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#232576 - 04/09/2004 17:19 More Docks?
mlord
carpal tunnel

Registered: 29/08/2000
Posts: 14491
Loc: Canada
Over the past six months or so, several BBS people have emailed me inquiring about the likelihood of another run of Home Docks. Well, today I started cutting out the woody parts for a few more.

I already have a collection of email addresses of people who previously asked, and if/when I finish these ones I will offer to that list first, and then post again here on the BBS. Email has now been sent to those on the list.

Right now, the plan is to make four special edition docks with thick curly cherry tops and bottoms, fully finished with sprayed-on shellac, and fully wired and ready to go. These may (or may not) include rear-panel power switches as well.

In addition to those, I have cut out sufficient MDF to construct five more original design Works docks. I don't have the parts on hand to actually wire these ones up, though, so perhaps they can be sold assembled, but unpainted, and unwired, at a large discount over the normal cost.

The theory is that these shells would go to people willing to supply/install their own wiring (docking connector, fan, RCA jacks, and power jack). As before, a metal sled is not needed with this design.

I do plan to prewire the ethernet though, since that portion is more difficult for others to duplicate themselves (tricky tolerances and the like).

For pricing, I'm thinking about US$78 each, including shipping within Canada/USA. Outside of North America, shipping would be an extra US$20 or so (air-mail only -- surface would take months). By comparism, all of the previous fully-wired (Works) docks sold for between US$160 and US$180, plus shipping..

Any interest in the shells? Or do y'all think you'd be willing to forgo the discount if they could arrive fully pre-wired?

As for the four special edition curly cherry docks, well.. don't even ask!

Cheers

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#232577 - 04/09/2004 17:33 Re: More Docks? [Re: mlord]
Laura
pooh-bah

Registered: 16/06/2000
Posts: 1682
Loc: Greenhills, Ohio
Quote:
As for the four special edition curly cherry docks, well.. don't even ask!


I guess I won't ask then.
_________________________
Laura

MKI #017/90

whatever

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#232578 - 04/09/2004 17:56 Re: More Docks? [Re: Laura]
pgrzelak
carpal tunnel

Registered: 15/08/2000
Posts: 4859
Loc: New Jersey, USA
I will. Mark?

<homer> Mmmm... Cherry... </homer>
<marge> It's wood, Homer... </marge>
<homer> Mmmm... Wood... </homer>
_________________________
Paul Grzelak
200GB with 48MB RAM, Illuminated Buttons and Digital Outputs

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#232579 - 04/09/2004 18:21 Re: More Docks? [Re: Laura]
JayF
journeyman

Registered: 22/07/2004
Posts: 63
Quote:
Quote:
As for the four special edition curly cherry docks, well.. don't even ask!


I guess I won't ask then.


me either

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#232580 - 04/09/2004 22:25 Re: More Docks? [Re: mlord]
SonicSnoop
addict

Registered: 29/06/2002
Posts: 531
Loc: Triangle, VA
Wu Who! More Docks!
_________________________
-D Modifying and Tweaking is a journey, not a destination................................ MKIIa : 60gig - 040103286 - Blue - v2 + PCATS tuner MKIIa : 20gig - 040103260 - Blue - v3a8 + Mark Lord Special Edition Cherry Dock

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#232581 - 05/09/2004 00:18 Re: More Docks? [Re: mlord]
genixia
Carpal Tunnel

Registered: 08/02/2002
Posts: 3411
I'd take a shell.
_________________________
Mk2a 60GB Blue. Serial 030102962 sig.mp3: File Format not Valid.

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#232582 - 05/09/2004 02:09 K2 in the shop [Re: mlord]
mlord
carpal tunnel

Registered: 29/08/2000
Posts: 14491
Loc: Canada
Here is the most recent photo from the shop. This one shows the bottom panels of the new docks being counterbored for the assembly screws. The supervisor is K2, our 16 year old calico, soon to be deceased, I'm afraid. She has been an excellent companion through the years, and will be sorely missed.

-Mark

[image tags don't seem to work any more, so just click on the attachment to view her]


Attachments
231702-k2.jpg (308 downloads)



Edited by mlord (05/09/2004 02:11)

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#232583 - 05/09/2004 02:38 Re: K2 in the shop [Re: mlord]
Shonky
pooh-bah

Registered: 12/01/2002
Posts: 2009
Loc: Brisbane, Australia
I'd be interested in another "shell" please Mark.

Wiring up things is not a problem for me, but I don't have the wood working skills nor tools.

Mark's picture:
_________________________
Christian
#40104192 120Gb (no longer in my E36 M3, won't fit the E46 M3)

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#232584 - 05/09/2004 03:37 Re: K2 in the shop [Re: mlord]
Daria
carpal tunnel

Registered: 24/01/2002
Posts: 3937
Loc: Providence, RI
I assume she's named for the peak?

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#232585 - 05/09/2004 05:47 Re: K2 in the shop [Re: mlord]
mtempsch
pooh-bah

Registered: 02/06/2000
Posts: 1996
Loc: Gothenburg, Sweden
Looks like she's got a good mix of fascination of/respect for power pools...
_________________________
/Michael

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#232586 - 05/09/2004 09:10 Re: K2 in the shop [Re: mlord]
Laura
pooh-bah

Registered: 16/06/2000
Posts: 1682
Loc: Greenhills, Ohio
Beautiful cat, the poor baby.
_________________________
Laura

MKI #017/90

whatever

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#232587 - 05/09/2004 12:16 Re: K2 in the shop [Re: Daria]
mlord
carpal tunnel

Registered: 29/08/2000
Posts: 14491
Loc: Canada
Yes, the peak K2. Her companion/adversary here for many years was an orange tabby named Anna-Purrrrna, also named for a peak.

Also, she is not actually allowed/wanting to be in the shop when loud noises are being produced, but the drilling machine is fairly quiet. I had the dust-collection turned off for the photo, since it is much louder (and it is the reason for the yellow hearing protectors).

Cheers

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#232588 - 05/09/2004 17:34 Re: K2 in the shop [Re: mlord]
andym
carpal tunnel

Registered: 17/01/2002
Posts: 3996
Loc: Manchester UK
I would definately go for a shell, I have a spare dock here so I should be able to recycle the loom on that.
_________________________
Cheers,

Andy M

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#232589 - 05/09/2004 17:41 Re: More Docks? [Re: Laura]
newguy1
enthusiast

Registered: 26/01/2002
Posts: 278
Loc: Massachusetts,USA
I'd be interested in a shell but what would I need for the wiring?Is the wiring from the sled connector sufficient?
_________________________
MIKE 80Gb RIO

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#232590 - 06/09/2004 00:09 Re: More Docks? [Re: newguy1]
mlord
carpal tunnel

Registered: 29/08/2000
Posts: 14491
Loc: Canada
The standard HUGE wiring loom from a factory sled will not fit into these docks. But one could snip away all of the non necesary bits from one, and then get the rest to fit -- basically just the docking connector itself and a few of the original wires. Everything else would go. Simpler to just buy a new connector and pins and wire it up from scratch.

Cheers

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#232591 - 06/09/2004 01:18 Re: More Docks? [Re: mlord]
Shonky
pooh-bah

Registered: 12/01/2002
Posts: 2009
Loc: Brisbane, Australia
I'd suggest pulling the pins out rather than cutting the wiring off where possible.

I have a number of spare connectors and pins from when I was making harnesses. I can work out a price.

Digikey also have them which is probably easiest for those in North America at least.
_________________________
Christian
#40104192 120Gb (no longer in my E36 M3, won't fit the E46 M3)

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#232592 - 06/09/2004 02:05 Re: More Docks? [Re: mlord]
Rod
journeyman

Registered: 04/05/2000
Posts: 84
Loc: Australia
I'd be interested in a "shell" too. I have a docking connector and pins.

Rod.

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#232593 - 06/09/2004 06:15 Re: More Docks? [Re: mlord]
andym
carpal tunnel

Registered: 17/01/2002
Posts: 3996
Loc: Manchester UK
So Mark, is there anything I have to do to officially register my interest in a dock shell? I could PayPal you right now if needs be.
_________________________
Cheers,

Andy M

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#232594 - 06/09/2004 17:21 Re: More Docks? [Re: andym]
mlord
carpal tunnel

Registered: 29/08/2000
Posts: 14491
Loc: Canada
Unfortunately I think all of the docks and shells have probably been sold by now. There has been an overflow of replies from the email list for the cherry docks, and way more than five expressions of interest in the shells.

And the really neat thing is: that's it. No more dock parts. Nadda.

Well, except for one complete set of woody parts for use as a pattern should I ever want to make something similar for myself (we do have two cherry docks of our own here). Or perhaps to make another run from scratch in a year or so -- that would be much harder than this batch, where I still had enough of the tricky bits left from the previous huge batches, and the only way I'd do it again would be if more than 30 of them could be sold.

Meanwhile, the five shells are now in clamps, and have passed inspection by K2 (photo attached). If these turn out, then the cherry ones are next for the glue and clamps.

Cheers


Attachments
231804-shells.jpg (289 downloads)


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#232595 - 06/09/2004 17:48 Re: More Docks? [Re: mlord]
SonicSnoop
addict

Registered: 29/06/2002
Posts: 531
Loc: Triangle, VA
This is so exciting. Those docks look so good! I can only imagine how the Cherry ones would look!
_________________________
-D Modifying and Tweaking is a journey, not a destination................................ MKIIa : 60gig - 040103286 - Blue - v2 + PCATS tuner MKIIa : 20gig - 040103260 - Blue - v3a8 + Mark Lord Special Edition Cherry Dock

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#232596 - 06/09/2004 18:00 Re: More Docks? [Re: mlord]
mlord
carpal tunnel

Registered: 29/08/2000
Posts: 14491
Loc: Canada
Oh, speaking of which... I have not yet selected the recipients for the cherry docks nor for the shells -- still waiting to hear back from a couple of others on the email list before assigning these to new owners.

The deadline for that will be about 24 hours from now, after which I will begin requesting payment from the various parties, and then mailing out the shells, and later the curly cherry docks (those will take 2-3 weeks longer to finish).

One exception thus far is that the first name from the email list has already replied and wants his curly cherry dock, so that person is now known.

Cheers

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#232597 - 06/09/2004 18:45 Re: More Docks? [Re: mlord]
tfabris
carpal tunnel

Registered: 20/12/1999
Posts: 31594
Loc: Seattle, WA
That person is also wondering how much trouble it would be for the sides to be cherry as well?



I think I already asked before, though, I just don't remember the answer...
_________________________
Tony Fabris

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#232598 - 06/09/2004 20:19 Re: More Docks? [Re: tfabris]
mlord
carpal tunnel

Registered: 29/08/2000
Posts: 14491
Loc: Canada
Impossible. The cherry docks are now glued and in clamps for the night(!).
But don't worry, they look quite nice on the cherry docks I made earlier for myself, as well as on Paul's black walnut dock.

The side panels of the docks are the most difficult pieces to manufacture, and are the main reason why this batch is likely the last -- I've now run out of them!

The internal partition to which the fan and docking connector mount, is also very tricky to get right, due to the exact tolerances involved. But at least there's only one machine setup for each cut on those, compared with having to do individual Left and Right machine setups for the side pieces at every step of their manufacture. I think there are 13 separate cuts on each side piece..

Labour intensive, for sure, but a labour of love as well.. especially this final batch.

Cheers

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#232599 - 06/09/2004 20:33 Re: More Docks? [Re: mlord]
FireFox31
pooh-bah

Registered: 19/09/2002
Posts: 2494
Loc: East Coast, USA
Since I'm not on the list (and have my "production run" mlord dock sitting peacefully next to me), here's a curiosity question (which always always get me in trouble). Are the cherry docks being sold through bidding among the eligible parties? I'm so curious to see them, and see what they go for (I read "For Sale" religiously; it's some strange fascination with knowing the current market prices).
_________________________
-
FireFox31
110gig MKIIa (30+80), Eutronix lights, 32 meg stacked RAM, Filener orange gel lens, Greenlights Lit Buttons green set

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#232600 - 06/09/2004 20:38 Re: More Docks? [Re: FireFox31]
Daria
carpal tunnel

Registered: 24/01/2002
Posts: 3937
Loc: Providence, RI
Quote:
Are the cherry docks being sold through bidding among the eligible parties? I'm so curious to see them, and see what they go for (I read "For Sale" religiously; it's some strange fascination with knowing the current market prices).

I'll confess, I was also curious, but in a way I don't even want to know; I didn't get mail, and at this point I'm still broke, waiting for a check for a couple weeks now, so really I should just forget it. I sort of wanted to move the home dock to work, but the right answer is probably just to find a new job anyway.

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#232601 - 06/09/2004 22:24 Re: More Docks? [Re: mlord]
newguy1
enthusiast

Registered: 26/01/2002
Posts: 278
Loc: Massachusetts,USA
So are there any shells for sale or are they all sold?
_________________________
MIKE 80Gb RIO

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#232602 - 06/09/2004 22:30 Re: More Docks? [Re: FireFox31]
mlord
carpal tunnel

Registered: 29/08/2000
Posts: 14491
Loc: Canada
The four cherry docks are being offered to those on my 2004 backlog list, in the original order in which those persons originally inquired about more docks. While I sense one could certainly use a bidding war to sell these, that's not how it will happen.

Once the docks are close to being ready, I will set a price for them ($200+), and then offer to names on the list until all three are gone. The shells will be allocated in a similar fashion, except (1) the price is already set ($78), and (2) one of them is already being offered as barter for something.

Cheers

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#232603 - 07/09/2004 01:01 Re: More Docks? [Re: mlord]
tfabris
carpal tunnel

Registered: 20/12/1999
Posts: 31594
Loc: Seattle, WA
Ah, cool. Glad to hear things are coming along nicely. Can't wait to see it!
_________________________
Tony Fabris

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#232604 - 08/09/2004 00:32 Re: More Docks? [Re: mlord]
FireFox31
pooh-bah

Registered: 19/09/2002
Posts: 2494
Loc: East Coast, USA
Awesome, thanks for the info. Sorry I was nosey.
_________________________
-
FireFox31
110gig MKIIa (30+80), Eutronix lights, 32 meg stacked RAM, Filener orange gel lens, Greenlights Lit Buttons green set

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#232605 - 08/09/2004 00:54 Curly Cherry scrap.. [Re: mlord]
mlord
carpal tunnel

Registered: 29/08/2000
Posts: 14491
Loc: Canada
The attached photo is of a scrap piece of the curly cherry being used for the special edition docks. This particular off-cut is being used to fine-tune the surface profile chosen for the tops/bottoms of the new docks -- the normal design calls for half-inch thick tops/bottoms, but I have left the cherry a lot closer to a full inch, and thus it requires some relief around the perimeter to keep it from looking overly chunky.

Cheers


Attachments
231950-cherry.jpg (325 downloads)


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