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[Eric Fuller]

Thursday, Aug. 21, '08

Been working a LOT with the laser lately.  I've had it since February or so, but never got around to making anything on it really for financial reasons - had to keep paying the bills, and so I was spending all my time doing things I know how to do (i.e. make stuff from wood on traditional tools). 

When I got the laser I was surprised at how difficult it was to use.  It's by no means a throw something in and push a button affair.  It's mostly a matter of good fixturing, which means custom jigs.  Realizing that, I took a "break", thinking I would work on jigs for it in my spare time.  I forgot that spare time is not really a thing I ever have!

When I got back from IPP I decided I would finally tackle this thing.  I mean, I paid thousands of dollars for it and it was not earning its keep!  Plus I really want to buy a CNC router, but decided to put in a moratorium on new tool purchases until the laser pays for itself.  I pulled enough out of my rainy day fund to cover a months worth of expenses, and decided to invest in educating myself on how to use this thing.

So, this week I've been working on a "universal" table and sorting system in preparation for high volume work.  I've been talking to designers as there were some EXCELLENT laserable designs at IPP which really should be available to collectors.  Also learning the ins and outs of different materials.  For the first time I am working with leather, as Akio Yamamoto showed me a very cool wallet / business card holder made out of a single piece of leather.  I just this evening received approval from him to make them after sending prototype pictures, so maybe I'll even have some in time for the next update!

[Eric Fuller]

OK, got back to work on the New puzzle box for a bout a week before getting distracted.  Just now finishing up about 40 copies of the excellent One Piece packing puzzle - used my nicest woods and veneers.  PITA to make but a really fun puzzle!

Should be back to the box by wednesday; will also queue more wallets and pouches up on the laser.

[Robert Yarger]

superhero crime fighters never have a moment to spare, but it is important to keep thier laser cannon in good working order.  

Sorry, I missed what puzzlebox you were working on, or not working on at the moment, as the case may be.

Also, 5 hours spent on doing a jig right can sheer days off of a project in the end, so good luck with all your jig work.  Don't forget that some of the new members are wanting pics of your gluing jigs when you find time.
 

[Eric Fuller]

Yeah, I keep forgetting to take a picture of that jig.  It's very specific to that puzzle...I'll have to dig it out.

[Eric Fuller]

Wow, I have not updated this in a while.  Well, since I'm procrastinating...here we go!

Finished but need to laquer:
-Pack 6 Puzzle
-Kim NoPack
-CM13
-Three Open WIndows

In progress:
-Beaulid Box

I found a steal of a deal on a Shopbot CNC router...only hitch is it's in Ohio.  I'll be braving the cold white north on Friday.  9 hour drive, load it up, 9 hours back.  Wish me luck!  One of these days I'll quit buying tools and actually have some income from this business.  Aw, who am I kidding?  I'll retire a pauper but with a nice shop 

[Eric Fuller]

Tine for another update! 

CM13 turned out to be a bust...spent HOURS on it and could never get the thing reliably produced.  Actually glued up 30 or so of them and only 4 turned out to work.  Frustrating.

Beaulid box is 85% finished.  I'm gluing it up right now and it's one of the more challanging glue jobs I've ever done.

Coming soon-
-tease puzzle
-trinary burr?
-tern key?

[Jeff Chiou]

Hi Eric, any update on the Beaulid box?

[Eric Fuller]

Hi Jeff,

Yup, it's been done for about a week, but it's too COLD to lacquer.  We actually got a few inches of snow on Tuesday which is rare around here.  Supposed to be near 60 tomorrow, so hopefully I will have a chance to finish it up and run an update in 10 days or so.  Trying to squeeze in one more interlocking puzzle before than...the very cool "Tease" puzzle by sam cornwell.

[Robert Yarger]

At least you could post some advanced pics, perhaps.

[Eric Fuller]

Well, I got them all finished up Friday.  Trouble with pics is the same as the IRMO box - the mechanism is completely visable once the box is opened.  I'll have to think about how to handle that one.

[Robert Yarger]

Ahh, well I was lucky enough to get a sneak peek, so I am satisfied, but yeah I would not post pics that show how to get it open.  This is just bad business in the puzzle world.

[Stephen Chin]

But,,,,,Buut,,,,,But,,,,,

OK I guess it would give the game away

Party pooper!

[Peter Wiltshire]

Awwww Darn!, Now how the heck are we going to solve how to open the box if you don't give us the solution 

[Eric Fuller]

OK, what has Eric been working on?  Nearly complete for the next update are:

-"Tease" by Sam Cornwell
(his copy) http://www.puzzleworld.org/DesignCompetition/2008/images/IMG_7436.jpg

-"Packuliar" by Tom Jolly

-"Three Piece NOT" by Frans de Vreugd

-"Tern Key" trinary flat puzzle by Pit Khiam Goh

Upcoming?  Not sure....sam is sending me a couple more interesting designs, and I've revisited the "Ico" puzzle in acrylic on the laser.  Getting the hankering to make another puzzle box though, and have a couple lingering IPP commitments which will need to be made soon.  Maybe a vacation? Hahahahahaha 

[Robert Yarger]

Seems like your plate is full.