The Road to a Physical Product (Feat. Blondihacks)
Added 2021-01-16 12:01:02 +0000 UTCFriends:
This week, we're developing a new physical product: a kit for my turning saws. I'd like to sell this kit to new woodworkers so they can have access to this great tool and take part in making it.
But man, it's a long road to offering this tool!
This project took not just me, but also Quinn from the channel Blondihacks for the machining and our own Brad from Texas (Brad's Woodturning / Brad's Workbench) for the CNC work. Between the three of us, we made the first kit with all the parts to make a fantastic turning saw.
This video has everything: woodwork, machining, CNC routing, wood turning, and dancing. (Yup, there's dancing.)
Hope you enjoy!
--Rex
Comments
Rex did you ever make the kits? I’m new on here and going through some backlog videos. I’d totally buy one but can’t find a link
Ryan Cullen Lipscomb
2024-12-13 15:57:18 +0000 UTCHi, guess I am very late to tthe party. Did you end up making and selling the kits or did it not work out?
Aodhan Hudson
2022-10-04 20:43:06 +0000 UTCHi late to the party as well. Don't want to ruin your groove but I found kind of that kit style product here https://www.feinewerkzeuge.de/gramercy-tools-bow-saw.html They have some sets similar to the ones you suggested makeing.
Eduard Thamm
2021-03-28 20:27:28 +0000 UTCLooks like a winner of a project especially for modest skills. I'd be down for the metal bits at least.
JJ Jessee
2021-02-01 02:40:46 +0000 UTCBit late to the party here.... the problematic parts for me would be the metalworking bits - and finding a suitable blade in the UK seems to be difficult, especially as the likes of fine tools are currently not shipping here and there's no telling what it would be like getting stuff from EU Suppliers. Currently, if they were prepared to ship to the UK, I could get a Gramercy kit from fine-tools for 32 euro (blades and pins), or 59 euro (with handles) plus shipping (and now also import tax...). Not sure how much of a market there is for this sort of thing in the UK - definitely an enthusiast's tool, and as we seem to have numerous cheap hobbyist Bandsaws (Peter Millard - 10 Minute Workshop on Youtube - has reviewed at least three) most people are likely to either use one, or make do with a cheap and cheerful coping saw...
Rob Weir
2021-01-25 19:44:05 +0000 UTCdo it. i was thinking about building "Anne of all trades" dutch tool box, but im gonna wait to see what you (Rex) come up with.
Christian Destefano
2021-01-25 17:48:21 +0000 UTCFunny that you mention that. I just started designing a tool chest that will be cheap and easy to build but have a lot of storage. I think I'll have it up in March, but no promises. It's a big design challenge.
Rex Krueger
2021-01-25 12:42:17 +0000 UTCI'd totally buy a kit, I have my vintage coping saw, the blade can go in sideways or straight and then your s.o.l. I own a lathe, I just need tools and to learn it better (it was given to me, so yay) but I think I could carve handles with practice. Right now I'm trying to find plans to build a chest to store my tools, a humble small box won't fit them all anymore and wanna leave room for future add ons. You've been a great help to me with building my collection. Thanks for doing what you do and keep it up.
Solia
2021-01-24 17:45:31 +0000 UTCGood plan. Just don't stop doing what you're doing. I love it.
Rick Goodwell
2021-01-23 18:05:12 +0000 UTCEh, if people want to build their own, they buy the plans. I still get paid, so I'm good either way. I just want to help people and still pay my mortgage.
Rex Krueger
2021-01-23 17:40:08 +0000 UTCI am worried for you Rex. I love your kit. I think you made really good choices. So why am I worried? I am not going to buy one. I am making my own. I am worried that your "build your own" video for a turning saw makes it look so easy that no one else is going to buy one either. I will tell Laura, my daughter. I have been helping her set up a hand tool wood shop and maybe she will buy one. Good Luck!
Rick Goodwell
2021-01-23 16:51:19 +0000 UTCI have never tried it, and since I'm only a beginner I can't judge from afar. Since I need a turning saw anyways I could buy that one and give you feedback, if you want to check out the competition?
Ysjoelfir
2021-01-23 13:33:32 +0000 UTCAwesome!
Rex Krueger
2021-01-23 12:57:09 +0000 UTCPlease keep us posted on that lathe!
Rex Krueger
2021-01-23 12:56:40 +0000 UTCIs it really cheap? That's an ECE and their tools are usually pretty great.
Rex Krueger
2021-01-23 12:56:19 +0000 UTCRex, I absolutely love the idea. I am in the process of building a business selling (mainly electronic) kits as well and I know exactly what thoughts go through your mind. luckily you don't have to deal with stuff like WEEE or e-waste laws, those are a real pain and can kill any project before it even started. Back to the turning saw: I would definitely buy one of those kits, if they were sold in germany as well. A pricepoint I would accept for a handmade kit would be in the range of 50 to 70€ excluding shipping - for 54€ you can get a very cheap and nasty turning saw on german amazon ( https://www.amazon.de/ECE-Schweifsäge-Zahnweite-252-60/dp/B01E8LTU52/ ), which you would have to compete with. If you want to sell globally, maybe consider asking a local business in the countries you would like to sell those things for you, which would aid in getting around stuff like overseas warranty claims, import taxes, disposal laws and whatnot. If this is a thing you would consider send me a message, I am looking for a simmilar partner for america, maybe we can help each other out :)
Ysjoelfir
2021-01-22 12:23:35 +0000 UTCI think just making the pins available would be a great deal, we are supposed to be woodworkers even beginners like me. If my turning saw were ugly or clunky or too heavy I could do it again. Pins on the other hand would be a bugger to make.
Kelly D West
2021-01-22 02:22:58 +0000 UTCI really love the collaboration with blondihacks. Just had my metal lathe delivered, and am sure I'll be watching some more of her channel, so thanks for introducing me to it. (Will keep watching yours too!).
hollo
2021-01-21 20:48:51 +0000 UTCI do think the Kickstarter path has some legs. Being able to accept all the preorders, making sure you hit certain volume levels, etc, definitely will allow you to figure out how to make it feasible. My gut says 45 usd on Kickstarter, but the kit should come with a blade.
David Hamilton
2021-01-21 03:40:34 +0000 UTCThere is a YT channel FliteTest about RC models. They started as a channel for beginners and offered foamboard plane kits later on. It looks like you may try talking to them to learn some business stuff. And they are from Ohio.
stlmch
2021-01-20 17:00:19 +0000 UTCI would agree with others that Kickstarter may be a great way to develop this product with some funding in the bank. I'm a former elementary school science teacher, turned Maker Space (for kids) owner. I made the transition from teaching to making by running 2 very successful Kickstarter projects. I had no idea what I was doing - in fact my Kickstarter video was filmed in my minivan (because my house and classroom were too loud). What I'm getting at is that with your skill and following I think this would be a breez on Kickstarter (or similiar crowdfunding platform). I back lots of projects, and it's normal for a maker to take more than a year to send a product. This gives you the two things most projects need - time, and a block of money in the bank. Just a thought! Keep up the awesome!
Simon Boses
2021-01-19 17:37:03 +0000 UTCIt sounds like something that would work well in batch orders. Typically the kind of things found on Kickstarter, as mentioned above. It may reduce the risks, as you only command pre-orders, get them built, then start a new batch. I agree that for a beginner, spending more than 30$ on a tool start to feel like an investment. That being said, with your endorsement and notoriety, you should be able to get it at the level of the Gramercy kit.
Jean-Raymond Raynal
2021-01-19 11:51:20 +0000 UTCI strongly agree with Robert Axelrod: this goes against the spirit of Rex's work so far: there's no place for pre-cut handles or the like here. The metal blade holders are nice, but you can already buy very similar from Gramercy. The point of woodwork--as Rex has shown so ably over the last few years--is that you don't need any of the pointless shit the manufacturers keep churning out--a Veritas handle for your leg vice anyone?
Michael Eleftheriou
2021-01-19 08:15:46 +0000 UTCI would love to get a kit made by two of my favorite YouTubers. Let's see how this works out with shipping and whatnot. That said, as demonstrated by Rex, you can make a perfectly fine saw with a 7 dollar blade from Gramercy and some pieces from the junk drawer.
Christoph Schmitz
2021-01-18 16:01:35 +0000 UTCSprocket? Where’s Sprocket?
Michael Mulhern
2021-01-18 02:46:12 +0000 UTCA few months ago I made a turning saw following your instructions. It came out very well - useful, nice looking. I used some scrape oak and ash. And I only needed a few basic tools-tools gathered over time thanks to your videos. It was a real pleasure to make the saw (while standing at an English workbench-your design). Buying a kit seems to abandon the spirit of your series.
Robert Axelrod
2021-01-18 01:53:26 +0000 UTCMost of the parts are easy to make. For me the pins and handles would be the hardest part. I don't have a lathe or even a metal vice so the handle with pins and an included blade. would be awesome. :):):)
Susan Hugli
2021-01-17 21:39:10 +0000 UTCIt would greatly reduce material and machine costs as well.
Mark farner
2021-01-17 19:47:59 +0000 UTCLike it, let us know when you've got the numbers crunched, and how you're going to offer the kit. Haven't been getting a lot of time in the shop, started playing with 3d printing for awhile, work, and "the year which shall not be named"...Well it seems the laundry portion of the work area has had an unauthorized expansion in my absence. So yeah, I'd be interested in a kit to kick my butt into gear cleaning off the benches of laundry products and lacey doo-dads.
W Chance
2021-01-17 16:37:55 +0000 UTCI think that you could offer a kit option that had the machined parts for the handles, a couple of BLADES, and the pattern for the wood parts. The other parts I would make. But I am not a rank beginner and would be OK doing that, though the machined parts would be great. Maybe offer a couple of options?
Jim Mail
2021-01-17 15:35:42 +0000 UTCI can't believe that no one has mentioned Kickstarter.com. It's a website that's often used by the board/role-playing game industry and others to get products to market. If you've got an idea for a product, but don't have the capital to produce it, you can put it up on Kickstarter. If people like the idea for the product they can invest in it by pre-ordering it and there are often multiple levels of that they can pony up the money, a lot like Patreon. There are also often fundraising goals that when it's reached the product is upgraded (in this case, maybe upgrading from red oak to walnut or making the pins out of brass or stainless, or plating them). Once the campaign is over, only then do the investors get charged and you start production. If you fail to reach your fundraising goal, the investors aren't charged and you're out only a little bit of money. BTW, you might look into investment casting the pins it might be cheaper than machining them from a solid billet, depending on the size of the run. Feel free to email me, if you'd like to pick my brain. My dad ran a job-shop for a while, making parts for different manufacturers in the area and I ran a screw machine for him part-time. The pins are a classic example of something that was made on screw machines before the invention of CNC machines.
Michael Bennett
2021-01-17 06:34:03 +0000 UTCAs a kit your going to want to come in at 15 - 20 % under what a finished product would cost. But that can be hard when your starting from scratch with low volume inventory, I would start smalll and build from there you don’t want to end up with a house full of unsold kits.
Billy Schwake
2021-01-17 05:26:53 +0000 UTCCan’t wait to order one as I am not yet at the skill level to build one and want to support your channel.
Billy Schwake
2021-01-17 05:24:54 +0000 UTCThis is a premium product. You would be paying for the convenient, quick-and-easy aspect of it as well as giving the beginning woodworker a lift into more advanced stuff. And based on other kits out there, $100 is a good starting point.
Robert Romero
2021-01-17 04:22:17 +0000 UTCA lot of great ideas above (or below). I would definitely buy a full kit to start. I do have one idea that might make it easy for the first time wood worker when putting one together-in lieu of the dowels put a small biscuit joint cut in the ends of the stretcher and the arms at the pivot joint. Great product idea Rex and I agree with Mike Maddin, this would be a great GoFundMe offering. Take care and have a great week ahead.
Matt Evans-Koch
2021-01-17 03:55:25 +0000 UTCI was thinking of posting a similar comment about the stretcher. My thought had been to make the stretcher 3 pieces, the stretcher itself and two longer pieces of maybe 1/4 inch plywood screwed to it to make the ears of the bridal joint on both ends. You beat me to the punch. :o)
Merritt Derr
2021-01-17 02:35:54 +0000 UTCI am in-great idea!
Steve Lawrence
2021-01-17 01:28:06 +0000 UTCYou should also sell a separate kit for just the pins, or pins and handles. I think many of us can make the wooden bits but the metal pins are the tricky part
Jeremy Carlsten
2021-01-16 23:45:51 +0000 UTCUnfortunately, I don't have constructive criticism, but as a fresh newbie woodworker (if I can call myself that!) I love this idea and I would definitely support this. I have struggled to make the shooting board still, so was definitely not ready to tackle the turning saw but with a kit I'd love to try.
Ryan Mowatt
2021-01-16 22:34:25 +0000 UTCHow about a "i want a crap turning saw so I can make a good one? I'll post soon, but I'm making a turning saw with your recommended blade and three pieces of 2x2 with cut off carriage bolts as pins. That makes a turning saw in about 20 minutes that i can use to make a good one. I'll post some photos and perhaps a vid when i get a blade I ordered
James Boatright
2021-01-16 21:47:49 +0000 UTCRex, Your turning saw is on my (growing) list of projects, and a more complete kit than the Gramercy one is intriguing. I would find putting together a kit like this daunting, and distribution even worse - like writing a book, getting it published, then having to mail every sold book yourself. Have you considered licensing the kit and letting someone else deal with all the headaches? On a separate note, this seems like an ideal candidate for a GoFundMe offering
Mike Maddin
2021-01-16 21:33:03 +0000 UTCThe metal spindle is a classic screw machine part A screw machine is a multi spindle automatic lathe. What makes this part expensive is the amount of material that needs to be removed because of the flange in the middle. May I suggest that the flange be a separate part that is press fit onto a slight shoulder. This would greatly reduce the beginning stock diameter and the material removed.
Lawrence Burr
2021-01-16 21:23:39 +0000 UTCI made the saw from plans and the pins would be something I wish came out better and would look to buy. I actually made 2 saws - one for my brother. On one saw I attached a couple of "ears" to the stretcher for a quick bridal joint. I did not use a nut on the pins. I filed a flat side onto the rod and the epoxy has been sufficient to keep the pin in place. This avoided some additional carving on the handles to accommodate the nut. The washer helps keep the turning saw turning.
Jud Greer
2021-01-16 21:15:20 +0000 UTCjust fyi - Gramercy Tools Bow Saw Kit is $89 CAD at Lee Valley. I don't have one so I have no other info about it. https://www.leevalley.com/en-ca/shop/tools/hand-tools/saws/bow/100667-gramercy-tools-bow-saw-kit?item=33T0922
John Morrison
2021-01-16 19:54:46 +0000 UTCjust fyi -
John Morrison
2021-01-16 19:52:03 +0000 UTCYou weren't joking about switching the direction of the channel were you? Good job Rex!
Russell
2021-01-16 19:38:31 +0000 UTCGuilty as charged.
Bill Brisky
2021-01-16 18:38:06 +0000 UTCI wish I could make a suggestion on the actual saw itself but yeah I can’t unless I have something in my hand that is going to be a tool my brain doesn’t quite work that way. After reading through everyone else’s comments I will say that different versions of the kit sounds like a winner; like the basic beginner kit with everything except the mortise/bridal joint and the pin holes drilled for those who are not very skilled in my opinion and train of thought should cost the most, then a kit with just plans, pins and wood for the intermediate woodworker maybe 3/4 the cost of the basic beginner kit, then lastly a kit with just the pins and a set of plans for the more advanced selling at the cheapest. Now as to how to price?, that’s a question that can’t be answered by me, because I don’t know all the variables such as material costs, production costs, time and design, etc.. but as a person who likes to be as frugal as possible for the basic beginner kit I would think that something in the $20-$30 range before shipping would be a reasonable price that even I could afford (and I survive on $794 a month) so anyone making minimum wage should be able to purchase it at that price. But again this is without knowing your total cost and what kind of profit you are wanting to make on this, not to mention if any royalties would be going out to the people who helped with the collaboration like Blondiehacks or Brad over at BradsWorkbench/Woodturning. As a general rule of thumb for the things I sell I take how much $ I put out, the time it took me valued at what I think my time is worth and then add 50% to that and for something like this I would divide that number by the number of kits or products I’m selling, then decide if that is a price I’m happy/satisfied with. In the end I think this is a brilliant idea and I wish you the best of luck on this, I know I would be purchasing the pin and plan kit, because I’ve so much white oak pallet wood lying around it’s not even funny and go from there, but if I didn’t have any wood lying around and I was a returning beginner again the beginner kit is something I would seriously be looking as long as the price was in my budget. Have a good weekend Rex.
The Poor Man
2021-01-16 17:59:13 +0000 UTCWow Rex! What a great idea. I would not have the time nor the skills yet to make one of these but I would purchase a kit like this regardless of the price. I also would like to support the good work you do beyond the way that already exists.
Christian Bookter
2021-01-16 17:55:53 +0000 UTCOkay, wonderful idea. Love it. To being with Gramercy Tool works does make a kit, though their kit does not include any of the frame. I bought their pins and blades and made the rest myself. it was extremely gratifying, and every time I use the saw, it makes me happy. You might want to pop over to their site and just see how they offer their parts. A complete kit would really help beginners get into this amazing tool, so I'm glad to hear you embarking on this venture. I think your design is very sound. I would not change much about it, if anything really. The dowel attachment is an excellent choice, and the easiest too. I will certainly buy one of your kits, as is. Well thought out, 10/10 in my book./
William Allen
2021-01-16 17:53:23 +0000 UTCSo, I'd be willing to pay $25-$35 for it, maybe more if I don't have to buy the first blade. (even a cheap blade, just so I have one to get started with to test my construction) As for mass production, I could see the handles actually being made differently: square stock, center drilled for the pin, then put on a spinning machine and counter rotated against a sanding machine to take off the bulk, then against a finer grain sanding for smoothing it out more. Manufacturing costs could probably be cut (but would also decrease the DIY spirit of it) by having a simpler pin with ridges on the hidden half epoxied into the square blanks, which makes the pin simpler to produce, and gives a shaft to hold the blank for shaping into the handle. Though, that's only one pin - the other pin would still have to be the same as your design - so I'm not sure it makes sense to have two different processes for similar items. Alternatively, starting with 4' round stock, and lathing the profile of 6-8 (6x 8" or 8x 6") handles at once could be less expensive too, and quicker since you're not knocking off the corners to start with. For /that/ matter, you could probably find these handles (with or without pins) for sale in bulk already. They may not be exact dimensions you'd want, but close enough. I love the design you've made - but I'm with Joshua on the costs with customizing the pin and handle. As for the wood parts - the spacer is the most simple of all the pieces here, but the 2 side pieces (the name if eluding me atm) - I could see these being mass produced a different way as well - possibly considerably quicker and less expensive. That is to have a bunch of long grain stock glued together to form a long, wide, thick blank (think of a simple glued up cutting board), then CNC route the length for the inside profile, then flip it over and route the outside profile. Split them apart, done. Rex, I'm really not trying to dump all over your idea, and I really hope you don't take what I've said as that. I'm earnestly trying to convey some ideas you may, or may not find to be useful. I love the idea of you selling kit tools! I hope you find other tools to make kits for as well. With that said, if that's at all a thought for you, things like the handle and pins, try to design them in a way where the same part can be used for other tools as well. This will ultimately cut down on your overhead and manufactured products list. Bonus is that we could re-use some of the parts to repair other kits if we break them, and you can sell individual parts much easier. Obviously many tools would have parts that aren't interchangeable with other tools.
Jeremy Denslinger
2021-01-16 17:42:39 +0000 UTCI am passingly familiar with the costs involved in this kind of small-scale manufacturing, and my offhand guess is that it'd be a miracle to get it into the space where a beginner woodworker would feel comfortable buying it to screw up (and still take in enough profit to be worth your time). Make no mistake: I plan to buy it anyway. The same way I'm happy to support the good work you do via Patreon, I'd be more than happy to be a part of you taking this step. And there's always the off chance that I won't screw it up and I'll end up with a handy tool.
Joshua Blanchard
2021-01-16 16:58:49 +0000 UTCRex, Gramercy Tools sells a "bow saw" kit that is actually a turning saw kit...handles, pins, blades, they'll even sell you the string. The full kit costs $60 and includes the handles, brass machined pins with friction fit ends (no threads) and I think a blade or three. You make the wood parts yourself, and as we know, it's a lot easier to build a turning saw if you HAVE a turning saw;)
John Griswold
2021-01-16 16:56:46 +0000 UTCGreat video and idea, Rex! I work in manufacturing and there are a lot of things to take into consideration when planning a new product. I like to think I would buy a kit - I tend to be cheap but I do support small businesses as often as I can. I know this is a very international audience, but since I live in Canada having the kit NAFTA (or whatever it is called now) compliant would save me money. ;) As for price, I have no idea. I agree that having more than one model is a good idea. Some of us can afford a premium kit while others of us are a stricter budget and therefore will be unable to pay for a more expensive kit, so an option to get at least get the hardware would be helpful. Most importantly, keep having fun!
Jeff Stauffer
2021-01-16 16:10:55 +0000 UTCI love Quinn and Blondihacks. For me, the handles and blades would be the most interesting to buy. And I think moving the wrench flats to the flange might be a good idea. Oh, and see if you can get us a Blondihacks sticker with the kit :)
Wally Schmidt
2021-01-16 16:08:29 +0000 UTCI detect a Nero Wolfe fan! Satisfactory.
Wally Schmidt
2021-01-16 16:06:25 +0000 UTCI would be most interested in a hardware and handles kit. But would likely buy the entire kit if that's what you offered.
Steven Soulen
2021-01-16 15:46:57 +0000 UTCI watched this week's video when I woke up this morning and I notice I keep coming back around to this with excitement. A full kit? Yes! I love the idea and am 100% in. A full kit, plus a set of extra pins so I can build the whole thing as I get better? Rex, you're singing to my soul here. I may be dancing my own happy dance up here today.
Mark Zaugg
2021-01-16 15:40:13 +0000 UTCRex that is a good attitude. I started making American flags for sale. My first year was dismal but I learned a great deal. Last year was pretty awesome with quite a few return customers. I seriously wish you all the best.
Skully Wood and Metal
2021-01-16 15:39:32 +0000 UTCI would also include at least one saw blade in the kit so your customers can start right out of the box 🙂 As for price… you're probably aware that Gramercy Tools sells a similar kit, although without the wood for the frame, and it's less than 60 € (72 USD at current value) here in Germany. 60-80 € (72-96 USD) is a also the price range what I would expect for such a kit.
Daniel Bohrer
2021-01-16 15:15:37 +0000 UTCI like you channel, I want the saw, I like making furniture but I hate making tools. Take my money. I would offer a kit with the blades from tools for working wood to make it easy for the end user.
Matt Parker
2021-01-16 15:07:47 +0000 UTCWill definitely order a kit when available.
Micah Shlain
2021-01-16 14:56:08 +0000 UTCRex-this is great! And any video with machining is great-it touches my heart to see a hunk of steel turned and threaded -the machinist dance was a bonus! I have a suggestion that hopefully is helpful. Why not make a couple versions of the kit? I’m not trying to make it more complicated for you, trust me! The basic kit could include just the hardware (and the saw blade?), the templates and the plans. This is for those of us beginners or more advanced that want to make the wooden frames and handles ourselves, but just need the hardware. Another deluxe level could include the hardware and the wood, but not turned/shaped out. This essentially would cater to the same group with the basic kit, but do not have access to good hardwood in their area. You are well aware that your audience is far reaching and some good hardwoods are scarce or expensive where they live. Finally, the “super deluxe” kit would be the one you showed in the video, with the arms already milled to their basic shape and the handles turned. This could be for people who aren’t yet too sure about their woodworking skills, or who are on a time constraint and just want to get the saw working in lesser time. This gives three options for three different groups in your audience who would want this kit. As far as pricing, obviously the super deluxe would cost more. The extra CNC and turning work would add to the cost. Perhaps the basic kit could sell for $25-35? The deluxe for somewhere around $40-45 and the super deluxe $60/above? I’m only guessing at these prices-I could be totally off on labor and materials costs. I’m sure people would definitely buy this kit. But if they have options, they would be well served. I’d get the basic one, not because I’m a cheapskate, but because I prefer the challenge of making the pieces and practicing my skills that way and red oak and other quality hardwoods are readily available where I live. God bless you with this new endeavor! Very exciting.
Sean O'Neill
2021-01-16 14:16:08 +0000 UTCI'm willing to loose money in the short-term. I really took a beating on plans for the first year I offered them....then it became a real business. Taught me to play the long game.
Rex Krueger
2021-01-16 14:01:45 +0000 UTCThanks for the feedback!
Rex Krueger
2021-01-16 14:00:43 +0000 UTCYes, that's also true. I wish you best of luck, Rex!
Mykhailo Kondratiuk
2021-01-16 13:47:53 +0000 UTCSatisfactory! (That's high praise, btw). Just discovered that you can't hit return for line-breaks while typing on patreon. I too have lots of business questions, but not so much on the product numbers/break even point/etc., however, on the purpose of the project. If it is something to bring in new viewers (an honorable goal), then I would continue to keep this as simple as possible. If it is to satisfy the tool lust afflicting the current base, you could throw in the handles, hardware and a few scraps of wood and watch the melee from the sidelines. Finally, these turning saws seem awful similar to a typical/old school hand saw, just with thinner blades and turning handles. I've seen a number of videos from asia and europe where that is the preferred hand saw. Maybe extending this design to the saw would be worth the effort. Great idea for the project and as with most of us, always looking for more ways to spend more hours staring at youtube while recuperating from those longs rips with a hand saw.
Bill Brisky
2021-01-16 13:39:57 +0000 UTCThat is a legitimate question. I would rephrase it as how much money is he willing to lose to help out us knuckleheads?
Jephrey South
2021-01-16 13:35:22 +0000 UTCGreat idea Rex, I am glad you are thinking about all of the issues involved as well. Would I buy one? Perhaps not; I have a metal lathe, milling machine and CNC. I do wish you all the best with this idea. My big question is, how many do you have to sell to break even?
Skully Wood and Metal
2021-01-16 13:26:14 +0000 UTCGood, you can work on that after you get your dance sorted out!
Jephrey South
2021-01-16 13:17:43 +0000 UTCThat's absolutely a good idea!
Rex Krueger
2021-01-16 13:15:55 +0000 UTCThat's good feedback. I think the pins will be a stand-alone product before the whole kit.
Rex Krueger
2021-01-16 13:15:22 +0000 UTCI think it is a great idea. For me personally, just the handles as a kit would be all that I wanted. Or maybe just the threaded pins. Red oak is nice wood, and cheap, but because of that it is everywhere and it also does not break my wood snob threshold. Edit: Rex, now you must have a dance! Edit2: My English skills are failing with age. Edit3: It would be much easier to make a turning saw if you had a turning saw!
Jephrey South
2021-01-16 13:12:26 +0000 UTCI was thinking of an alternate way to make the blade holder rods. By using a 1/4" x 3" hanger bolt, you get the wood screw on one end and a 1/4x20 machine thread on the other. Still use the 2 nuts & a flat washer if you want or file 2 flats on the unthreaded section. You still have to drill & hacksaw the blade slot.
Iron Regimenti
2021-01-16 13:09:10 +0000 UTCIf it were done on a CNC machining center, the turning operation would be far faster. So, I'm thinking that will speed things up. Prototyping is slow.
Rex Krueger
2021-01-16 13:04:41 +0000 UTCI'm really glad you like it, and I agree, different versions of the kit are definitely the way to go. Different levels to meet people where their skills and budget are.
Rex Krueger
2021-01-16 13:03:17 +0000 UTCIn theory, it's going to the printer this week, but covid is screwing everything up. The actual release date is getting pushed back a bit. It's tough having no control over things like this.
Rex Krueger
2021-01-16 13:02:14 +0000 UTCI'm glad you think so!
Rex Krueger
2021-01-16 13:01:24 +0000 UTCAaaaaaaaaaaaaaaargh! This is so cool!
Thomas Hverring
2021-01-16 12:44:24 +0000 UTCLooking good hope it works out for you. Sorry to change the subject, Any update on the book?
The Deaf Maker
2021-01-16 12:34:32 +0000 UTCFrom a production perspective, would it be less expensive/ time consuming to produce arms that are pre-marked for cutting and shaping instead of cnc cut? Maybe as a less expensive or more advanced version of the kit? It could be marked by a hot die pressed into a wood blank, or perhaps laser etched? From a consumer perspective, holy crap this is an awesome idea. I was hoping you were going to include ordering info at the end because I was like, "shut up and take my money!" Really enjoying the collaboration videos. Nice work, Rex.
Ben Ericson
2021-01-16 12:34:03 +0000 UTCOh those pins are really nice! I wouldn't really like to use a threaded rod once I decide to build my own turning saw so I was also thinking about some alternatives... have you concidered trying to weld that stopper ring instead of slowly milling the entire part out of a huge raw stock?
Mykhailo Kondratiuk
2021-01-16 12:31:57 +0000 UTC
