2010 Northwest Camp Shopbot !!!

[billp]

On Saturday, Oct. 9th we'll be holding our first Camp at the shop of Mike Miller in Vancouver, WA.
Mike's business is called:
Miller Marine
12509 SE 8th ST.
Vancouver, WA 98683
http://www.millermarineproducts.com/
According to the local web page;
"Vancouver, Washington sits on the north bank of the Columbia River directly across from Portland, Oregon. The Pacific Coast is less than 90 miles to the west. The Cascade Mountain Range rises on the east. Mount St. Helens National Volcanic Monument and Mt. Hood are less than two hours away. The spectacular Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area lies 30 minutes to the east. Vancouver combines the excitement of a major metropolitan area with small-town charm and abundant recreational opportunities. ".
Mike will follow up this posting with driving directions, etc.
I know it's still early, but be sure to drop one of us a note, ( OR post something on this thread) to let us know you're planning to attend. Now you've all got 8 months lead time to work on your Show and Tell samples !!!

[chiloquinruss]

Sign me up. Thanks for making it happen. Russ

[kubotaman]

I have been waiting for a Camp to come to this part of the world for some time!!! I will attend and am waiting for the date.

[tappsman]

Please put me on the list for the Vancouver Camp.
Dennis

[gundog]

Thanks for the announcement Bill. I am located about 1.5 miles off I-205. in Vancouver WA. I will post a Google map for driving directions it is pretty easy to find.

There are restaurants and motels close by if anyone is planning to come from out of town let me know and I can recommend some motels.

Mike

[wayne_walker]

Mike,

Put me on the list. I look forward to the meeting everyone.

Wayne

[knight_toolworks]

I would like to show up. does the bus get close to your place? I am coming from Portland.

[gundog]

Yes Steve the bus runs down Mill Plain and can drop you 5 blocks North of me.

From I 205 you take the Mill Plain East exit travel East on Mill Plain, turn South on SE 123rd Ave, turn East on SE 7th St, turn South on SE 125th Ave I live on the corner of SE 8th St & SE 125th Ave the street sign is in my front yard.

Mike

[billp]

Steve,
If you can get to within five blocks call one of us, and we'll pick you up ! I'll be posting my cell # as we get closer to the Camp date...

[ron_moorehead]

Hi,

Please add me to the list, great to see a camp in this part of the world.

[geneb]

Add my name to the list - just don't let me forget. *laughs*

g.

[dlcw]

Count me in. Yes it's a long drive but it would be a lot of fun and I am looking forward to meeting many of you. :D

[billp]

As some of you have already noticed, we have a few upcoming events that will keep us pretty busy in the next month or so, but I hope to start posting specifics about this Camp after we get back from the San Mateo Camp/Maker Faire, and then the Canadian Camp the following week.....

[carlcnc]

Sign me up as well,
thanks
Carl

[jdoug5170]

Sign me up also please, +1. Hopefully your shop is somewhat wheelchair friendly?

Doug

[gundog]

Sign me up also please, +1. Hopefully your shop is somewhat wheelchair friendly?

Doug

I should have plenty of room Doug if not I will make room.

Mike

[dlcw]

Mike,

You got room for a 23' motorhome? I've got one and that would be a way for me to travel and stay overnight and come home Sunday.

[cnc_works]

I'm looking forward to attending. Excited about meeting local (and not so local) compatriots.

[gundog]

Mike,

You got room for a 23' motorhome? I've got one and that would be a way for me to travel and stay overnight and come home Sunday.

Not at my house but there are many parking lots near by I am sure you could camp at for the night. I am not sure where the closest RV park would be. There is a church parking lot 2 blocks from my house.

Mike

[billp]

Yes we are still on. Mike is on vacation this week and upon his return he'll be posting hotel info, directions, etc.
I've had a few e-mails, and private messages confirming people's plans to be there, and it looks like we'll have a good sized group for this one. If you haven't "confirmed" yet ( either here on the Forum, or via e-mail, etc) please do so at your earliest convenience..
And drop me a note if there's any particular topic(s) you'd like us to cover at the Camp...

[robhodgman]

Please add me too!

Thanks
Rob

[billp]

Rob,
Will do ! Again I hope to have hotel info etc. posted as soon as Mike gets back from his vacation, so please keep an eye on this thread for updates...

[jdoug5170]

Bill

Any chance you are bringing out a Tyro for us to take a look at? Buy?

Doug

[billp]

You sly rascal.......I have more than enough "interaction"with airport security as it is, and I'd just about HAVE to take it as a carry on since we all know what baggage handlers do in the bowels of an airport to our luggage...So I think I'll opt out for this Camp.
Actually for those really hungry to learn more I believe it will be appearing at the IWF booth in Atlanta...
Northwesterners -if any of you will be in town on the Friday night before the Camp we could try to connect and squeeze in some extra hours. I'm staying at the Best Western on 3rd St ,which looks like it's about a mile from Mike's shop, and I have never been to the area, so I'm open to suggestions.
I will be working on "Rancho Palumbo" this week (leaving in the AM)and so I may have sporadic internet access ( wind direction, strength of Blackberry signal, whether they have the generator turned on at the internet company, etc...) until about the 27th.
If you have not contacted Mike or myself yet ( either here on the Forum, e-mail, etc.) to let us know you're planning to be there please drop us a note. Thanks !

[gundog]

I visited a couple near by hotels today. The motel I would recomend is either the Extended Stay Hotel or the Best Western Inn of Vancouver they are across the street from one another. The Extended Stay has kitchenetes and the Best Western includes a continental breakfast. The Best Western is $67.49 per night queen bed you can call them direct @ 1-888-254-3900 www.bestwestern.com/innofvancouver (http://www.bestwestern.com/innofvancouver) . The Extended Stay Hotel is $54.99 for a queen call them at 360-604-8530 ext 608. www.extendedstayhotels.com (http://www.extendedstayhotels.com) .

If I were to choose one I would pick the Best Western there is also a motel 6 around the corner but I would pick either of the others over the motel 6 and it is not any cheaper. The Best Western is just an average room and they are clean if you want something nicer with a pool and spa I am sure you can find something online.

Here is a map that will get you to the motels and my house from I-205. Let me know if you have any questions.

Mike

<iframe width="425" height="350" frameborder="0" scrolling="no" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" src="http://maps.google.com/maps?f=q&amp;source=s_q&amp;hl=en&amp;geocode=&amp;q=12509+se+8th+ st+vancouver,+wa&amp;sll=37.0625,-95.677068&amp;sspn=36.042042,56.337891&amp;ie=UTF8&amp;hq=&amp;hne ar=12509+SE+8th+St,+Vancouver,+Clark,+Washington+9 8683&amp;ll=45.614923,-122.543891&amp;spn=0.015549,0.027509&amp;z=14&amp;output=embed"></iframe><br /><small><a href="http://maps.google.com/maps?f=q&amp;source=embed&amp;hl=en&amp;geocode=&amp;q=12509+se+8t h+st+vancouver,+wa&amp;sll=37.0625,-95.677068&amp;sspn=36.042042,56.337891&amp;ie=UTF8&amp;hq=&amp;hne ar=12509+SE+8th+St,+Vancouver,+Clark,+Washington+9 8683&amp;ll=45.614923,-122.543891&amp;spn=0.015549,0.027509&amp;z=14" style="color:#0000FF;text-align:left">View Larger Map</a></small>

[gundog]

Sorry about the map link try this one.

http://maps.google.com/maps?f=q&source=s_q&hl=en&geocode=&q=12509+se+8th+st+vancouver+wa+98683&sll=29.61167,-85.517578&sspn=39.045992,56.337891&ie=UTF8&hq=&hnear=12509+SE+8th+St,+Vancouver,+Clark,+Washingto n+98683&ll=45.616919,-122.5494&spn=0.015549,0.027509&z=15

[chiloquinruss]

Well folks, it won't be long now! It's gettin' close! Can't wait. Russ

[billp]

Russ,
I hope that you, and everyone else planning to attend brings either a sample, or a picture of what you've been up to with your machine(s). "Show and Tell' is where we ALL learn a lot !
We're still getting responses, and it looks like it's going to be a good group!
Don't forget to bring a camera...

[billp]

For those who are new at this,we run a pretty similar schedule for most Camps.
8-9 AM coffee/donut session so people can find the shop.
9-4 ( or thereabouts) actual Camp sessions
We usually have some sort of a fast shop lunch in the middle of the day as well.
There is no charge to attend any of the Camps we host.
And I know of at least a few people who will probably stay at the Best Western so maybe we can use that as a focal point if anyone wants to connect Friday evening.
If you have already let us know your plans, just plan on showing up. If you have not yet contacted us, please do so in the next week or two as the calendar is going to fill up quickly.

[knight_toolworks]

8? that's when I get up. some people.

[wayne_walker]

Bill,

I have already indicated that I wll be there. I just wanted to let you know I will be bringing one additional person.

Wayne

[billp]

Wayne,
Great, thanks for the info !

[Geert]

Hi Bill,

Is this the right place to register for this camp ? If yes, pls put me on your list. I do not own a shopbot but I'm seriously thinking about getting one....

[billp]

Geert,
Yes it is, and I have added your name to the list. it will be a great chance for you to speak with existing owners and see how they are using their machines...

[dlcw]

Bill,

Just to reiterate that I will be there. I might also be bringing an additional person. He'll know about 7 to 10 days before the event - depends on his current project.

[billp]

We'll save room for the two of you...

[dlcw]

Bill,

Is there anything you'd like me to bring to demo or something?

[billp]

If your work is too large to bring, pictures on a flash drive would be great. With so many people wanting to show off their stuff we usually ask that everyone limit their talk to roughly five minutes so everyone gets at least one turn, and then during breaks, etc. we can always show more, or answer lengthy/technical questions.
If anyone has brochures, etc. they are welcome as well. It's always good to see how Shopbotters set up their services, businesses, etc.
And we're gonna try and set up a NW User Group so you'll have some local contacts for everyone to draw upon.

[cnc_works]

Bill, I would like to bring a friend as well.

[billp]

Donn,
Please do !

[knight_toolworks]

Can I get a ride from someone coming from Portland?

[Geert]

Can I get a ride from someone coming from Portland?

Steve, I'm the guy that visited you a couple of months ago. I plan to go to this meeting (pretty sure I will be able to attend, although one never knows with my job...). I'll be glad to give you a ride.

[knight_toolworks]

let me know if you can

[terryjones]

Please sign me up!

[billp]

Terry,
You are now added to the list...See you there !

[waterwheelman]

Mike, sign me up.

[gundog]

Thats great David. I was hoping you would come I haven't seen you post in a while and wondered if you were still around.

Mike

[billp]

As of today we've got close to 30
"Campers" signed on for this one...If you have not yet contacted Mike, or myself to RSVP, please do so soon...

[Dennis Rech]

Please add me to the list.
Thanks

[billp]

I'll do that today !

[billp]

We're now up to 35 Campers who have contacted us. A few people who have never been to a Camp have asked for suggestions as to what they should bring with them. Here's a few ideas;
1. a (digital) camera to take shots of the "Show and Tell" items people will bring to the Camp
2. business cards ( OR some quick and dirty slips of paper with your contact info if you haven't done the "formal" business process yet), this saves a LOT of time scribbling down contact info. We WILL be discussing a NW User group as well...
3. something for "Show and Tell", this can be the actual item you have created ( if you can carry it with you), OR a few pictures on a thumb drive. (Note; due to the size of the group, please try to keep these presentations to a minimum length. There will be plenty of time for people to ask you individual questions during breaks, lunch, etc.)
4. a note pad to write down ideas, links, products, etc. as there will be a LOT of topics discussed in a very short amount of time...
If anyone else has suggestions to add to this list, please do so....

[PHorton]

If you have room for another, I'd like to attend. I'm considering a ShopBot purchase and would like to meet some users.

Paul Horton

[billp]

Paul,
We'll see you there. It will be a great chance to speak with a group of people who use their machines for a variety of purposes...

[terryjones]

Hi Bill,

Will this camp be similar to the one I went to in Austin, Texas? The event is both Saturday and Sunday? I need to know if I need a hotel for Saturday night?

Thanks Terry

[billp]

Terry,
No, this Camp will be a one day event. But we can poll those attending to see how we might handle future Camps in the area...
We'll start Saturday off between 8-9 AM with the traditional coffee/donut session. Then we'll have a pizza lunch break, and finish sometime in the late afternoon ...

[BuddyBuilders]

If you have room for one (or Two?) more, I'd like to come. I also am considering a ShopBot purchase and would like more information. Sorry to post so late - been away from the computer

Nick Thiry

[billp]

Nick,
We'll see the two of you there...

[geneb]

Unfortunately, I'm not going to be able to make it. :(

g.

[billp]

Since there seems to be a sizable number of people planning to attend from out of town I am guessing that a few of you might be arriving Friday evening. I'll be at the Best Western- http://book.bestwestern.com/bestwestern/productInfo.do?propertyCode=48141
and I'll plan to hang out in the lobby around 7Pm Friday evening in case anyone wants to just sit around and "talk 'Bot"for awhile.....
Gene, there are plans to set up a "Northwest User group" and once that's established I'll send you the pertinent info...

[billp]

I have just spoken with Mike. He is working nights this week ( and therefore he sleeps during the early part of the day...). We could probably use a few extra hands Friday afternoon moving a few things around his shop ( which will be necessary due to the size of the expected group), so if any of you arrive in the area early, and are looking for something to do we'll be at his shop from 2PM on.
There will be parking on the local streets around his shop, as well as in a church lot which is about one block away...

[chiloquinruss]

Thank you Mike Miller for hosting a great camp and thank you also to Bill for doing a great job of running the camp for 40 plus of us left coasters. Great sessions, great show and tell, and most of all great meeting so many fellow botters all in one place. We all have the same tool but it is amazing what we all do with it! Thanks again for a great camp. Russ

[cnc_works]

Ditto Russ...I always come away more enthused and with additional ideas to run with. I'm also looking forward to establishing something more local and more often in the way of NW Shopbot get-togethers.

[dlcw]

I am disappointed that I couldn't make it. I had some family matters come up at the last minute that made plan changes necessary.

I look forward to pictures and commentary on the event as I'm sure it was a great one.

[gundog]

I am happy everyone that came showed up it was great to meet all of you. Thank you Bill for putting on a great presentation and Dave Chase for taking care of the chair return and the rest of you for helping set up and tear down.

I really hope we can set up some kind of user group where we can get together every so often.

Mike

[billp]

I just got home a little while ago and I wanted to thank everyone in the area who attended the Camp. Mike was a great host, and he has a pretty impressive shop. David Chase helped with the local logistics, there was some very interesting "Show and Tell"stuff, and I got home to find a bunch of Camp pictures from Mike McCarthy waiting for me. I will try to get all of the pix downloaded, resized, and posted in the morning..... I'll also get the "User group" e-mails sent out to all of those who signed on as well.

[gundog]

Bill,
Do you have a video or power point for the info you covered at the camp? I should have video tapped the camp for reference I would really like to have the info on the signs & 3D carving.

Mike

[kubotaman]

Well I hate to tell you that I am a little disappointed that I wasn't the first person to say thank you to Mike and Bill for a great camp! I had a ways to drive so I guess I won't hold it to you guy's. I really liked the Camp along with meeting new future buyers and fellas that already have a Bot. It was really professionally run and I certainly am looking forward to the next. Hope I get to say thanks first next time. Great bunch opf guy's in one place! Can't wait, this was my first Camp but certainly won't be the last!!!!!!!!!!!
:D

[wayne_walker]

Thanks Mike for opening up your shop to us fellow Botters. It was a great meeting. It was nice to see how you have your machine set up and some of the various products you produce.

Wayne

[billp]

Wayne,
I have tried to send you the User group list twice, and each time the message has been kicked back to me. Please send me a PM, or e-mail with the correct address so I can pass it along to the group...Bill

[knight_toolworks]

it was crowded but fun. I was going to host one but glad I did not my shop is far smaller. everyone would have to sit on my work tables.
but if there is anyone who wants to see a working shopbot I am free for visitors I am in Portland or.

[waterwheelman]

This was my first camp but definetly not my last. Bill, you did a great job of presenting the various methods and uses of a shopbot machine. We tend to get isolated and pigeon-holed in our own work. It was extremely interesting to see how much variety of work is being done in the NW. Thanks Mike for hosting the camp. The chairs are on their way back to the rental place. Looking forward to getting together again in the future, possibly next time at my shop. :D

[billp]

I have posted the Northwest pix on the Flickr page-
http://www.flickr.com/photos/campshopbot/sets/72157625016599489/
And we're trying out a new Blog site-
http://www.shopbotblog.com/index.php/2010/10/2010-northwest-camp-shopbot/

[chiloquinruss]

Bill, did the email list of the attendees aka, the Northwest User Group list get sent out? Thanks, Russ

[billp]

Russ,
Yes it was sent to everyone who added their name to the list. I have just sent you an e-mail with the names ( guess who hadn't signed on the list?)...

[woodworx]

Bill,
Just moved to the area, and wish I could have made it to meet everyone up here in God's country. Looking forward to the next one!

Justin

[billp]

Justin,
Maybe someone from the Northwest User group will contact you after reading this thread.After hearing you speak at last year's SOCal Camp it seems like you'd be a great speaker at one of their regional get togethers...

[ohiwish]

Hey folks,

I'm teaching in a high school shop class, and have dusted off this ShopBot after 5 years. I did install the new controller board and i hope the older Part Wizard will work. I'm looking for some of you more experienced fellows around the Kitsap county/Seattle/Tacoma area I can pick your brains on getting going on this machine. The blogs are to far up the ladder for me, just getting use to this software is the search. I'm running CNC/CAM on the Light Machines metal mills but the 2 programs are greatly different. Any kind souls can reach me at 360-662-2514 or 360-265-5023 I'm at Central Kitsap High in Silverdale.

Thanks all
Jim

[sagreen]

I'd be interested in what the Northwest user group was up to. I live in North Bend, Washington.

Scott...

[billp]

James/Scott,
There were about 15 people who signed up after the Camp, and hopefully you'll get a response from your postings.

[bleeth]

Hey Scott:
If you're in a hurry for a camp how bout coming to Ft. Lauderdale and bring a guitar!!

Dave

[chiloquinruss]

Scott - Jim, we have a very informal Yahoo group that has a lot of the folks that were at the meeting on it. If you are interested please email me and I'll add you to the list. Russ

http://xa.yimg.com/kq/groups/71090827/homepage/name/351461?type=sn

[bill.young]

Hey Russ...that's very cool!

[chiloquinruss]

Bill, thank you.

Jim, you have mail!

Russ

[sagreen]

Hey Scott:
If you're in a hurry for a camp how bout coming to Ft. Lauderdale and bring a guitar!!

Dave

Hey, now there is an idea! Thanks Dave!

Scott...

[bleeth]

You're welcome Scott-
C U Soon?

[gundog]

I would like to be added to the group I have not received any emails since the camp that I remember. Russ send me the info if you would please.

MillerMarineProducts@gmail.com

Thanks Mike

[wayne_walker]

Ditto, what Mike said.

I would like to be added as well. Please send any info to me @ fox bay 3 at earthlink dot net in e-mail format.

TIA

Wayne

[chiloquinruss]

Wayne and Mike you will be getting an email from the Yahoo Groups as an Invite. Just click on it and you will be added. Russ

[tappsman]

Russ

Would you please add my name to the group.

Dennis

[chiloquinruss]

Hi gang. In order to add you to the Yahoo group I need your regular email adresses, so please if you want to join send me your address. Thanks.

russ at hobby-tronics dot com

[Paul Hollister]

Hello there,

My name is Paul Hollister and I'm a shop teacher here at Henry Foss H.S. I was wondering if you know of anyone in the Tacoma area that can give a hand to a problem I'm having here with my ShopBot?

Paul H.

[billp]

Paul,
Don't limit your options to just the Pacific NW. If you can, post your problem on this Forum and you get the world of Shopbotters to try and help !
If you can't it may mean a call to tech support in the AM

[ron_moorehead]

Hi Paul,

I am out of town right now but will be back in about a week and a half and would be happy to help I live in Olympia but can come up any time to lend a hand.

You can call me at 3607908678