Nothing to do with Robots

Lets call this a tonsorial diversion. About a year or so ago I started shaving with a straight razor. It appeals to the tool user in me. I think straights can be elegant looking tools, and the thought of shaving with something 100 years old is really cool. Anyway I managed to put a nick in one and needed to find a person to hone it out and bring the razor back into fighting trim. One thing lead to another and I found The Perfect Edge in Shrewsbury, MA. only an hour drive from me. Its run by Howard Schechter a honemeister extraordinaire, and all around fascinating and funny man. I spent the morning with him learning how to hone a razor, how he got into importing Belgian Coticules as well as some of the science behind what happens when you rub a piece of metal on a rock. Anyone at all interested  in straight razors, honing, or even making one of your own (he can show you how) should check out his site, and if your in the area, pay him a visit. It's always a pleasure to spend time with craftsman, and Howard ranks right up there.

The razor I nicked that Howard fixed for me and a Zulu honing stone I bought from him while I was visiting. 

The Donation Robot

I finally finished the Donation Robot and dropped it off at the Moseisan Center for the Arts. Its there right now as part of the annual fund drive. I am happy with the way it turned out. Lori and I actually miss it, its customary home is in the kitchen. For now though its in Watertown, so if your looking to see it head on over and check it out.

Here it is "In Action!"

How Much is that Robot in the Window?

What it worth? That's a tough question, one I wrestle with - a lot. Since I have decided to try and sell these its been hard to try and figure out pricing. Its hours of work and the parts do not always come cheap. But here is an example where things worked out better for me regarding costs. Take one of my latest pieces, Angus. His head is made of a surplus submarine periscope film magazine.

Now I got this part from Surplus Shed in Pennsylvania, a great place to look for oddities, specifically optical stuff, but they have a ton of other things, like this. Anyway, the last time I ordered a few of these the package had the original U.S. Navy inventory tag. Check out what Uncle Sam paid for this. 

Yup, you read that right, $16,818.00! Now I would say that makes Angus here just a little more valuable, wouldn't you? Nothing but the best for the Robotorium.