Some progress! The body of this top is a design I have been stewing in for years. It’s time 😊
super early in the process
6/3/19
Starting to work on the body for this top now. I have always wanted to do the prong/claw on the stem side so you know what, I’m going to 🙂 pics to come once I get something worth taking a pic of. Designing everything on the machine as I go. Wish me luck
I like where this is heading!
Getting Closer, what do you think?!
I got the next design element planned but needed to order tooling. Should be here tomrrow
6/4/19
Let’s talk new top, short vid, better hurry
More tweaking needed but I like the way it’s going
Getting closer…again
way to go FB lol. I will upload it to IG also so you can see it in better quality
some pics
6/5/19
99% sure the top part of the top is done. Lots of minor tweaks. Added symmetry to both body patterns, shortened stem, added small radius in the prong corners, changed inside chamfer length so milling pattern is elongated, improved prong finish, made stem diameter before the ball smaller to accentuate curves and added length to body so I can get freaky on the second end 😊
6/10/19
New machine day! It’s first job will be running the bottom end of the new top. Our smallest CNC ever!
Gavin is all settled in. Mazak should be up tomorrow to install him and he should be making parts yet this week! I did have to order some holders as it did not come with the normal amount we get with a new machine. I will get a video of him working later this week!
This thing is awesome lol. Sooooo tiny
Our biggest machine is 52,000lbs this one is… 4,500lbs lol
6/12/19
Lots of tweaks needed on the bottom but the Vanguard spins like a dream 😊
6/13/19
About to get started, lots of tweaks happening. Goal is to get a Vanguard done early afternoon and get some pics of it today! Price for standard materials will be $125. I got a lot of exotic materials I plan on using for this one! Hoping to get sales rolling in a week or two. Shooting for 15 combos total.
BilletSPIN Vanguard!
-2pc top with carbide bearing balls on each end -$125 plus shipping for standard materials on up for exotics -around 15 material combo’s will be available -will be available starting in a week or two -.98″ in diameter -All SS weighs 29g and spins around 7 minutes for me
6/14/19
Need input
Making tops with pointy things…
6/17/19
Go go Vanguard! Just waiting for Gavin to finish the bottoms
Gavin is the name of the tiny lathe we just bought
I would never poke fun. The machine is a beast and thats why I named it Gavin. Nothing says MAN like this machine
I think I will do 24 hour sales for the standard versions of the Vanguards. I “might” even split some exotic releases, one at noon and one at midnight. We deeply value our international customers and think this might be a good way to take care of them. We can schedule them but the only problem is that if there is a issue, we will be sound asleep. I would love to hear your thoughts on this.
I will post pics of any combo’s I know about. You will all know what I know. Thats the best I can offer
Due to my old source for Rubies not selling them anymore, I had to use another source. Due to the price of them, the Vanguard with a ruby in the stem will cost $5 more than the ceramic. Beside the cost of the ruby itself, we have to hold a much tighter tolerance in the bore so the ruby does not crack.
Besides Ruby, we will be offering black ceramic as well as white ceramic bearing balls in the stem. As of right now, I doubt I will offer carbide in the back of the stem as I don’t like how it raises the COG. Ceramic/ruby is very light. If you plan on spinning the vanguard upside down, do NOT buy the ruby.
6/18/19
Just made this CuW/Ti Vanguard and checking it for spin time and to see how bad the flutter is.
Here it is at the end of the spin. It will have a ball in the end of the stem, this was just for testing. It will be the longest spinner but like with all things I make tungsten related, will have a good amount of flutter. Is this a combo you would still like available? Price will be $150 plus shipping
scale at work says 39g
got limited amount of material and if I get a crazy amount of wobblers, I will not be making many.
Video of the CuW/Ti that will be coming in a week or two
Good things are a happening here in BilletSPIN land! Just want yooze all to know I luvs ya and hope you have an amazing rest of your week. Next week the fun begins 🙂 If anyone ever has any questions or comments just let me know!
Be sure to hit the lovely Sue Stadler up for any customer service related issues or questions.
6/19/19
BilletSPIN Vanguard combo #1 All SS. 24 hour unlimited sale starting noon central June 26th www.billetspin.com-.98″ diameter -29g-6-9 minute spin times-$130 w/ruby $125 w/ceramic ball in end of stem-DO NOT spin this top upside down with Ruby ball-1/8″ carbide bearing
6/24/19
This wednesday June 26th noon central we will start a 24 hour sale of the all SS Vanguard. We will make whatever we sell. $125/$130 w ruby
On Friday, June 28th noon central the Copper Tungsten/Ti Vanguards will go live. I have a LOT of these. This was the last of the 1″ stock I had. I do still have some larger stock but this will be the last of this size or smaller top BilletSPIN will make from WCu or W. If that’s your jam, don’t miss out on this combo of the vanguard. This will be the only combo using the heavy stuff. Also be aware you can expect flutter on this combo. I will be doing a full video review of this top and showing it spinning about mid week. $150 w/ ruby
Next week Wednesday will be Twist Dammy/titanium. $175
That’s all I know for now. Let me know if you got any questions
CuW/Ti Vanguard going up for sale tomorrow noon central! We will space them out a bit more in the future. Pics and video will be coming late tonight. These are already made up but we have a lot of them. Let me know if you have any questions
Copper Tungsten/titanium stem Vanguard coming June 28th noon central www.billetspin.com. I ran all the material I had so there is a lot available but when they are gone, they are gone. -39g-9-13 minute spin times-expect flutter!!!-$150 plus shipping
6/28/19
Ya know I really thought I made enough for a few weeks, yooze all are awesome 🙂 still some left but just amazing support. Thank you all
7/2/19
BilletSPIN Vanguard Twist Dammy/Titanium stem going live on July 5th noon central www.billetspin.com
I have a lot of material so this sale could last as long as 24 hours but we make no promises. Shipping lead time will be one week from date of sale.
.98″ diameter 25g 6-10 minute spin times Ruby ($180) Gray ceramic ($175) White ceramic ($175) Let me know if you have any questions!
Vanguard #4 Bronze/Titanium going live July 12th noon central and will run until July 15th noon central on www.billetspin.com I will make as many as are ordered!
-$140 for White and gray ceramic -$145 for Ruby -25g -6-10 minute spin times -.98″ in diameter
7/10/19
Had to do one outside for the ruby! Going live Friday noon central www.billetspin.com
7/12/19
Been a long week, I had posted the wrong price earlier this week. I apologize for any issues this caused.
7/16/19
Coming this week!
BilletSPIN Vanguard 3 color Mokume with titanium stem! Going live July 19th noon central. We have a decent amount of these and they will stay up until they are sold out!
-$175 with ceramic, $180 with ruby plus shipping -28g -1/8″ tungsten carbide contact point -.98″ in diameter -Spin times 6-10 minutes
A little teaser pic of what is coming this wednesday! Damascus stems are rare for us so I hope you enjoy these! I ran all the material I had. More pics and a video will be coming tomorrow! Price will be $200 ceramic and $205 ruby.
7/23/19
Here is the other side, Zirc over twist dammy! Coming tomorrow, July 24th noon central www.billetspin.com $200 ceramic, $205 Ruby
I will get some better pics tonight!
Getting the studio stuff warmed up and had to share tomorrow’s top!
Some pics! Good video coming later tonight! Dropping Tomorrow July 24th at noon central www.billetspin.com
Zirc over twist dammy $200
Here is a video of tomorrows drop! Let me know if you have any questions. Have a great night and best of luck tomorrow!
Coming tomorrow, July 26th noon central www.billetspin.com Copper/Stainless Steel Vanguard! These will stay up until they sell out and we have a good supply!
$125 ceramic $130 Ruby 32g Bit longer spin times with this combo
7/29/19
Next Vanguard coming this Wednesday noon central www.billetspin.com Twist dammy over zirc! $185 ceramic, $190 ruby. Better pics and vid coming tomorrow!
7/30/19
Twist Dammy/Zirc Vanguard coming this Wednesday, July 31st. www.billetspin.com noon central
$185 ceramic, $190 ruby 28g 6-10 minute spin times
I know this is not BilletSPIN related but I have to share a insta-grail for me personally. Tashi Bharucha is one of the most talented makers I have ever met. I am so blown away with his designs. When I first saw his table I knew I was going to buy one instantly. It was like the first time I laid eyes on Sue, I just knew 🙂 Folks, if you have not seen any of this man’s works of art, check out his page:
Not only impressed with the art, but the man himself. Tashi, thank you so much, there are few things I will say I will keep forever but this is definitely one of them!!
2/7/19
Progress
this is the most dangerous yet, this one will own lots of blood…lots and lots
Tashi Bharucha collaboration information(click to watch in FB)
Still playing but you get the idea. I did this with the Xeno but used a different method this time. This thing looks 200 years old lol
2/12/19
Yummmmmmmmmmy
55 available for the website then some for SUS’s, some to Tashi and some for CS
Trigon Official Information post:
-Collaboration Between BilletSPIN and Tashi Bharucha -1.4″ (not including spikes) -7piece -11 combos using standard materials (SS/CU/Brass/Bronze) in varying finishes -Price range from $400-$425 -There will be 5 available per combo on www.billetspin.com on 3/7 noon central. First come first serve -I will have a SUS’s in various social media for 2 tops of 4 different combo’s. These combo’s were also available on the website. -Each Trigon will come with a numbered Dog Tag style COA -Each Trigon will be shipped in our new BilletSPIN tins 🙂
I will get pictures of the combos before the end of next week.
Tashi will have a small amount of these as well in some of these combo’s to do with what he pleases. He will also have a 12th combo which will be a one off.
2/13/19
Get to know the maker/designer Tashi Bharucha! Let’s talk about the Trigon (click to watch in FB)
Just had a machine go down. It will not be fixed until end of next week. This will push out the date for when I will have pictures of each material combination as well as release date.
I am HOPING to have pictures by Feb 28th. The new release date will be March 7th noon central www.billetspin.com
I apologize for any inconvenience this causes and greatly appreciate your patience.
Rich Stadler
frustrating is not the word right now. We only had a few pieces left to make on that operation. I will have to set this up on a different machine. This will add a ton of cost on my end. I just cannot wait for Mazak this time. Its not even the cost as much as it is the set-back for all of you. I hate breaking a release date.
Joe Edge this machine is a live tooling lathe. The milling motor is in the center of the turret. Each milling holder has a tang that stay oriented as the turret is indexed. The motor has a slot that orients the tang before the turret indexes so everything stays lined up. The milling motor has shifted inside the turret and tools cannot be indexed
Totally kidding, which trigon combo is your favorite so far?
i think this is the best trimetal top I have ever made due to the brass pins. Really makes it pop
3/1/19
My original plans did not work out for this combo. Thoughts?
Better pics of this one 🙂
The SS stem and collars had had the chocolate treatment and then a short tumble with very aggressive media. The divots and grip retain the chocolate treatment. Most has been removed on the collars but some hint of it remains for a cool effect 🙂
HRH
Let’s talk about this combo
Trigon Official Information post: 😃
-Collaboration Between BilletSPIN and Tashi Bharucha -1.4″ (not including spikes) -7piece -11 combos using standard materials (SS/CU/Brass/Bronze) in varying finishes -Price range from $400-$425 -There will be 5 available per combo on www.billetspin.com on 3/7 noon central. First come first serve -I will have a SUS’s in various social media for 2 tops of 4 different combo’s. These combo’s were also available on the website. -Each Trigon will come with a numbered Dog Tag style COA -Each Trigon will be shipped in our new BilletSPIN tins 🙂
Tashi will have a small amount of these as well in some of these combo’s to do with what he pleases. He will also have a 12th combo which will be a one off.
I think the really cool thing about this top is that its styling is something I would design if I had the skills. Tashi Bharucha and I definitely have similar tastes. What a great collab. Really happy with how it all turned out 🙂 Hope all of you are too!
Finally, folks I have had mental block for weeks but it finally came to me. I won’t lie, I was getting a little nervous. This will be a different assembly than anything prior. Should be really cool
as you go smaller, details gets much more difficult due to tool size when it comes to milling. This will definitely not be anything crazy in the milling department
Tungsten mini clarification video 😛 (click to watch on FB)
This is the basic start and we will see where it goes
super basic for now to get ratios then it will be time for a makeover 😀
but its tiny
.73”
First prototype op done
molded inserts for W make it look all sexy like
As we wait for the second machine to get tooled up, just a reminder…this is a process. The process starts by making a boring looking top to get the right ratios. Once I get the right feel and spin performance I will beautify it. Hang tight, I know you all gots tons and tons and tons of ideas but please just let the process flow and enjoy it 🙂
aaaaaaaaaannnnnnnndddddd we’re off!
Turning done, now to mill
Little directional love
$125 range
I will more than likely make copper and brass variations that don’t cost as much
I will make both directions if I stick with the directional grip.
oh yeah, the bad news…I only have so much tungsten. I will make others out of copper and brass too. I also have a butt ton of tungsten copper in bigger diameter I might use for this too if there is enough interest. This top should be a fun little spinner!
I need time to prototype the next top so I am willing to make this top out of pretty much anything I have in stock.
it will end up the same size of .73″
I just meant I will turn it down. There will be some scrap but I have had this stuff for a few years
I have an idea for the grip and it is a crazy idea. I have no idea how it will even look so it probably wont work but I just got to try it. This will be “in addition to” what is already there. Could trick it out to something I would be proud to call a BilletSPIN!
dude I am in my element today
I will do my best. I am confident it will perform. Looks will be the tough part. Its just so tiny lol
I am just happy I have all day tomorrow to contemplate changes. I should be able to come up with plenty of idea by thursday morning
I just tells yall whats on my mind at the time! Enjoy the ride 😛
we are getting close. Should have a proto in less than 2 hours…
I get crazy excited about this time. Once the proto is done then my head starts to hurt about how to make it look beautiful
We are at about 16 grams currently
I get way more rpm from smaller grips but I know I am in the minority.
I can’t spin most of the tops Gavin makes well because of the huge grips but everyone else loves them. I always make my tops with bigger grips than I prefer so they fit the majority better
I am getting 12-14 [minutes] on the prototypes but do not expect those times yourself. These are just proto’s and final version will be quite a bit different
Timing spin now. This is 5 minutes in
9 minutes in
12 minutes in
1st spin, no practice, not bad
How am I doing DrPhil Gandini? 16 gram top, almost 14 minute first spin. Making changes now, next one should be close to 1:1
I think I can get there without going with Mg or plastic for the core. My issue is the W wobble. I hate it and the more I lighten the core the more pronounced it will get
I could hit 16 minutes with a few practice spins but I like trying to do it dry. I am purposely not spinning the original just so I can see what the next iteration does dry
I am just shooting for 1:1 dry
Next proto is being made. You all enjoying the process? I know I am having fun! Still making changes to enhance performance as much as possible then we beautify.
Number 2 down to 15.5 grams
Number 3 live vid timed spin (click to watch on FB)
Here are some better pics. Scale at home puts it at 16g. More info coming shortly!
OK all, here is the full spin vid of the BilletSPIN Firefly! One more video with full details coming later today.
Firefly video uploading to YT now. Hopefully you can finally see the grip design!
Some people…
Ok all here is the official Firefly video! Let me know if you got any questions!
7/6/18
Official BilletSPIN Firefly information post:
-.73″ in diameter
-16g
-1/8″ carbide bearing ball
-Spin times in excess of 10 minutes (I am getting 15-16)
-EXPECT FLUTTER!!! We will not refund due to flutter so see Full Spin Video Here (skip to 12 minutes to see flutter):
-$125 plus $5 domestic and $15 International shipping
-Directional grips!!! When looking down on the top as it is spinning, the direction it is spinning (clockwise or counter clockwise) will determine the grip you want. You will NOT be able to swap grips if you choose the wrong one!!!
-Both CW and CCW will be available on July 11th noon central www.billetspin.com and will be LIMITED! I am trying to get more material in and if successful this combo might be available again later but don’t count on it!! I make no promises
-This design will be available in a few weeks in different combo’s. The design will be altered slightly to accommodate. The directional grip will ONLY be available on the W/Al version.
-See informational video here:
Let me know if you have any questions!
One Firefly clarification. On the grip, there are 12 flutes. two point up, then 2 down, then two up, then two down. I made it sound like they changed direction each flute but its two at a time if that makes sense. Pics and vid is correct, just my wording was off. Sorry about that!
7/9/18
Firefly mini long spinner going live Wednesday noon central www.billetspin.com!! Shipping will now have a 2 week lead time due to unforeseen circumstances. Let me know if you have any questions!!
7/10/18
Firefly discussion live vid (click to watch on FB)
Fun to watch!! Thanks all for the amazing support. Means a lot. We got all hands on deck to get these made so we can get them shipped out as soon as possible! Have a wonderful rest of your day, I love yooze 🙂
7/12/18
Firefly update. Today was a good day. All aluminum stems are done. Shipping will begin on Monday 7/16 and should be done Tuesday. We are set-up and running titanium stems now and they are going well. I should have other material proto’s coming late tomorrow into middle of next week. Next release will happen on www.billetSPIN.com next friday (7/20) at noon central. Some will be unlimited and others will be limited to very limited depending on material supply. NO tungsten this release. There will be one more tungsten/aluminum release coming in a few weeks and it will be limited.
yooze want some pics of the titanium stem? Bodies won’t be started for a while
Here you go ti lovers
7/13/18
Check this out
Timing our first Copper/al proto. Weight is about the same. Outside Diameter went from .73″ to .9″ It feels GREAT to launch. Maybe I will start a live vid towards the end of the spin
ATTENTION: due to the results of in this vid, we will NOT be doing a cu/al Firefly. Instead we will be doing a WCu/al. I got 16:30 in this vid compared to 12 minuted for Cu/al so I am going with it instead. More details of all combos being released will come early next week. I will get you some pics today of this top next to the W/Al. Thanks and have a great day!
Well we ended up at 10 new combo’s for this thursdays firefly release. I will get pics and a vid up later today. Got a visitor coming and will head to the studio after that! I hope you like them, I think they turned out great!!
Ready to see the other 10…
7/17/18
2nd Official BilletSPIN Firefly release! July 19th at noon CDT www.billetspin.com -.9″ in diameter -1/8″ carbide bearing ball
This release will feature the following 10 combo’s:
Shipping will be $5 domestic and $15 International ($35 DHL) PER ORDER!! No limit on orders. Sale for each combo will be until sell out or 24 hours (whichever comes first). Shipping will have a 2 week lead time!
Let me know if you have any questions and have a great day,
Rich
7/18/18
Any questions about tomorrow’s firefly release? (click to watch in FB)
Looks like the Fireflys were a hit 🙂 I am so happy you are enjoying them. Very fun little top!
7/19/18
We got just over 3 hours until the next release of the Firefly! Strap in!! I am flaming some beautiful Black Timascus right now in celebration 😛
Any last minute questions? If not, here are my last words:
Good luck all!
Dont forget it is a 24 hour sale or until sell out. Still a ton of great combo’s left! THANK YOU all for the support. The firefly was a huge success and convinces me to make sure it is not our last mini. Have a wonderful day!!
Rich
7/20/18
Heads up! Firefly sale ends today noon central. Last chance 🙂 Thanks again for the tremendous support and I hope you all have a wonderful weekend!
7/27/18
Firefly update: Machining is going well. We should start shipping Wednesday of next week and should be finished on Thursday. The last release will be of the W/al (same as first release) on August 3rd at noon central www.billetspin.com. We will have around 60 available. These are made so they will ship on the following Monday! Let me know if you have any questions!
Rich
8/3/18
Update! All firefly orders have shipped. The next/last release will be of the W/Al Firefly and it is identical to the ones from the first release. These will be in the CW and CCW grips. They will go up on www.billetspin.com on 8/7 at noon central. Price will be $125 plus shipping. These are already made and once gone, they are gone for good. As with any design, we make a few extras for customer service reasons so you might see a few pop in a year from now.
We are currently working on the Twist Damascus Whistle bodies. These will be available later next week. I will get pics and more details on Monday.
I have started designing the next top! The tentative plan is to have it ready for the USN show in Vegas. I am not sure how I will unveil it or sell it. This will be a more complex 3-5pc top and around 1.25″ in diameter. We will be using exotics. I have no idea on anymore details as the designing has just begun.
The big/low CG top will happen but is on the back burner for now. I have no idea at this point when it will be made.
Let me know if you have any questions!
Rich
8/6/18
ll, here is the full spin vid of the BilletSPIN Firefly! One more video with full details coming later today.
Firefly video uploading to YT now. Hopefully you can finally see the grip design!
Some people…
Ok all here is the official Firefly video! Let me know if you got any questions!
7/6/18
Official BilletSPIN Firefly information post:
-.73″ in diameter
-16g
-1/8″ carbide bearing ball
-Spin times in excess of 10 minutes (I am getting 15-16)
-EXPECT FLUTTER!!! We will not refund due to flutter so see Full Spin Video Here (skip to 12 minutes to see flutter):
-$125 plus $5 domestic and $15 International shipping
-Directional grips!!! When looking down on the top as it is spinning, the direction it is spinning (clockwise or counter clockwise) will determine the grip you want. You will NOT be able to swap grips if you choose the wrong one!!!
-Both CW and CCW will be available on July 11th noon central www.billetspin.com and will be LIMITED! I am trying to get more material in and if successful this combo might be available again later but don’t count on it!! I make no promises
-This design will be available in a few weeks in different combo’s. The design will be altered slightly to accommodate. The directional grip will ONLY be available on the W/Al version.
-See informational video here:
Let me know if you have any questions!
One Firefly clarification. On the grip, there are 12 flutes. two point up, then 2 down, then two up, then two down. I made it sound like they changed direction each flute but its two at a time if that makes sense. Pics and vid is correct, just my wording was off. Sorry about that!
7/9/18
Firefly mini long spinner going live Wednesday noon central www.billetspin.com!! Shipping will now have a 2 week lead time due to unforeseen circumstances. Let me know if you have any questions!!
7/10/18
Firefly discussion live vid (click to watch on FB)
7/11/18
17 minutes!!!!
they are live
well over half sold out
Fun to watch!! Thanks all for the amazing support. Means a lot. We got all hands on deck to get these made so we can get them shipped out as soon as possible! Have a wonderful rest of your day, I love yooze 🙂
7/12/18
Firefly update. Today was a good day. All aluminum stems are done. Shipping will begin on Monday 7/16 and should be done Tuesday. We are set-up and running titanium stems now and they are going well. I should have other material proto’s coming late tomorrow into middle of next week. Next release will happen on www.billetSPIN.com next friday (7/20) at noon central. Some will be unlimited and others will be limited to very limited depending on material supply. NO tungsten this release. There will be one more tungsten/aluminum release coming in a few weeks and it will be limited.
yooze want some pics of the titanium stem? Bodies won’t be started for a while
Here you go ti lovers
7/13/18
Check this out
Timing our first Copper/al proto. Weight is about the same. Outside Diameter went from .73″ to .9″ It feels GREAT to launch. Maybe I will start a live vid towards the end of the spin
ATTENTION: due to the results of in this vid, we will NOT be doing a cu/al Firefly. Instead we will be doing a WCu/al. I got 16:30 in this vid compared to 12 minuted for Cu/al so I am going with it instead. More details of all combos being released will come early next week. I will get you some pics today of this top next to the W/Al. Thanks and have a great day!
(click to watch on FB)
7/16/18
Well we ended up at 10 new combo’s for this thursdays firefly release. I will get pics and a vid up later today. Got a visitor coming and will head to the studio after that! I hope you like them, I think they turned out great!!
Ready to see the other 10…
7/17/18
2nd Official BilletSPIN Firefly release! July 19th at noon CDT www.billetspin.com -.9″ in diameter -1/8″ carbide bearing ball
This release will feature the following 10 combo’s:
1. Tungsten Copper/Aluminum $125 24g (unlimited over 24 hour sale)
10. All Stainless Steel $110 20g (unlimited over 24 hours sale)
Shipping will be $5 domestic and $15 International ($35 DHL) PER ORDER!! No limit on orders. Sale for each combo will be until sell out or 24 hours (whichever comes first). Shipping will have a 2 week lead time!
Let me know if you have any questions and have a great day,
Rich
OK all, here is the full spin vid of the BilletSPIN Firefly! One more video with full details coming later today.
Firefly video uploading to YT now. Hopefully you can finally see the grip design!
Some people…
Ok all here is the official Firefly video! Let me know if you got any questions!
7/6/18
Official BilletSPIN Firefly information post:
-.73″ in diameter
-16g
-1/8″ carbide bearing ball
-Spin times in excess of 10 minutes (I am getting 15-16)
-EXPECT FLUTTER!!! We will not refund due to flutter so see Full Spin Video Here (skip to 12 minutes to see flutter):
-$125 plus $5 domestic and $15 International shipping
-Directional grips!!! When looking down on the top as it is spinning, the direction it is spinning (clockwise or counter clockwise) will determine the grip you want. You will NOT be able to swap grips if you choose the wrong one!!!
-Both CW and CCW will be available on July 11th noon central www.billetspin.com and will be LIMITED! I am trying to get more material in and if successful this combo might be available again later but don’t count on it!! I make no promises
-This design will be available in a few weeks in different combo’s. The design will be altered slightly to accommodate. The directional grip will ONLY be available on the W/Al version.
-See informational video here:
Let me know if you have any questions!
One Firefly clarification. On the grip, there are 12 flutes. two point up, then 2 down, then two up, then two down. I made it sound like they changed direction each flute but its two at a time if that makes sense. Pics and vid is correct, just my wording was off. Sorry about that!
7/9/18
Firefly mini long spinner going live Wednesday noon central www.billetspin.com!! Shipping will now have a 2 week lead time due to unforeseen circumstances. Let me know if you have any questions!!
7/10/18
Firefly discussion live vid (click to watch on FB)
7/11/18
17 minutes!!!!
they are live
well over half sold out
Fun to watch!! Thanks all for the amazing support. Means a lot. We got all hands on deck to get these made so we can get them shipped out as soon as possible! Have a wonderful rest of your day, I love yooze 🙂
7/12/18
Firefly update. Today was a good day. All aluminum stems are done. Shipping will begin on Monday 7/16 and should be done Tuesday. We are set-up and running titanium stems now and they are going well. I should have other material proto’s coming late tomorrow into middle of next week. Next release will happen on www.billetSPIN.com next friday (7/20) at noon central. Some will be unlimited and others will be limited to very limited depending on material supply. NO tungsten this release. There will be one more tungsten/aluminum release coming in a few weeks and it will be limited.
yooze want some pics of the titanium stem? Bodies won’t be started for a while
Here you go ti lovers
7/13/18
Check this out
Timing our first Copper/al proto. Weight is about the same. Outside Diameter went from .73″ to .9″ It feels GREAT to launch. Maybe I will start a live vid towards the end of the spin
ATTENTION: due to the results of in this vid, we will NOT be doing a cu/al Firefly. Instead we will be doing a WCu/al. I got 16:30 in this vid compared to 12 minuted for Cu/al so I am going with it instead. More details of all combos being released will come early next week. I will get you some pics today of this top next to the W/Al. Thanks and have a great day!
(click to watch on FB)
7/16/18
Well we ended up at 10 new combo’s for this thursdays firefly release. I will get pics and a vid up later today. Got a visitor coming and will head to the studio after that! I hope you like them, I think they turned out great!!
Ready to see the other 10…
7/17/18
2nd Official BilletSPIN Firefly release! July 19th at noon CDT www.billetspin.com -.9″ in diameter -1/8″ carbide bearing ball
This release will feature the following 10 combo’s:
1. Tungsten Copper/Aluminum $125 24g (unlimited over 24 hour sale)
10. All Stainless Steel $110 20g (unlimited over 24 hours sale)
Shipping will be $5 domestic and $15 International ($35 DHL) PER ORDER!! No limit on orders. Sale for each combo will be until sell out or 24 hours (whichever comes first). Shipping will have a 2 week lead time!
Let me know if you have any questions and have a great day,
Rich
7/18/18
Any questions about tomorrow’s firefly release? (click to watch in FB)
Looks like the Fireflys were a hit 🙂 I am so happy you are enjoying them. Very fun little top!
7/19/18
We got just over 3 hours until the next release of the Firefly! Strap in!! I am flaming some beautiful Black Timascus right now in celebration 😛
Any last minute questions? If not, here are my last words:
Good luck all!
Dont forget it is a 24 hour sale or until sell out. Still a ton of great combo’s left! THANK YOU all for the support. The firefly was a huge success and convinces me to make sure it is not our last mini. Have a wonderful day!!
Rich
7/20/18
Heads up! Firefly sale ends today noon central. Last chance 🙂 Thanks again for the tremendous support and I hope you all have a wonderful weekend!
7/27/18
Update! All firefly orders have shipped. The next/last release will be of the W/Al Firefly and it is identical to the ones from the first release. These will be in the CW and CCW grips. They will go up on www.billetspin.com on 8/7 at noon central. Price will be $125 plus shipping. These are already made and once gone, they are gone for good. As with any design, we make a few extras for customer service reasons so you might see a few pop in a year from now.
We are currently working on the Twist Damascus Whistle bodies. These will be available later next week. I will get pics and more details on Monday.
I have started designing the next top! The tentative plan is to have it ready for the USN show in Vegas. I am not sure how I will unveil it or sell it. This will be a more complex 3-5pc top and around 1.25″ in diameter. We will be using exotics. I have no idea on anymore details as the designing has just begun.
The big/low CG top will happen but is on the back burner for now. I have no idea at this point when it will be made.
Let me know if you have any questions!
Rich
8/6/18
Official BilletSPIN Firefly information post:
This is the last release of the Firefly!
-.73″ in diameter
-16g
-1/8″ carbide bearing ball
-Spin times in excess of 10 minutes (I am getting 15-16)
-EXPECT FLUTTER!!! We will not refund due to flutter so see Full Spin Video Here (skip to 12 minutes to see flutter):
-$125 plus $5 domestic and $15 International shipping (DHL will be an option)
-Directional grips!!! When looking down on the top as it is spinning, the direction it is spinning (clockwise or counter clockwise) will determine the grip you want. You will NOT be able to swap grips if you choose the wrong one!!!
-Both CW and CCW will be available on August 7th noon central www.billetspin.com
-There are 45 Clockwise and 15 Counter Clockwise available. Once they are sold out, they are gone for good. First come first serve, no limit on orders. Since these are made already, shipping will start the day after the sale.
Let me know if you have any questions!
8/7/18
Fireflies…get your fireflies…noon today…fireflies….
You got a few minutes before the last and final Firefly release
Firefly, Dammy whistle, fun stuff (click to watch in FB)
Hungry for taco’s. Thinking I might eat 1.5 of them. On a diet ya know
2/18/18
You got 1.5 hours left on the people’s choice Pandora!!
The Pandora is now officially retired! At this point it still is in second place for amount of standard sales but still amazing! Thank you for encouraging me to undertake such a design. It was a lot of fun!
Stay tuned for the biggest announcement ever for BilletSPIN! You can expect to see it sometime in the next 1.5 weeks. Have yourself a wonderful Sunday my friends and thanks again for all you do!
2/19/18
Found inception downright good, especially Tom. It was so good I could watch it 1.5 times.
acronym, get it now?
Official BilletSPIN Announcement!!
I am pleased to announce that BilletSPIN will be releasing its first ever Fidget Top!! I have been putting in some long hours getting this design ready. It is unlike any top we have ever made.
We will be debuting this top in a live video on Youtube starting noon central on February 28th. You do not need a youtube account to watch, simply go to YouTube and you can watch it. It will also be uploaded after it is finished so if you missed it live, you can still watch it. The video will cover all the combo’s and any questions you might have on the design. We will be doing a GAW during the video as well. Winner gets one of this new design.
Once the video is done, we will post an official information post here in the BilletSPIN facebook group as well as the business page. The post will contain all pertinent information and pictures of each combo. We will also start uploading pics to Instagram at that time. This will give you a few days to decide which combo/combo’s you want to get.
The pre-orders will happen on www.billetspin.com starting March 2nd at noon central. The sale will last 2 weeks. There will be 5 standard combo’s priced at $150 plus shipping and will be unlimited for the duration of the sale. There will be 10 exotic combo’s starting at $200 plus shipping. All exotic combo’s will be limited due to material availability and once they are sold out, they are gone for good. There will also be 2 stemless variation, one standard for $150 plus shipping and one exotic. The exotic will be limited. No limit to how many you can order.
We expect all tops to be shipped by end of April at the latest. Probably much sooner depending on how many are ordered.
PLEASE spread the word on the live video debut. If you know people into fidget related items, this might be a top they would be interested in. Any help getting the word out is MUCH appreciated.
Thank you for the continued support. I cannot wait until you all get to see this one. Have a wonderful week,
Rich Stadler
Reid Branston start the countdown timer on the website that counts down to the live video. Thanks!!
There will be a GAW during the live video! Tell your friends!
2/22/18
New design going well!! I am deciding on material combos now and waiting for the rest of my exotic materials to arrive. There will be another teaser pic today! The name has been chosen and that will be revealed in a teaser pic on Saturday. Monday and Tuesday will be spent at home prepping the live video!
I am so excited for this! If you have any questions or comments of the information that has been released thus far please reply here. Starting today, things will start getting more exciting leading up the unveiling on the 28th.
Not every design looks good with certain materials. They each cater to a specific look and feel. I have a clear favorite so far of all the combos and I promise you it will shock you. Once you see it though I think you will understand. Sometimes less is more and the color contrast is spectacular
It’s coming…February 28th…noon central…join us LIVE for the unveil…
Stinking Facebook. It was all in focus before I uploaded it…
you guys all missed it, it’s the Pro II… 😛 😛 😛 😛 😛
GAW…sort of…reply with what you think the name of the new top is. One entry per person. Tomorrow we will random draw a name from the replies. That person will get to see pictures and videos of the new design. If someone guesses the name first, they will win a standard combo of their choice.
Good luck and please share the date for the live video unveiling with your friends!
Ok all the 1.5 I guess was not a good clue. It’s….wait for it……….
1.5” in diameter
I will try to make my clues easier next time…😛
I will draw it out
2/23/18
GAW has ended!! Nobody quessed the name. Congrats to Patrick Burritt on winning the sneak peek! PM incoming and please do not ask him for pics.
Join us Live on the BilletSPIN YouTube channel February 28th noon central for the unveiling of BilletSPIN’s first ever Fidget Top:
Evolution
2/24/18
Getting warmer…
Want to see it in focus? Join us Feb 28th noon central as we unveil BilletSPIN’s first ever Fidget Top, Evolution!
All I can tell you is that I had a proto and played with it constantly as I was making tweaks to the design. It will not replace a fidget spinner but it is cool.
2/26/18
Hello you wonderful people! Hope your day is amazing so far! Who’s ready for Wednesday?
Sales of the Evolution will begin Friday noon central. Standards are $150 plus shipping and exotics start at $200. The sale will run for 2 weeks. Standards are unlimited and exotics are limited due to material. There will be 6 standards, 11 exotics and 2 stemless. Sales will happen on www.billetspin.com
Join us
Got to be honest, not feeling well. Got the shakes and a fever coming on. I know what your thinking but are you silly? I’m still gonna send it
I am down to one last teaser 😞 I am going to miss them when they’re gone. I saved the best for last though. Tomorrow!!
2/27/18
Finally done prepping for the video but the computer will be working for the next 1.5 hours. Teaser will come after that and I think it will be music to your ears…
This is all I got my friends 🙂 Looking forward to hangout out tomorrow noon central for the unveiling of the BilletSPIN Evolution!!
18 hours to unveil and 66 hours until the Evolution goes on sale!!
Just over 4 hours…
2 hours…
Just a heads up, you will have to be present during the GAW portion of the vid for a chance to win
The live video will start at 11:55 with a 5 minute countdown timer. This will allow people to find it and get settled in. Action starts right at noon. Save your questions for the q&a portion but I would love to see some comments during the unveil! At 11:55 central go to this link. The video should be right on top!
2/28/18
https://youtu.be/FokFEupLB6U
The big question, how did you like my special guest lol
Official Evolution Standard Combos. $150 plus shipping. Sale begins on March 2nd noon central www.billetspin.com and will run for 2 full weeks. No limit on orders and as many as are ordered during the sale will be how many are made!
Official Evolution Stemless Combos. Sale begins on March 2nd noon central www.billetspin.com and will run for 2 full weeks. No limit on orders. All SS is unlimited throughout duration of sale and is $140 plus shipping. Zirc/Spiro/SS will be limited and and will cost $240 plus shipping.
1) SS/SS/SS-58g
2) Zirc/Spiro/SS-51g
2/28/18
Official BilletSPIN Evolution Exotic Combos. These will go up for sale on March 2nd on www.billetspin.com. Sale will last two weeks unless sell-out happens first. No limit on ordering. All exotic combos are limited and will not be offered again. Prices do not include shipping.
Expect 4-8 weeks before shipping!
And just some fun shots of the BilletSPIN Evolution!
For those that missed the live video today and want a condensed version, here ya go!
Things are pretty chaotic in here at the moment so if you are having trouble following the pertinent info just check out our business page:
I found more tungsten so we have enough to make a good amount of the W/Al/Al.
We have a decent amount of all the materials but these are your most limited combo’s of the Evolution:
Bearing Care, CHECK THIS OUT!! I will be uploading this to YouTube as well. This video will also be on the website order page. If you have ren wax applied, it will resist the Nitro Force a bit but it will remove it eventually so you will want to reapply if you don’t want patina.
Let’s get this started!! I want to hear which Evolution/Evolutions you got and why you picked that/those combos! Let’s keep this to orders only. This will help me when picking out future combos to make!
Just got back, looks like the Timascus/Spiro is sold out! So glad I ordered the amount of materials I did.
Folks this is nothing short of amazing. Truth be told, I love you. I have not checked quantities in a bit so I will soon and let you know if any others are close. Thanks again
Well yesterday was horrible. Like really bad. Tons of scrap but we got her purring like a kitten now! Just a reminder the Evolution is a 2 week sale and once that is over, it is gone for good!!
Almost gone…….
Like your chance to get in at the source for the newest rage hitting the top scene…
The Evolution Fidget Top!
Sales end today at noon CST never to be offered on the website again!
942 1 hour left to go. Live video starts in 25 minutes
3/18/18
I would like to gently remind everyone that as stated several times “The sale of the Evolution was a pre-order sale (meaning we didn’t have any made until orders were placed) and all tops will be shipped once all have been completed.” I am anticipating shipping to happen end of March or beginning of April. NONE of them have shipped yet and NONE of them will ship until they are ALL ready to go. That is all, thank you!
3/21/18
I have received enough negative feedback to this idea so I will just throw these in the trash. This discussion is over so let’s not resurrect it. Thanks for the honest feedback, it is appreciated
3/26/18
Countdown to fulfillment! I will be updating/editing this post weekly. We have 985 Evolutions ordered and shipping will begin immediately after they are all made.
985 to make
399 made as of 4/4
We are on track to ship late April. Hopefully it stays that way
3/28/18
Live video coming at 8am central (45 minutes from this post). We will show the machining process of the Evolution, give some updates and answer any questions!
Machining the evolution, progress and Q&A! (click to watch on FB)
Bad news 🙁 We had a material screw up that I would prefer to not elaborate on at this time. As of right now one particular material we had in stock is not acceptable. We got a small supply in that is good but not enough to make the orders. We are expecting the rest early next week. Due to the fact we had a large number of scrap pieces due to the material issue, we have been set back. As of 4/18 we will have over 3/4 of the total Evolution tops made and will begin shipping. We expect to have everything shipped by end of April for sure which will max out out 4-8 week shipping time we advertised.
I apologize for this issue and appreciate your patience.
4/18/18
Obviously shipping has begun today. Things are crazy here due to material issues. Please be patient if you don’t get a shipping notification, the process will take until the end of April. The people you email/message are the ones doing the shipping so if they have to answer a ton of messages it will only set shipping back. Thanks for understanding and I will make sure to let everyone know when shipping is completed. If you have questions after that we would love to help! Have a great week!
Rich
Horrible cell pic but this is how the Dammy is turning out!
4/25/18
BIG shipment going out today but it will be Monday before they all ship.
4/27/18
Last two Matrix combo’s going up on www.billetspin.com on 4/30 noon CDT. $350 plus shipping. I will get pics up later!
All Evolutions will have shipped on Monday!
4/30/18
Sue Stadler: All Evolutions have shipped! Thank you Lindsey, for being awesome!!
Hopefully I start the new design late today!! This new design will not go up for sale until next year. I am pumped, this ones going to be crazy. Lots of pieces, tons of machining and…big. I will post some teaser pics occasionally throughout the remainder of the year. Wish me luck 🙂
Don’t be offended if I don’t answer any questions about this new top… 🙂
12/13/17
We have not done much but not being able to take certain teaser pics is killing me. This part needs to be hidden as I don’t want you to know how I made this certain feature. I will make a GAW later for whoever can guess. Just know we have the 1st operation about 40% set-up and it looks cool
12/14/17
folks, here comes set-up #3 and this is where the real magic happens on this top. I always get excited when things start coming to life but this is sooooooooo different than anything else that I just can’t hardly contain myself. If everything goes well I will be able to post a excruciating teaser pic for you. Hopefully you can get as excited about this design as I am after that. Going to be a fun day hopefully!
Its a balancing act. Do I just unleash on this thing or make the most of a $250 price point. The writing is on the wall already. Cycle time is massive but this one has sooooooooooo much insane potential. I might have to do different levels of this one to accommodate all. I just really want to go nuts
12/15/17
This thing is evolving. It’s nothing like what I had originally planned already. I am liking the direction it is taking. If today goes well I might be able to post a teaser but don’t bet on it.
Here is the way this works, I get a rough proto done with no real detail. The proto proves out the assembly and ratio’s. Then I continue to make boring prototypes to get the assembly and ratios correct. Next I start adding detail to each component to make it look cool.
As of this moment, I am on set-up 5 out of 8 to make the original prototype. I can see the possibilities but pics at this point are hard because you won’t see what I do and it will be disappointing for you. BUT with that said, I have a creative idea to tease the crap out of you with pics. You will hate me by the time this design is complete lol.
can you tell I am having fun
plus I like making new posts so Cami Lewis thinks it might be the pics she is waiting for lol
trust me, it is just as excruciating for me. I want to see this come to life so bad. Been on this design for months
so some might wonder how I can be on here when I should be out at the machine. Well great question! At this moment I gave my son instructions to prep the machine for set-up #5. He is getting the tools in, telling the machine what kind of tools they areand “touching them off” on a sensor so the machine knows exactly where the tip of each one is located. Once he is done with that we start making the program. It has taken a few hours just to get this certain component chucked up in the machine. By “chucked up” it means the machine is holding onto it.
Since I have a little time while my son is getting tools in the machine let me share some random thoughts. As a maker, I seem to have found my style. I like certain features. I like spikes, fangs, dimples and see thru “rim style” components. Many of my previous designs have used these elements. I don’t see getting away from this style so people could accuse me of making a frankentop by just repeating similar elements.
This top is definitely different. My fear is that only those with machining experience will really be able to appreciate the work that went into this one. In this top it is not about what you can see, it is about what you can’t see. Similar to the 4 metal and PBC in that aspect. So yes, it will have sharp things that can draw blood. It will also have so many features it will take you a while to really see all of them. The current design will have a claw style ball set similar to the pro but that could change.
Just a bunch of random junk going thru my mind. I can’t multitask very well and my mind is focused on the top. I will be useless for a while lol.
the bottom of this one will be the most insane of any top I have made if this works like I am hoping
yup, I like it
the assembly of the hardest part is proven. The hard part of the prototype is over. Still a lot of operations to go but should be pretty smooth sailing now
12/18/17
This thing is eating away at my brain and sanity lol. It is like endless tweaking but we are making progress. I got one big component to make yet today hopefully. If all goes well, the only thing left to make after today is the stem. This is for the proto though so there will still be an insane amount of tweaking to get the final version. So far so good, I am very pleased with how it is looking.
I was not planning on revealing this much. Keep in mind, this has a LONG ways to go so please don’t make me regret giving you a little tease 🙂
Tomorrow’s project is the bottom. My original plan did not look as good as I wanted. What you see is not at all what the bottom will look like other than the claw.
Randy GlecklerRich…..I was thinking you were doing something like this for “claw ball”. So disappointing. Lol j/k
honestly that is what I had pictured for the original claw. I tried it but it would not hold the ball well enough due to abuse.
12/19/17
Now we are getting somewhere… 🙂
1.37″
another proto just closer to the finish design. More changes have already been made. It is a beast 😛
Quick potato vid
its going to have a stem
took a few hours of pondering last night to come up with the bottom
No to interchangeable stems. Not sure on combos. Got to finish the design first
Back to work! So far so good today! Have a good one all
Made great progress today. This one is pretty photogenic 🙂 I start on the stem tomorrow!
I get that a lot when I post pics of new designs without the stem. THen once the stem is in nobody wants stemless anymore. This one is quite tall for a stemless
Don’t everyone get too excited yet. The cycle time on these is atrocious. I ordered a bunch of tooling today to try to optimize the best I can but they are just going to take a very long time to make. Like a LONG time. This is an absurd amount of machining and a lot of components. I am not sure how I will handle sales. Once optimizing is done I will come up with a plan. Complicated is awesome and I would have it no other way but it comes with a price.
This top has 9 operations. Yes, 9. I got 4 machines. But man, its so freaking cool lol.
Edit: just so this hits home with you all, I could make about 4 K2’s in the time it takes to make one of these. I am guessing price will be $300 and I did and am doing all I can to keep the price down without sacrificing too much.
All SS. it will be an option for sure
This one was 80% art focused. I wanted to take it even farther but I already bit off more than I could chew.
It’s Machine time. I don’t want this design to take 5 months
5 with the stem tentatively
Optimizing is about reducing the cycle time of the machining
ok all, how many pcs is the proto so far and what does it look like inside? First person to get it all right will win a congrats from me and depending on my mood, something tangible. Going to need a sketch to win and the ball does not count as a piece
Well I am glad this is not to obvious! Makes all the time I spent designing it worth while
David Goldman Top down is SS, SS, Cu, SS, Ball. Both the SS and Cu are pressure fit against the inner wall of the top SS, kinda like how the PBC. Cu ring shown between top and bottom shells (aesthetics). Bottom Cu fits inside the bottom shell. Not shown, there are likely cutouts on the Cu piece, kinda like the SS piece above it, to line it up with the SS piece below. The stem will connect into the SS piece above the Cu.
I am going to give the congrats to David Goldman. Maybe someone else got close and I missed it due to communication but he drew it out pretty accurately
12/20/17
The stem design has begun. Sucks tearing down a machine to do it but we need to bring this thing to life!!!!
Willy Demis What does that mean? Chuck replaced with collet closer and bar feeder?
No, different jaws, tooling and filler tube and material
Well folks, it is done. I am so happy with this design. It has done everything I wanted it to do. I have to go home and get pics for you. I am beyond excited right now. THANK YOU for your support and encouragement to do a project like this. I sincerely hope you are as excited as I am once you see pics. This is a great day. Due to the intricacies hidden inside of this top, its name shall be Pandora. I will talk more about the guts of the top in a future video.
Ladies and gentlemen, I present to you…Pandora! We chose this name due to the intricate machining hidden in the core of the top. This new top from BilletSPIN is made from five pieces (not counting bearing ball) and measures 1.37″ in diameter. This SS/Cu combo weighs in at 84g. It features a 5/16″ carbide bearing ball for a contact point. The contact point can be replaced on this model! Price will be $300 plus shipping on standard material combinations. The release date will be mid-end of January.
Pandora spin video. It spins crazy good lol. I was not expecting that at all. Super easy to launch and stabilizes well!!
Important Pandora update: Due to the nightmare of making the Pandora from timascus, I have only made two and those are for the people that we screwed up the shipping on the Omega top. So the Pandora will only be SS, Copper and Bronze combo’s. No zirc, timascus, SC, tungsten etc. I will keep you all posted on when these will go live but tentatively plan on mid-end of January. Thanks!
Really just want this design to showcase the machining
Bradley Turner Is it possible to flame half the SS components so you still get the contrast?
Not with this assembly. The all SS will just have an all machined finish
Working on the combos now. Hopefully know by end of next week
Just for you all, man the things I let you talk me into… 7-9 minutes Spin times
Oh and that’s on a hardened ball because my carbide is not here yet
This thing is a blast to spin
12/22/17
AAAAAAHHHHHHHHHH carbide bearing contact point (lol) will not be here until next week 🙁
A little progress but a ways to go!
12/23/17
there are 3 tri-metals in that vid
much much much better pics coming next week of all of them!
Whatever is there is what the combos are. There are so many possibilities but these were what I liked best
it’s like anything, I would have to make 500 to appease everyone and that’s just not possible. The video will show these much better next week and I hope I did good on the pics
the problem is the amount of machining. Zirc cuts much more difficult and I don’t have a parts catcher on one of the machines. Due to that I have to do a tiny bit of machining with no coolant and had a huge fire from the zirc chips. So definitely no zirc on this one
I will tell you there is one combo that is by far the best imo. I will talk about it more in the next video
You will see a breakdown video next week!
Thanks all! I wish I could make every possible combo but keeping it to these 13 will allow us to make more and give everyone a better chance to get one. It will also make this less confusing for us to manufacture and trust me on this one we need all the help we can get. I am looking forward to the assembly process video
Steven Davila Which combo is the sturdiest, for the less graceful among us?
Bronze and SS are pretty durable
There is going to be 15 combos. I need to make two with SS outers and a SS stem for those non-patina folks.
But that’s it 😛
12/23/17
Been spinning this thing all day lol
12/26/17
Just chillin is sub zero temps
12/27/17
Pandora update: I should get the Carbide bearing balls in today or tomorrow. I will finish up the other combo’s tomorrow or Friday. I should have pics release date and release schedule by Monday.
I will tell you this much, I am going to release these in waves and more than likely 4 combo’s per wave. This will allow us to ship right away and not sit on inventory and will allow you to receive them faster after you paid. I don’t have all the details down yet as we just have to see how many I can make first. I appreciate your excitement and patience!
Thanks to a couple amazing people, I found a good supplier with them in stock and a better grade! They will be here next week so fingers crossed!
1/2/18
Pandora update: We should be good to go with the big contact points! This is a huge relief. I am working on all the combo’s now and the goal is to have pics up this week.
As of now, I am planning the first wave release to be 1/16 at noon central on www.billetspin.com in limited quantities. We will hopefully have 4 of the 16 combo’s available for $300 each plus shipping.
I will know more by weeks end. Thanks for your patience and have a great day!!
The How it’s made video is uploading…
It’s up
Here it is all, the How it’s made video of the Pandora!
Willy Demis I don’t know if you want to go down this path, but I’ll admit to two things: 1) I’m completely ignorant about CNC machining, and 2) I recognize this is apparently a pretty common misconception.
That said: are you able to shed just a little light on holding tolerances?? As a hobby machinist using a manual lathe- I know exactly what that means for my manual equipment where I physically touch the dials. But if you tell your craaaaaaaazy expensive CNC lathe/mill to remove .0001” does it not happily, and accurately comply?
I think you know by now that when I ask- no disrespect is intended; I am *genuinely* curious. 🤓 I know this question could be easily taken the wrong way.
I wish it was that easy. Tool pressure, tool wear, material variations etc are the issue. In order to hold tolerances this tight you have to make adjustments on nearly every part. It takes a very skilled operator with a very good setup to accomplish it in a timely manner. I could go much farther in detail if need be
One easy example is if I have a copper stem running at .44000 and put in bronze it will cut around .44060 just due to tool pressure from the material variation.
every fit has to be within .0005” OD to ID. That’s holding a .00025 tolerance on each piece unless you plan on fitting each part which we don’t. We strive to make all parts universal to each top. That’s not always the case but that’s what we try to hold.
George J Schaefer this may be a dumb question, but in the end, what keeps it together? Is it just the super tight tolerances? Or is there a weld done on the Stem from the inside? I know that may throw off the balance
It’s a couple of things and to be 100% honest it took me a very long time to refine these techniques. I don’t like to share that particular info. 🙁
1/3/18
Pandora questions or comments? I got a little time(click to watch in FB)
That is all 16 combo’s. I might do one more of my choosing but I doubt it. Let me know if you have any questions!
1/4/18
All 16 Pandora combo’s!
No exotics
I am just really really excited
1/8/18
Going to be doing individual pics and a vid of Wave #1. Anything in particular you want to see? I should have it all done this afternoon
Pandora Wave #1! Available on www.billetspin.com January 16th at noon central. $300 each plus shipping.
Russell McKelveyI know this is subjective, and you may not have spun them all nearly enough, but any insight on which of the combos you think spins the “best” (not the longest)? Thanks for making so many combos available!
I could not tell any difference but my guess is any with copper prongs holding the ball will spin a microscopic amount better than the rest
1/10/18
Thanks to Alex Bueno, there are 81 possible Pandora combo’s if the outer collars are made from the same material (243 if they are different).
I have definitely never seen this many posts and messages asking for combo’s and I think that is because this is a special top. I love the interest and nobody would love to see all 360 more than me! Unfortunately a lot of the feedback I get contradicts itself and that is the predicament I am in. Can’t keep everyone happy, which is frustrating.
The main feedback I am following is less drug out designs which will equal more designs over the course of 2018. Doing so will limit the number of tops of each design as we can only make so many and the Pandora combo’s will all be pretty limited.
For those not getting the exact combo you wanted. I feel ya. Like I said, nobody would like to see all of them more than me. It is just not possible and I did my absolute best to give as much variety in the 16 combo’s as I could do. I hope you understand.
PLEASE READ ALL OF THIS POST: So here is my solution and your opportunity. Add your combo and vote for it. The combo with the most votes will be made as the 17th combo. There are only so many poll spots so please DO NOT add funny options as a joke!!!! Label them from out to in. SS/Br/Cu/SS for example. There are 4 pieces per top as both outer collars will be of the same material. If you want to go with 5 that is your choice but you will have to specify top and bottom. Please one suggestion per person. IF this goes bad, I will delete this poll and this option is off the table. Just trying to keep everyone happy as best as possible.
Here is a short vid explaining how the materials are designated:
Here is the official chart (THANK YOU Daryl Pritchard) less the 17th people’s choice combo!
1/12/18
We ready for Tuesday?
1/15/18
Pandora update: Due to some errors/scrap, 1.1 and 1.2 are much more limited that 1.3 and 1.4.
Also, the big contact point is very sensitive to any debris/dust on it or the spin surface. If yours has some shimmy to it, make sure you clean everything carefully. 100% of these were tested 🙂 If you got any questions, let me know!
1/16/18
45 minutes to my most excited release yet! I can’t wait for these to start arriving 🙂
THEY ARE LIVE
THE PANDORA”S ARE LIVE
ITS ALIVE!!!!!!!!!
over 50% sold out on total qty. THANK YOU.
Well the qty survived the flood 🙂 Looks like I made enough! About 70% total qty sold as of right now. YOOZE ARE AMAZING!! Thanks again!!!!!
this was better than I had anticipated. That happens often in the group 🙂 I really did not want to start off the design with a super fast sell out so I tried to make enough. One of the combo’s has plenty left but the other three are down there. Good stuff
Ok all, I am heading home to work on pics and a vid for wave 2. Thanks again, it means more to me than you know. Have a wonderful afternoon!
Rich
Pandora Wave #2! Going live on www.billetspin.com on January 26th noon central! $300 plus shipping
1/17/18
Sue Stadler All shipping is completed! PLEASE, as a courtesy to me, if you have any concerns, questions or issues with the shipping or the tops – contact me first. If I need to get Rich involved, I easily can, but most issues I end up dealing with anyway. Sometimes things can get lost in the “translation” from him to me so it’s best if you contact me directly. You can PM me or email BilletSPIN@tds.net. Looking forward to the happy and excited pics of the Pandora! Don’t let me down! First person who’s (whom’s?) top I shipped out TODAY that posts a pic will win a free Thrust of my choosing.
1/25/18
Sue Stadler Wave 2 is all bathed and put to bed! They’re ready for tomorrow’s release, are you?
1/26/18
12 minutes all!!
Thanks again and have a great weekend all!
1/28/18
Pandora Wave #3 and BilletSPIN K9 crystal Top Stands!
February 2nd noon central www.billetspin.com
Pandora -$300 plus shipping
Clear Top Stands- $30 plus shipping
Red/blue/black-$40 plus shipping
1/31/18
So which is your favorite?
Sue Stadler: This is my favorite combo! The subtle difference between the bronze and stainless offset by the contrast of the copper. Yummmmmmm!
Wave #4 Pandora!
-2/13 noon central
–www.billetspin.com
-$300 plus shipping
IG Pandora GAW happening now!!
Follow BilletSPIN on IG, copy the photo and post it on your feed using the hashtag in the pic and copy/paste the rules
2/13/18
Two hours until wave 4!
Thank you as always for your continued support of BilletSPIN!! I think you all know what is next, THE PEOPLE’S CHOICE! I will do pics and a vid of it tonight with all the details. Have yourselves a wonderful day my friends!!
2/14/18
Live video here in BS at 2 central to talk about the people’s choice(click to watch on FB)
Just a heads up our driver was in an accident while taking today’s BilletSPIN shipment to the post office. More than likely a lot of the tops will be junk. We will rectify this as soon as possible and keep you posted. None of the tracking numbers that were emailed today will be correct.
Driver is fine
People’s choice Pandora! Going up for sale on Feb 17th noon central www.billetspin.com This will be a 24 hour sale and we will make as many as are ordered.
$300 plus shipping
84g
2/15/18
Pandora Wave 4 packages have safely made it to the post office today!
2/16/18
Stressful week. Busy week. Weight loss is going well though. Down 1-1/2lbs on the week so far.
Aaron Chapman Did you have to scrap many Pandoras after the accident?
You got 1.5 hours left on the people’s choice Pandora!!
The Pandora is now officially retired! At this point it still is in second place for amount of standard sales but still amazing! Thank you for encouraging me to undertake such a design. It was a lot of fun!
Stay tuned for the biggest announcement ever for BilletSPIN! You can expect to see it sometime in the next 1.5 weeks. Have yourself a wonderful Sunday my friends and thanks again for all you do!
3/3/18
Sue Stadler: Quick update on the international packages shipped out February 14 and 15. First, that wave was the one that was in the accident so if you are tracking a label made the 14th, it’s an invalid label and won’t track anywhere. The ones printed on the 15th seem to be having some tracking issues and most still show the package in Illinois. Just had one member tell me his has made it to him but it still tracks only to Illinois. I’m guessing the tracking is off on those packages and I ask for your patience in waiting for those packages. They are on their way, although it doesn’t look like it in tracking😆
4/3/18
Sue Stadler: Ok, it’s been almost 6 weeks since we shipped out the last big orders of Pandora and I’m wondering where they all are?! International Peeps: there were major issues with tracking. In fact, most still say they are in Carol Stream, IL. 😂😂 I know that’s not the case for most of them but if you still haven’t received yours that shipped out in February, can you message me and let me know?
Stateside Peeps (and international that have received yours): where are all the amazing pics? I NEED MORE!
I am going to call it right now…ya know because I am so excited… I always love my job but sometimes I really love it. I am going to vent with ya here cause yooze all my peeps. I have been in a designing funk since the Spark. Just no motivation or inspiration etc. Well last week I looked over at my beautiful wife’s face and the clouds opened. I saw it clearly. It was begging to be made and for a few hours you could not tear me away from my computer. The assembly will be tricky so I had to rough draw this one out plus I needed some lengths for all the material I needed to order.
This one will have ZERO milling. It will utilize some materials you have not seen before. Three pieces with a decent spin time (10 minutes). The design will be like nothing I have seen before. In fact I have no idea where the actual pattern/theme came from. It should be very conducive to showing off exotic materials.
So here is the call. The first material combo will be released on 9/12 (Sept 12). Prices will be inline with other 3 piece tops. The name… “The Orchid”.
PS-anyone that knows me well enough knows this might all change in a few hours so take it all with a grain of salt 😛
8/29/17
Prototyping starts tomorrow. This one will take a while. I will post some teaser pics once I get to a good point. Wish me luck…
8/30/17
Getting the prototype machines set up now. Here is the rough drawing so I got something to start with. The ball side is only drawn on the top portion so disregard the lower section on the ball side. I am sure there will be plenty of changes as I go but it is a great starting point!
For those that have a hard time seeing it, this is sort of what it will look like from the grip side
Great progress, loving it so far but got a long ways to go!!
yup, orchid is not going to work on this one lol
once the stem is in this, it is going to be sick. Might pull an all nighter lol
it is hollowed out so much I think the CG will be low enough it should be a pretty easy spinner. I will mainly be using titanium stems for this one hopefully
Size comparison
The stem sucks but you get the idea. This is a ROUGH ROUGH prototype but wanted to show some progress!
when I am done with this stem…I was going to go home but BACK to the machine!
Heading home to take some pics. Done for the day! Give me 45 minutes
Prototype: This is not done but wanted you to see where it is at. MANY changes to be made and yes, the grip is milled. When I say no milling, I assume you know the grip will 99.9999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999% of the time will be milled 😛 As of now, NOTHING is set in stone for this top and the bottom is not done. I think that should cover it. Enjoy the pics!
The proto’s will be going in the garbage…
I like it but dont love it. It will be tweaked
the tip does not fit the design. The wheels are turning and will turn all night. Just the process, takes time
Got a great idea for the stem. Not going to sleep well tonight lol
my man!! Can you imagine?! Perfect shape for exotics
68g as it sits. This will be a big heavy top!
Should finish around 60
Threw up in my mouth when I looked at the end of the stem again 😛 I got a great plan to really tie this into the design. It will get a little longer. Been wanting to do this style long stem for quite a while. Well off to work to get a jump on it! Wish me luck!
Last one for now
8/31/17
Bottom needs more tweaking as does the grip diameter but we are getting closer
I guess we know who wears the pants in this group…
timing a spin now. was getting just over 8 with the longer stem, I am guessing 9 now
I thought so too and tried it first. Just a big top so the unbroken up area did not look right. I love this bottom though but it will be slightly different in the final version due to assembly
Ok all, I have given you enough teasers on the next top. I hope you enjoyed the progress pics. We are still a long ways off and cannot go full production until the Sparks are done. I will not be showing anymore so you can be surprised by the final version. Thanks for joining me on the ride, its always an adventure. I will provide details as I firm them up. Right now, nothing is firm.
Anyways, have yourself a wonderful rest of your week!
9/6/17
Too excited to wait to take pics in the studio
it is always a process, I just dont show it on most designs
It combines the flower idea you originally had (orchid) with with the fact that it also looks like an eye.
Information post:
Sparks- Started shipping today.
Triskelions- I have three material combo’s. Two are standard and will be sold together and one is exotic which will be sold by itself. The standards will be sold 9/12 and the exotic at a later date. I will be posting pics and vids up today of the standards.
Iris- This is the name of the new top. The sales of this top will be different as I have a bunch of special materials coming for it but it will take almost 2 months for all of it to get here. The special materials I am ‘hoping” to get are:
-Special Timascus Patterns
-Carboquartz
The carboquartz is ordered and AKS is testing some new patterns but I will not know for sure for a while yet.
I plan on selling these Matrix style but I will not be able to provide as detailed of a chart without the materials being here. I plan on releasing the 1st Iris combo within the next two weeks. Prices will be similar to the K2 ($150 plus shipping for standard materials). Exotics will be slightly more depending on how they are arranged as the inner disc is quite tall and requires a lot of material.
I will post more as I get more info. At this time, this is all I know. Thanks all!!
Some outside shots of the Thrust. That is black timascus in case anyone was wondering.
Video uploading now!
Carboquartz! Quite the crazy stuff but nooooooot cheap. Used in high end watches and knives
Yup, it’s on the lighter side
I would guess a smidge lighter than Ti
You all can thank Patrick Olsen for the tip on this material! Never would have happened without him!
Jim SkeltonAs you can see from the stickers on my two pieces, it’s extremely expensive. James from CarboQuartz spent nearly a year negotiating to be able to buy and use this material. Until this, it only existed in the watch industry because it’s made exclusively for Richard Mille. They make cases from it on watches that cost $130,000+. Only one autoclave in the world is making it.
Here’s the breakdown:
TPT, which stands for thin ply technology, is a method for making ultra-thin unidirectional strand sheets of carbon fibers. The sheets aren’t just fibers however, they are “tapes” that are pre-impregnated (“prepreg”) with resin for more accurate and controllable application in use.
The resin is the material that works like a glue to hold the carbon fibers together; when placed under heat and pressure the resin flows between all the fibers and finally hardens to create the solid carbon fiber material we are familiar with.
The TPT carbon tapes used in Richard Mille cases have layers that are, on average, around 45 microns thin, or just under two-thousandths of an inch (.002”). Moving on to TPT Quartz, the construction is the same, only it is composed not of carbon fibers, but of fused quartz fibers. These fibers start out life as purified ground quartz crystals. These crystals are fused with heat and pressure to create fused quartz rods. These rods are then drawn (pulled and squished) under an oxy-hydrogen flame to create extremely long continuous fibers of fused quartz.
North Thin Ply Technologies developed the TPT Quartz in collaboration with Saint-Gobain Quartz, who supplied the Quartzel™ 9- or 4-micron quartz fiber filament (which is thinner than human hair); Reichhold, suppliers of ADVALITE™, a monomer-free vinyl hybrid resin; and, of course, Richard Mille, who led design and validation for the new process. The result was the world’s first thin-ply quartz fiber prepreg material, which immediately won the JEC World 2016 Innovation Award.
Billetspin Thrust video!
I have learned a few very interesting things from making tops. If it was up to me I wouldn’t name any of them but people really care about the names. Never really understood that and that is probably why I suck at naming them 😛
I wish I could make a chart. If you have a specific material you might be interested in, I can guess at what the combo will be but don’t hold me to it
I have to do some math. This combo would be around $250
My bad, there is a top already named Iris so I am switching it to Thrust. I will change it is all the other places, sorry for the inconvenience!
I will refer to it as Thrust so everyone knows which top I am talking about but you all can refer to it with any name you like! 🙂
9/7/17
Official Thrust information post:
-1.24″
-carbide bearing ball
-spin times of 6-10 minutes
-3 piece top
(TUNGSTEN WILL NOT BE USED ON THE THRUST)
The first combo sold will be SS/black timascus/SS. It will be sold at www.billetSPIN.com on 9/14 at noon central. Price will be $275 plus shipping. The SS will be polished as seen in the pictures below!
We will try to have DHL as an option for international shipping. It would be $35 but provide full tracking, delivery to your door and 7 day max delivery. USPS will still be an option for $15 international. Domestic will be $5 and shipped USPS.
The Thrust will be sold like the Matrix in that we sell a new material combo once a week or so. Once the sale is over, we never offer that combo again. Due to the fact we don’t have many of the materials yet, I cannot make a chart but here is a ROUGH combo list! This list is subject to CHANGE! I don’t have pricing at this point other than standard combo’s will be $150 plus shipping.
1) SS/Black Timascus/SS
2) Polished SS/polished SS/polished SS
3) Flamed VF mokume/polished Copper/machined finish Bronze
4) Bronze/Copper/Bronze
5) Polished and flamed damasteel/titanium/blue electro anodized titanium
6) Copper/SS/Copper
7) Timascus/twist Damascus/titanium
8) SS/copper/SS
9) Blurple electro anodized titanium/spiro dammy/polished SS
10) Copper/bronze/copper
11) Polished and flamed Zirc/ polished 3 color mokume/copper
13) SS/Copper/Bronze
14) Polished and flamed Timascus/polished and flamed zirc/polished and flamed zirc
15) Bronze/SS/Bronze
16) Polished flamed zirc/carboquartz/polished flamed zirc
17) Polished SS/Superconductor/Copper
Here is an overview of the Thrust!
Superconductor is ordered for the inner disc of the Thrust. Oh an not just one filament pattern either 🙂
Some damasteel for the outer collar just showed up. We will try flaming this like we did on the matrix.
We also just got news we might be getting some very special SS Damascus in.
You will definitely get to see some crazy materials for this top!!
Rare Timascus pattern. I have had this bar for a while now and made a Matrix from it but think this is a good top to use the rest of the bar on. This is not the special stuff I had mentioned before, that is not here yet! Fun stuff 🙂
it is a pattern you have not seen before. Looks like a huge plus sign
I probably don’t do this enough but I think I am going to make myself my own one off top tomorrow. Really digging this design.
Damasteel/black Timascus/zirc sounds cool
Just for me to keep
9/8/17
Just playing with some 3 color mokume
this is a very light bead blast finish. Really love how it brings out the contrast!
I am thinking this with a machine finished stem. Thoughts?
just looking for feedback
good or bad
Having fun now! This wont be an option as I think it is too much -mascus but we are getting close!
finishing mine now! This will be awesome
My personal Thrust!
9/9/17
Edit: comments are closed, like your favorite suggestion and I will pick the winner next week!
Thrust combo suggestions. One suggestion per person. I don’t have everything but I will have a lot. So here is how this is going to work, I will be shutting comments off for this post once we got a decent amount of suggestions. The combo that is actually possible to make, that has the most likes will get made.
Too many materials for me to list but DO NOT use Tungsten as your suggestion as it won’t happen and will just cause someone else to lose a spot.
List top materials from outer to inner
ok, looks like Black Timascus/Flamed Copper/Zirc is the winner. I do not have black timascus for the outer and not sure I can get it. If not, Zirc/black Timascus/Zirc but I dont have any black timascus for the inner. I will see waht I can do and keep you all posted!
9/11/17
Which would spin longer, brass Spark or solid Tungsten Spark?
I have talked about this a lot to try to educate. Well I made 2 tungsten Sparks and guess what?! The brass spins longer. Why? Well because the grip diameter is made for the weight of brass/SS/copper and not Tungsten. I am averaging 30 seconds more on the brass. This effect would be magnified on the Thrust as it is a much bigger top. Just thought some of you would find it interesting. I made these tops as I was contacted by a teacher that wanted to show this to his students. Not for sale 🙂
Due to the fact there will not be a chart, I plan on taking pics of some combo’s so you can get an idea of what the different materials look like on the various components. Here are a few for you to enjoy. Please keep in mind, these are proto’s. This means the finishes and colors should be as good or better in the actual final versions. Hope that makes sense!
9/12/17
Thrust update 🙂
This is on its way…and others… :O
that is not basketweave. Close but different
this stuff is brand new so not sure if it has names
super fine 2 alloy twist is one of the other ones coming
Please read: I apologize. When we try new things, unexpected circumstances arise. The cost of these new Timascus patterns are substantially more than the standard patterns. Due to this, I will not be ordering as much so the combos that use it will be much much more limited in order to help justify the added cost.
I will try to get more of the standard patterns so it is more attainable to the masses.
I apologize. This happens when I try to keep everyone posted and I jumped the gun on this one. I hope you understand!
9/13/17
All polished SS 🙂 combo #2!
Got some Black Timascus that is a little out of balance so I am going to use them as top/sphere stands instead.
These will be $50 plus shipping and sold on the website during tomorrow launch. Looks like I will have about 25 of them
Who is ready for tomorrow…
Sneak peek at combo #3 of the Thrust. Bead blasted 3 color mokume/glow/SS. $250 plus shipping sold on www.billetspin.com at a soon to be announced date and time. Let me know if you have any questions.
9/14/17
Stem samples
Carboquartz 🙂
this one is dead smooth. I don’t foresee an issue with it at all but you never know until we get more into it
around $325
I was on there RIGHT at noon and still did not get one post. WHY ON EARTH did you not make more Rich??!! This is not fair etc.
If this is you, this post is for you. My only excuse is I did make all the material I had. I appreciate your interest in BilletSPIN and there will be a lot of other cool combos! Have a great day,
Rich
2 minutes
here we go!!
stands gone
tops almost gone
SOLD OUT, THANK YOU! Great way to start off this design!! We will begin shipping right away!! You rock. I will continue to proto the new combo’s and try to get as many pics as possible. So much to do and so little time
We are going to do something new for #2 all SS. I am going to do 5 all SS with varying finishes on the components. Flaming will definitely not be happening as I am getting away from flamed SS due to issues. I will hopefully have all 5 versions tonight.
All #1 tops and stands have shipped 🙂 We are not messing around!!
Well not going to get all the #2 protos done tonight. Daughter is not feeling good so I got to stay home and hang out with her. Sorry! Tomorrow, I promise
9/15/17
SS versions are done. There are 4 total. Pics coming later. Did a few other combos as well.
The 4 horsemen. All SS with varying finishes. These will all $150 each plus shipping and sold on 9/19 at www.billetspin.com at noon central. Limited quantities and once gone, they will never be offered again!
Please reply with your favorite. 1-4 left to right
1 has wire wheel finish and blasted finish as does 2. 3 is polished and 4 is buffed outer with machine finish on the rest
more pics of random combos. These are just so you can see what these materials look like!
Some more standard material combos
Notice the two different finishes on the copper inners
Quick live video to talk about #2…(click to view in FB)
SS Thrust Combo #1 Wire wheel finish outer/Bead blasted inner with machined finish stem. Ball side has machine finished outer and bead blasted stem.
SS Thrust Combo #2 Bead blasted outer/wire wheel finish inner with bead blasted stem. Ball side has bead blasted outer and machine finish stem
SS Thrust Combo #3 polished finish on all components, front and back
SS Thrust Combo #4 Buffed finish on outside of outer collar, all other surfaces are machine finish
9/18/17
BilletSPIN Thrust all Stainless Steel versions are launching this Tuesday (9/19) at noon central on www.billetspin.com in limited quantities. There will be four different models with varying finishes.
-Combo #1 Wire wheel finish outer/Bead blasted inner with machined finish stem. Ball side has machine finished outer and bead blasted stem
-Combo #2 Bead blasted outer/wire wheel finish inner with bead blasted stem. Ball side has bead blasted outer and machine finish stem
-Combo #3 polished finish on all components, front and back
-Combo #4 Buffed finish on outside of outer collar, all other surfaces are machine finish
Each combo is $150 plus $5 domestic and $15 international ($35 DHL optional with 7 day delivery for international buyers). These will begin shipping on 9/21.
-1.24″ in diameter
-1/8″ carbide bearing ball
-approximately 63g
-no limit on how many you can buy
9/19/17
#2 Thrust will start shipping on Thursday! International peeps dont forget that sweet DHL shipping option we added!
SOLD OUT!! Yowza!! Yooze are just to freaking awesome. THANK YOU for the amazing support. Just awesome. We will get crack-a-lackin on finishing these right away! Cant wait to see which was the most popular!
Ok, I hear talk of cart sniping. As far as I know, all 4 were open for 12 minutes. If that was not the case for you, comment below. I will sell you what you wanted. Just respond below with what you wanted to order and Rich N Sue Stadler will contact you tomorrow for payment and shipping info. I apologize for any issues and once again, thanks for the support.
Please just keep this to those that missed out due to the glitch
I will let our following pick #4!
BilletSPIN Thrust Combo #3 Bead Blasted 3 color Mokume/Glow/Machined finish Stainless Steel! $250 plus shipping. Going live on www.billetspin.comon 9/26 at noon central. Could take up to 10 days to ship as we are waiting on more glow material.
-1.24″
-43g
-1/8″ carbide bearing ball
BilletSPIN Thrust Combo #4 Bluetongue damasteel/Anodized Titanium/wire wheel finish titanium stem with anodized ball side. $290 plus shipping. Going live on www.billetspin.com on 9/29 at noon central. Shipping will begin on October 2nd.
-1.24″
-44g
-1/8″ carbide bearing ball
9/25/17
So all of combo #2 have shipped and we are set for the #3 release tomorrow. We should have all of those shipped this week! #4 will be released on Friday and those should be shipped early next week!
9/26/17
Best of luck to you all, if you did not get one or got cart sniped, this post is for you.
25 left
Well looks like it was a good idea to get more glow in! We are dwindling now so if you want a #3 Thrust, now is the time. I am heading to lunch, thank you for the amazing support! These will start shipping tomorrow!!
Here it is 🙂 The video for #4 Damasteel/Titanium/Titanium $290 plus shipping 9/29 www.billetspin.com noon central limited quantities
9/27/17
GAW time, I got a one off Thrust. To win it you just need to share this project and reply to this post with where you shared it. Each social media outlet or website/forum counts as one entry. This is a very cool project so let’s help get the word out! I will end this next week and draw the winner then
This damasteel top is giving me fits. BRUTAL! Wish me luck, this top making stuff is not as easy as it looks!!
Has to be in the material, we have everything dead true. We can run a standard and its DT smooth. Not good
Getting 40% good right now
unfortunately this one can’t be solved without balancing material. I guess I will make stands from the bad ones at a later date. The issue is there will not be many of these available tomorrow now. I could honestly vomit.
37 good out of 115. I have no words right now. Sick just does not describe it
Good morning you all! Quick update, #4 is done and over. We will be attempting to save the wobbly outers but no plans as of yet.
I have the #5 Thrust in two different bronze/copper/bronze finish variations. We will be offering these on Wednesday in limited quantities. We will also be selling some spin bases and the Zirc/timascus Triskelion.
I will be doing a video for them today and they spin fantastic 😀
Should Aaron Jordan be able to pick the Super Conductor Thrust combo?
For fun I am going to leave up the add your own options. Keep it clean 😛
Official info post about October 4th release! Here is what will be going up for sale on www.billetspin.com at noon central:
-Gen 2 and 3 spin bases in Green, amber, blue and white $90
-Bronze/copper/bronze Thrusts in 2 finish variations $150
-Zirc/timascus/zirc Triskelions $300
-Zirc/Zirc/polished SS Matrix $350
Shipping will be $5 domestic and $15 international USPS or $35 DHL
10/3/17
Please watch video first!!!!!
I can use the superconductor to somewhat balance the damasteel. It will still flutter but will be much better than superconductor in a regular combo. This inner disc shape is different to show off the superconductor more. I will only use this shape when I use a superconductor inner disc. Thoughts?
Hmmmm 😀 Thoughts?
10/4/17
PLEASE READ!! If you are planning on getting in on today’s noon central release, remember that the item/items are NOT yours until you complete checkout. Having them in your cart does NOT mean they are yours. All of the items today are limited so factor that in. Best of luck, let me know if you have any questions and have a great day!!
yooze got 7 minutes to prepare yourselves.
Zirc/timascus Triskelions still available along with green spin bases Gen 3. Everything else is sold out! THANK YOU ALL!!
10/6/17
Ummmmmmmflamed
Thrust update post. So I am trying to come up with a list but it is just impossible with the material logistics. Some materials are not here, getting pushed back or have some issues. Making others in advance is causing issues from patina. I will do my best to keep you all in the loop but as of right now the only ones I know for sure are the damasteel/Superconductor/SS and SS/Cu/SS. Those are the next two in either order. After that, I have no idea. I apologize for that but I just don’t see any way to create a list with this many variables. Thanks for your patience!
Rich
The standard material combo’s on the original list will happen, just dont know when. I am 99% sure of that
10/9/17
Just a heads up, SS/Cu/SS will be the next combo of the Thrust and will be released on Thursday of this week, noon central. Three variations, limited quantities. 2 will be $150 and the other will be $160. Shipping will be extra. Sold on www.billetspin.com. I will do pics and a video later today. Reid Branston
The combo after that will be damasteel/superconductor/SS in 2 variations. They will go up on www.billetspin.com on 10/16 at noon central. I will get pics and a vid up this coming friday of those. Price will be $325 plus shipping. Expect these to have a flutter to light wobble. They spin much better than I expected but I have balanced each one to the best of my abilities but are not perfect. These will be limited as well.
25 of each being sold
They are all made so shipping will be fast
10/12/17
Thoughts?
made some improvements, good pics coming later today!
not even sure they will be an official combo
I worked all day on them and have some good ideas
one hour peeps, these will start shipping today!
10/13/17
We have Combo #8 samples done! I will get pic later today. They will be released next Friday. 2 variations and they look pretty stinking cool :
I am thinking after the Thrust is done maybe making something crazy. Something Wraith level or beyond. Not to sell, just something to see what I can come up with. I am guessing this feeling will pass but I am due for something over the top. Something like 100 pcs with moving parts. Who knows
Thrust combo’s #7 and #8 information post!
Thrust #7 Damasteel/Superconductor/SS in 2 color variations.
-55g
-$325 plus shipping
-limited quantities
-www.billetspin.com on 10/17!!!
-expect flutter
-expect flamed colors to vary
Thrust #8 Titanium/SS/Titanium and Titanium/Titanium/SS
-41g & 44g
-$230 plus shipping
-limited quantities
www.billetspin.com on 10/20!!!
-expect titanium stem colors to vary
-expect outer collar and inner disc titanium colors to vary slightly
10/14/17
PLEASE NOTE, due to the extra time needed to balance combo #7 the release will be 10/17, NOT 10/16. Sorry for the inconvenience!!
10/16/17
these are all assembled and ready for tomorrow!
Update:
Combo #7 is still launching tomorrow (10/17) at noon central.
Combo #8 is launching on Friday (10/20) at noon central. We are also including the leftover Sparks and Torus in this launch. These were saved for CS and were not needed to we are selling them off. This is the absolute LAST of them so if you wanted a Torus or Spark, this is your last chance.
Sparks-$35
Torus-$75 & $90 (flamed)
10/17/17
Going to launch right now instead!!! GOOOOOOOOOOOOOO
.
.
.
JK, you got just under 3 hours
6 minutes!
sold out!!
Everything has shipped!
10/18/17
Having fun this morning
Zirc varies a tiny bit from batch to batch, this bar is extremely dark but we have several bars here
well…oh baby!
I think I got a new favorite
the vid of this does NOT do it justice 🙁
uploading same video here but FB will destroy it
Here is a future Thrust combo. No idea when or price yet
titanium stem
10/19/17
Here are some pics of the 2 carboquartz options coming late next week and the zir/timascus/ti version coming early november. Hope you like them and let me know if you have any questions. I will be doing an official post about the Carboquartz versions Monday.
Don’t forget these two are going live tomorrow noon www.billetspin.com$230 plus shipping! Thrust mania running wild 😛
REALLY curious to what you guys think of this next one! 15 minutes… I know this is a lot of info but I am doing the best I can so you all know what combo’s are coming since I could not supply a chart.
Modified Basketweave/Black Timascus/zirc…
video is uploading now… This top is very photogenic
Yup
You are looking at two of the most expensive exotic materials I know of other than precious metals. This will definitely be the most expensive of all the Thrusts. I will probably post the price at a later date once I get it figured out and ask how many people are interested. If enough still are I might do a SUS for this one. Might be the grand finale of the Thrusts.
meaning this will be a small run. I should have enough for about 25-30
Here are some pics of the Modified Basketweave Timascus/Black Timascus/Zirc. Notice the coloring of the zirc stem. Gavin called it oil slick and thats the best description. Hard to capture in the pics but looks really cool in person!
10/20/17
PLEASE READ: Due to cosmetic variations, I had to retake the picture of the Ti/SS/ti Thrust. This picture is a more accurate representation of what they will look like. So sorry for any trouble this causes. I want to make sure the pictures best represent the product.
Also, due to some major issues, we will not be shipping these until early next week. Once again, sorry for the delay.
Zirc/carboquartz/zirc is next. Looking like next Thursday or Friday. $325 plus shipping. I will post more details once I get them. We had a rough end of the week here so still doing damage control. Hope you all have a great weekend and thank you so much for the continued support!
Last time I promise! From left to right, which is your favorite?
I tried doing a poll but it would not let me add the picture. Sorry for deleting 🙁
#2 is obvious but I really thought 5 would get more love. Pictures really don’t do 5 justice and the white background is wrong for 2 but it’s hard to make that one look bad 😛
10/23/17
Well pleasant surprise after last week. We are finishing assembly of the Ti/SS combo’s that sold last week. These came out soooooooo good. The colors are just amazing. I will predict these will be one of the most sought after combo’s down the road. Congrats to those that scored them. They will start shipping today and finish shipping tomorrow!
Zirc/Carboquartz will go live this Friday. $325 plus shipping. The demand is large for these so this run will be larger. There will also be 3 variations now. Pics and video to come in a few days.
Just love these
WOW FB you really sucked the coolness from this video
ugh, pics too. How deflating
unreal how bad FB is. It is sooooo much brighter in person
I give up
its a very vibrant color, pretty much identical to the triskelions
let me try outside
Cloudy, I guess you will just have to be surprised
10/24/17
Carboquartz is coming
BilletSPIN Thrust Combo #9 Zirc/Carboquartz/Zirc
-10/27 noon central www.billetspin.com
-limited quantities
-$325 plus shipping
-3 variations
-1.24″ in diameter
-.125″ carbide bearing ball
-spin times from 6-10 minutes
-35g
10/26/17
Carboquartz versions are coming along great! We will be shipping them on 10/30!
10/27/17
THEY ARE LIVE!!
running low already, almost single digits on each combo
So I have 2 thrusts. Both same materials but different finishes. These are the only 2 that will be offered in this material combo. I have sort of a GCA that the proceed would go towards. Would you all like to see 2 auctions, 2 waffles or one of each? This will be happening today
post is up, thanks for the feedback!!
6 different tri-metal Thrusts are coming next week! Just a heads up with everything we got going on.
Lindsey Wissing is adopting a baby girl from India! Everything is approved and now they just wait for the call before they fly to India. Costs for this adoption are very high. Due to that, we are going to waffle 2 tops off over at
https://www.facebook.com/groups/333704123681338/
Entries will be $25. There will be two waffles. The first will start around 5pm central and run until 11am central tomorrow so international friends have a chance to enter. You can buy unlimited entries up until the deadline tomorrow morning. The second waffle will follow the first one. Payment will need to be made through paypal.
100% of the proceeds will go to Lindsey and her family.
Here are the pictures of the tops. Both spin very very well. Both are Modified Basketweave Timascus/timascus/zirc and will come with a COA.
If you have any questions, let me know!
Billetspin Lindsey Adoption GCA #1
PAYPAL (pay as you play): billetspin@tds.net
$25 per spot unlimited spots (x# however many spots you’d like)
THIS WILL RUN FROM NOW UNTIL TOMORROW 12 PM ET (11 AM CENTRAL).
Background (from Billetspin):
Lindsey Wissing is adopting a baby girl from India! Everything is approved and now they just wait for the call before they fly to India. Costs for this adoption are very high. Due to that, we are going to waffle 2 tops. This is for the first top You can buy unlimited entries up until the deadline tomorrow morning. Payment will need to be made through paypal.
100% of the proceeds will go to Lindsey and her family.
Top Description:
Modified Basketweave Timascus/timascus/ flamed zirc and will come with a COA.
Spins very well! Only 2 have been made and both look very different from each other.
Admin reserves the right to implement any discount method (if needed) including but not limited to mini games, dropping spots, discount spot price, etc.
We will randomize this once, and the first person at the top of the list wins this amazing piece!!
International Winner Pays Shipping
PayPal will be released when game is full
Friends and family with no comments
No e-checks are permitted
Pick your spots if someone already has that spot, you will pick again, you can get multiple spots
***When commenting to pick how many spots you’d like, please do not edit your posts at all. All further spots picked and edits must happen in a new comment to the main thread.
Congratulations Nate McFarlane!! Rich Stadler has sent you a pm. Thanks so much guys for your help and I am so glad we were able to help Lindsey out 🙂
Billetspin Thrust 2 of 2 Good Cause Waffle (Pay As You Pick)
$25/spot – Unlimited spots – Will end in 24 hours from the time of this post.
Format: First on first draw
Spots will be assigned sequentially, so you just need to comment how many spots you want; for example, X1 means you want 1 spot, X5 means you want 5 spots.
Descriptions: Lindsey Wissing is adopting a baby girl from India! Everything is approved and now they just wait for the call before they fly to India. Costs for this adoption are very high. This waffle is to help with the cost. The top spins very very well. Both are Modified Basketweave Timascus/timascus/zirc and will come with a COA.
We will randomize the list 1 time. First name at the top of the list wins the top
Friends and family only with no comments in the notes
No e-checks are permitted.
Congrats Yalcin K Ataman! Rich would reach out to you to arrange for the shipment! Cheers to everyone! Have a great Sunday.
Really surprised at the lack of pics of the titanium Thrusts. Let’s see some pics!! Would love to here feedback from the owners on those.
10/29/17
Speechless over your support for Lindsey and her family. She has a huge heart for going to the lengths she has to adopt this girl. I know your support will take so much pressure off of her and Ben. From the bottom of my heart, thank you. Hopefully we have some pictures by the end of the year!!
10/31/17
Ladies and gentlemen, lovers of all things tri-metal, let me introduce you to the…………… VI
I will break down the individual tops in a bit but these are the 6 variations in these finishes that will be going up for sale this coming Thursday.
YOU GOT ONE HOUR UNTIL THESE ARE LIVE!!
Here are some more pics of the tri-metals. These finishes are what will come on them so what you see is what you will get! Let me know if you have any questions!
Edit: these are going up for sale on 11/2 at noon central. $150 plus shipping. The sale will be unlimited for 20 minutes. This will give everyone that’s wants them to be able to get what they want. Shipping will have a one week lead time
There will be a few more standards before the Thrust is done
it will be SS/br/SS
Polished copper is a huge pain. Just cleaning it after polishing scratches it
You got 1 hour! This sale will be 20 minutes long unlimited and we will fulfill all orders that are placed during that time. Once over, these will never be offered again!
11/1/17
I am going to try to make prototypes of all the remaining Thrust combo’s. If there is one you would like to see let me know now. PLEASE don’t go crazy here as the poll will only allow so many options. So if you don’t have one in particular, just vote on what has been suggested. Thanks!
zirc/zirc/zirc was already going to be happening
Check this out
I might try a different style of polishing on the inner disc of this one tomorrow and have it as another option for this combo. We are also trying a forced patina too on the mokume
11/2/17
Some future combos. I almost have all the rest of the Thrusts prototypes made! I will announce them once I get all of them done
Now there’s a Motley Crue!
11/3/17
OFFICIAL THRUST INFORMATION POST!! I reserve the right to add a few combo’s if I see fit but these will be offered in this order for these prices. Shipping will be $5 domestic and $15 international ($35 optional DHL for international orders). All will be sold on the website at noon central on the dates posted below. Dates are rough but we will try our hardest to meet them. All zirc outer diameters will be polished:
Thrust combo’s
11 11/7 $225
A) polished SS/Spiro dammy/polished SS stem both sides
😎 polished SS/Reptilian dammy/polished SS stem both sides
12 11/10 $225
a) Polished Bronze/bead blasted 3cm/polished Bronze stem both sides
b) Polished copper/2cm/polished SS stem both sides
13 11/14 Zirc/timascus/polished and specialty flamed titanium stem $300
14 11/17 $250
a) Zirc/Spiro dammy/polished SS stem both sides
b) Zirc/Reptilian dammy/polished SS stem both sides
15 11/21 Polished SS/Polished Bronze/polished SS both sides $150
16 11/24 $275
a) Zirc/Spiro dammy/polished zirc stem both sides
b) Zirc/Reptilian dammy/polished zirc stem both sides
17 11/28 Feather timascus/polished zirc/polished SS stem both sides $375
18 12/1 polished and flamed 3cm VF/wire wheel copper/polished zirc stem both sides $260
19 12/5 all polished zirc $225
20 12/8 Modified BW Timascus/black timascus/polished zirc stem both sides $475
Picture below has some of but not all of the combo’s and also has a couple combo’s that will not be available. Let me know if you have any questions
I have spiro coming to test with carboquartz but if it don’t look good I wont be using it. I just tried to make the most of what I had with the time I had available
Video of all the combos uploading to YT now!
Thrust Combo #11 SS/damascus/SS
-SS/Spiro/SS
-SS/reptilian/SS
-$225 plus shipping
-www.biletspin.com on 11/7 at noon central
-limited quantities
-59g
Here is your video of the remaining Thrust combo’s!
11/4/17
Sight unseen auction. I don’t have anything in mind. Let’s see how it goes. Going to see Thor. Auction ends when the movie is over. $5 minimum bid increment.
We are very close on Billetspin first carrying cases and those crystal Top stands I posted a few weeks ago! Got the dammy Thrusts tomorrow and the wheels are working on future stuff 🙂 tomorrow I start on Brian’s sight unseen auction top and then the special GTG combo. After a long weekend, things are rollin!! Yooze all have a wonderful night and just know things are gettin crazy up in here!
Gettin er done!
Sisters!
We are very close on Billetspin first carrying cases and those crystal Top stands I posted a few weeks ago! Got the dammy Thrusts tomorrow and the wheels are working on future stuff 🙂 tomorrow I start on Brian’s sight unseen auction top and then the special GTG combo. After a long weekend, things are rollin!! Yooze all have a wonderful night and just know things are gettin crazy up in here!
11/7/17
Who wants a build posting on Brian’s sight unseen auction top?
Brian Bowden likes purple so I am going to redo the stem to bring out more purples. Then we have to machine the outer collar. I am plum out of modified basketweave so I will be using feather. The plan is to modify the bottom to really let this material shine. I am hoping to have the whole thing done in about 4 hours.
the crappy cell pics are not doing this one justice lol
The SS/dammy/SS Thrusts are live!
www.billetspin.com
Here are some pics of Brian’s top
Couple pics of this Friday’s offering. I will get pics of the 2CM tomorrow!
$225
Disco disco
I could do a lot better if I had more time. Tricky getting the light show on video
11/8/17
One last video with my baby 🙁
BilletSPIN Thrust Combo #12 going live at noon central this friday (11/10) in limited quantities! $225 plus shipping
Polished Bronze/bead blasted 3 color mokume/polished bronze
-68g
Polished Copper/bead blasted 2 color mokume/polished Stainless Steel
-65g
-1.24″ in diameter
-1/8″ carbide bearing ball
-spin times 6-10 minutes
11/9/17
Starting stems for next Tuesday’s combo
11/10/17
You got 15 minutes before these go live!!!
30 minutes!! Polished Bronze/3 color mokume/polished Bronze & polished Copper/2 color mokume/polished Stainless Steel! www.billetspin.com noon central!
12:01p they are live!
12:08p Bronze sold out! 3 left of copper! Wowza 😛 You ROCK!! Thanks for the support and have yourself a rockstar weekend!
Limited quantities and I think you will need to be pretty quick on this one! Pics to come!
BilletSPIN Thrust Combo #13 going live at noon central this Tuesday (11/14) in limited quantities! $300 plus shipping
Zirc/2 alloy timascus/flamed titanium
-41g
-1.24″ in diameter
-1/8″ carbide bearing ball
-spin times 6-10 minute
we take PP and CC and these will more than likely go pretty fast so be quick 🙂
we will have a few extra components that we keep to try new finishing techniques out on. Once the run is officially over we will only have a few one offs or maybe two offs. Nothing major.
Let’s do this!
tick…tock…
Let’s just stare at this piece of chocolate mokume to pass the time…
also, that piece HAS ren wax on it 🙂
these are going pretty fast
YO! Well that was fast! It was around a 5 minute sell out which was perfect! THANK YOU again. I have not done the exact match yet but we are close to the Thrust being the 3rd biggest selling BilletSPIN top! Enjoy these exotics folks because you more than likely will not see them like this again from us in this quantity. As always, thanks for the continued support! I will try to get Lindsey shipping right away!
11/15/17
Yowza
No chocolate was harmed during the shooting of these centerfolds…
Here is the video for chocolate love. I don’t know if I ever made a top that changes more based on lighting and surroundings as this one. I babbled even more than normal, just very excited about this one 🙂
Thrust combo #14 Zirc/dammy SS
$250 plus shipping
11/17 noon central at www.billetspin.com in limited quantities!
2 variations
zirc/spiro/polished SS
Zirc/Reptilian/polished SS
11/16/17
Just a couple friends hanging out! These are the combo’s available this Friday noon central!
What are the odds they just discovered this in the titanic wreckage…
Ren wax vs chocolate lov
11/17/17
First gif that describes my favorite episode of saved by the bell wins a free one off Thrust blasted SS/reptilian dammy/SS
david, contact Sue with your info and let her know the top you won
3 color chocolate mokume/colored brass/brown SS stem
This is what you are getting at the meet and greet 🙂 it’s pretty crazy looking
11/20/17
BilletSPIN Thrust Combo #15 in 2 variations going live at noon central this Tuesday (11/21) in limited quantities! $150 plus shipping
a-Polished SS/bronze/polished SS
b-polished and heat anodized SS/bronze/polished SS
-62g
-1.24″ in diameter
-1/8″ carbide bearing ball
-spin times 6-10 minute
Just a heads up, I have 8 of the regular and 12 of the heat anodized. That’s all!
11/21/17
30 minutes
Well that turned out ok for a freebie 🙂
Gunmetal, always wanted to know how to make that color…now I just need to make sure it is not a fluke
11/22/17
Black Friday special!! I NEVER do this but there is a reason. The zirc/Dammy/zirc tops that are going live on Friday have a rather interesting outer collar. The entire batch flamed differently than I have ever seen. It has a black and gray marbled finish. I will get pics and a video later. They were going to be $275 but due to this they will be $225. Just wanted to give you a heads up. Friday at noon central!
11/23/14
BilletSPIN Thrust Combo #16 going up for sale on black friday at noon central on www.billetspin.com in two variations:
Normally these would be $275 but to to color inconsistencies on the outer collar we are reducing the cost to $225 plus shipping. The outer collar has black-grey marbling. I tried to capture this in pics but couldn’t. It is very organic looking and honestly goes perfect with the damascus.
IMPORTANT PLEASE READ! Feather Timascus #17 will not be ready in time so we are going to sell the chocolate (Heat ano SS/Treated Mokume/Heat ano SS) tomorrow (11/28). Price is $225 plus shipping on www.billetspin.com at noon central in very limited quantities.
Combo 17 and 18 will be for sale on Friday noon central and the rest of the dates are correct for 19 and 20. Sorry for any inconvenience this causes. Let me know if you have any questions!
That’s a good question, you might be right. The ones going up will have a high polished outer. Been crazy lately
The outer pics up the white from the room. It’s darker than it appears and I tried everything I could think of. It’s not much darker but it a few shades
yup, sold out. Sorry all, ran all the material I had!
Attention: On December 5th at noon central at www.billetspin.com we will be releasing Thrust combo #19 all zirc! $225 pus shipping
Attention: This friday 12/1 at noon central on www.billetspin.com we will be releasing Thrust combos:
17 Feather timascus/polished zirc/polished SS stem (2 variations) $375 plus shipping
18 polished and flamed 3cm VF/wire wheel copper/polished zirc stem both sides (expect some color variations) $250 plus shipping
I included some group shots of combo 18 so you could see some examples of the color variations.
Attention: On December 8th at noon central at www.billetspin.com we will be releasing Omega Thrust combo #20 Modified Basketweave Timascus/Black Timascus/Oil Slick Zirc (2 variations) $475 plus shipping
This is the last and final combo, no more will be offered at this point.
we will call the left one scalloped
two different bars. This is quite the process to make them and so the two bars vary. I love it as it creates more variation
hey rich why no ridges on the bottom of the right one? just an aesthetic thing? looks great kust curious
shows off the pattern more and provides more variation from the other version
All of these are made and the flamed colors do vary especially on the smooth version. Keep that in mind. The black Timascus will vary slightly as well
12/1/17
Wow, sounds like everything sold out!! You all rock!! Thanks for the support! We made it to Orlando in one piece and survived the 50 kids on the plane going to Disney. Hope you all have a great weekend!!
“Should” be starting the trick shot top today. Expect this one to take a long time for me to design. Hoping to have a proto next week. This is gonna be fun
The trick shot top will do two things. It cannot be tipped over while spinning no matter how hard you try and it will jump when flicked. Since it cannot be tipped over, after it lands from a jump it will continue to spin. Soooooo you can spin it on your desk, flick it and have it land on a spin base. Or you could spin it on your desk and flick it over a flaming canyon of death and onto a spin base. Or you could…well you get the idea.
This idea came from a battle top that was in the Koma Taisen. I have this top on my desk. It was shown to me by the man that translates for the Koma Taisen. I saw that it could be modified as a trick shot top. He encouraged me to do so.
These will not be crazy long spinners. Guessing 3-5 minutes on a spin base. I also think due to the jumping that these could destroy a high end spin base so I would recommend a cheap cosmetic mirror.
BILLETSPIN UPDATE: The plan has changed so please read this carefully!
I started designing the 4 piece top and folks I will be totally honest, this one has potential to be one of the coolest, if not the coolest top I have ever made. I added some more pieces to it too so it will be either an 8 or 10 piece now. Some of those pieces are very basic so don’t get too excited about that. Unfortunately though, there are two issues with this top.
1) It will take a very very long time to make.
2) I don’t have enough materials to appease the masses
So, after much thought I have decided to change up the schedule to give us the time needed to do this right. The next top will now be the 2 piece long spinner.
For those that did not watch the live video I posted, my goal for this top will be for me to be able to spin it for 30 minutes. This does not mean you will be able to. In fact, some might still not be anywhere near that. Spin times vary greatly depending on skill level. This will not be a pretty top. Every feature on this top will be designed for maximum performance. I have tracked down a very rare grade of aluminum that has an off the chart strength rating. I will use that in conjunction with Tungsten. I probably will not offer this in different materials since these two will give the best performance and that is what this design is all about.
As you know, Tungsten is prone to wobble. I am using the new tungsten so it will be better but I assure you these will still have some wobble/flutter issues. These will come with the new carbide balls which will greatly reduce flat spot issues.
I am not sure on pricing or the launch date at this time. I will have to spend a great deal of time in the prototype stages. I am sure though that they will be available this month yet.
I am sorry for the switch-a-roo here on the schedule. I hope you understand. If you have any questions let me know!
Rich
2/11/17
Vlog #1
Vlog #2
Vlog #3
Vlog #4
15 and still going good
18:55 first spin so I could easily break 20 with a few tries. Pretty good start I think!
Vlog #5
Vlog #6
Vlog #7
Vlog #8 and final for today
this one is worse. Back to the original style. Had to try it
in fact, worst spinner of the day lol
barely 18 minutes, this thing sucks!
still going
got a lot of fight in it
barely rotating
18:57
I thought it was dead 2 minutes ago lol
If I did not have this party to go to I would keep at it
ok, one more design. My brain came up with a plan…
Still here two tops later 😛 This one has promise. I would bet it’s the best of the day! Wish it luck
I had the place all shut down and had my jacket on heading out the door and it hit me…
Now we just have to hope it does not suck
Complete trash, 18:03 NOW I am leaving lol. Have a good one all. I suck
Came back to work. Getting consistent 22-23 minutes now on decent spins. This is still in rough proto stage so there is more in it but not a whole lot. This top as is will see 5 minute improvement over the Tungten/Aluminum Infinity. I am confident I can squeeze another minute or two out of it. I should be able to break 25 with it personally once the tweaks are done. Wont happen every time for sure but should on a good spin. Thats all she wrote for sure now. I am taking the day off tomorrow and will be back on this project on Tuesday. Have a great night all!
I will do a full vlog about it once it is all tweaked. I found a repeatable system of change and that helped out a lot.
There was no way I could sleep with this many ideas in my head so I had to head back to work. Mind is clear now and the path is clear. Sleepy time
2/12/17
So tomorrow will be a dead day for me as we have to finish a few Crown tops before I get back on the long spinner. I will use that time to sell off some prototypes I made yesterday. They will be $115 plus shipping. I will try (and fail) to come up with easy ways to sell them where everyone is happy. Not sure of the exact time. Some have some nicks and most have some movement towards the end of the spin.
It needs it for this much weight. Same top with a .020″ smaller diameter grip tops out at 300 less RPM’s on the launch. Any bigger and the RPM’s decrease as well. It is the size it needs to be
Vlog #10
2/14/17
Uploaded in HD this time. Balancing idea we are working on
The official information post about this new top will happen soon. Until then suggest names for it here.
Official Information post:
The new top will be called the Nexus. I have wanted to use this name for a long time because most of our Mazak’s are Nexus models and these tops are made on them.
This will be on average, the longest spinning top in BilletSPIN history. It will launch on www.billetspin.com on 2/21 at noon central. Here is some info on the top:
-Only comes in one material combination (Tungsten/7068 aluminum)
-1/8″ carbide bearing ball (From our testing, these will be a significant improvement over ceramic).
-1.12″ in diameter
-44grams
-Due to the Tungsten you can expect more wobble than a standard BilletSPIN top. We are using the new tungsten but you will still see a flutter/wobble especially in the second half of the spin. Tops are sold as-is and I will not accept returns due to wobble/flutter
-$130 plus $5 domestic and $12 international shipping.
-We have enough Tungsten for 450 tops. A large portion of those will be junk due to excessive wobble. I will have to play it safe in the amount I make available because I will not have these all done in time for the release. This will hopefully mean there will be a second release once production is done (in a few weeks) and we know how many good ones we have.
-Due to the potential material issues, this design will NOT be retired after this sale. I am guessing this will be a huge hit and I would like to offer more of this one later in the year. However, I might not and this might be your only chance to get one. I just reserve the right to have another release later.
-There will NOT be a limit on how many you can order. I ask you to not buy this top to flip. Any comments to this post in regards to flipping will be deleted no questions asked.
2/15/17
Check this out…
Prototype spin contest! If you got one of the 42,517 Nexus prototypes, post up your best times here. On your honor. Winner gets to say they spun one of the 42,517 Nexus prototypes the longest!
2/17/17
As of now, 10 minute average to balance each Nexus. Going to be a long week
Remember there will be around 450 of them…
I am getting a system down for sure but it is just a tedious process.
2/19/17
Planning on ordering a Nexus? Be sure to watch this!!!
2/20/17
Today went well. I balanced 110. Getting the hang of it. Each bar is consistent from start to end so once we get the offset right for the first piece we can run the bar at the same setting. Should have them all balanced end of the day Wednesday if all goes well. This has no bearing on you all whatsoever but just thought I would share 😛
1st bar was dead perfect. Bore them, assemble, done. It was all down hill from there but still got a lot done
Each bar makes about 25 tops. Of those, they are pretty much identical. None of these will show a crazy variation to another one. They are all pretty close. If I didn’t balance them, they would be insanely different. This super light weight core just magnifies everything.
out of 400 there might be 10 DT smooth. Keep your expectations low but know the spin times will be very good regardless.
2/21/17
Getting close now, you ready!
Last minute Nexus info:
1) After getting the counts, we will be releasing 350 today at noon. We have more to run so I am very conservative on my numbers just in case something goes wrong here. We always keep extras for CS reasons. If we don’t scrap anymore, we might have a few to sell at a later date but it will be in a very small quantity. Nothing else I can do at this point because they are not all done and I need to play it safe.
2) When you purchase from the website, it is NOT yours until you COMPLETE checkout!!! Just because it is in your cart does not make it yours.
3) There will more than likely be people that miss out. People will be upset. I made ALL the material I had. I released ALL the tops I could. It sucks people miss out sometimes but lets try to keep the drama to a minimum.
4) I will NOT be making anymore Nexus tops. This is the only run of them but like I said in #1 there is a small chance I will have a few extras after the dust settles. DO NOT message me trying to get one if you missed out please. It just puts me in a bad spot as I like to please everyone.
5) Shipping will begin tomorrow and we should have them all shipped in one week.
6) I have said it a lot and the website is plastered with this: EXPECT FLUTTER/WOBBLE!!! This is Tungsten and I did my best to balance them but expect the worst.
7) The website will more than likely be password protected at some point this morning. It just means we are prepping for the launch. It will be back online well before noon central.
If you all have any questions, let me know! Looking forward to the fun and cant wait for you all to start getting these!
Just know, I made as many as I could all. If this balancing was not such a pain I would have ordered more stock for a second release. I am working on a solution for future long spinners though. THANK YOU for your support! Cant wait to see some times!
I was not expecting it to go that fast. Watching it was incredible
that was on par with the K2. Crazy. Back to balancing!
