RELAUNCH - Beta Objects - The Prototype Shop.
Kickstarter Log Complete.
As most of you know I have been hacking away at a project called “beta” that got funded on Kickstarter in January 2010. Because of my backers Beta Objects exists. With out their support into an idea, this would have just been an idea. Thank you for this.
Today I am switching gears and tying loose ends. I am going to stop posting to this Log for now. I started this tumblr account for my backers to show beta’s progress and right now its a perfect account of just that. My next and last post for now will link to the revamped site, where I am opening up shop officially.
I can not say enough thanks to all who have believed in me, and are willing to put up their money on me. I hope seeing the progress on this project has paid off for you as well.
Next up.. Launch.
Stop Motion from Auburn Alabama to Chicago Illinois via the iPhone 4.
Less talk more doing, something…
MAKERFACTORY: MAKERFACTORY, GO!
From the great folks at makerfactory:
we’re very excited to finally share MAKERFACTORY.com with the world today! this project has been in development for quite some time, financed without a drop of investment capital — just a lot of hard work, late nights, and busy weekends. special thanks to andrew kurtz, ezra spier, and max ogden for their help in transforming the site from a set of HTML mockups into open-sourced code.
the hope is to connect the emerging population of DIY-oriented machines (like reprap, makerbot, fab@home) with people who have projects in mind. MAKERFACTORY makes it easy for anyone to upload a few sketches or blueprints of things they want made then get connected with makers who can help both design and fabricate them into physical objects. all of this will take a little time to shake out, which is why we’ve designed the site to function as simply as possible — all it really does is connect you to interested makers, then y’all can work out the details as necessary.
we’d love to hear your feedback, constructive critique, and any bugs you might find. you can contact us via email: makerfactory@effalo.com we’re also on twitter,@makerfactory.
My good friend Felix + EFFALO (also known for the velosynth) published this new site called MAKERFACTORY for connecting people using rapid fabrication tech: 3D printing, CNC, Laser Cutting. This project is amazing and something to participate in. Check it out!
“MAKERFACTORY is a free service for connecting the emerging network of localized fabrication technologies with people like you who need stuff 3d printed, CNC’ed, or otherwise made. Brought to you by your friends at EFFALO.”
Moving the shop public.
As you know I have a top secret shop, where I work out the prototypes and ideas. We also have a sweet studio space. But.. I am going CO-OP and moving the prototype shop / wood shop to a more central location. Opening as a small level of CO-OP. Who would be interested you ask? People with their own tools but not everything they need or any at all.
Selling points:
- Full Access to Wood Shop and fun CNC tools.
- Located at Ravenswood and Berteau
- Perfect for DIY to Product Dev, Wood Shop Startups.
- An underground layer, that has a car ramp.
- 21.5 x 33 feet of Awesome.
- Heated in Winter, Underground Cool in Summer.
Here is a nice raw shot from the iPhone: It will be painted and awesome soon.
Looking for a max of 3 people to CO-OP Fulltime (any of all hours) and 4 Weekend, Evening Project warriors. Email me on the contact button, it will be cheep.
Where is Beta at?
Beta is still here .. it is going through a revamp though, which has put a cramp on two things - the time lapse video - and the launch party. I have sent out everything but those two things. Know that they are in process. If for any reason someone has failed to receive anything - email me NOW!
Updates:
I am rebuilding the website to be more useful to blog from, and release new updates and projects I am working on.
I have four main projects I am continuing to plug away on, one product to hopefully will be out this year- which may coincide with “the launch party”.
Funding Report:
The funds for the shop have been used to setup space on the tools and equipment for the space. Which is exciting to report! The space is in two places, the Lagrange Park shop and the Lincoln Square office. The Lagrange Park shop is a full working wood shop, with all the tools you can imagine. The office in Lincoln Square has two of my most valued pieces, Beta’s 3D printer and CNC Router. With winter approaching, I am starting to plan a way to find space closer to the office, and one with working heat.
Goals for the next 6months:
Working oh so hard to launch a few products, keeping a tight budget on the money coming in and out.
Plan the launch party, and push out the Video.
Bring in a brilliant software architect to collaborate on the objects app. which we will launch as a web app, iPhone, and iPad app.
Oh… buy some tshirts .. I have a huge box of them. http://betaobjects.bigcartel.com/
velosynth by EFFALO — Kickstarter
we’re trying to liquidate 10 kits in 14 days for $100 a piece. we consider selling 5 to be a measure that we’re doing something right, so let’s get this thing going.
Check this out immediately! Beta Objects partner EFFALO is starting out on the Velosynth. I want it soooo bad.
new website, http://velosynth.com
Guerilla Truck Show 2010
I dont quite know what I enjoy more, Neocon and the show they put on or the awesome after parties. Guerilla Truck Show is one of these awesome after parties, completely unassociated with Neocon, but seems to arrive the just in time on Tuesday night every year. Its packed with up and coming furniture designers, makers, and artists.
This year I had to see what Craighton Berman is up to. Craighton always suprises me with new and clever content. At the MNML party he let me know about his coil lamp going into the MOMA SF store. HUGE! Without further delay. Here are some shots of his fantastic work.
The last stop was Uncommon. With graffiti artist Pose working on this huge banner, and DJ Chris Walsh lighting it up with some beats. Go get a case made from uncommon.. you will love it.
MNML + Coalesse Party
MNML put on a fantastic party last night celebrating the launch of a new line of conference furniture with Coalesse. Scott Wilson the founder of MNML had a few pieces of the line on hand letting us all wow them and geek-out. Its a must see if and when you can swing by the Merchandise Mart in Chicago.
As far as Neocon parties go, MNML has done the best two years in a row. Great food, drinks, awesome music (DJ Chris Walsh), and a host of designers, design geeks, and up and coming legends. Here are some images from last night, enjoy them, and hope to see you there next year.
Take a peek at a few changes to the Beta Objects website. Working on some exciting things in the next few weeks… and possibly a staff page.
Get a t-shirt!
I have too many t-shirts and they need to disappear! So if you order a t-shirt today, it will come with Stickers + 3D printed object something from the post below possibly. If you order in the next week.. and include the word “dodecahedron” somewhere in the order … surprise surprise who knows what you will get with your tee.
