A mini update on keys, springs, and the timeline concerns:
Update on keys: the factory tells me they have finished adjusting the key molds and the new key samples will be ready next week! The factory has also prepared the molds to use the original PBT material IBM used on their Model F keyboards, the material that I learned from the IBM engineer (different PBT shinkage rate)! They are still working on color matching the PBT to an original XT key set I mailed them last year.
Update on springs: Half the new spring samples have been completed! Hoping for the remaining 4 variants to be done by the end of this week or next week, and then they will all be mailed to me for evaluation.
Regarding the project timeline: Fortunately the major production problems from last year were resolved by the factories and most parts are waiting in storage for assembly. Hoping for springs and keys to finish up this month. Assembly can start once the springs finish production.
The project's goal from the beginning is to produce new Model F keyboards to IBM's quality standards. I have chosen to delay the tentative early bird and final round timelines rather than compromise on quality or aesthetic and material authenticity of parts to meet a deadline.
The timeline has been delayed significantly due to factory production quality control problems that have since been resolved save the keys and springs, detailed on the web site updates blog page. I understand that some of you disagree with the philosophy and management of the project and setting of (in hindsight) too optimistic, changing deadlines. You are right that for many projects, there should be a deadline and if there is one it should not change.
Yet it does not make sense to close this project's first round arbitrarily to stay true to a deadline if the factory is delayed in its goal to complete production and assembly (with all QC and other production issues worked out), nor does it make sense to eliminate dates and close the round when the factory is ready to ship, with little to no warning. The timelines and deadlines are based on my and the factory's current estimations. I will not remove deadlines or other timelines or imply there is no deadline, even though they have proven sooner than the factories' actual results and have been pushed forward. Allowing extra orders does not impact the timeline for existing orders. The project window could be moved again if the springs or spring assembly require more time.
A saying I’ve heard definitely applies here – on time, high quality, at a good cost – but you can only pick two of the three! This project will continue to focus on the latter two: build brand new Model F keyboards to IBM standards and not accept anything less from the factories. The factories have now met these standards in all but the remaining two parts (springs and keys) and have been extremely patient and accommodating despite this project being one of their smallest and probably most time consuming.
As noted before, to reduce the possibility of additional delay, I am willing to send out those orders without keys and with blank keys (or even use Unicomp keys, for those requesting the option) in the event the keys become a significant and sole bottleneck to the project and some people want earlier delivery.
We are getting there and I thank everyone for their support and patience as we move towards the final stage.