20K Stretch goal unlocked! Copper BilletSPIN Pro!
"The ultimate bonding experience for people of all ages."
As I began this project, I told one of my closest friends that I wanted to start making tops. He simply rolled his eyes in disbelief. I gave him one of my prototypes anyway and an hour later he told me he couldn't put it down! This became a common response as I gave the prototypes out. I soon realized that spinning tops were a bonding experience for people of all ages. So why do you need to own a BilletSPIN? Take a look at what others have to say:
After hearing these amazing experiences, I knew I had to get these into the hands of as many people as possible. The product had to be very affordable, durable, unique and functional. After countless prototypes, the BilletSPIN was born! The perfect gift for the young as well as the "young at heart"!
Designed and Manufactured Right Here in Wisconsin
After studying the science behind a great top, I not only knew how to machine one, but how toimprove it.
The BilletSPIN is 1.25" in diameter and has several key features. Notice the double angled stem. This design element allows younger children to spin the top with the stem pinched between their two hands. The stem also gives a perfect feel for a one-handed spin.
To increase effective spin times, I use a hardened bearing ball. This allows for smooth, near friction-less spinning. In fact, the BilletSPIN can easily reach spin times of over 3 minutes!
The BilletSPIN is made from billet aluminum and CNC machined at our shop here in Wisconsin. Everything is done locally from machining to anodizing to etching. This allows me to maintain excellent quality and delivery. The BilletSPIN is available in three finishes: bare aluminum, Rainbow PVD and Type II Anodize.
KICKSTARTER EXCLUSIVE! This will not be available at retail. Very hard and very durableplus dye can be added to create a variety of colors. Each anodized BilletSPIN is then laser etched with our logo which looks amazing whether it is sitting still or spinning! Available in Sapphire Blue, Crimson Red, Burnt Orange, Carbon Black, Lime Green, Metallic Gold and Royal Purple!
To my knowledge this coating has not been done on any other top to this point. It is one of the most brilliant coatings on the market. So what is it? Well Physical Vapor Deposition, or PVD, is a term used to describe a family of coating processes. What does this mean to you? Well this Rainbow PVD coating will be completely unique on every Billet Spin, meaning no two will look the same. Also, this coating is ridiculously hard, so your BilletSPIN will look amazing for a long time to come. You truly have the opportunity to own something that is completely unique! Each BilletSPIN is polished before the coating is applied. That mirror-like finish comes through after coating, giving it a brilliant shine!
After I finally approved the prototypes, I knew I had to make a base to showcase their beauty! Introducing the BilletSPIN Home! Every Home is made from billet aluminum and Type II anodized black. Then we bring it back and machine the decorative pattern and the taper the BilletSPIN resides in:
So a few days after I signed off on the BilletSPIN, I thought "What about making a top that would be perfect for my desk at work. Something that says "Professional". I wanted something that is different than anything else out there. Something that when people see it they say "What is THAT??". I made several prototypes until finally I got the reaction I was looking for. I put it on my desk and every person who came into my office picked it up and said "Wow". Let me introduce you to a true work of art, the BilletSPIN Pro:
The BilletSPIN Pro comes in three different materials: Stainless Steel, Brass and Titanium and Copper!
It is a whopping 1.5" in diameter and has a solid carbide bearing ball for its riding surface! So what is carbide you ask? Be sure to watch our video -- notice the tools that cut the metal. Those tools are made from carbide. Yeah, it's hard, it's precise and what could be better to ride on than an actual bearing ball??
One of the most notable features of the BilletSPIN Pro is the ball socket which was inspired by jewelers' prongs. The setting disappears while spinning, making it seem like the ball is spinning in mid air! This is a completely unique feature. There is no other top like it!
But we didn't stop there. Notice how the finish changes from the ball to the large diameter. That is a special technique we call a "phono finish". It is a design element that breaks up the surface and provides a captivating visual experience while spinning.
So what does all this mean to you? It means spin times of up to 13 minutes! Yes, 13 minutes and I have a video to prove it:
So where do you put a work of art like the BilletSPIN Pro? Well, that was a challenging task. It was as hard as designing the Pro itself! After much thought I decided to go with a variation of the Turner's Cube and call it: The BilletSPIN Pro Cube! At a bit under 2" this cube is a real attention-grabber. Made from solid aluminum, this will be a focal point of any desk!
Each BilletSPIN and BilletSPIN Pro will come in its own microfiber pouch with our logo on it. These pouches are handy and look great!
I figure you might want to see the machine that will make your work of art. Here is one of the few we will be using. It is a 5-axis Mazak Integrex. This is a state-of-the-art piece of equipment for a truly state of the art collectible.
Ready to jump on our bandwagon? Thank you for your generous support! Whether you're brand new to Kickstarter, or you were part of my Billet Dice project, I want to make your pledging process simple. So, here's the deal:
Each backer can choose 1 (and only 1) reward level. Each level contains one or more products. Pick your reward level based on which products you want to receive after our funding period is complete. You can change your reward at any time, up until May 20th when this project ends.
Early Backer Rewards
I want to reward my early backers some how. Since I kept the prices as low as possible for everyone, giving an early bird price discount isn’t an option. Sorry. Instead, I am offering five early delivery rewards! I have enough material from the prototypes to fulfill these rewards immediately! The survey for these rewards will be sent out right after the project ends and the products will be shipped ASAP. This means all early delivery rewards will ship before May 26th! If you would like to include add-ons, those will ship later and will be free shipping!
If you want additional products besides what is included in your reward, look at the Add-On Menu (below) and adjust your pledge accordingly. All of the add-on prices are well below retail value - a special deal just for our Kickstarter backers! By the way, if you've already made your initial pledge you can always add items to it by coming back to this Kickstarter page and clicking the button that says "Manage My Pledge." Shipping is included on all Add-ons!
Don't worry about anything else until this project ends. After the project ends (May 20) we will send you a survey asking you for shipping information. We will also ask you which items (if any) you are ordering from the Add-on Menu. Until then, you do not need to specify any details to us. You can kick back and enjoy life, knowing that you've got some amazing collector items coming your way.
Want even more cool items to choose from? Help continue to push BilletSPIN past the funding goal to unlock these stretch goals! This is very easy, just push the share buttons at the bottom of this page. As the funding pushes past these goals the new items become unlocked and available!
Si3N4 Ceramic Bearing Ball- This is an option for all BilletSPIN Pro's only. The color is much darker so you might prefer the look better over the Tungsten Carbide. There is no cost to select this option and it will not affect spin times. It is harder, lighter and slightly more brittle than Carbide. You will be asked which you prefer on the survey after the project ends.
BilletSPIN Pro Cu- Made from solid Tellurium Copper.
These dates are estimates, but fulfillment will be the number 1 priority after the project ends. I will update constantly with pictures so everyone knows what is going on.
I need the funds to get these available online after the project is over. I also need to buy these high-end materials and believe me they cost a lot; packaging, minimum lot size for anodizing, bearing balls, 5 axis machine time, etc all add up. These all cost a lot of money, and buying in bulk reduces costs significantly. Help me make this dream a reality. Help me introduce this to the world. It will not happen without you! Be part of the team and I will keep you updated every step of the way and do everything I can to get you the rewards you pledged for as quick as possible. Thank you.
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