(This is an excerpt from Grant Bailey who co-hosted the Camp with Hector Noriega).
The morning started at 7:30 for Hector Noriega,Armando Rico,Gary Campbell, and myself.Befitting the first ever cabinetry and mill work Camp, we used a sheet of 1/4″melamine as a projector screen.
As attendees arrived, sample parts from Shopbotters joined those of the vendors.Santiago LaVerde ,Ken Rychlik, Ken Shirey, John Maroney, and myself all brought a few things to share.Hector had a prototype of a desk console near the presentation area for folks to take a look at.
Hector led off, demonstrating how he uses Microvellum software in conjunction with the Shopbot
to handle large commercial jobs. He showed how he would generate lists of required materials, nested and toolpathed parts utilizing his dual spindles and pneumatic drills and then have a cut sheet and part labels for his operator to take to the machine.
Next up was Russell Schulze, an officer of Wachovia Bank.He talked to the group about credit and borrowing, explained a bit of the current economic mess, and offered a bit of advice for those that might seek business loans in the near future.
Gary Campbell was next. Gary had come to visit from Florida to talk about eCabinets and the new Shopbot link. eCabinets, for those not in the know is a free software provided by Thermwood Corporation, manufacturers of Thermwood CNC routers.
Bob Ashfield of the Service Corps Of Retired Executives (SCORE) talked about business plans and the resources that are available to Shopbotters and all small business owners through SCORE, and the Small Business Administration (SBA).
John Maroney spoke on the important role the SBS and a customized business plan played in the foundation of his business. He also discussed some of the specialized techniques and equipment he uses to operate his Shopbot with visual impairment.
Following John I talked about some of the past and ongoing mill work projects I have been involved with that used the Shopbot.This became a round table about the mechanics of floating panel door construction, which was quite interesting.
Next we heard from Santiago Laverde who presented a unique and elaborate millwork project that was as much special effects as anything else. A client with a passion for Stargate movies had commissioned him to create an 11’Stargate for the front entrance to his house.
Wayne Locke showed some slides of a recent project in Houston. Wayne,for those who have not seen what he does, is at the pinnacle of craftsmanship for churches and businesses.Wayne had some slides of a truly stunning conference room that was redone following Hurricane Ike.
Kenneth Rychlik of K & D cabinets is a one man shop for now, a recent purchaser of a used PRT. He is busy and eagerly awaiting his help to get out of college for the Summer and come back to the job.
Thanks to all those who helped to make the first Houston Camp a success !
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