Going to give making caps a shot. Interest check and preview.

[Dodgy]

Not perfect but it's a start! No stem cast on yet- the master needs more work- I think I need to raise it a little bit to the same height of an R1 DCS. Anyway, I like it a lot- despite there being a lot of artisan skull type caps- going to keep refining it and get some functional casts made.

[Dodgy]

Too much graphite powder. Seems to inhibit the cure in a really strange way- it's almost like silly putty. Small amounts work in casts, but too much turns the cast into this weird malleable thing that slowly melts after demolding. Bummer, the super glossy finish was really cool and I was excited about it- it felt rock solid when I pulled it from the mold and when I came back from work it was a black puddle. This picture was taken by my girlfriend, who noticed it had begun to "sink" later in the day.

Thanks to everyone again for all of the kind words, should have some of these available soon for a small batch sale!

[heedpantsnow]

Haha like the wicked witch of the west slowly melting!

[Dodgy]

So, I've fallen down another rabbit hole- I got a 3d Printer. First off, this thing is pretty cool. Second, I've got some new successful prints, my new masters. Keep in mind, these are just my Master parts, I will not be 3d printing my caps from now on. I'll continue casting as I always have. Also, these are fresh out of the machine, they need touching up, polishing, etc- though I'll probably reprint one more round of revisions before I make my molds.
I also thought it would be good to start branding my caps, so the backs of all digitally designed caps will be logo'd in the back, handmade masters will have a logo stamped under the keycap by the stem.

Here's a nice top down view of the Mister. I'll get some photos of how it matches with the profile of other caps. Mounted on the top row, it sits just slightly higher than the rest of my R1 DSAs.

Here's a peak at the cap walls under the hood:

Future revisions will probably see the cap walls thickened slightly, and the cruciform slightly deeper.

Also, I've decided to name this guy "Cartel". Also in this photo is the totally awesome cap puller that MythicalWagyu made for me.
I've raised the height of the cap here quite a bit from the last photos.


Next up will be printing in clear resin, which apparently captures sharper detail than black which is more glossy.
Lots of mold making tomorrow, casting starts Tuesday.

Anyone have some stuff they want printed?

[heedpantsnow]

Wow, cool!  Can't wait to see what fun stuff you come up with!

[Dodgy]

Wow, cool!  Can't wait to see what fun stuff you come up with!

Thanks man!
Hopefully by Tuesday I'll have some casts going of these guys to share. It'll be good to be casting the mister again after so long.

[ReeferMadness]

These are looking great, gives me alot of inspiration for starting my own keycaps.

Thanks!

[Dodgy]

These are looking great, gives me alot of inspiration for starting my own keycaps.

Thanks!

Go for it! The initial investment is small to give it a shot and get good results. Shoot me a PM or feel free to ask on here if you have any questions, I'll answer whatever I can.

[tigersharkdude]

I need a name for this guy
(Attachment Link)

I NEED IT

[Dodgy]

What do you guys think? I haven't cleaned up the edges yet but I really like this cap, I think I tooled it well- I can barely notice the difference between it and my other standard caps when I'm typing. It has kind of a deep dish feel due to the meniscus of the resin. There'll be some more coming up in the future like this with actual symbols in the inlay, I'm planning on doing a WASD set and possibly a modifiers kit.

Cartel is getting a redesign- I like what's going on but the design needs more edge, needs to pop more. Going to add some details to the sides of the cap, and bring out the details on the face more.

Mister:


Been trying to squeeze in as much of this as I can between work. Wish I could be more active. Also- I'm sorry that I suck so hard at taking pictures.

[Dihedral]

Another cool thread! PostingForUpdates

[Vibex]

Much cleaner then the original caps. I dig.

[sethk_]

Much cleaner then the original caps. I dig.

I agree, a lot of the edges and lines are cleaner now.

[MythicalWagyu]

What do you guys think? I haven't cleaned up the edges yet but I really like this cap, I think I tooled it well- I can barely notice the difference between it and my other standard caps when I'm typing. It has kind of a deep dish feel due to the meniscus of the resin. There'll be some more coming up in the future like this with actual symbols in the inlay, I'm planning on doing a WASD set and possibly a modifiers kit.
(Attachment Link) (Attachment Link) (Attachment Link)
Cartel is getting a redesign- I like what's going on but the design needs more edge, needs to pop more. Going to add some details to the sides of the cap, and bring out the details on the face more.
(Attachment Link)
Mister:
(Attachment Link)

Been trying to squeeze in as much of this as I can between work. Wish I could be more active. Also- I'm sorry that I suck so hard at taking pictures.

These are looking so good Dodgy, glad you are still making caps!

[admiralvorian]

that two-piece cap with the logo on the back is amazing

also the new mister is really cool!

[FoC_Tow]

OMG those double shot blanks!



<3<3<3<3

Seriously awesome work Dodgy!!
Pls more blanks in those other awesome colors as well... xD

[Dodgy]

Thank you guys! Thrilled to see that you like them!

Here's a few more. Touchups on the black cap didn't go well- I had originally cast it out of a screwed up mold and wanted to try to salvage it, ended up making it messier. Haven't cleaned up the Olive either yet. Thought I'd show it for the sake of the colors though, damn I love orange. These two are super deep dish, I think a little too deep- but make excellent homing caps.

Got some newly printed designs finishing up in a UV cure, touchups and molding happening this weekend!

[foopod]

Wow!  Those 2-tone ones are looking fantastic! Very smart!

[Frogbot]

Looking really good. Nice to see your sprues. Pouring with the cap on an angle seems to be the go. Love seeing the updates!

[Dodgy]

Looking really good. Nice to see your sprues. Pouring with the cap on an angle seems to be the go. Love seeing the updates!

I love your thinking but those are actually the print supports from my printer!

[FoC_Tow]

Yaaay, more double shot blank hype!   

Love the olive orange combination!
It looks dangerous and kinda military control panel like... xD

Looking really good. Nice to see your sprues. Pouring with the cap on an angle seems to be the go. Love seeing the updates!

I love your thinking but those are actually the print supports from my printer!

Is that 3d printed in a UV cure material? Ö_Ö
Or only for touchups?

[Dodgy]

Yaaay, more double shot blank hype!   

Love the olive orange combination!
It looks dangerous and kinda military control panel like... xD

Looking really good. Nice to see your sprues. Pouring with the cap on an angle seems to be the go. Love seeing the updates!

I love your thinking but those are actually the print supports from my printer!

Is that 3d printed in a UV cure material? Ö_Ö
Or only for touchups?

Thank you!

It's an SLA (stereo lithography) printer, so instead of extruding plastic to create a 3d piece, it cures liquid resin using a focused laser. Usually parts come out a little tacky to the touch so 15 minutes of UV treatment will fully cure the surface. The printer is a formlabs form 1+ if you want to see more about how it functions, very cool piece of technology.

[FoC_Tow]

It's an SLA (stereo lithography) printer, so instead of extruding plastic to create a 3d piece, it cures liquid resin using a focused laser. Usually parts come out a little tacky to the touch so 15 minutes of UV treatment will fully cure the surface. The printer is a formlabs form 1+ if you want to see more about how it functions, very cool piece of technology.

Wow I see! =)
So it will pretty much expose uv light only on selected areas, layer by layer while the resin lvl rises all around?

I googled the formlabs you mentioned and it looks like one hell of a awesome piece of technology!
Great to see you putting it to a awesome use! 

[Dodgy]

I've been taking my time on these- only yielding about one cap a day casting around work hours. Going to start ramping up production this week, building towards a sale.
New stuff to preview in the next few days!
Haven't touched them up yet on the edges but I'll take care of that stuff later on:

[FoC_Tow]

Awesome Dodgy! <3
I'm really stoked about the frequent updates!

I just can't believe there hasn't been more feedback since you posted... =/
I really think this has to be moved to artisan services because it feels like people are missing out on making stuff together a lot... xD

Also super happy to hear there might be a sale coming up soon! 
Maybe you could start a dedicated thread in artisan services once the sale gets announced for example... =)

(Attachment Link)

Really love the green on white version!
I kinda feel like the swivels make things look less clean on this design tho so I think the original colorway is still my favorite... =)

A non-swiveled version with my favorit green on white (or the opposit way arround) would be the The Dream! Ö_Ö

[Dodgy]

Ok- hey! Did anyone else get their Toxic set this weekend? I decided to put something together this week to go with mine.
WASD kit, F&J homing bump kits. Profiles are nice and accurate and don't feel confusing with the rest of a cap set.
I'll probably end up putting together some WASD kits with legends in the future, for those who aren't crazy about blanks.







Also, I thought I might try something new with the Mister, something a little more sinister looking?



Also in the works, and first working try finished: Rubber for the inner shot, they feel super nice to the touch!

What do you guys think?

[Joey Quinn]

Rubber on the inside of the blanks sounds interesting, I'd love to try some.

[FoC_Tow]

OMG! 



Those Nibs for the homing keys, and the different Profiles! <3 <3
The color match with the Toxic set, and the red on white doubleshot Blank hiding in the last Pic! <3 <3 

Only bad part is I don't have a Toxic set yet.  xD
Oh the feelings...

[heedpantsnow]

Looks amazing dude!  Love the homing keys!

[Dihedral]

Ok- hey! Did anyone else get their Toxic set this weekend? I decided to put something together this week to go with mine.
WASD kit, F&J homing bump kits. Profiles are nice and accurate and don't feel confusing with the rest of a cap set.
I'll probably end up putting together some WASD kits with legends in the future, for those who aren't crazy about blanks.

(Attachment Link)

(Attachment Link) (Attachment Link) (Attachment Link) (Attachment Link)

(Attachment Link) (Attachment Link)

Also, I thought I might try something new with the Mister, something a little more sinister looking?
(Attachment Link)


Also in the works, and first working try finished: Rubber for the inner shot, they feel super nice to the touch!

What do you guys think?

If I had Toxic I would jump on these. Look very cool and really neat, original design.

[Dodgy]

Thanks guys!
Haven't had a lot of time lately, but here's some new stuff.
Bumblebee colors! Need to trim up the edges, but I always put that off until later.

[exitfire401]

I've missed a lot of these updates. I need that toxic set haha. Glad to see you're still doing well and keeping up with this!

[tigersharkdude]

F&J homing bump kits

would you be up for making two of these in BroSet colors? Black base with purple accent? They would be for F & J

EDIT: I can send you a BroSet key for color reference

PIC for reference

[Dodgy]

F&J homing bump kits

would you be up for making two of these in BroSet colors? Black base with purple accent? They would be for F & J

EDIT: I can send you a BroSet key for color reference

PIC for reference

Show Image

I would be happy to- the only thing is that I don't have a Bro set to do color matching with. Would you want them with homing bumps or just deep dish?

Just saw your edit. Will pm you when I get home from work if that's ok

[tigersharkdude]

with the homing bumps.

I can send you 1-2 caps for color reference. EDIT: If I could get them back that would be nice (so i can keep the set complete, incase I ever sell it)

[Dodgy]

Just saw your edit. That sounds good to me, I'll pm you when I get home and we can work out the final details if that's ok

[FoC_Tow]

Black and purple sounds smexy! Even for those that don't have the BroSet! 

What about going trans purple maybe guys? I guess it very much depends on taste but I think that could actually look great!
Is trans infill possible Dodgy? =)

I really wish I had one of the dsa Hyperfuse sets to send you a sample as well Dodgy! xD
I can definitely send you one as soon as gmk Hyperfuse sets arrive if no one send you one by then! =)

[tigersharkdude]

Just saw your edit. That sounds good to me, I'll pm you when I get home and we can work out the final details if that's ok

sounds good with me

[Dodgy]

Black and purple sounds smexy! Even for those that don't have the BroSet! 

What about going trans purple maybe guys? I guess it very much depends on taste but I think that could actually look great!
Is trans infill possible Dodgy? =)

I really wish I had one of the dsa Hyperfuse sets to send you a sample as well Dodgy! xD
I can definitely send you one as soon as gmk Hyperfuse sets arrive if no one send you one by then! =)

Is that the same as the old hyper fuse from about a year ago? I actually have a DCS set

[FoC_Tow]

Is that the same as the old hyper fuse from about a year ago? I actually have a DCS set

Good point actually Dodgy.
Its probably not exactly the same since it uses standard GMK colors, however Bunny said its a really close match compared irl.

I probably wouldn't mind if the color match isn't like 100% spot on as long if it goes with the theme personally.
But as soon as the gmk ones hit I can definitely shoot one your way to get the closest match possible dodgy! =)

[tigersharkdude]

Is that the same as the old hyper fuse from about a year ago? I actually have a DCS set

Good point actually Dodgy.
Its probably not exactly the same since it uses standard GMK colors, however Bunny said its a really close match compared irl.

I probably wouldn't mind if the color match isn't like 100% spot on as long if it goes with the theme personally.
But as soon as the gmk ones hit I can definitely shoot one your way to get the closest match possible dodgy! =)

same, i don't care if the colors are SPOT ON .. just close

I'll still send you a cap for reference

[Dodgy]

Sounds good- I want to reach out to bunny also and just make sure there aren't any issues with me making sets for use with his before I start doing a bunch of these

[kennardsmith]

those blanks are so bomb. great work!

[Dodgy]

Keycon East tomorrow!  Hope to see some of you there 

[Alpsie]

OMG

Really impressive work.

Hope for an international sale sometime 

[geo462rge]

saw some of these in person today, great stuff.  Dodgy, once you have some pink/white or similar style to miami.....i would be very interested!  Thanks for the cap today too!  I owe you a beer

[Meika]

I have been reading this thread since yesterday and couldn't help but feel inspired (also encountered a lot of terms I prolly would have to deal with once I start doing my own *crosses fingers*)

I realized that it only took you like 4 months to produce such good results with such really cool designs too. Was the process ever frustrating for you? cos I can imagine some of it being a trial and error until you got great results.

p.s.
Awesome 3d printer!

[Dodgy]

I have been reading this thread since yesterday and couldn't help but feel inspired (also encountered a lot of terms I prolly would have to deal with once I start doing my own *crosses fingers*)

I realized that it only took you like 4 months to produce such good results with such really cool designs too. Was the process ever frustrating for you? cos I can imagine some of it being a trial and error until you got great results.

p.s.
Awesome 3d printer!

Glad you like my stuff! Thanks!
I wouldn't say it was frustrating- I enjoy refining a process and improving on designs. The only times that were frustrating were things that felt like brick walls, and working in such a small space. Most of the time if I was unhappy the answer was simple- spend more time working on the details. Print failures can really be a headache though.

Speaking of improving- no more flat tops for top row double shots-

saw some of these in person today, great stuff.  Dodgy, once you have some pink/white or similar style to miami.....i would be very interested!  Thanks for the cap today too!  I owe you a beer

Thanks man! Pinks and Miami caps are getting rolling tonight! 

[Meika]

I have been reading this thread since yesterday and couldn't help but feel inspired (also encountered a lot of terms I prolly would have to deal with once I start doing my own *crosses fingers*)

I realized that it only took you like 4 months to produce such good results with such really cool designs too. Was the process ever frustrating for you? cos I can imagine some of it being a trial and error until you got great results.

p.s.
Awesome 3d printer!

Glad you like my stuff! Thanks!
I wouldn't say it was frustrating- I enjoy refining a process and improving on designs. The only times that were frustrating were things that felt like brick walls, and working in such a small space. Most of the time if I was unhappy the answer was simple- spend more time working on the details. Print failures can really be a headache though.

Speaking of improving- no more flat tops for top row double shots-

Show Image

saw some of these in person today, great stuff.  Dodgy, once you have some pink/white or similar style to miami.....i would be very interested!  Thanks for the cap today too!  I owe you a beer

Thanks man! Pinks and Miami caps are getting rolling tonight!  :thumb:

If there's anything I feel inspired even more when I read success stories such as yours  :thumb: your resins has great color too. Is this yellow one a product of 3d printer? cos it looks rubbery (nice shade of yellow too!

[Dodgy]

I have been reading this thread since yesterday and couldn't help but feel inspired (also encountered a lot of terms I prolly would have to deal with once I start doing my own *crosses fingers*)

I realized that it only took you like 4 months to produce such good results with such really cool designs too. Was the process ever frustrating for you? cos I can imagine some of it being a trial and error until you got great results.

p.s.
Awesome 3d printer!

Glad you like my stuff! Thanks!
I wouldn't say it was frustrating- I enjoy refining a process and improving on designs. The only times that were frustrating were things that felt like brick walls, and working in such a small space. Most of the time if I was unhappy the answer was simple- spend more time working on the details. Print failures can really be a headache though.

Speaking of improving- no more flat tops for top row double shots-

Show Image

saw some of these in person today, great stuff.  Dodgy, once you have some pink/white or similar style to miami.....i would be very interested!  Thanks for the cap today too!  I owe you a beer

Thanks man! Pinks and Miami caps are getting rolling tonight!  :thumb:

If there's anything I feel inspired even more when I read success stories such as yours  :thumb: your resins has great color too. Is this yellow one a product of 3d printer? cos it looks rubbery (nice shade of yellow too!

I only 3d print my masters- I won't be ever selling something straight from the printer. The finished products will always be hand cast- hopefully in some more materials besides resin soon