Southern Maine Camp Shopbot

[sebago_signworks]

Hello All. I have spoken to the Shopbot brass and we have decided that we will be holding a Shopbot Camp here @ Sebago Signworks in Limington, Maine (20 Miles West of Portland). We are looking for feedback on when to hold it. We were thinking mid-late Summer. Please reply if you would be interested in attending, have any ideas, and want to be a part your welcome to join in! We have a 48" x 96" Shopbot, and the shop will also be open to play in as well. Shopbot wil be providing food, entertainment, education, hands on stuff and a full day of networking and fun. Space will be somewhat limited. Any questions, just post.

-Devin Fahie



http://i949.photobucket.com/albums/ad336/dmfahie/Campshopbotjpg.jpg

[Ajcoholic]

I'd be interested in attending - as it is closer than anything else (I am in North Eastern Ontario, Canada) in the US to me.

Perhaps my wife and son could make a holiday out of it. Will talk to her - but I'd need some dates as she has to book holidays months ahead.

AJC

[jdervin]

I'm in. ...and mid-to-late summer sounds perfect to me.

[sebago_signworks]

Cool, we are getting somewhere. There is a handful of people that are also attending that are not on the forum. Lets give it another one/two weeks and we will set a date. This will give us a chance to see what kind of turnout were going to have. John, we are about 90 min from Waterville.

[Chris Taylor]

Devin,

I will be there....let me know when...Chris

[Greybarn]

I want to attend. I am booked for something else the week of August 20th so hopefully it won't conflict with that. Would it be easier in mid-September so we don't have to pay mid-summer Maine rates?
Regards
Peter

[paul_z]

Depending on the exact date, I'd like to attend.

Paul Z

[phil_o]

I'd like to attend. Midsummer is always a busy time for me. I also agree with Greybarn's comment about avoiding the midsummer rates.

Phil

[B. Pile]

Hey Devin i would be interested in attending also if my
schedule permits.

Thanks Buster

by the way "nice sign"

[sebago_signworks]

Waiting to get dates approved by Shopbot. I expect to know Monday sometime. It does look like it will be Summer, Saturday August 4th. How does this look for everybody? There is another Camp Shopbot in September, also I have 3 kids, September is tough for me between school starting and we are really busy as orders come in we have to complete before the winter months arrive. Also, I would like to see some ideas and things you would like to learn/do/fab etc. so we can set an agenda up on top of what Shopbot already has planned. As for Maine's summer rates. Those of you that have campers/tents are welcome to set up @ my house if you wish. We also do have local motels and inn's.

[pappybaynes]

I'm there depending on dates...thanks for offering to host!

[2006prt]

Count me in. I haven't been to camp since I was 10.

[phil_o]

Aug. 4 is booked for me. The Sept. one is likely a better choice.

Phil

[sebago_signworks]

Need some feedback please... What dates would be better for you.....

A) August 4th?

B) September 15th?

Both on a Saturday... also would anybody be interested in stretching this camp into a 2 day camp? If so, Friday into Saturday... or Saturday into Sunday....
Need your input as we need to start planning.

Thanks,
Devin Fahie

[jdervin]

August 4th works best for me. One day or two day: no preference, but if two day, I prefer Friday/Saturday.

[phil_o]

Sept. 15 for me. Two days is OK if there is enough content to justify two.

Phil

[Towersonline]

Sept 15 gets my vote.

Bill Thorpe

[michael_schwartz]

As of now I would like to plan on attending unless something else comes up.

[paul_z]

either day for me

Paul Z

[Greybarn]

September 15th is WAY better for me. I can't do the August 4th date.
Regards
Peter

[michael_schwartz]

Either august or september works for me, although september would probably be more convenient.

[sebago_signworks]

We have set a date of Saturday, September 15


The good folks @ Shopbot will need a dedicated head count, as well as Bill Thorpe and I are looking for different thing you may want to learn, work on or pow-wow about to see if we should extend this to a Friday/Saturday Camp. The more input we get the better camp we will have so please posts ideas. If you have something you think we all should know and want to hold a seminar about it, lets do it.

[pappybaynes]

My wife and I will be coming up to the area on Friday and possibly staying through until Sunday...so we are there Saturday or Friday and Saturday. Would like to see any tips and tricks with Aspire / VCarve.
Thanks again for hosting!

[phil_o]

There are two areas I would like to see addressed at the meeting; marketing our products and painting/finishing.
Marketing - I've read a lot lately on using the internet; blogging, Facebook and twitter to get market exposure. I would like to hear more about this from someone with experience.
Painting/finishing - I've seen many beautiful signs on this and the Vectric forum. I'd like to see a demonstration of techniques for creating these wonderful products.

[billp]

Phil,
We'll cover both topics at the Camp...

[Greybarn]

Where do we sign up? I will be there!
Regards
Peter

[billp]

Peter,
You just did...We'll post Camp updates on this thread in the next few months.

[sebago_signworks]

Wanted to bump this up as we are getting closer and want to make plans. Please share ideas on what you would like to do and see as this takes some time to put together.

thanks
Devin

[NeathawkSigns]

Me and my husband would love to come to this in September!!!!

- We would love to learn more about finishing, specially "gold" finishes. Also more on how to figure out to set the routers RPMs depending on the wood type better. (Now I just call onsrud and ask them). With finishing I usually use a paint brush, but I have seen on forums people use spray guns, would love to learn more about that. And also masks for carving.

- Other things we would like to learn about is the best place to get material in and around New England.

- I can help with suggestions on marketing to others, I have a graphic design and marketing background.

-

[billp]

Lindsay/Ryan,
I'll add your names to the list of attendees this evening....

[sebago_signworks]

As we get closer we are getting allot of feedback. I think it would be cool if we all had a piece to show and tell. Need feedback on what you want to see and do as well. Shopbot has a full day planned, but we can make it a long day into the night and just jam! Neathawk Signs has some great ideas, lets get some more in!

[billp]

Based on our feedback (so far) here are some of the topics we'll get into at this Camp;
There's a LOT of interest in sign techniques (masking,finishing, materials, etc.), and as luck would have it we're holding the Camp in a sign shop...
Marketing what we make, and running a business with a Shopbot
How to ground a machine
Paul Zank's V Carve inlay procedure
3D carving
What ELSE would you like to learn about?
PS- If you have not yet contacted Devin, or myself about your plans to attend, please do so soon. This lets us prepare a little better. Thanks!

[phil_o]

Is it too soon to book a place to stay? Any recommendations for accommodations?

Phil

[billp]

Phil,
I've got the same question and I have a call into Devin right now so once I hear back from him I'll post the latest. My street mapping program suggests that Portland is the bst bet because there are so many options ( it's about 20 miles east of Devin's shop)...

[billp]

Devin is on the road, but WILL post some suggestions regarding accommodations when he's back in the shop.
To clarify a question; this is going to be a one day Camp, Saturday only (this time, we'll see about future events).

[Brady Watson]

I'm going to try & make this one if I can. Hopefully I can put a face to a few names in the process.

-B

[sebago_signworks]

For those of you who need lodging you have a few options. Near us is the Midway Motel, its a very simple but nice place. About 40 minutes east is South Portland, you have your choice of chains there. If you have a camper or tent there are local campgrounds, or you can hook up here at the shop as its the the forest, and we have plenty of room. If anybody needs assistance, please feel free to contact me @ devin@sebagosignworks.com.

[pappybaynes]

There was some talk of this being Friday & Saturday...is it just going to be Saturday???
Thanks
Dick

[billp]

Dick,
Yes, just Saturday. We'll speak about future events when we all get together.

[sebago_signworks]

Just added 5 names to the attendee list today!

[mikem]

Hi,
Please count me on for Saturday Sept. 15. Topics posted work for me :)

Mike

[billp]

Mike,
Thanks for the RSVP ! There will also be other topics, as well as the usual Camp brain picking sessions....

[phil_o]

Is this the motel you referred to? It's in Wells, Maine. http://www.midwaymotelandcottages.com/index.html

[paul_z]

Bill,

Would it be possible for you to bring a sample of this http://www.talkshopbot.com/forum/showthread.php?t=15755&highlight=hair ?

Paul Z

[billp]

Paul,
PM sent...

[sebago_signworks]

I have been on the road installing, just got back to read updates on the forum. Looks like we have an awesome turnout. I was hoping that we could have show and tell, if anyone has something to share to bring it and explain the process in which it was designed and fab'd. Also, call my cell if you need directions, advice for lodging or camping, etc. 207-653-4131.

Phil: Midway Country Lodging / www.mainemidwaylodging.com/

[sebago_signworks]

Were up to 50+ people this weekend! Please bring something for show and tell if you can. For those of you interested, we are getting together for the "unofficial start to the camp" Friday night (9/14) 5-?. Just to hang out, meet and great, play with the CNC, swap war stories, etc.

Devin

[Brady Watson]

Sorry guys...not going to make this one. I was out of commission for about a week and a half and that messed up my work schedule...Now I have to catch up.

-B

[phil_o]

I'll be coming in from Pittsfield, MA, about a 4 1/2 hr ride. I plan to arrive early afternoon on Fri. and stay at a motel that night.
Can someone familiar with the area tell me what sort of interesting things there are in the general area? I'm guessing that the Portland area would be my best shot.

Thanks,

Phil

[sebago_signworks]

Some people are staying here: Midway Country Lodging
www.mainemidwaylodging.com / 207-625-8835. About 15 minutes west of the shop

For interesting things in the area is really depends what you like. You have the signature LL Bean outlet store in Freeport, Portland Head Light, Old Orchard Beach, The Portland Oldport, I love the White Mountains (N.H.) And North Conway NH with the scenic railroad.

Sorry you are not making it Brady, I was looking forward to having you.

[NeathawkSigns]

My husband and I are super excited to meet and talk with everyone on Saturday! See you all then!

Lindsay & Ryan Neathawk

Neathawk Signs & Design

www.neathawksigns.com

[pappybaynes]

Due to some recent health issues (respiratory) and a show next month, we will be unable to make it this weekend...have fun, take lots of pictures for us to enjoy. Thanks,
Dick

[sebago_signworks]

FYI: Directions: For GPS use 15 Gammon Lane, Limington Maine
If your coming from Rt. 25 to 11 We have hung blue and white "Camp Shopbot" signs.

From Exit 48 take 25W into Limington, take left onto rt 11, left onto 117, 1.8 miles bear right onto Gammon Lane/Road (Follow Signs) to Huntress Meadow (Shop is back of road). Please park along road/driveway past first house

Shop Number: 207-793-4440

[Greybarn]

What time is it starting tomorrow morning? 8 am?

[billp]

Peter (& everyone else),
Again, the Camp schedule is;
8-9 Coffee/donuts
9-Noon AM sessions
Noon-1 Lunch
1-4 PM Sessions
4-? Whatever else
As Devin has pointed out above some GPS units will find his house/shop with the address listed on his web page. Other people may have to type in the address he just listed above. It might not be a bad idea to give yourselves a few extra minutes to FIND the shop, and DO bring the phone number with you in case you get lost- Shop Number: 207-793-4440

[Greybarn]

Thanks. That is what I thought.

[Greybarn]

Bill/Devin,
Thanks for a great Shopbot Camp. I learned a lot and it it was a lot fun too.
Devin - I have one request. I think I left my vest on the back of one of the chairs. It is a blue vest made by a company called Atlantis. If you find it, would you mind mailing it to me?
Regards
Peter Smith

[billp]

Peter,
Yes you did leave your vest. We found it as we were cleaning up. Reneé has it so you might want to give her/Devin a call...

[paul_z]

I got through the real time demo of the V Inay design process ... but only with the help of everyone there.

I met some old friends and made many new friends.

Thanks Bill and Devin. A special thanks to Reneé (and her mother) for the incredible lunch!

Paul Z

[billp]

Thanks to Devin for hosting the Camp, and for everyone else who contributed to making it work so well. I just posted the blog and some pictures here;
http://www.shopbotblog.com/index.php/2012/09/2012-southern-maine-camp-shopbot-2/

[chiloquinruss]

Bill after looking at those accommodations it must have been really tough to concentrate on bot' stuff'! What a beautiful setting for a 'CAMP', WOW! Congrats to all involved. Russ

[tomwillis]

Thanks Bill, Devin (& wife n kids) for hosting. Learned a lot....well worth it. Already started a cribbage board for my local realtor. Tom

[sebago_signworks]

Bill, you mentioned that all the notes on this would be online. Where can we find them? Also, can I get those pics you have for the shop wall please? Glad all had a good time.

[billp]

Devin,
This page has links to almost everything we covered;
http://www.shopbottools.com/mSupport/resourcelist.htm
I'll e-mail you the pix.....

[sebago_signworks]

Bill, I was looking for the bit you mentioned. I think it was a 1/8 ball nose that tapered up? Do you recall?

[jdervin]

Devin, thanks for hosting...
"Reverend" Bill, thanks for your inspirational words...
ShopBot, thanks for providing these opportunities!

BTW, I think the bit he was referring to was an Onsrud 77-102.

[chiloquinruss]

http://www.beckwithdecor.com/index_files/Cutters.htm

They are just terrific! Russ

[sebago_signworks]

Yes, that's the bit. thanks!

[phil_o]

Centurion tools has the same bit for $47. I've used their tools many times. They are high quality tools.
http://centuriontools.com/router_bits_toolcase/centurion_tools_showcase.html?page=full&cart=13479720732421657&__max=6&--eqskudatarq=18US31.53TBN-1&id1=374&id2=735&id3=801

[ctjfjr22]

Devin & Family
Thanks for a fantastic Camp. I learned a great deal of useful info. Look forward to doing it again.
Charlie

[ctjfjr22]

Bill
Thanks for putting on a great Camp!!!
Charlie