We did it, thanks Backers!
over 7 years ago – Fri, May 12, 2017 at 05:34:17 PM

First of all, a huge thank you to every one who got on board with this project! I'm excited to be working in these new materials and making the Kappa an even more essential part of your daily routine. 

Right now we are in a 14 day "quiet period" where Kickstarter tries to settle all of the pledge accounts. During this time we are working to get Backerkit set up properly and will start sending out surveys ASAP after the quiet period.   

However, that doesn't mean that things are quiet at the shop! We actually have all the materials on hand, kicked off production last week, and are well under way. 

Material is arriving in 12ft lengths! Each bar gets cut into 48" lengths on my DeWalt Multi-Cutter chop saw. 

Then the material is stored and waiting to be fed to the automatic bar feeder. 

The bar feeder is basically another CNC machine that attaches to the lathe and automatically advances the material after each part, and also loads a new bar when the previous one is finished. You load up the material in the magazine and go! 

 You can see the bar feeder on the left side of the lathe. It basically doubles the length of the machine, but it's great for productivity. 

Right now we have already completed machining on the copper and brass female parts. Aluminum parts are running as I type this update! I'm running all the female components first. All the parts need "second operations" to clean up the end where the part is removed from the bar and drill the hole for the split ring. 

However, all the female parts also need to have springs installed and logo lasered on, so we will be running laser and spring installation while we are machining the male parts. 

Stay tuned for another update about the second operations and measurement/inspection! 

Cheers and thanks again for your support!
Jason

Check out the Exotac nanoSPARK & Kappa QR Use Case #4
almost 8 years ago – Fri, May 05, 2017 at 11:44:25 PM

Hey folks,

My previous backers know that I almost never cross promote projects, but I couldn't resist when our friends at Exotac reached out about their current Kickstarter campaign (link to their campaign here). 

The nanoSPARK is a perfect application for your Kappa QR Keychain. You can carry it securely and effortlessly remove it from your kit when you need to use it! A special tinder is carried inside the body and lights quickly and easily with a flick of the striker. 

I also couldn't resist the brand parallel to Prometheus, named after the Greek Titan that stole fire from Mount Olympus and gave it to humankind. Thumbs up to seeing in the dark and cooking dinner over a campfire started with your nanoSPARK!

(below) Lanyards are fine but Kappa QRs are quicker...and neater...and better-er. The nanoSPARK also has some pretty trick machining, which as a machinist, is appeal all on it's own. 

Kappa QR Use Case #3
almost 8 years ago – Thu, May 04, 2017 at 09:26:28 PM

Easy Button: I have to unlock the gate at work every day. The Kappa QR makes it easy. I can leave my keys in the car and just take what I need instead of dealing with my entire keychain. This also works great if you get in the car and forget something in the house. Just grab the house keys and leave the AC/Heat on! You know that happens to you all the time. 

Kappa QR Use Case #2
almost 8 years ago – Mon, May 01, 2017 at 10:28:13 PM

Hey folks, another use case: According to "Car Talk," damaging your car's ignition with a heavy keychain is a legitimate problem. I also hate to have a big bunch of keys banging me in the knee when I'm driving. Kappa QR to the rescue! 

Kappa QR Use Case #1
almost 8 years ago – Mon, Apr 24, 2017 at 06:55:38 PM

Not just for the boys! 

Hi all, I've been meaning to post some use cases to better illustrate the function and versatility of the Kappa QR. I'm a little behind but I'll try to catch up :) Statistically, gear-heads tend to be men, but the Kappa is great for men and women...having a hard time coming up with a good gift? Let me make this easier for you.  

This first installment is for the ladies! Here is a great before/after example of how you can streamline and class up your purse EDC. This is an actual example from a real customer, not just a marketing stunt ;) 

BEFORE: Practical isn't always pretty, but now you don't have to choose. These plastic hooks take care of the function reasonably well...form, not so much. 

 AFTER: More compact, more class, more awesome! She already had one Kappa, but decided on a complete keychain makeover. When not in use, the whole batch can still be easily flipped to the inside of the purse. 

UP CLOSE: She chose a different material (brass) for one set of keys to help differentiate (at a glance) from the other sets of keys. The brass finish blends with the original hardware, and the clear Polycarbonate is light weight without being visually dominant.