Kaytrim's Kustoms Back in Action

[Kaytrim]

Hidy Ho all and welcome to the announcement of the first model for Kaytrim's Kustoms.  This is still in the prototype stage but I am at a point where you can see the beginnings of how this little beauty is going to look in the end.

I wanted something slightly different from the run of the mill square box sticks.  So I decided to get a little out of line with some angles.  The pieces you see here are all joined with dowels and no glue (yet).  I still have to figure how I am going to do the corners as they are mitered cuts instead of butt edges like the top is.  Even there I have to deal with the angle.  The front face will be under the CP top and will not be at an angle but square to the top.  I went this way because the CP front edge is going to be cut in an arc.

The prototype is no longer in existence.  It has been dismantled for parts.

[Kaytrim]

Now I already have some artwork setup for these little prototypes.  I am going to make two.  The artwork has been done by an felow member here on the boards.  DarthGatsu

Street Fighter is one of my favorite game series so it makes sence that I use one of my favorite characters from that series, Blanka.  My other favorite character is E. Honda who is on the other overlay.

I will be using Happ controls for one of these prototypes and Swana for the other.  I'll keep you posted on the progress as I go so be on the look out for new and interesting designs in the future.

TTFN

[Donkey_Kong]

Liking those angles man! I want one. Maybe if  we could get Melissa to get your little plaques done we could talk about a trade, of course she probably thinks we don't need anymore sticks around the house...psst women.


Again nice job so far, can't wait to see these completed... 

[Kaytrim]

I want one. Maybe if  we could get Melissa to get your little plaques done we could talk about a trade.

Well tell her to start cracking the whip there dude. I sent her an email yesterday or the day before but haven't heard back.  I know that the project is difficult for her to do because of the size but I am also not asking for 100% perfection either.

TTFN

[Kaytrim]

Ok another minor update.  I drilled out the buttons holes and found that they were too close and I couldn't get the button nuts on all of them.  Good thing I haven't glued the panels together yet.  I've said it before I'll say it again, "I Like Bondo".   See the first pic I have filled in the holes using bondo.  This stuff hardens quickly and sands smooth and clean.

In the second pic you can see that I have the front piece cut and installed as well.  I also cut and placed the Blanka overlay to see how it all looks.  I think that I will paint this one green with green controls.

TTFN

[Gatsu]

looking good man.

I'm working on getting the template right for the buttons. So hopefully you won't have to fill any more holes. lol...

[psychotech]

 


Yes, looking really good! Like the angles especially 

I'll be lurking stage left...

psychotech

[Kaytrim]

  Some hardwood samples for future projects

[Kaytrim]

and one more

[Kaytrim]

Yes, looking really good! Like the angles especially 

I'll be lurking stage left...

psychotech

You know psychotech I'd like if you would do more than just lurk but is nice to know that you are around just the same.




Edit***  More pics can be seen here

[theCoder]

Are you planning on keeping the edges sharp?  I really like large (1/2" or more) rounded over edges.  They just beg to be touched. 

So you're going pro huh? 

[Kaytrim]

Are you planning on keeping the edges sharp?  I really like large (1/2" or more) rounded over edges.  They just beg to be touched. 

So you're going pro huh? 

That is the plan.    Nothing is glued up yet just using dowels to join the panels.  Once the final setup is done I will glue it up and add a 1/2" round over.  I can't afford the 3/4" round over just yet.  I need to get a drill press first.  My first few orders will go towards the purchase of the drill press then any other tools I need.

Below is a sample with the controls installed.  These are just ones I had laying around.  I'll have to top mount the Happ joystick due to the short profile of the box.  I might use the blue and white buttons with the E. Honda overlay.  What do you think?

TTFN

[Gatsu]

Awesome.

So the new template worked out then. I am glad for sure.

Can't wait to see it finished.

[Kaytrim]

Update time.

The top is cut for a top mount Happ Competition joystick and buttons.  The box is now glued together and the edge treatment has been done.  Now to fill the minor cracks and sand in prep for paint.

TTFN


edit: my design has moved away from this prototype.  All four sides are now angled but closer to 90 degrees.  See later pictures.

[Kaytrim]

I had almost forgotten the admin buttons.  I had planned on mounting them on the front face but after setting up the top controls I didn't know if there would be enough space for the ones on the front face.  Luckly for me they did fit and with just enough room to spare.  Even with the counter sinking of the front face buttons.

TTFN

edit: The CP area has been enlarged to give more space.

[Donkey_Kong]

Oops...Pm sent instead...

[theCoder]

Love the round-over.  Very nice.

[SNAAKE]

why is the front sticking out 

other than that everything else looks good.

[Kaytrim]

why is the front sticking out 

That is going to get rounded, (I forgot to cut it prior to the glueup).  The front face is square to the CP as well instead of the angle like the other sides.  The next model will have a much nicer treatment of that part.  In the end I will probably keep this one for myself, the mistakes learned here will make for a much improved next model which I plan to sell.

TTFN

[Chris G]

Good luck on the new endeavor, KT.   

[Kaytrim]

First coat of paint has been added to the prototype.  Sorry no pics yet.  Need to wait a day for the paint to cure so I can sand out the imperfections.  Then it is off to the final coats and clear coats.  I am shooting for a mirror finish.  Got some special material to try from Rockler Micro Mesh.  We will see how that works for getting that mirror finish.

I also have a special touch that will go on each of my custom sticks.  Follow this link for more information. 

TTFN
Kaytrtim

[javeryh]

Kaytrim - these sticks look very nice so far.  I really like the angles although I imagine it doesn't make building them any easier.  I'm also very curious to see the finish - those Micro Mesh sandpaper(?) sheets would have done me some good on my crazy pink finish.  I vowed never to go through that again (who am I kidding? it's only a matter of time) so I'd like to hear your impressions on the difficulty of getting that mirrored look and a step-by-step walkthrough, if possible.

 

[Kaytrim]

I'll do what I can javeryh.  These sheets are only 3x6 inches and meant for polishing.  I only go the 1500 and 2400 grits to start with.  I may order the finer stuff still, it depends on the results of these two grits.  I think you should still use 220 or even 600 grit sandpaper for the rough stuff then polish with the micro mesh.  Got to stop off on my way home and get some finer grit paper I only have 120 in my shop.  I got my dowels, rubber feet and tack cloth from Rockler as well.  Stuff came in the mail yesterday.

TTFN

[javeryh]

I'll do what I can javeryh.  These sheets are only 3x6 inches and meant for polishing.  I only go the 1500 and 2400 grits to start with.  I may order the finer stuff still, it depends on the results of these two grits.  I think you should still use 220 or even 600 grit sandpaper for the rough stuff then polish with the micro mesh.  Got to stop off on my way home and get some finer grit paper I only have 120 in my shop.  I got my dowels, rubber feet and tack cloth from Rockler as well.  Stuff came in the mail yesterday.

TTFN

Nice.  When I was finishing Bella's Arcade I used 1500 grit sandpaper to sand the lacquer down to a shine but it took FOREVER.  To get it really smooth I just used cutting compound and a cotton cloth and then topped it off with polishing compound.  It came out really nice (but by no means perfect).  If there's a better/easier way I'd love to know!

Did you make a bunch of jigs so you can mass produce the parts or is this going to be a stick-by-stick building process?  I love these things...   

[Kaytrim]

I'm making jigs as I go for what I can joystick holes and buttons.  Then taking careful notes on the rest.  Those compound angles are not the easiest thing to figure out.  I still don't have it perfect but close.  That is why I am doing MDF first.  Once I get those angles perfect I can move on to the hardwood.

TTFN

[Knievel]

Another K. Kustoms eh? My lawyers will be in touch...

[Kaytrim]

At least your kustoms are larger than what mine are.

[Timoe]

Good Stuff.

[theCoder]

Nice.  When I was finishing Bella's Arcade I used 1500 grit sandpaper to sand the lacquer down to a shine but it took FOREVER.  To get it really smooth I just used cutting compound and a cotton cloth and then topped it off with polishing compound.  It came out really nice (but by no means perfect)...

On the Xcelerator project, I used 1000 grit sandpaper followed by 2 different grades of polishing compounds with a car buffer.  It saved a bunch of rubbing, but also took FOREVER.  It too came out really nice (but by no means perfect).  I'm convinced paint is not the way to go for a quick good finish.  Either go with a hardwood or laminate.

[Gatsu]

what if you wanted a more plastic/glossy look? Just curious.

[javeryh]

I'm convinced paint is not the way to go for a quick good finish.  Either go with a hardwood or laminate.

I agree 100%.  I don't think I'll ever "just" paint another cab that I build.  The finish isn't nearly as nice/even as what you can get by using laminate, staining hardwood or going crazy with the automotive finish like Coder and I suffered through.

[theCoder]

...going crazy with the automotive finish like Coder and I suffered through.

I would have used a word stronger than "suffered".  But at least we have the nice finish and war stories.

[Kaytrim]

I tried the micro mesh on some wood last night after sanding with a 400 grit paper.  Even dry the micro mesh at 1500 gave it a real smooth feel.   I followed up with the 2400 and it was like glass.  I'll be doing this prior to paint on my next stick.  I will also do a wet polish with these on the final gloss coat and we will see how it goes.  This almost makes me want to get some of the finer stuff, it goes up to 12,000.  This micro mesh isn't even paper, it is more like a cloth.

TTFN

edit**  I just found sets of Micro Mesh Pads if you look in the 'more info' tab on the page it says that they are washable and reusable.   The sets come in 2x2 and 3x4 inch pads and includes all 9 grits from 1500 to 12,000.  I'm ordering myself a set in the 3x4 inch size.

[javeryh]

I tried the micro mesh on some wood last night after sanding with a 400 grit paper.  Even dry the micro mesh at 1500 gave it a real smooth feel.   I followed up with the 2400 and it was like glass.  I'll be doing this prior to paint on my next stick.  I will also do a wet polish with these on the final gloss coat and we will see how it goes.  This almost makes me want to get some of the finer stuff, it goes up to 12,000.  This micro mesh isn't even paper, it is more like a cloth.

Just curious - why would you paint over the glossy surface?  Or do you also plan on sanding the paint once it is applied? 

Post pics if you've got them even though it is next to impossible to take a good one of the finished surface...   

[Kaytrim]

The smother the starting surface the better the results.  MDF starts out ok but if you can get it smother prior to priming my guess is that it would be a better base for the final coat.  I'll have to do some testing though.  Hopefully tonight I can take a scrap piece of MDF and give it the treatment with what I have on hand then prime, paint and polish.  I'll also take a small piece of some of the hardwood I have and do the same.  I know that I'll end up with some scrap pieces of cherry and maybe even some of the padauk.  Only I wont paint the hardwood probably use a danish oil stain.

TTFN

[Kaytrim]

Just got word from the man himself.  My first set of plaques are ready for shipment.  The reason some of them are all black is that I want to match the main color of the stick it is going on.    Major props to Donkey_Kong and Pinewood_Princess.  If anyone wants to order any of my sticks send me an email kaytrimskustoms(at)gmail(dot)com

edit:  These logo plaques are optional for my custom builds.

[Kaytrim]

Results of sanding and polishing raw cherry wood.  The first pic below is sanded to 220 grit using a random orbit sander.  The second pic is polished using the micro mesh I have mentioned above.  I did the whole board with the 220 random orbit then used a 400 grit on half followed up with the 1500 and 2400 micro mesh and plain water.  Then I used a tack cloth to get all the dust off the wood.  You can defiantly see a difference in the shine.  I can't wait to see what it looks like when I get the higher grits of the micro mesh.

TTFN

[Kaytrim]

BTW I just got my first confirmed order last night.  A friend of my daughter's wants me to build him one so he can play MAME.  Once the word gets out at school I'm hoping for more orders to come rolling in.

TTFN

[Kaytrim]

My wife has the camera otherwise I would take a few pics of the current progress.  After sanding down the primer coats I am putting the final coats of paint on the MDF box today.  With the rain today I don't think that it will dry too quickly.  Next is the lacquer coat, this is where the polishing will begin.  There are enough mistakes on this particular box that I may not sell it.  I wanted one for myself anyway.

On another front I began working on an all Cherry box.  I have the sides and top cut pre-sanded down to 400 and assembled.  After I do the edge treatments I do a final sanding with 600 then stain and lacquer this box.  I am not cutting anything into the top yet as I don't know what is going into it.  I cut the top for the parts that the buyer wishes to have put in.

Hopefully I'll have some pics tonight after the wife gets back with my camera.

TTFN

[patrickl]

I polished my pool cue (got some special 3 grits sanding kit). The cue was just plain wood wen I started but it was almost like it was lacquered after I polished it.