About
The Story
Dear fellow Kickstarter Patrons, at various points in my life, I’ve built RC cars, messed with Arduino projects, built custom computers, assembled models, added LEDs to my snowboard and so on. A common thread in these projects was the need to hold pieces in place while I soldered, glued or painted my parts.
The usual solution is some type of third hand tool…and there are some good ones out there but none of them have the functionality that I was looking for and they often had compromises with the parts they use. My wife can tell you that I don’t like to compromise thus…
- RaptorLoc Pro is my best-of-breed tool that has all of the functionality of any third hand tool and adds so much more.
- RaptorLoc Pro is a platform that you can change and whose use is only limited by your imagination.
- RaptorLoc Pro is machined in the US which means I can directly incorporate feedback from my customers into new offerings with a short lead time. Got a custom need, we’ll talk…
Enough exposition already, let’s get down to the features…
The Features
Workholding
Flexible alligator arms using premium Loc-Line hose hold small pieces/wires securely between silicon-booted jaws. The arms have 8 different possible locations for installation.
Rigid zip-tie mounts based on standard hardware are used in conjunction with t-slots to lift your large pieces off the surface for detail work
T-Slots
Built-in t-slots allow the use of 1/4-20 bolts enabling owner-created jigs and lots of available accessories
Modular
Each base is a stand-alone module that can also interlock with other bases.
Quick connect tabs can be used or external t-tracks for extreme flexibility. Five connected bases will form a giant robot *
* this claim has not been proven outside of our lab…
Variety
A family of bases with different functionalities have been created. Some configurations have more t-slots, others are configured for PanaVise™ tools, some include additional recesses for small parts and standard modeling paints.
Lastly, I have bases with minimal features that can be used for user-created applications. I also have a number of different t-track accessories that will be available on my online store. I left them out of the Kickstarter campaign to reduce complexity. If the campaign funds, they will be available in May online.
Customizable
Each Pro-style base is machined from marine-grade 3/4” HDPE, similar to the material used in professional cutting boards. This means you can customize it with standard tools.
The Rewards
Add-Ons
For the add-ons, just add the value of the add-on to your pledge. I will reach out to each person to clarify add-on details as necessary.
Action Shots
Why Kickstarter?
I have two major reasons to launch my latest product line via Kickstarter. One, the RaptorLoc Pro editions are built using a more expensive base material (King Starboard) that I think is great but I need to know if others besides myself are interested in a premium product. My previous products were machined from industrial cutting boards and they work very well but there are some subtle and aesthetic issues that this new material solves. This new material opens up some future functionality as well. However, I need to know if this level of quality is worth pursuing in the market.
Two, I used to sell via Amazon but much as I love Amazon’s convenience, it doesn’t allow for complex multi-part product lines and customer interaction is forbidden. I want to build and customize tools for you! I can’t do that in the Amazon domain. So, I’m migrating to a Shopify platform so I can have a better interaction with my customers. If this Kickstarter campaign funds, it will transition naturally to Shopify so that any reward you get, you can count on further support through my website.
110% Satisfaction Guarantee!
A major motivation for me to do this Kickstarter campaign is to gain satisfied customers. I want to build this ecosystem and I want to have repeat customers. So, if there are any issues, just contact me and I will take care of it. I’ll refund money, ship parts, etc. I will not however wash your car. My 100% Satisfaction Guarantee only applies to my products and campaign.
Heck, if you need advice on other benchtop tools, drop me a line, I’m not above recommending other tools including competitors. This is where the other 10% Satisfaction comes from. I’m trying to be modest about the value of my advice.
Design Details aka The Deep Dive
One of the driving paradigms for the RaptorLoc series is to use as much standard hardware as possible. By using standard 1/4-20 threaded hardware most of the accessories can be disassembled and rebuilt to match specific needs. I’m noticing that more and more of the tools in my life cannot be repaired and it disconcerts me. If something small breaks, then I’m out of luck and I have to throw it all away. The relative simplicity of my tools mean that you aren’t dependent on me. Some of the parts are a bit hard to source but there are reasonable alternatives that you can pick up at the local hardware store.
The other major detail was the decision to machine HDPE plastic as opposed to aluminum or steel. This one was tough and I still question myself periodically. It would be a lot easier to source simplistic metal bases but it would not allow me to add or delete additional features without large cost implications. Also, it is more difficult for my customers to make changes to a thick metal base. It’s certainly possible but you usually have to use more expensive tooling and cutting fluids. With HDPE, anyone who owns a standard drill and bit can make changes. I want to offer a whole family of bases and add-ons and HDPE aids me in that.
The last and most expensive decision was using Loc-Line hose as the base material for the alligator arms. I love the Loc-Line ecosystem and it’s huge variety/quality (http://www.loc-line.com/products/14-loc-line-system/). That said, their products are pricey. A typical 6” Loc-Line hose is about 6 times more expensive than a generic knock-off. However, the knockoff doesn’t work as well or connect to the Loc-Line products and thus doesn’t give me their options. This is my no-compromise product and that informed my decisions.
In Appreciation
I’ve been slowly developing, thinking and improving this product for years, showing prototypes at Maker Faires and at no point did any of the people involved stop supporting me. John K. has done all of the heavy lifting for my patent, Chris R. takes gorgeous photos and videos, Josh W. provides detailed feedback and all of them have manned the booth for days. In spite of me constantly hitting them up for their copious skills, they still remain friends! Lastly, my wife Dana supported me while I left my job to bring this baby to life. She has been incredibly supportive when everyone else thinks I’m an idiot (she doesn’t have great judgement apparently).
Risks and challenges
Even though this is my first project on Kickstarter, I have been selling the Standard version edition of my tools on Amazon for almost a year. With my current setup, I have production locked down and am comfortable with the shipping side of things. There is zero chance that I will not ship your rewards in a reasonable time period. If I can’t, I will refund all the money, see the 100% Satisfaction Guarantee.
If there is enough demand to warrant it, I may upgrade my equipment. This could theoretically impact my shipping dates by a couple weeks as I dial in the new equipment. The upside would be even higher tolerances. I’ve tried to incorporate that possibility into my shipping dates but it is a slight delay risk.
Lastly, I will be very communicative in terms of updates. I’ve sponsored a fair amount of projects myself and I can’t stand information blackholes.
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Funding period
- (20 days)