Dan's Planet

It was a big day. I mean BIG.

I received the metal. I had to re-cut most of it even after I gave them a cut sheet. At least most of the pieces were to long. To short would have been a real issue. There is another stack of metal in my driveway for the rest of the water tray.

I also received the laser cut pieces for the gantry. I really want a laser machine now. Moving on. Started assembling the lower table and realized just how big a 5 X 10 table is. When I drew it on the floor it sure didn’t look that large.

I made some changes “on the fly” to incorporate a storage rack for sheet stock, a cabinet for the plasma cutter and some tabs for mounting side panels for aesthetics. There is a lot of room under the table which seems to be wasted space so I’m sure there will be additions before the water table gets mounted over the top. The electrician shows up today so who knows what ideas he might come up with.

I stepped back, looked and laughed thinking Banjo Burt was watching and laughing. It looks just like one of his creations.

You know I have to make sure its perfectly square now.

Hypertherm Plasma cutter should show up today. Sad that it will stay boxed for a while.

So…

I’m a maker. I make stuff, any kind of stuff. The issue I have is making things that interest me, Selfish? Yes. Moving on.

I live in the desert in a town that thrives on snowbirds and the annual migration that happens in the winter months. I can’t hate them for that simply because I don’t like to be cold and wouldn’t live where it snows. Simple. Summer months the weekenders flock to the lake.

The point of that is our market here is driven by three simple categories and definitions. Snow birds and Canadians in the winter months. The lake/boating crowd in the summer months and the year round locals. Each has it’s own requirement to try and market to.

I decided I needed something to do and make some money doing it. I actually looked for a job but really couldn’t find or think of something that would keep my interest while fulfilling the creative side of my brain. I pondered what I could do in small town USA that would satisfy both the money and creative aspects.

I decided to put together a CNC Plasma cutting table and make pieces, parts, signs, and the dreaded yard art. I know I will have to make the yard art stuff even though I really hate it. Snow birds love it. Go figure. I twisted my inner conflict by deciding I would make unique items and designs combined with finishes truly unique rather than trying to compete with the other cookie cutter makers here in the desert and the Asian infiltrated EBay/Amazon marketplace. I really enjoyed looking through the Etsy based makers because they actually produce some really well thought out and unique pieces rather than swap meet junk. There’s crap too. But quality demands premium prices and it shows.

There is also the off road desert groups which always customize their vehicles with whatever is new and cool. One off designs and parts that serve specific functions are looked at with admiration and provoke another additional wave of design to “one up” your buddies. We’re boys. That’s what we do.

Lunch time. I’ll be back