The American Ace Kit on Kickstarter

[Woodshop Flunky]

Hello all,

Well I've officially lost my mind, and decided to produce a kit for the American Ace.  

http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/1604943853/american-ace-arcade




I played around with the idea last year when I finished my cab, but it was just way to expensive and time consuming to make happen...  I really needed a small production run.  Making one arcade at a time would be more work than making 30 in a batch.  However, there was no way I could absorb the cost of that many machines all at once... so the idea kind of died.

Then several months ago I discovered Kickstarter (as many other have as well).  And the idea of producing a small batch of these arcades seemed more feasible.  Over the past couple of months I've been researching how to accomplish this in my area, and I'm about ready to launch my Kickstarter project next week.

Things wont' be 100% nailed down until I launch, but I want to give the community here a heads up on a deal that will be available to early backers.  I plan to offer a few kits well below the normal price (about $150 dollars below).  Also, I'm going to update this thread to make sure everyone here knows exactly when the project goes live.

I know most of us here are the DIY types, but even if you're not interested in the project, I'd love for everyone to take a look at the Kickstarter project when it goes live, and give me any feedback you think would be helpful.

Thanks everyone!


Oh, and I just wanted to post this pic of my son losing at Burgertime!  He's really enjoyed this over the past year...

[Nephasth]

What's in the kit? Is it just a cabinet kit? Or is it a full kit including art and hardware?

[Woodshop Flunky]

What's in the kit? Is it just a cabinet kit? Or is it a full kit including art and hardware?

The way Kickstarter works there are different reward levels.  My project will offer several levels as well since I assume MOST folks on Kickstarter might never has seen anything like a homemade arcade machine.

So there will be the following...

1. Cabinet Kit -  This will include all the parts CNC cut and predrilled (no power tools needed).  The control panel will be provided blank so you can configure the layout however you like.  Also, the front of the cabinet will have concealled hinges so you can open the front to get to the gaming system easily.  And, there will also be all the misc hardware (screws, VESA mount for LCD monitor, etc...)



2. Accessories Kit - This will include all the misc stuff like marquee glass, monitor glass, aluminum retainers (the same ones I made for the Ace), marquee light with power supply, and t-molding.

3. Control Panel Kit - Joystick, buttons, predrilled panel (same button and joystick layout as my son's arcade), control board, wiring harness, and USB cable.

4. Personalized Artwork - Same artwork as I put on the original Ace, but I'll personalize each of the sides with your choice of Rank, Pilot Name, and Callsign.  I had wanted to do this for my son's arcade... and I can't remember why I decided not to. 




There will be other award levels below the kit levels.

The biggest difference between the kit and the original Ace will be the lack of a coin door, and no volcano buttons or spinner.  I plan to add two black admin buttons in place of the volcano buttons and spinner.  The volcano buttons are just too expensive for most folks, and even I question the value of the spinner.  We've played a couple of games with the spinner, but 99% of the fun has been had with the joystick and four buttons.

[Woodshop Flunky]

Oh... one other thing that is kind of important...

The kit will be about 2inches wider than the original Ace so that a 19" 4:3 LCD monitor can be mounted either vertical or horizontal (VESA mount will be provided).

 

[Woodshop Flunky]

$?

Yeah... I guess I shouldn't forget to mention prices.

Price isn't completely nailed down right now since I'm still getting my final quotes on shipping materials (mainly the custom made boxes) and stuff like that.  Also, since Kickstarter works the way it does, shipping can't "easily" be added after the project closes, so all the prices should include shipping.

So...

The cabinet is going to be about $450.  For the first few cabs though, I'm going to knock about $150 off... so $300 for the earliest folks.  I've about decided to use a cabinet grade plywood rather than black melamine like some other kits use.  The stuff I'm looking at has 0.050" black laminate on both sides, looks better (IMHO), and is much more durable.  Also, the plywood will hold the cam fasteners better.

The accessories kit and control panel kit will each be ~$140-$150... again depending on final box costs.

The artwork is costing about $225, and shipping will probably add another $20 to that.

[GregD]

I don't think that is unreasonable at all.  About $850 for everything.

[stu33]

That's a great idea, man.  Please post your experiences with Kickstarter, too, either way.  I've been seriously considering using Kickstarter for a photobook project I want to do.

[Le Chuck]

Dude, if you win the BYOAC UCA small cab award for 2011 you'll be able to use the trophy logo as a "seal of approval" on your kickstarter page.  Even if you don't you can still say you were nominated.  Great free advertising.  I think this is a great project and I'll be watching closely, way too go man.   

[Woodshop Flunky]

That's a great idea, man.  Please post your experiences with Kickstarter, too, either way.  I've been seriously considering using Kickstarter for a photobook project I want to do.

Absolutely!

Dude, if you win the BYOAC UCA small cab award for 2011 you'll be able to use the trophy logo as a "seal of approval" on your kickstarter page.  Even if you don't you can still say you were nominated.  Great free advertising.  I think this is a great project and I'll be watching closely, way too go man.   

I like the way you think, Le Chuck!  That's one of the things I love about this forum... no shortage of good ideas. 

[emphatic]

Best of luck with this! 

[kahlid74]

Great idea man!  Kickstarter is fantastic for this type of stuff.

[GregD]

What's the deal with Kickstarter?  A bunch of people pledge money towards a project with no return just to support a creative idea?  Interesting.  I can't believe that it actually works. 

[Woodshop Flunky]

Thanks all!

What's the deal with Kickstarter?  A bunch of people pledge money towards a project with no return just to support a creative idea?  Interesting.  I can't believe that it actually works. 

I thought it had to be a scam when I first stumbled onto Kickstarter... it just didn't make sense.

At the most basic level, yes, people are just pledging money to support some creative idea.  However, when it comes to most of the projects on the site, the backers really do expect to get something for their money.

For a small project like this one, I think crowd funding can work great.  If it's a success, then some happy folks end up with a cool kit they might not have otherwise.  And if it fails, then at least I didn't blow the kids college fund.   

[dextercf]

How much for the autocad version, so I can make my own up here in Norway.
The shipping alone would kill me

[Woodshop Flunky]

How much for the autocad version, so I can make my own up here in Norway.
The shipping alone would kill me

I just used Sketchup to design the original American Ace.  This was fine for my purposes... but it really did leave a lot to be desired for someone else to use.

However, in order to have the parts CNC cut, I'll be doing a full up CAD design; with every dimension and part (including hardware) accounted for.  I plan to provide these files and construction notes free of charge to anyone interested.   

So, stay tuned and I'll keep this thread updated throughout the duration of the Kickstarter project.

[Le Chuck]

I just used Sketchup to design the original American Ace...I plan to provide these files and construction notes free of charge to anyone interested.   

You say it like it's run of mill to design in Sketchup... and well maybe it is.  All I can tell you is that my first cab was designed on a pizza box lid and Darkade was designed on a napkin so you're already light years ahead of what I consider to be run of the mill design techniques.  I think it's totally awesome that you'll be putting your plans into another format and then publishing freeling with your notes.  Respect 

[dextercf]

How much for the autocad version, so I can make my own up here in Norway.
The shipping alone would kill me

I just used Sketchup to design the original American Ace.  This was fine for my purposes... but it really did leave a lot to be desired for someone else to use.
However, in order to have the parts CNC cut, I'll be doing a full up CAD design; with every dimension and part (including hardware) accounted for.  I plan to provide these files and construction notes free of charge to anyone interested.   
So, stay tuned and I'll keep this thread updated throughout the duration of the Kickstarter project.

That's awesome!
I would follow up on this thread, for sure!

[Nephasth]

I just used Sketchup to design the original American Ace...I plan to provide these files and construction notes free of charge to anyone interested.   

You say it like it's run of mill to design in Sketchup... and well maybe it is.  All I can tell you is that my first cab was designed on a pizza box lid and Darkade was designed on a napkin so you're already light years ahead of what I consider to be run of the mill design techniques.  I think it's totally awesome that you'll be putting your plans into another format and then publishing freeling with your notes.  Respect 

Sketchup may not be run of mill, but it's free, easy, and effective. I'll be checking my mailbox for a napkin with some mini Star Wars plans...

[Le Chuck]

Sketchup may not be run of mill, but it's free, easy, and effective. I'll be checking my mailbox for a napkin with some mini Star Wars plans...

Back of wife's grocery list.  Not kidding.  She came looking for it too... which was awkward because I had to explain the cut list had taken over the shopping list. 

[XtraSmiley]

Sounds great, especially by adding the room for a vert monitor.

I'd say, leave the coin door as an option.

Also, since it's getting wider, no chance for a two player set up (especially since you are dumping the spinner).

Great job and I may be one of your first backers!

[Woodshop Flunky]

Sounds great, especially by adding the room for a vert monitor.

I'd say, leave the coin door as an option.

Also, since it's getting wider, no chance for a two player set up (especially since you are dumping the spinner).

Great job and I may be one of your first backers!

I would love to include a coin door option.  Adding the door cutout to some, but not all the kits will add a little to the CNC cost.  I'm going to listen closely to all the comments during the Kickstarter campaign, and if there is sufficient interest, then I think it would be a great option. 

I'm sure a nice 2 player layout could be done on this size arcade (and the kit will include a blank CP for anyone that wants to do that sort of thing).  For the control panel kit, though, I need to stick with the single player layout for now.  Multiple CP layouts can become complex fast... graphics change, number of buttons, wiring harness, and then the hole patterns.  Again, though, if there is enough interest, then more options become viable.

[dextercf]

I'm sure a nice 2 player layout could be done on this size arcade (and the kit will include a blank CP for anyone that wants to do that sort of thing).

Blank CP would be ideal for most of us here. But others who want to skip the whole woodworks ordeal would benefit from a premade CP.
I would get a blank CP, thats for sure.

[Woodshop Flunky]

Well, Kickstarter has approved my project, so it will be going live today.

I plan to hit the launch button today at 01:00, and I'll update this post with a link when I've confirmed that project is alive and well on their site.

As I said in my first post, there will be 5 cabinet kits available for $300.  Once those have been taken, the award level for the cabinet will be fixed at $450.

Also, if you check it out and like it, then hit the little Facebook like button under the video to help spread the word.

Thanks everyone!

[CWorley]

What, exactly, will one be getting for $300?  I've read this entire thread and I'm still at a loss.

1. Cabinet Kit -  This will include all the parts CNC cut and predrilled (no power tools needed).  The control panel will be provided blank so you can configure the layout however you like.  Also, the front of the cabinet will have concealled hinges so you can open the front to get to the gaming system easily.  And, there will also be all the misc hardware (screws, VESA mount for LCD monitor, etc...)

[lordnacho]

Curious how you will handle the pledges. 
Was just browsing kickstarter for 'arcade' and one guy wants to open one(doesn't say where), a $250 pledge gets you a token.  Think there needs to be a better reward out of something like that or I'm just giving money to a stranger.

I know this might not be possible, but could you offer a slim build version.  Granted I didn't look very hard, but I don't think I've seen kits for those.  Would be good for the apartment dwellers and people with no room to build and most likely no room for a full cabinet.

[Woodshop Flunky]

What, exactly, will one be getting for $300?  I've read this entire thread and I'm still at a loss.

A picture's worth a whole bunch of words... right?   Here's a pic to clear things up a little.

What CWorley said, plus the t-molding slot will be cut.

[yotsuya]

You know that it's a mini-cab, right? Not a full-size one.

[Unstupid]

It looks black... Is that laminated plywood?

What does the included VESA mounts attach to?

[Nephasth]

It looks black... Is that laminated plywood?

I've about decided to use a cabinet grade plywood rather than black melamine like some other kits use.  The stuff I'm looking at has 0.050" black laminate on both sides, looks better (IMHO), and is much more durable.

[lordnacho]

You know that it's a mini-cab, right? Not a full-size one.

Ah yes, looked at the project thread.  Forgot it was mini.

[Donkbaca]

Seems pricey for some cut wood and a 10 dollar Vesa mount

[Nephasth]

Seems pricey for some cut wood and a 10 dollar Vesa mount

Depends... Seems like a good deal for those who don't own the proper tools.

[Rando]

Seems fairly reasonable to me.  For comparison purposes:
http://www.mameroom.com/Products_UAII_Kit.asp

That's expensive, but as I've said before, if I had to cut the wood myself, I wouldn't have a working cab.  Being able to buy the parts/components and piece together, I do.

[Donkbaca]

True, I guess i just think all kits are a ripoff. 

Plus, you are still going to need tools to properly mount the hardware, In my opinion, you can't really mount joysticks or trackballs right without a router and you are going to need a drill for buttons.

If the cab was full sized, it would make more sense.  Still can't get over the fact that its probably 80 bucks of wood, tops, that has just been cut.

Anyhow, good luck, its a nice looking design

[Woodshop Flunky]

Well everyone it's now live! 

The project is at: http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/1604943853/american-ace-arcade

Thanks for taking a look! 

[Nephasth]

True, I guess i just think all kits are a ripoff. 

Still can't get over the fact that its probably 80 bucks of wood, tops, that has just been cut.

Well most members here are DIY types... But if anybody wants things done for them (people that tend to buy kits), they should expect to pay the premium for somebody else to do it for them. It would save them a lot of time in getting a kit; no designing the cabinet, no woodworking, just screwing it together. I probably wouldn't buy any type of cabinet kit because I like to work with my hands. It always surprises me to see a kit build in the projects forum, but apparently people do buy kits. Not to mention, this one is a little more attractive than other kits currently offered...

ETA: Wow, there's a lot of options there. I like the fact that you're offering plans, manual, and templates for DIY types!

[Vigo]

This would be the first time the thought of buying a kit really crossed my mind. 

[Le Chuck]

Good options and nice page.  It'll be close but I think you'll get there.  Just be sure and drum it up on other forums and social media.  You have to be your own best press to make your nut. 

[lordnacho]

Good luck, hope it works out.

Try sending it to GeekDad
http://www.wired.com/geekdad/

[TopJimmyCooks]

Also check in/press release with the other tech aggregators.  They all post about kickstarters and arcade/retro stuff from time to time. 

Make Magazine blog
Gizmodo
Lifehacker
engadget

[Generic Eric]

Get this on reddit

[yotsuya]

To his credit, Jim's right about mentioning what's not included. For example, you might want to explicitly state that a monitor isn't included at any level. Little things like that will prevent headaches later.

[Woodshop Flunky]

Seems pricey for some cut wood and a 10 dollar Vesa mount

Seemed pricey to me also... until I started adding it all up. 

Truth is, the material and hardware cost alone is about $150, before anything is cut.  Next, despite how charming I try to be, the CNC shop insists on getting paid to cut all the parts.  This sort of thing can't be cut with a single setup, so I'll have to decide if I want to pay for multiple operation setups, or if I want to handle the t-molding slots, and horizontal boring on my own.  Either way I go, I just added more to the total.  Since I'm not just doing this for a buddy that can juggle all the pieces in the back of his Toyota, I need to have custom boxes made that can handle the weight of all these parts as they move around the country.  Once all this comes together my wife and I will devote time to gathering, transporting, packing, weighing out hardware, and handling the administrative paperwork.  She's sweet, but she still likes getting paid for her time too.

Also, every time the wind blows, the price of fuel goes up   The $50 I'm asking for shipping doesn't cover the entire cost for a package this size and weight.

And it still isn't over... Kickstarter and Amazon take up to 10% right off the top.  Finally, I'm pretty sure my Uncle Sam is going to want some of this as well.

Dang!  Did I just talk myself out of this? 

[Le Chuck]

It is rather daunting.  Have you thought about just selling the art, hardware package, and blue prints on Amazon?  Hell, you could even add the T-molding and the slot cutter with arbor to a hardware package so that it's one stop shopping.  I would think you would make more that way than going through the trouble to sell the wood.  If somebody wants to have it made they can buy your plans for 24.99 and take them to a local cabinet maker, or just DIY it off your plans.  Either way you get paid for your design.  If you do that you could have one standard CP available on amazon that is complete with art -n- parts ready to plug and play as an add on.  You'd have to front some stock but you could make 5 in advance on a saturday morning and set your amazon storefront to display the number available, ditto the hardware kits, start with five and restock as necessary to keep upfront costs down.  Art kits could be printed third party as required and direct shipped.  Seems like less work with a similar profit margin compared to the kit using my armchair quarterback napkin math.       

[yotsuya]

I didn't realize Kickstarter took a cut. Makes sense, though.

[Donkbaca]

Gotta make money some how. 

How on earth are you spending 150 bucks on wood and screws?

[Unstupid]

3/4" 2 sided laminated plywood is about $80/sheet here in Hawaii... Probably a few bucks cheaper in Texas.  How many sheets does one of these cabs take?  Looks like about 1 1/2 if you can get both sides on 1 sheet.  Add $ for screws, hinges, leg levelers, and transportation I can see $150...

[yotsuya]

I think you guys are overthinking this. You're not really the target audience.

[dextercf]

I think you guys are overthinking this. You're not really the target audience.

+1
There are very few here being the target audience.

[macattack]

i guess what i am not getting from the kickstart page is what is the funding for? The project needs 18k before it gets started? Yet nothing explains what the 18k goal is in aid of?

To aquire the materials and place an order and get the parts cut for 100 kits etc?
To fund the equipment you need to be able to build and sell the kits yourself?

kinda tough to get a sense of why you need 18k up front to get this going.

great idea btw, would be great to see it fly


over the years i have had several back room business like this. You are correct you always under estimate the actual effort thats involved and all the things you need. One business i had was making vaccum formed RC car bodies, sure vac forming the shell was a 5 minute thing, but in addition to that you had cutting the window masks,buying plastic bags, printing card headers, boxes, tape, printing people's address, trips to the post office, dealing with orders that never got there... all adds up. Fine if its your only thing to do, difficult when you have a day job also.

[kahlid74]

i guess what i am not getting from the kickstart page is what is the funding for? The project needs 18k before it gets started? Yet nothing explains what the 18k goal is in aid of?

To aquire the materials and place an order and get the parts cut for 100 kits etc?
To fund the equipment you need to be able to build and sell the kits yourself?

kinda tough to get a sense of why you need 18k up front to get this going.

I had the same above question but I backed ya anyways.  I like your design but in the end of the day I just like funding stuff.  Kickstarter has brought out a weird side of me I never knew I had.

To be honest, if you were going to actually make a run at this I would push towards building/buying your own CNC machine.  They can be made for 500-3000 depending on detailed you want the design and how new you want the parts.

[stu33]

Not sure if it will help (it probably won't), but I pimped out your project on my little blog thing.

http://cheeseisalifestyle.blogspot.com

[ChrisK]

True, I guess i just think all kits are a ripoff. 

That's because you can do it yourself.  For someone just starting out, $300 for a HUGE shortcut towards a working cabinet is a good deal.

There are a lot of people out there with the know-how to do the software side of it, but who aren't skilled at carpentry or don't posses the tools to do the work themselves.  Consider the cost buying materials AND tools, then add the chance that as a new cabinet builder might screw something up and need more materials, and then add in the time it would take to learn what makes a good design (angle of the monitor, balancing the weight of the cab, how to fasten the pieces, ventilation, etc).  $300 to take all that out of the equation is a good deal for many.  The only real tricky part remaining is building a control panel and setting up the machine.

[opt2not]

I for one have called it quits when it comes to building cabs from scratch. No time, lack of skills for a perfectionist like me, and not enough space to build one from the ground up.

I'll either renovate/restore an existing cabinet (without ruining a classic of course), or buy a kit like this one.  American Ace is a beautifully designed cabinet, a much nicer one than A LOT of cabinets I see here. Flunky's cab is very nicely built, and $300 for a professionally built well designed cabinet is a decent price in my books.

If shipping wasn't a punch-in-the-face, I'd get one. Would look really nice beside my desk at work

[selfie]

$300 seems a very good price to me. I'm in Australia so costing for these sorts of things vary greatly but the price of "Kits" scare me.

What got me into building an arcade machine was seeing a knockdown 2player lowboy kit like this for $795.

I have a CNC router so it would only cost me material. I figured I could sell one of these kits and make a tidy profit at $300.

I cut $90 worth of material to make 2 driving cabs like this



I charged my client for the material plus a carton of beer, he is a good client...

I jumped online and found the kit he copied. 695 euro for raw router cut MDF.

So yeah $300 is a good price for a kit

[Woodshop Flunky]

Thanks everyone for all the comments (positive or otherwise).   

Regardless of how this project turns out... it certainly has been interesting working with Kickstarter.

One of the things they provide is a "Dashboard": basically just a report of your project's activity.  One of the categories on the dashboard that's kind of neat is the "Referrers" section.  It lets you see how the backers have come about the project... and from such different areas of the country.

Also, if anyone has any direct questions about the rewards (and has a Kickstarter profile), then send me a message through the Kickstarter project rather than a PM on this forum.  The more activity I have on my project the more visibility it ends up getting.

Thanks again everyone! 

[dislecksea]

Wired has an article on the project.

http://www.wired.com/geekdad/2012/04/an-arcade-cabinet-in-every-home/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+wired%2Findex+%28Wired%3A+Index+3+%28Top+Stories+2%29%29&utm_content=Google+Feedfetcher

[GregD]

Wired has an article on the project.

http://www.wired.com/geekdad/2012/04/an-arcade-cabinet-in-every-home/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+wired%2Findex+%28Wired%3A+Index+3+%28Top+Stories+2%29%29&utm_content=Google+Feedfetcher

Sweet.  Go Archie.

[wp34]

Wired has an article on the project.

http://www.wired.com/geekdad/2012/04/an-arcade-cabinet-in-every-home/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+wired%2Findex+%28Wired%3A+Index+3+%28Top+Stories+2%29%29&utm_content=Google+Feedfetcher

 

[Woodshop Flunky]

Thanks everyone!  I was pleasantly surprised this morning. 

Retro Thing did a post also.  If you guys aren't familiar with James' website, take a look!  It retro and really cool... like most of us right? 
http://www.retrothing.com/2012/04/kickstarter-a-brilliant-34-scale-arcade-machine.html

[TopJimmyCooks]

Congratulations on the nice exposure.    Couldn't of happened to a better design for this type of projects.  The Ace ticks off a lot of boxes for civilians and newcomers/returnees to the hobby. 

[Woodshop Flunky]

Well, this Kickstarter project is about wrapped up, and it didn't reach the funding goal.

Since I know there are others interested in Kickstarter... I'll run down a few things I learned from this experience.  (These may seem obvious )

1. Kickstarter states that most of the pledges received are in the $25 range.  I think this is a valuable point.  Backers are really rolling the dice when they pledge, so the higher the price... you get it.
2. Publicity is rough!  Getting noticed is much more challenging than I would have imagined.  I told a friend that it was like trying to strike a match in a hurricane.  If you have any social network... use it.  The attention span on the internet is BRIEF.
3. Have others you trust examine your site before you launch.  I got a lot of questions that seemed to be covered in my project body.  It was interesting the lack of knowledge surrounding a project like this one.  Anyhow, have some (brutal) friends review your project before you launch to help make sure things are a clear as possible.
4. Make sure you have others that can help our with something like this.  I only had a little over 20 backers, but there was more email traffic with related questions than I expected.  I can't imagine how some projects with hundreds or thousands of backer handle that sort of thing.  Anyhow, if you're successful... be ready for it.

Okay... a little peak under the hood for those that haven't seen this sort of thing before...

Kickstarter provides a "Dashboard" view of your project.  It provides analysis data.  In my case it wasn't that useful, but with a project that has a large number of backers, I can imagine it would help communicating with backers in mass, and staying aware of what's working with regards to driving backers to your project.

Anyhow, this was a very interesting process, and I still think Kickstarter is a great idea for the right kind of project.

The whole thing was educational, and I also made several contacts that I wouldn't have otherwise, so I'm happy I tried.   

[Well Fed Games]

Hmm, very interesting. Thanks for the "postmortem" thoughts!

The whole thing was educational, and I also made several contacts that I wouldn't have otherwise, so I'm happy I tried.   

Awesome! 

[Mental]

Thanks for posting the summary. I was very curious about how this would go for you. It was a great idea, and maybe can live on in a new direction.

[Vigo]

Sorry your kickstarter didn't quite fly. I am glad you take it in stride because your cabinet is amazing and I can tell you put in a ton of work trying to bring it to the world. Also, thanks for the insight into your experience, I am glad you still received some benefit from your effort. 

[Le Chuck]

Sorry your kickstarter didn't quite fly. I am glad you take it in stride because your cabinet is amazing and I can tell you put in a ton of work trying to bring it to the world. Also, thanks for the insight into your experience, I am glad you still received some benefit from your effort. 

 

Any thought to just opening up an Amazon storefront for plans and parts?

[stu33]

Any thought to just opening up an Amazon storefront for plans and parts?

Seconded, this would be a great idea, I think.  Also, thanks for the kickstarter review, much appreciated.