prototyping (was OT: BLAM...)

From: Jack Peacock <peacock_at_simconv.com>
Date: Wed Aug 26 17:00:55 1998

>Curious. Same goes for people who aren't in a large company and
invent various other things. How did he 'invent' a gun without
owning the necessary tools (at least I doubt a magazine writer would
own this stuff) to process metal? Also, how did Woz make a case for
the Apple ][, etc? Are there companies that take single orders
like this?

There are companies which will build one off prototypes for you. They
are usually listed under something like custom electronics or
fabrication services in the phone book. Building a prototype is not
cheap, the cases, parts, whatever are usually hand machined. Even
plastic cases, since an injection mold would run you over $10K in
startup costs.

Disclaimer: I'm part owner in a company that does this. We have a
substantial investment in machine tools (mills, lathes, welding, plasma
table), a glass shop (neon and cold cathode tubes), plastic machinery
(ovens and router tables), and a paint booth. It's an interesting
business, everything from small computers the size of a deck of cards to
2 ton exhibits for computer companies.

As for Elmer Keith, he didn't start from scratch. He adapted existing
cartridge cases by milling out dies. It's not as complicated as it
sounds, some wildcat (i.e. not production) cartridges can be produced
with nothing more than hand tools.
       Jack Peacock
Received on Wed Aug 26 1998 - 17:00:55 BST