[Dan Hess]

So, as we all know, Sonny was kind enough to obtain and donate the metal cutting lathe to us a little while back.  We've not had much opportunity to get it up and going just yet, but we will be shortly.  One of the things that a few of us on the board has been discussing as of late is getting the lathe up and working in short order so that members can start using it.  This is in part for two reasons, one there's no point in having it if it isn't usable, and two we all know the laser cutter is coming and we don't want that item to overshadow another really useful tool that we can have at our disposal.  So with that in mind, it hopefully explains some of the delay in the laser cutter and direction of some efforts.

Dru has been working feverishly to get some of the donated computers going, as you've all seen.  We'll definitely need that in order to use the lathe.  Ben has already obtained a controller board to drive the lathe.  The last thing that leaves is some cutting tools to work with.  Some of those blades can be cheap, while some of the other little gizmos, gadgets, and trinkets for it are super expensive.  In efforts to get around some of that, Sonny had an idea a little while back that I personally think was an excellent one.  That was to buy the tools steel (it is super cheap in comparison), use a grinder and cut his own bits, and then use a kiln to harden them.  The price difference on the saving can be quite well worth it, and so got me to thinking that maybe we aught to attempt something similar.  Then I thought about it some more, there are plenty of artsy types that might like a kiln to do some other things.  So here's a tool that could help us save money, be useful in way of another piece of equipment, and be useful in its own right to members that have definitely shown a recent increase in interest in the group.  With that in mind I went looking for a good deal.

Well I have acquired a kiln that we can use.  It's firing area is 12" from flat side to flat side, and 9" deep.  It can do up to just short of 2200F I believe, and supposedly has a little bit of usable furniture to boot.  Pictures of the kiln attached.  The cost was $125, and what I would like to do is this.  If anyone feels the need, or wishes to toss in anything towards the cost I will take that and put it directly towards the laser cutter fund.

So here's the big catch.  The kiln is in San Antonio, TX and it has to be picked up.  I will be leaving around midnight on Sept 28th, getting there around noon on the 29th, and heading back.  I need a companion to go on this adventure through time and space with me.  I asked Karen Gillian to join me, but alas to no avail.  So I'm looking for volunteers.  Car trip anyone?

Thanks,

Daniel H.

Google Voice:  (901) 214-5326

- Copying one is plagiarism, copying many is research.

[Joe Ferguson]

I can ride with. Road trip ftw.

--
- Joe Ferguson
http://www.midsouthmakers.org

[Dan Hess]

Aight.  That works for me.  I'ma need you to talk with a Welsh accent and wear a red wig though.

Thanks,

Daniel H.

Google Voice:  (901) 214-5326

- Copying one is plagiarism, copying many is research.

[Mark Turnage]

On Thu, Sep 20, 2012 at 4:07 PM, Dan Hess <dan...@gmail.com> wrote:
> Aight. That works for me. I'ma need you to talk with a Welsh accent and
> wear a red wig though.

...I was almost considering going until this. NFW am I wearing a Roman
Centurion costume.


--
Mark Turnage

[MemphisArtGuy]

Do we have a gas line for it?

[Cliff Gurlen]

Dan will be wearing a celery stalk in his lapel.

[Dan Hess]

Dru:  It's electric, runs on 110.  There was an option to get one that was 220, but it was an additional 6 hours further away.

Cliff:  Do you have fish sticks, and maybe some custard?

Thanks,

Daniel H.

Google Voice:  (901) 214-5326

- Copying one is plagiarism, copying many is research.

[Mary Hess]

I will actually be off if I can be considered a companion.  If joe gets to be the cute red, I guess I get to be the annoying one.  Dr Donna.

Sent from my iPhone

[MemphisArtGuy]

Cool! I'm in for $20, I can bring cash tonight if your going to be at the meeting.

 

So many thing you can do with a bit of heat.

 

-Dru

[Dan Hess]

Thanks Dur, and which ever you prefer.  I've got a set of cash to get to Ben already, I'll just hand that over to him with the rest.

Thanks,

Daniel H.

Google Voice:  (901) 214-5326

- Copying one is plagiarism, copying many is research.

[Dan Hess]

Well, let me fubar all the things I type.  How about "Thanks Dru"

Thanks,

Daniel H.

Google Voice:  (901) 214-5326

- Copying one is plagiarism, copying many is research.

[rachel donndelinger]

I can not begin to express the utter joy and happiness I feel that we're actually getting a kiln!!
On that note, I would like to say,  having worked extensively with kilns, they get HOT as well as everything around it or in the same room. Where are we going to set it up at!

Rachel

[Mary Hess]

Next to the door

Sent from my iPhone

[Ric Ghettie]

You send doors from your iPhone!? I, with my puny Galaxy Nexus, give up. ^_~