Thanks for all the encouragement guys, as always it's a huge help and definitely a motivator
This project seems to get better and better every time I check back.
The best part is that it seems Acidfire has manufacture already figured out before he starts the campaign vs some other crow funding campaigns.
I'll be waiting patiently for the start of the kick starter campaign.
That's always been my biggest concern with a lot of crowdfunding campaigns. They have a prototype, but haven't done the leg work to know exactly where it's being produced, how, and what issues might arise. They also have a tendency to trust the vendors delivery dates (bad bad idea).
Because I know it's been buried in the thread, to reiterate:
** Electronics **
- PCBs - Produced in Canada
- Parts - 95% North American 5% China
- Switches - Produced By Matias (Canada)
- Assembly - Done in house on our PCB line
** Hardware **
- Casing - Produced 20min from my daytime job office
- Hardware - Canadian Vendors
- Keycaps - Produced by SP, painted and laser etched in house
** Packaging **
- Produced locally (boxes) & in house (inserts)
- Packed locally
I also have a minimum of two backups for each vendor, including if something happens with our in house equipment.
I was thinking all this time that you have been using a fancy 3D printer (one of the tens of thousands of dollars ones), and all this time you are getting excellent prints with one that is very affordable; that is encouraging as I am in the market for one.
Currently I'm using an OpenBeam Kossel Mini - Reprap; this printer has absolutely spoiled me. I take it to and from the office everyday (40min drive each way) without having to re-calibrate or service it. This is a prototype unit too, for what that's worth. When I come back from my trip down to Seattle & Portland, I'll be running a OpenBeam Kossel - Pro, which has a much larger build area (250mm vs 170mm) and with the higher end parts on it (injection molded, stuffed with bearings) it'll run faster too. They're also quiet too, I run the Mini sitting no more than 3 ft from me at all times and having a conversation with someone is louder than the printer. I have a couple preordered already for ongoing development & beta unit production. I can't recommend them enough and you can
preorder them here </shameless plug>