com/hlVKChl.jpg)Show Image(https://i.imgur.com/klY4NtU.jpg)
Thanks to everyone for their patience. Should be able to pack the rest of the orders up over the weekend and get them headed your way. This means last call for address changes, please let me know asap if you'd like it shipped to anything other than your PayPal address if we haven't already talked and confirmed an addy change. And many thanks to those adding the $5 for polishing on the shipping invoices- that helps minimize my red ink on the project a lot, really appreciate that!
Have a good one!
Wow, these are really nice! Thanks Steve :thumb:
Now I can finally make my TC-V3 a heavy boi. Gotta wait patiently for the shipping invoice to come.
Post by: jrfhoutx on Thu, 15 November 2018, 20:33:58
Any chance you have an unengraved TC-V3 I can swap for?
Post by: hhkbp2 on Fri, 16 November 2018, 02:11:18
Post by: Okonomiyaki#2832 on Fri, 16 November 2018, 02:53:29
This kinda looks totally different from what was promised.
Edit: Can we changed to a non engraved piece instead?
We were expecting it to be like this:
(https://i.imgur.com/lzVtWAg.jpg)
Post by: neon_tom on Fri, 16 November 2018, 06:06:06
Post by: jrfhoutx on Fri, 16 November 2018, 09:18:14
Why was the engraving only wobbly outlines?
This kinda looks totally different from what was promised.
Edit: Can we changed to a non engraved piece instead?
We were expecting it to be like this:Show Image(https://i.imgur.com/lzVtWAg.jpg)
That looks like it was done with a chamfer end mill at the machine shop.
Show Image(https://i.imgur.com/VlFAyZB.jpg)Show Image(https://i.imgur.com/H1VTBoo.jpg)Show Image(https://i.imgur.com/hlVKChl.jpg)Show Image(https://i.imgur.com/klY4NtU.jpg)
These look like they were done freehand with a dremel on a kitchen table.
Not pleased with how these look.
Post by: Aox on Fri, 16 November 2018, 13:46:18
I appreciate the GB and the work involved, and don't want to be overly negative, but I'm disappointed in the final product. :(
Post by: smittysteve on Fri, 16 November 2018, 14:07:07
I'm really sorry to hear the unhappiness with some of the engraving. As I've said all along, this project is a bit of community service for me- trying to do something good for a community I love. I thought, hey, I've designed and produced products before for work, Merlin did an awesome job on the Blackbird weights, but is otherwise occupied, so I decided to tackle it. I've been as transparent as possible the whole time... and I've tried my best to use the same diligence I would use on a work project for this one.
Brass manufacturer- had samples made in stainless steel, checked the measurements with them like 100 times and test fit in my own boards before ordering production - went well.
Countersinks- unexpected step as you know, but I had evaluated a CNC shop here in Tucson for manufacture of the plates and ended up going a different way, but went back to him when we needed countersinks. Didn't plan for the almost $900 this cost, but the outcome was good. I had him test run a couple pieces before giving him the lot of our brass and liked his performance - went well.
Polishing- qualified the polishing house here locally and had them test polish a couple pieces of brass for me to evaluate their work before ordering the whole stack o'brass polished. I'm not crazy about the amount of the polish that was left behind, but the brass came out shiny and nice for the most part. I've spoken with them about not leaving the polish behind if we do another round of weights - went mostly well.
Engraving- I visited a few shops and picked a local place that does trophies and awards of all kinds. They took the files Gaiden generated and we posted and they said they would digitize them, which cost us about $70 per file to turn the artwork into an engraving file. I looked at a lot of their work, which includes things like a dude's portrait engraved in a plaque for his 50 years at wherever... it looked amazing. Due to being behind schedule and travel, etc., for this step, I trusted that the engraved work would look like the files and didn't run one of each before ordering the lot. I'm not sure what technique they used or why the engravings did not come back exactly like the files. In person, the Eagle/ Viper, TC-V3 and Jetfire look ok and pretty true to the graphic- in outline at least. The Lightsaver is the one that I am the least happy with, there are definitely some wobbles in the lines. I cut the corner of having a few pieces test run and it's bitten me/ us.
I wish that I had a resolution to make this better for everyone. If I had the coin and wouldn't get divorced because of spending $1000 on something I'd go and re-polish them and re-do the engraving. But it's just not a feasible option for me. I really apologize for that- once again, my only goal here was to have weights done that everyone loved - myself included. I'm a customer here too, I just want my Duck boards heavier.
That's my mea culpa. All I can do is continue to share the process and in the case of the Lightsaver, why it's gone not perfect and share a bit of your disappointment.
Unfortunately, I don't have any extra un-engraved weights to swap out. I have one or two extras of one or two models at this point, the rest have been picked up. Sorry about that.
And I don't take your disappointment personally. I hope you all know I've done my best to make this awesome for everyone, thus why I've made this in no small part an open journey where I've tried to share an much of the good/ bad/ ugly with all of you. I've been part of what, 50 group buys over three years...? I've learned a TON having now run one. It's just like at work, constructive criticism only helps things get better next time and I never take it personally (unless of course it's a YOU SUCK comment). Like I outlined, I missed a step of due diligence and it does suck. Getting brass made, fitting well and polished, I was just enjoying some cautious optimism that my first GB would end up with everyone being happy. You'll have to trust me when I say it bothers me more than I can tell you that's not the case, but if y'all want to ride again with me next time, I'm willing to make sure it ends up 100% awesome for Orion v3.
Have a good weekend. Many shipping notices to come.
Post by: hhkbp2 on Fri, 16 November 2018, 20:33:04
Thanks for your hard work!
Post by: jrfhoutx on Sat, 17 November 2018, 15:50:37
So the safety net that was supposed to cover problems got spent on countersinks and polishing for the weights that weren't supposed to get polished in the first place and all we get is "mea culpa"? Really?
Post by: japanesehorrorwriter on Sat, 17 November 2018, 16:04:51
So basically "sorry that those of you who paid almost double are all unhappy with the thing that you paid extra for, but you're SOL and I'm not going to do anything about it"?
So the safety net that was supposed to cover problems got spent on countersinks and polishing for the weights that weren't supposed to get polished in the first place and all we get is "mea culpa"? Really?
If you have an (engraved) Jetfire, TC-V3 or Orion order you are unhappy with, PM me and I can trade it out for an (unengraved / polished) one with you and pp the difference. I also have engraved Orion v1 and
Its so unfortunate for sure, that people may be unhappy with the quality of the engraving, but some of these GB runners are just civilians doing their best to deliver great stuff to the community. They're not manufacturers that can fix the issue, nor are they corporations that have the pockets to throw money at the problem. All we can ask for in a GB is transparency, which this one has given.
Post by: phorx on Sat, 17 November 2018, 16:27:57
Post by: smittysteve on Sat, 17 November 2018, 17:00:55
So basically "sorry that those of you who paid almost double are all unhappy with the thing that you paid extra for, but you're SOL and I'm not going to do anything about it"?
So the safety net that was supposed to cover problems got spent on countersinks and polishing for the weights that weren't supposed to get polished in the first place and all we get is "mea culpa"? Really?
What exactly would you like to see done??
There was as minimal of a safety net as I could stomach as I did everything in the US instead of China, knowing it was all at higher cost. The countersinks was a miscalculation that indeed ate the incidental fund and then some. Polishing I decided to do at my cost because I thought it looked so much better. I’ve asked for an optional $5 extra with the shipping invoices to help cover that, which about half the folks are kindly doing.
I said that I’m not going to spend $1000 to re-polish and re-engrave everything. I don’t think that’s crazy and sadly, that’s the only real option to improve them.
I’m in one board GB that went totally MIA/ belly up- out $500. Another handful that delivered a flawed or damaged product. There’s always risk to GBs. There’s kbdfans if you want an off the shelf product. If the $60 or $400 you might risk stresses you a ton, this is not a super great hobby. I personally look at it 100% like Kickstarter. In this case, I am bummed beyond belief that everyone isn’t thrilled at the end product- that was my only goal here. Think maybe Orion weights will be better done in a small private run. I now totally get that new and popular GB model!
In my opinion, the TC-V3 that you’re in for came out extremely close to the artwork. Maybe you should wait and see it before you light the flamethrower.
Post by: smittysteve on Sat, 17 November 2018, 17:03:16
Have all the non-engraved weights been shipped? I still haven’t seen a shipping invoice.
All of the US non-engraved weights have gone out. A big chunk of engraved went today- invoices to come tonight.
Going to chew through as many Canada/ ROW as possible tomorrow and drop off Monday.
Post by: Hamel on Sat, 17 November 2018, 21:44:21
Have all the non-engraved weights been shipped? I still haven’t seen a shipping invoice.
All of the US non-engraved weights have gone out. A big chunk of engraved went today- invoices to come tonight.
Going to chew through as many Canada/ ROW as possible tomorrow and drop off Monday.
That's good thing to hear Steve! :thumb: Is the tracking information being sent w/ the invoice?
Folks using proxy (including me myself) often needs the tracking # prior it hits the mailbox as most freight forwarders requires the information.
Post by: damagepoint on Sun, 18 November 2018, 13:02:34
Post by: Chimera on Sun, 18 November 2018, 23:32:32
Post by: asphyxia on Mon, 19 November 2018, 11:28:35
Post by: merticusjones on Mon, 19 November 2018, 12:10:09
Should all unengraved weight have recieved their invoices?
Haven't received my shipping invoice either (unengraved, US address)
Post by: smittysteve on Mon, 19 November 2018, 13:11:34
Should all unengraved weight have recieved their invoices?
Yours hit the post office this morning on my way to work- shipping invoice to come sometime today when I have a minute.
Haven't received my shipping invoice either (unengraved, US address)
Should all unengraved weight have recieved their invoices?
Almost all- catching one or two I missed in the US and just now getting international out- engraved and unengraved. Thought yours shipped a week ago though- know we talked about the address change. Let me investigate today and get back to you- I'll email you.
Another big batch is in motion- dropped off a bunch Saturday and more this morning. I'm packing these up in all available moments, but I'm averaging about 7-8 boxes an hour, so there is still a ways to go. Thanks very much for your patience.
Post by: smittysteve on Mon, 19 November 2018, 14:08:49
Have all the non-engraved weights been shipped? I still haven’t seen a shipping invoice.
All of the US non-engraved weights have gone out. A big chunk of engraved went today- invoices to come tonight.
Going to chew through as many Canada/ ROW as possible tomorrow and drop off Monday.
That's good thing to hear Steve! :thumb: Is the tracking information being sent w/ the invoice?
Folks using proxy (including me myself) often needs the tracking # prior it hits the mailbox as most freight forwarders requires the information.
Yes, definitely! I'm sending email with tracking to everyone after I ship, then sending the shipping invoice. Yours will be dropped off tomorrow and I'll send tracking right away. :thumb:
Post by: captainish on Mon, 19 November 2018, 17:03:27
Post by: clasicks on Mon, 19 November 2018, 18:29:01
key cap included to show how shiny these bad boys came out, thanks Steve!
Post by: smittysteve on Tue, 20 November 2018, 11:29:16
Show Image(https://i.imgur.com/8EoYcgI.jpg)
key cap included to show how shiny these bad boys came out, thanks Steve!
Looks freaking awesome in the silver board!! Thanks for sharing the pic- enjoy the hefty Eagle! :thumb: :thumb:
Another big batch dropped this morning... Shipping invoices to come sometime today. :)
Post by: Evilocity on Sat, 24 November 2018, 10:56:29
Post by: mmontess on Sat, 24 November 2018, 22:47:42
But damn, the engraving on this LSV3 weight is R O U G H
It's to the point where it might be valuable to post the name of the shop you used to get these engraved so future GB runners can know not to use them.
I'm not trying to be toxic but seriously, this looks like someone went freehand on this thing with a dremel.
Steve, I appreciate the GB and this is an internal component so it really doesn't matter, but the lines on this brass are abysmal.
Post by: LightningXI on Tue, 27 November 2018, 08:12:11
Without further ado, here's some pictures.
(https://i.imgur.com/ZiBYq69.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/s6WEWjy.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/M0S0OAy.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/7sRHj5m.jpg)
Post by: shadowrealmwarez on Tue, 27 November 2018, 08:17:16
I got my weight last night. As many people said, the engraving is certainly sub-par, but in the end the component serves the purpose it must -- which is simply to be an internal weight. While I do hold some regret in having paid extra for the job of an engraving that did not meet my standards and had to wait longer for, I'm at least glad the buy is finalizing completely despite some delays. Lessons learned for smittysteve and many of us - what counts is that I am ultimately satisfied that it fully fills the slot within the board and has no clearance issues. Thanks, Steve, for all your hard work.
Without further ado, here's some pictures.Show Image(https://i.imgur.com/ZiBYq69.jpg)Show Image(https://i.imgur.com/s6WEWjy.jpg)Show Image(https://i.imgur.com/M0S0OAy.jpg)Show Image(https://i.imgur.com/7sRHj5m.jpg)
Man that bottom part of the "L" really grinds my gears how someone thought that looked acceptable...
Post by: phorx on Tue, 27 November 2018, 10:27:30
I wouldn't hesitate to join another of Smitty's buys in the future. Bring on Orion v3 :p
Post by: LightningXI on Tue, 27 November 2018, 10:33:09
Smittysteve's only mistake here ( which he freely admitted ) was not getting samples of the engraving done. There is no doubt in my mind that future weight buys will not skip that step. As others have said, where it really counts these weights are great. The fit is perfect. Luckily the engravings aren't visible, though of course we'll know they're not what they could have been.
I wouldn't hesitate to join another of Smitty's buys in the future. Bring on Orion v3 :p
That's pretty much how I feel. I'd join a future buy as well. Steve has been transparent about the process, and reliable thus far. He's reached out personally to take care of any issues that may occur or have occurred. It's definitely some insight gained here from doing this buy, and it can only get better moving forward. ¯\_(ツ)_/¯
Post by: Evilocity on Wed, 28 November 2018, 08:03:52
Show Image(https://i.imgur.com/8EoYcgI.jpg)
key cap included to show how shiny these bad boys came out, thanks Steve!
Looks freaking awesome in the silver board!! Thanks for sharing the pic- enjoy the hefty Eagle! :thumb: :thumb:
Another big batch dropped this morning... Shipping invoices to come sometime today. :)
Updates on international orders please?
Post by: mmontess on Wed, 28 November 2018, 13:53:14
Smittysteve's only mistake here ( which he freely admitted ) was not getting samples of the engraving done. There is no doubt in my mind that future weight buys will not skip that step. As others have said, where it really counts these weights are great. The fit is perfect. Luckily the engravings aren't visible, though of course we'll know they're not what they could have been.
I wouldn't hesitate to join another of Smitty's buys in the future. Bring on Orion v3 :p
That's pretty much how I feel. I'd join a future buy as well. Steve has been transparent about the process, and reliable thus far. He's reached out personally to take care of any issues that may occur or have occurred. It's definitely some insight gained here from doing this buy, and it can only get better moving forward. ¯\_(ツ)_/¯
Yeah I tried to make it abundantly clear in my post that I think Steve did a very good job with the GB, just that the engraving was rough. I would definitely join in on another of his buys purely for how transparent he was with everything.
Post by: nuclear_wizard on Wed, 28 November 2018, 14:36:01
I feel like the shipping timeline updates and process for this GB could have been improved...
Post by: clasicks on Wed, 28 November 2018, 14:50:25
Post by: Mcnos on Wed, 28 November 2018, 22:44:53
Post by: hhkbp2 on Thu, 29 November 2018, 07:48:48
If anyone wants to let go of their Viper/Eagle weights, I'm here. :thumb:
pmed
Post by: Hamel on Sat, 01 December 2018, 08:43:27
Just received the TC-V3 weight: first of all, big thanks to Steve for conducting this GB.
I had a great experince with how Steve conducted this GB & will definitely join his next GB for Orion V3 weight!
Not pointing finger at anyone, like the others previously mentioned I have to admit that engraving quality is not as expected.
However, it wasn't a big issue for me personally as it is not visible when assembled ;D
Post by: Evilocity on Sat, 01 December 2018, 08:47:02
I still didn't get a shipping invoice. Any other international buyers get theirs?Should all unengraved weight have recieved their invoices?
Yours hit the post office this morning on my way to work- shipping invoice to come sometime today when I have a minute.
Haven't received my shipping invoice either (unengraved, US address)Should all unengraved weight have recieved their invoices?
Almost all- catching one or two I missed in the US and just now getting international out- engraved and unengraved. Thought yours shipped a week ago though- know we talked about the address change. Let me investigate today and get back to you- I'll email you.
Another big batch is in motion- dropped off a bunch Saturday and more this morning. I'm packing these up in all available moments, but I'm averaging about 7-8 boxes an hour, so there is still a ways to go. Thanks very much for your patience.
Post by: phorx on Sat, 01 December 2018, 09:26:03
Out of curiosity, how much did the TC-V3 weight weigh?
Just received the TC-V3 weight: first of all, big thanks to Steve for conducting this GB.
I had a great experince with how Steve conducted this GB & will definitely join his next GB for Orion V3 weight!
Not pointing finger at anyone, like the others previously mentioned I have to admit that engraving quality is not as expected.
However, it wasn't a big issue for me personally as it is not visible when assembled ;D
Post by: smittysteve on Sun, 02 December 2018, 02:03:30
I beg a million pardons and apologize for going MIA this week. Was one of those weeks. Tried to travel through O’Hare on Monday with 1,200 cancelled flights and the week just got crazier/ busier from there u til getting back late last night. Won’t bore you with the details, but I am just coming up for air. I’ve been digging out of all inboxes- just a few pms to go.
I’ll also reach out to everyone who wrote/ commented... many thanks for sharing your thoughts, I really do appreciate it- good, bad and otherwise.
My goal is to finish up the buy with two more trips to the post office. I’ll take a big bunch on Monday and then another Saturday and I hope that does it.
International folks, very sorry, you’re a disproportionately large fraction of what’s left. Hang in there.
I also really hope everyone had a great Thanksgiving. This community is something I’m extremely thankful for- the chance to buy, build and share things with this passionate group of people is awesome. It really is.
Along those lines, I feel like apologizing for my post back to jrfhoutx a couple weeks ago. We talked privately after and it’s all good- super nice guy and was just disappointed. I don’t need to tell anyone in this community about the joys and risks of GBs. No one has called me on it, but it wasn’t my finest moment either. I tell you, unless you’re out to scam people, running a GB, even for a silly hunk of brass is personal- you want everyone to be stoked at the end. I’ve spoken with a couple of other folks who have run something or other and have mentioned the worry about things not turning out right and the disappointed buyers as a major concern with running another GB. That said, if y’all are willing to ride again and trust me to get it 100% right for Orion v3, I’m game. And it would not be private- that was another very silly thing to say.
to all. PM/ Discord/ email if you need anything. Post by: Puddsy on Sun, 02 December 2018, 02:23:38
in life, not just in keyboards
i wish it on nobody
Post by: Aox on Mon, 03 December 2018, 12:01:05
Post by: nuclear_wizard on Mon, 10 December 2018, 11:43:31
Post by: Atredl on Mon, 10 December 2018, 14:39:35
It's been just shy of 2 weeks since folks have posted pics of their received engraved weights, and I haven't gotten tracking or a shipping invoice. Is there a reason for this seemingly long shipping time frame? Can we get an update on when the remaining weights will go out?My weight was just delivered last Saturday and the invoice came in on Thursday. I’m pretty sure they’re still trickling out.
Post by: KOJUNSEOP on Mon, 10 December 2018, 23:30:12
Post by: Aox on Tue, 11 December 2018, 16:57:42
Post by: Evilocity on Tue, 11 December 2018, 17:05:24
Post by: Poesjuh on Thu, 13 December 2018, 09:15:12
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Post by: Nigolski on Fri, 14 December 2018, 08:37:42
Post by: Evilocity on Fri, 14 December 2018, 08:46:04
hope i could get one of those funky weights on my lightsaver someday
I was hoping I'd get mine before Christmas but it's looking unlikely. Smittysteve where are you.
Post by: Evilocity on Mon, 17 December 2018, 18:04:44
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20181218/946e91c410452ddc553eeca17c80bc7a.jpg)
Post by: nuclear_wizard on Mon, 17 December 2018, 21:08:03
Well this was a lovely surprise, didn't know it was shipped! Thanks smittysteve! I didn't get a shipping invoice though so I'll just send money to you.While it must be nice to receive it, some people travel during the holidays, so a surprise shipment is less than ideal. You'd think Steve would be more accommodating for this seeing as he took like 3 trips throughout the GB. I guess I just have to hope my weight ships a month late or risk needing to chase it down in the postal system.Show Image(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20181218/946e91c410452ddc553eeca17c80bc7a.jpg)
Sent from my SM-G960U using Tapatalk
Post by: Aox on Wed, 19 December 2018, 10:06:19
Post by: _BlueNote_ on Sat, 22 December 2018, 02:53:00
Post by: clasicks on Mon, 24 December 2018, 12:54:17
Just got done installing a new PCB in my Lightsaver V3. It had died mysteriously at work, after working there for 6 months straight with no issues. Today when installing the new build I had to buy to replace the dead one, I noticed uniform spaced dots on my recently installed Engraved Lightsaver Weight.The weight is too thick, it had been making contact with my switch pins unknowingly. I decided to use a sheet of paper to try to and insulate on my new build, but it was too thick.
I have removed the weight. I will sand mine down to reduce the terrible engrave and not have it take out another pcb. Expensive ass pcbs I might add >.<
Post by: flyingpike on Mon, 24 December 2018, 13:30:38
Steve and Others:
Just got done installing a new PCB in my Lightsaver V3. It had died mysteriously at work, after working there for 6 months straight with no issues. Today when installing the new build I had to buy to replace the dead one, I noticed uniform spaced dots on my recently installed Engraved Lightsaver Weight.The weight is too thick, it had been making contact with my switch pins unknowingly. I decided to use a sheet of paper to try to and insulate on my new build, but it was too thick.
I have removed the weight. I will sand mine down to reduce the terrible engrave and not have it take out another pcb. Expensive ass pcbs I might add >.<
That is a bummer. I have had the weight in my Lightsaver V3 for several weeks now and have not had any issues with it touching the pcb. Could be that yours is just a little thicker or maybe different switches have slightly different pin lengths. Hopefully sanding yours down takes care of the issue.
Post by: clasicks on Mon, 24 December 2018, 13:35:46
Steve and Others:
Just got done installing a new PCB in my Lightsaver V3. It had died mysteriously at work, after working there for 6 months straight with no issues. Today when installing the new build I had to buy to replace the dead one, I noticed uniform spaced dots on my recently installed Engraved Lightsaver Weight.The weight is too thick, it had been making contact with my switch pins unknowingly. I decided to use a sheet of paper to try to and insulate on my new build, but it was too thick.
I have removed the weight. I will sand mine down to reduce the terrible engrave and not have it take out another pcb. Expensive ass pcbs I might add >.<
That is a bummer. I have had the weight in my Lightsaver V3 for several weeks now and have not had any issues with it touching the pcb. Could be that yours is just a little thicker or maybe different switches have slightly different pin lengths. Hopefully sanding yours down takes care of the issue.
Could be a few things, could also have nothing to do with the weight entirely, duck PCB's do have a reputation, and it could have been a cable that took out the PCB... Just wanted to give others a headsup to double check their own installs
Post by: phorx on Mon, 24 December 2018, 13:44:35
Post by: clasicks on Mon, 24 December 2018, 14:03:50
Post by: Hamel on Tue, 25 December 2018, 05:48:31
Steve and Others:
Just got done installing a new PCB in my Lightsaver V3. It had died mysteriously at work, after working there for 6 months straight with no issues. Today when installing the new build I had to buy to replace the dead one, I noticed uniform spaced dots on my recently installed Engraved Lightsaver Weight.The weight is too thick, it had been making contact with my switch pins unknowingly. I decided to use a sheet of paper to try to and insulate on my new build, but it was too thick.
I have removed the weight. I will sand mine down to reduce the terrible engrave and not have it take out another pcb. Expensive ass pcbs I might add >.<
Thanks for sharing this. If you don't mind, will it be possible for you to share us the photograph of the "uniformed dots" on the PCB? (Just so I can check mine, too)
Post by: packman86 on Tue, 25 December 2018, 06:09:17
Post by: clasicks on Tue, 25 December 2018, 09:06:49
Steve and Others:
Just got done installing a new PCB in my Lightsaver V3. It had died mysteriously at work, after working there for 6 months straight with no issues. Today when installing the new build I had to buy to replace the dead one, I noticed uniform spaced dots on my recently installed Engraved Lightsaver Weight.The weight is too thick, it had been making contact with my switch pins unknowingly. I decided to use a sheet of paper to try to and insulate on my new build, but it was too thick.
I have removed the weight. I will sand mine down to reduce the terrible engrave and not have it take out another pcb. Expensive ass pcbs I might add >.<
Thanks for sharing this. If you don't mind, will it be possible for you to share us the photograph of the "uniformed dots" on the PCB? (Just so I can check mine, too)
My Jetfire weight has not caused me any issues so far. The weight looks to be very flush to the case so I don't think it is making any contact to the PCB.
Its all packed and wrapped up for now.
Yeah my eagle weight has no issues as far as i know... :P
Post by: DillonHightower on Fri, 28 December 2018, 04:46:34
Post by: Aox on Sat, 29 December 2018, 11:16:57
Post by: nuclear_wizard on Sun, 30 December 2018, 18:54:58
looking for a duck TC-V3 weight , engraved or not . hit me up fellas !Same, even though I'm in the GB for the weight...
Sent from my SM-G960U using Tapatalk
Post by: hhkbp2 on Mon, 31 December 2018, 21:45:52
Post by: Velvet_Crowe on Mon, 31 December 2018, 22:01:24
Post by: jrfhoutx on Tue, 01 January 2019, 09:06:33
Sent messages to Steve on Discord about one month ago. Haven't gotten any response till now.
I sent him a message on discord about a week ago and haven’t gotten any response either, but I see he logs in here every day still, just doesn’t post anything...
Post by: _BlueNote_ on Wed, 02 January 2019, 17:31:26
Just a heads up, since this seems to be dying on the vine for some reason. Paypal chargebacks are good for 6 months. I purchased this on Aug 7, so hopefully we hear something soon.
Thanks Aox. I hate to do it to Smitty but I just don't understand why he quit talking to us. I know the engraving was a disappointment, but still try to follow through with the GB. I tried to give him the benefit of the doubt because of the holidays and everything. I honestly didn't think it would end this way.
Post by: Evilocity on Wed, 02 January 2019, 17:35:29
Post by: jrfhoutx on Wed, 02 January 2019, 20:33:16
Post by: smittysteve on Thu, 03 January 2019, 13:25:05
Heck of a lot going on of course over the holidays- we had major life directional decisions to sort out among the festivities, which made for some pretty intense times... but it's no excuse, phones work and I let this thread slip away again. I'm really sorry about that. I've just responded to most of my messages- if I've missed anything, kindly ping me again. I'll write up a postmortem when we're all done here- but I can say that it sure is interesting to run a GB. It shouldn't, but it does change the dynamic so much from being a consumer in this hobby to delivering something. Neither here nor there for now- we all only want everything out and hefting up those boards!
I am absolutely committed to finishing this thing up. Actually, since my last update, I have shipped about 20 orders, most international (including sending 12/21 and 12/24 through holiday shipping lines...). I haven't even had time to sit down and invoice most of those folks for shipping. People may have had things show up without tracking or shipping invoice- sorry about that. I'm getting through the shipping invoices this afternoon. I am still packing more weights up every chance I get. For the international orders, there are several extra steps and with the delight that is bending down right now, I'm doing about three or four per hour. Not great, but I will get these babies out to you all- that much I can absolutely promise.
Anyway, hope that everyone had a great holiday season and Happy New Year. The remaining orders will be out as soon as humanly possible and thanks as always for so much support and patience.
Post by: Shados on Sun, 06 January 2019, 18:29:19
Post by: trungminhtp on Wed, 09 January 2019, 01:34:01
Post by: nuclear_wizard on Wed, 16 January 2019, 10:57:49
Hello everyone. I'm alive, but limping into 2019 literally (gnarly sciatica in the left rumpski/ leg- I know, what am I, an 80 year old grandma??) and figuratively. I know that none of us expected this to still be open in 2019 but here we are.
Heck of a lot going on of course over the holidays- we had major life directional decisions to sort out among the festivities, which made for some pretty intense times... but it's no excuse, phones work and I let this thread slip away again. I'm really sorry about that. I've just responded to most of my messages- if I've missed anything, kindly ping me again. I'll write up a postmortem when we're all done here- but I can say that it sure is interesting to run a GB. It shouldn't, but it does change the dynamic so much from being a consumer in this hobby to delivering something. Neither here nor there for now- we all only want everything out and hefting up those boards!
I am absolutely committed to finishing this thing up. Actually, since my last update, I have shipped about 20 orders, most international (including sending 12/21 and 12/24 through holiday shipping lines...). I haven't even had time to sit down and invoice most of those folks for shipping. People may have had things show up without tracking or shipping invoice- sorry about that. I'm getting through the shipping invoices this afternoon. I am still packing more weights up every chance I get. For the international orders, there are several extra steps and with the delight that is bending down right now, I'm doing about three or four per hour. Not great, but I will get these babies out to you all- that much I can absolutely promise.
Anyway, hope that everyone had a great holiday season and Happy New Year. The remaining orders will be out as soon as humanly possible and thanks as always for so much support and patience.
Thanks for the updates and a bit of context, but it's been another two weeks with no updates...
My order was supposed to go out in the 'next batch of US orders' which you quoted would be sent 'For sure by the end of next week' (DM on January 3). I haven't gotten any shipping notifications; wondering if Steve can provide an update or if any US buyers have gotten shipping notifications since the beginning of the month.
Post by: YiZZo on Wed, 16 January 2019, 11:06:51
Post by: smittysteve on Wed, 16 January 2019, 11:13:15
Im in Cali and I have not heard anything at all yet or received any shipping invoice.
Hello everyone. I'm alive, but limping into 2019 literally (gnarly sciatica in the left rumpski/ leg- I know, what am I, an 80 year old grandma??) and figuratively. I know that none of us expected this to still be open in 2019 but here we are.
Heck of a lot going on of course over the holidays- we had major life directional decisions to sort out among the festivities, which made for some pretty intense times... but it's no excuse, phones work and I let this thread slip away again. I'm really sorry about that. I've just responded to most of my messages- if I've missed anything, kindly ping me again. I'll write up a postmortem when we're all done here- but I can say that it sure is interesting to run a GB. It shouldn't, but it does change the dynamic so much from being a consumer in this hobby to delivering something. Neither here nor there for now- we all only want everything out and hefting up those boards!
I am absolutely committed to finishing this thing up. Actually, since my last update, I have shipped about 20 orders, most international (including sending 12/21 and 12/24 through holiday shipping lines...). I haven't even had time to sit down and invoice most of those folks for shipping. People may have had things show up without tracking or shipping invoice- sorry about that. I'm getting through the shipping invoices this afternoon. I am still packing more weights up every chance I get. For the international orders, there are several extra steps and with the delight that is bending down right now, I'm doing about three or four per hour. Not great, but I will get these babies out to you all- that much I can absolutely promise.
Anyway, hope that everyone had a great holiday season and Happy New Year. The remaining orders will be out as soon as humanly possible and thanks as always for so much support and patience.
Thanks for the updates and a bit of context, but it's been another two weeks with no updates...
My order was supposed to go out in the 'next batch of US orders' which you quoted would be sent 'For sure by the end of next week' (DM on January 3). I haven't gotten any shipping notifications; wondering if Steve can provide an update or if any US buyers have gotten shipping notifications since the beginning of the month.
About 10 boxes are heading out tomorrow (including yours) and I'm printing the last lot of shipping labels today for everything else (I think about 20 more folks). No travel for me the rest of the month and I'm making the hard push to get everything finished up and out the door.
Post by: nuclear_wizard on Wed, 16 January 2019, 11:16:05
Im in Cali and I have not heard anything at all yet or received any shipping invoice.Hello everyone. I'm alive, but limping into 2019 literally (gnarly sciatica in the left rumpski/ leg- I know, what am I, an 80 year old grandma??) and figuratively. I know that none of us expected this to still be open in 2019 but here we are.
Heck of a lot going on of course over the holidays- we had major life directional decisions to sort out among the festivities, which made for some pretty intense times... but it's no excuse, phones work and I let this thread slip away again. I'm really sorry about that. I've just responded to most of my messages- if I've missed anything, kindly ping me again. I'll write up a postmortem when we're all done here- but I can say that it sure is interesting to run a GB. It shouldn't, but it does change the dynamic so much from being a consumer in this hobby to delivering something. Neither here nor there for now- we all only want everything out and hefting up those boards!
I am absolutely committed to finishing this thing up. Actually, since my last update, I have shipped about 20 orders, most international (including sending 12/21 and 12/24 through holiday shipping lines...). I haven't even had time to sit down and invoice most of those folks for shipping. People may have had things show up without tracking or shipping invoice- sorry about that. I'm getting through the shipping invoices this afternoon. I am still packing more weights up every chance I get. For the international orders, there are several extra steps and with the delight that is bending down right now, I'm doing about three or four per hour. Not great, but I will get these babies out to you all- that much I can absolutely promise.
Anyway, hope that everyone had a great holiday season and Happy New Year. The remaining orders will be out as soon as humanly possible and thanks as always for so much support and patience.
Thanks for the updates and a bit of context, but it's been another two weeks with no updates...
My order was supposed to go out in the 'next batch of US orders' which you quoted would be sent 'For sure by the end of next week' (DM on January 3). I haven't gotten any shipping notifications; wondering if Steve can provide an update or if any US buyers have gotten shipping notifications since the beginning of the month.
About 10 boxes are heading out tomorrow (including yours) and I'm printing the last lot of shipping labels today for everything else (I think about 20 more folks). No travel for me the rest of the month and I'm making the hard push to get everything finished up and out the door.
Good to hear! Thanks for the speedy response.
Post by: -musubi on Wed, 16 January 2019, 11:25:56
Post by: smittysteve on Wed, 16 January 2019, 11:28:44
Any extras available? I remember filling out the interest form for an LSv3 weight but missed completely missed the ordering window...
Solid maybe. According to the sheet, I'll have one extra LSv3... I'll let you know as soon as I finish up the shipping.
Post by: jrfhoutx on Wed, 16 January 2019, 15:47:57
Post by: -musubi on Wed, 16 January 2019, 19:27:06
Any extras available? I remember filling out the interest form for an LSv3 weight but missed completely missed the ordering window...
Solid maybe. According to the sheet, I'll have one extra LSv3... I'll let you know as soon as I finish up the shipping.
Okay, I'd be interested (I'm assuming not engraved). Let me know!
Post by: smittysteve on Thu, 17 January 2019, 15:51:10
Honest question... do y'all want me to run the Orion V3 weights? Here's where I'm at with it. I've gotten the process down having done it all once and now have relationships with the folks I'd need to do another round. I think this GB went reasonably well other than 1) the engraving and 2) fulfillment that really dragged on. The engraving was a bummer because I SO wanted it all to come out awesome and the weights/ polishing/ countersinks all ended up really nice. I happen to like the engraving just fine for the most part, but know many were disappointed. The fulfillment was really not great- all for good reasons, but I wanted this to be done more efficiently.
I'm willing to run Orion V3 weights for one main reason - redemption. To be honest, this has been a major time and money sink and I haven't built a keyboard in five months... when I have an hour or two to do keyboard things, I've been getting these out the door. However, I don't want my only GB to be marred and I do think I could do Orion V3 in more efficient manner. I'd like to get it 100% right for everyone and retire feeling a bit better about things. If everyone is game, I'm tempted to order 75 brass Orion weights now at my cost and then open the GB as they move to CNC'ing, polishing etc. to get this going more quickly. No other form factors this time- that was a nightmare. Maybe only all engraved to get the price down, not sure about that. Also, I would not open another GB until this one is 100% done, so it would be good to get a head start on the brass cutting.
But I also understand if the community would rather someone else take a shot at it. No offense would be taken. Again, I have no lofty goals of being a GB runner. I'm a consumer, just willing to help out and run these weights if everyone would like.
Post by: dubious on Thu, 17 January 2019, 17:51:20
Today's batch is in the mail and tracking numbers/ invoices have been sent. More to come tomorrow.
Honest question... do y'all want me to run the Orion V3 weights? Here's where I'm at with it. I've gotten the process down having done it all once and now have relationships with the folks I'd need to do another round. I think this GB went reasonably well other than 1) the engraving and 2) fulfillment that really dragged on. The engraving was a bummer because I SO wanted it all to come out awesome and the weights/ polishing/ countersinks all ended up really nice. I happen to like the engraving just fine for the most part, but know many were disappointed. The fulfillment was really not great- all for good reasons, but I wanted this to be done more efficiently.
I'm willing to run Orion V3 weights for one main reason - redemption. To be honest, this has been a major time and money sink and I haven't built a keyboard in five months... when I have an hour or two to do keyboard things, I've been getting these out the door. However, I don't want my only GB to be marred and I do think I could do Orion V3 in more efficient manner. I'd like to get it 100% right for everyone and retire feeling a bit better about things. If everyone is game, I'm tempted to order 75 brass Orion weights now at my cost and then open the GB as they move to CNC'ing, polishing etc. to get this going more quickly. No other form factors this time- that was a nightmare. Maybe only all engraved to get the price down, not sure about that. Also, I would not open another GB until this one is 100% done, so it would be good to get a head start on the brass cutting.
But I also understand if the community would rather someone else take a shot at it. No offense would be taken. Again, I have no lofty goals of being a GB runner. I'm a consumer, just willing to help out and run these weights if everyone would like.
I didn't participate in the first group buy, I didn't have those boards. But since you've been so open about the mistakes of the first group buy and you seem enthusiastic about making things right, I would probably join a second GB for Orion weights.
Post by: sJ1N on Thu, 17 January 2019, 18:31:04
Post by: phorx on Thu, 17 January 2019, 18:33:15
Post by: Hamel on Thu, 17 January 2019, 18:39:04
By any chance, can you also consider R2 for Duck weights did in this GB? (I need another TC-V3 weight)
나의 SM-G950N 의 Tapatalk에서 보냄
Post by: dyrdevil on Thu, 17 January 2019, 19:07:02
1) polished mirror finish only, or is sandblasted an option?
2) would engraving be same logo as previous orion v2 weights?
3) I haven't been keeping up with the thread, but have you identified the problem with the engravings from the last run? if not, I'd be hesitant to order an engraved one. But would happily take an unengraved one.
Thanks!
Post by: Rumai on Thu, 17 January 2019, 19:58:42
Post by: razor_blade on Fri, 18 January 2019, 09:43:16
Post by: haingo1094 on Fri, 18 January 2019, 09:54:49
Post by: oh_chesteroni on Fri, 18 January 2019, 12:16:41
Post by: japanesehorrorwriter on Fri, 18 January 2019, 13:04:48
Just have to say its just super cool that you are putting your time, money, and effort to give this to the community. Not an easy thing to do and very much appreciated.
Post by: eyedrop on Fri, 18 January 2019, 18:24:17
Sent from my PH-1 using Tapatalk
Post by: Jedi on Sat, 19 January 2019, 01:33:05
Post by: trungminhtp on Sat, 19 January 2019, 02:44:42
Run it. I'd buy one.Me too :D
Post by: Broseph on Sat, 19 January 2019, 12:36:30
Post by: YiZZo on Tue, 22 January 2019, 16:09:20
Post by: dc_in_sf on Wed, 23 January 2019, 08:29:19
Post by: keebweeb on Wed, 23 January 2019, 15:13:22
Would strongly prefer no engraving, I personally see no need for a mirror polished finish either (sandblasted would be fine), and I would hope that the weight wouldn't be too thick that it shorts out standard switch pins.
Post by: Puddsy on Wed, 23 January 2019, 15:23:38
I'd be down for an Orion V3 weight.
Would strongly prefer no engraving, I personally see no need for a mirror polished finish either (sandblasted would be fine), and I would hope that the weight wouldn't be too thick that it shorts out standard switch pins.
duck sends the weight file out so i can't imagine that would be a problem
Post by: speaktobrett on Wed, 23 January 2019, 17:31:39
Thank you so much for organising it Steve!! :)
By the way, if anyone wants to buy a spare Blackbird weight off me, please PM.
Post by: hhkbp2 on Wed, 23 January 2019, 20:28:37
I'd be down for an Orion V3 weight.
Would strongly prefer no engraving, I personally see no need for a mirror polished finish either (sandblasted would be fine), and I would hope that the weight wouldn't be too thick that it shorts out standard switch pins.
duck sends the weight file out so i can't imagine that would be a problem
Are these weight files public? Where could I download the weight file for Eagle/Viper?
Post by: jrfhoutx on Thu, 24 January 2019, 16:17:05
Post by: jrfhoutx on Thu, 14 February 2019, 12:43:35
Any update on what’s going on with these?
Post by: neon_tom on Thu, 14 February 2019, 15:42:38
Edit: Well, I’ll be damned - mine showed up today. Looks like it was mailed Feb 8. A little communication on this thread would have been comforting, but I guess it’s good that it arrived at least.
Post by: Visionaire on Sat, 16 February 2019, 12:40:14
Post by: kidcongo on Sat, 23 February 2019, 11:14:07
Post by: smittysteve on Mon, 11 March 2019, 14:40:24
If anyone thinks they should have received a weight but have not, please message me asap!
Overall, I think that it went mostly well. It's a shame the engraving on some graphics turned out a little "derpy" as someone (Wodan maybe?) called it because that detracted a bit for some participants from what were otherwise really nice shiny chunks of brass that fit perfectly in all boards. The whole thing was quite an experience and I thank you all for being part of it. I thank you even more for your patience- way more involved of a project overall than I thought plus..... life. At some point, I plan to write up a little postmortem on the GB- a human interest piece as well as cautionary/ instructional tale for others thinking of running that first GB. :)
In other news... on to the Orion v3. I'm going to do this much more simply- brass is ordered and on the way, GB post should be up this week. Preview: 75 available and you can choose, raw, polished or engraved. Engraving this time will be done by CNC with graphic again created by the very talented Gaiden.
Post by: oh_chesteroni on Mon, 11 March 2019, 14:50:20
Ok, folks... that's a wrap! According to all of my spreadsheets and notes and messages, we're done with these. Sent the last couple out Friday along with shipping invoices/ tracking numbers. If anyone is still looking for a weight, message me. I do have a few left over.Stoked for the orion v3 weight. Will keep an eye out. Do you mind posting here again when the GB is up?
If anyone thinks they should have received a weight but have not, please message me asap!
Overall, I think that it went mostly well. It's a shame the engraving on some graphics turned out a little "derpy" as someone (Wodan maybe?) called it because that detracted a bit for some participants from what were otherwise really nice shiny chunks of brass that fit perfectly in all boards. The whole thing was quite an experience and I thank you all for being part of it. I thank you even more for your patience- way more involved of a project overall than I thought plus..... life. At some point, I plan to write up a little postmortem on the GB- a human interest piece as well as cautionary/ instructional tale for others thinking of running that first GB. :)
In other news... on to the Orion v3. I'm going to do this much more simply- brass is ordered and on the way, GB post should be up this week. Preview: 75 available and you can choose, raw, polished or engraved. Engraving this time will be done by CNC with graphic again created by the very talented Gaiden.
Post by: smittysteve on Mon, 11 March 2019, 14:59:08
Ok, folks... that's a wrap! According to all of my spreadsheets and notes and messages, we're done with these. Sent the last couple out Friday along with shipping invoices/ tracking numbers. If anyone is still looking for a weight, message me. I do have a few left over.Stoked for the orion v3 weight. Will keep an eye out. Do you mind posting here again when the GB is up?
If anyone thinks they should have received a weight but have not, please message me asap!
Overall, I think that it went mostly well. It's a shame the engraving on some graphics turned out a little "derpy" as someone (Wodan maybe?) called it because that detracted a bit for some participants from what were otherwise really nice shiny chunks of brass that fit perfectly in all boards. The whole thing was quite an experience and I thank you all for being part of it. I thank you even more for your patience- way more involved of a project overall than I thought plus..... life. At some point, I plan to write up a little postmortem on the GB- a human interest piece as well as cautionary/ instructional tale for others thinking of running that first GB. :)
In other news... on to the Orion v3. I'm going to do this much more simply- brass is ordered and on the way, GB post should be up this week. Preview: 75 available and you can choose, raw, polished or engraved. Engraving this time will be done by CNC with graphic again created by the very talented Gaiden.
Definitely will do! Glad you're looking forward to Orion. The weight in that thing is a beast. Definitely will make a big difference!
Post by: sJ1N on Thu, 14 March 2019, 10:38:59
Post by: Uryftw on Thu, 25 May 2023, 09:51:55