What a year this has been, huh? Ups, downs, and not much in-between... seems to sum up 2010 nicely.
I have friends who've changed careers, quite unwillingly, due to "downsizing" in what is being called an "economic downturn". Our economy is failing and our elected officials, for the most part, have failed us for the past decade, at least, or longer. But, we keep pushing forward, handling all adversity with poise and lots of rum! Okay, perhaps "poise" is too strong a word, but the rum part is true!
So, with all that has headed downward there's always a point at which things begin to turn upward again, and here's to hoping 2011 is the year in which that officially happens! HIP-HIP-HURRAY for 2011!!!! (no, I'm not sucking up to 2011 in hopes of getting on it's good side)
The New Year will bring many changes, some profound, some ordinary, some just plain crappy, and some that we won't even realize for years to come - who knows which category those will fall into. BUT, and this is a rather large, I mean BIG, but: many changes will come to MacGowan's over the course of the upcoming year. One change will be short videos - I'm dreading those, in a way, as I've never produced a video, but they should be fun and "light" for the most part. Some will be "how-to", others will be "how-not-to", while others will be out-takes of screw-ups (I'm fairly certain there will be plenty of those)
Other changes will be the addition of the more complicated custom pieces I typically build, but don't normally post anywhere. These pieces range from tables, counters, cabinets, sewing tables, boxes, etc... Normally I don't photograph them, because they're going to people who've paid quite a bit for them and I want them to be able to decide who can see them and who can't. This year, however, I plan to photograph everything I build. Not everything will be posted, but some customers have complained that I haven't posted photos of their order on our website... The problem has been that I don't have a website I can actually manipulate. It was built by a professional, and it looks great, in my opinion, but it's not very user-friendly for me.
With that said, Dorothea has built a new website that is far more functional, and will allow us to post items for sale, as well as insert a gallery of custom pieces. The new website will launch soon after the New Year, but there won't be much for sale, at first, as we have sold out of just about everything I've made this year. Additions to the web-store will be unique items made especially for the videos; new-old style tankards - some of which will be far more intricate than those I current make; wooden laptop tables - built for cooling; etc, etc, etc... also, I'm thinking of a wooden computer case design that's unlike anything we've seen before. Who knows... could be anything.
Our biggest customer base will remain custom jobs, and everything else will remain unique - no matter how many are made/built.
Wow... got bit off-track! Anyway, just wanted to wish everyone a HAPPY and PROSPEROUS NEW YEAR!!!
Back to my rum and rum cocktail!
James
Friday, December 31, 2010
Wednesday, December 15, 2010
Cutting and Burning the Dewalt Valkyrie
The humble beginnings of the Beastly Valkyrie! Dewalt PC Mod...
Between orders and normal holiday chaos MacGowan's has been burning the midnight oil to build a proper shop PC. Why is a shop PC necessary, James? Well, we're planning to start posting short "how to" videos and normal "day in the shop" videos as soon as humanly possible. Having a fast PC nearby will be incredibly handy for such a task - an added convenience when you don't have a film crew to handle all the media. As a matter of fact, my shop PC has been a mini HP - a great little netbook, but that's really all it is. My "inside" computer is a bit of a monster, but was not built to endure the rigors of shop life, so she will stay where she works best.
MORE POWER is always sought at MacGowan's, and this little Beast will do the trick! She's been put together, updated, unlocked, overclocked, wined and dined, and taken apart to undergo her transformation from skinless mess of innards, to a tough, kill or be killed Valkyrie from hell. Screw Odin! This little Valkyrie will rule Valhalla! Oh, sorry... got carried away.
The first photo is of case #1, which will house the motherboard and possibly hard drive, but I'm thinking of adding the hard drive to the second case to allow more air circulation in the first case. Second photo is of the inside of the case with the original tool bracing removed - a little blood and tissue was removed from myself in the process... it's only fair, I suppose. Third is the motherboard mount from a cannibalized PC case - the cutout part will be used to mount the mATX MSI motherboard, which will have additional metal bracing underneath to allow a more secure mount to the case. And last (for now anyway) is the motherboard mounted in case #1 and the PSU and DVD burner in case #2 (not yet mounted).
The cases will be attached to each other to make transporting easier and to eliminate the possibility of pulling the wiring out and damaging the expensive innards.
A radiator with 2 mounted high output 120mm fans will be added, as well as 2 more high output 120mm case fans to ensure proper air flow. A 350 gph water pump will produce a high flow from the reservoir to the CPU and, finally, the radiator. The ram is cooled by 2 60mm fans housed in a Zalman Ram Cooler, and the hard drive will be cooled by yet another 120mm fan! Yup, she's gonna be one helluva Beast - a loud water/air cooled beast. On this issue of noise: The fans will be controlled by a touchscreen fan controller, so when the ambient temperature is cool I can turn the fans off, such as when the beast is inside in the air-conditioning, or out in the shop on a cold winter's day. But, being a Valkyrie is hard work, and it's bound to raise your body temp when you're busy flying around at top speed killing those who need a good killing, so in the hot summer air she'll have all the cooling capabilities she needs.
Specs to date:
MSI 880G-41E motherboard
AMD Phenom II X2 Calisto Black Edition - 4 core unlocked and overclocked to 3.7ghz
Corsair 4gb DDR3 RAM
Seagate Barracuda 500gb HDD
750 Watt PSU
To be added:
Zalman CPU water block
4gb DDR3 Ram to make a total of 8gb
UV reactive tubing for water supply
UV lighting / LED lighting
Lighted switches for power on/off and reset
LEDs for HDD activity and possibly wi-fi activity
More to come...
Saturday, December 11, 2010
Building a pc for an extreme environment...
Working in a shop filled with power tools has it's benefits and drawbacks, as with working in any environment. One such drawback of a small workshop is the lack of heat in the winter, or air-conditioning in the summer. Not a big deal if you lack expensive electronics... well, it's not incredibly comfortable during the heights of summer and winter, but at least I'm not locked up in a cubicle staring at the same stupid comics strips everyday! I always imagine a sign posted on every cubicle that reads, "Live Animals, Do Not Touch".
Back to the main drawback for this particular shop owner: The lack of a computer in the shop. Currently I use the big fella inside to do the things I need to do: pay bills; design; surf; check email; surf; write blogs; upload photos; surf; surf; surf... etc. A computer in the shop would eliminate the need to take the long journey inside to my nice climate controlled dwelling, and would increase work time drastically! So, the problem of building such a computer - one that can handle complex 3-D software as well as several other open applications, as well as editing and uploading HD video (coming soon to MacGowan's) - is keeping the beast cool during those 100F+ summer days.
After extensive research and shopping, I have most of the parts to build the computer itself, and a Dewalt drill case to use as the computer case, along with parts to water-cool the big CPU. The case will be a complete mod with a radiator, H2O reservoir and 320 gph water pump attached. All I lack to finish the actual build are the 4 high cfm 120mm fans, cpu water block, and tubing - the waterblock and tubing are not yet on order, but the rest should be here early next week.
This is going to be my nephew's science project, but will be the new MacGowan shop computer when it's finished.
Photos, and possibly videos to come this holiday break.
On a side note: the 50% off sale has been extended till the end of the year. We received several calls and emails after the sale ended last week, so we made the decision to extend our sale for those who couldn't make their purchase earlier. Hopefully this will lend a small break to our customers who find themselves in harder times due to the current poor economy.
Merry Chanukah, Happy Christmas, and to all a good morning.
James
Back to the main drawback for this particular shop owner: The lack of a computer in the shop. Currently I use the big fella inside to do the things I need to do: pay bills; design; surf; check email; surf; write blogs; upload photos; surf; surf; surf... etc. A computer in the shop would eliminate the need to take the long journey inside to my nice climate controlled dwelling, and would increase work time drastically! So, the problem of building such a computer - one that can handle complex 3-D software as well as several other open applications, as well as editing and uploading HD video (coming soon to MacGowan's) - is keeping the beast cool during those 100F+ summer days.
After extensive research and shopping, I have most of the parts to build the computer itself, and a Dewalt drill case to use as the computer case, along with parts to water-cool the big CPU. The case will be a complete mod with a radiator, H2O reservoir and 320 gph water pump attached. All I lack to finish the actual build are the 4 high cfm 120mm fans, cpu water block, and tubing - the waterblock and tubing are not yet on order, but the rest should be here early next week.
This is going to be my nephew's science project, but will be the new MacGowan shop computer when it's finished.
Photos, and possibly videos to come this holiday break.
On a side note: the 50% off sale has been extended till the end of the year. We received several calls and emails after the sale ended last week, so we made the decision to extend our sale for those who couldn't make their purchase earlier. Hopefully this will lend a small break to our customers who find themselves in harder times due to the current poor economy.
Merry Chanukah, Happy Christmas, and to all a good morning.
James
Friday, November 26, 2010
1st ANNUAL BLACK FRIDAY/CYBER MONDAY SALE!!!
What to buy, what to buy... We all have at least ONE of those people on our holiday shopping list for whom we have NO FREAKIN' IDEA what to buy, and quite frankly it's a bit maddening. Finding just the right gift can be a sanity-reducing nightmare of epic proportions (especially for those of us who are out of our element in a mall).
Then there's the issue of finding something completely unique in said mall - incredibly difficult, to say the least. To find a gift of quality, something you can proud to give, yet still hold on to a bit of your hard-earned money may seem utterly impossible... or is it?
From right now until the stroke of midnight on Monday, November 29, 2010, MacGowan's is holding it's first annual Black Friday/Cyber Monday 4 day Weekend Holiday Sale!! All standard PIRATE Tankards are 50% off (+$20 for custom burnings); All other Custom Tankards 40% off!!! All Standard shipping is FREE!!
All Tankards come with a lifetime guarantee against defects in materials and craftsmanship!
Pirate Tankards: Regular price - $150; SALE PRICE - $75!
Custom Pirate Tankards: SALE PRICE - $95!
Ladies Pirate Tankards: Regular price - $95; SALE PRICE - $47.50!
Custom Ladies Pirate Tankards: $67.50!
For information, or to place your order: Call me for an immediate quote (405) 519-2839, or email me with your needs (james@macgowans.com) and receive your quote within 2 hours of receipt from 8am to 8:30pm (after business hours email quotes might delayed until following day)
Happy Bargain hunting, my friends!!
James
Then there's the issue of finding something completely unique in said mall - incredibly difficult, to say the least. To find a gift of quality, something you can proud to give, yet still hold on to a bit of your hard-earned money may seem utterly impossible... or is it?
From right now until the stroke of midnight on Monday, November 29, 2010, MacGowan's is holding it's first annual Black Friday/Cyber Monday 4 day Weekend Holiday Sale!! All standard PIRATE Tankards are 50% off (+$20 for custom burnings); All other Custom Tankards 40% off!!! All Standard shipping is FREE!!
All Tankards come with a lifetime guarantee against defects in materials and craftsmanship!
Pirate Tankards: Regular price - $150; SALE PRICE - $75!
Custom Pirate Tankards: SALE PRICE - $95!
Ladies Pirate Tankards: Regular price - $95; SALE PRICE - $47.50!
Custom Ladies Pirate Tankards: $67.50!
For information, or to place your order: Call me for an immediate quote (405) 519-2839, or email me with your needs (james@macgowans.com) and receive your quote within 2 hours of receipt from 8am to 8:30pm (after business hours email quotes might delayed until following day)
Happy Bargain hunting, my friends!!
James
Wednesday, November 24, 2010
Phantom of the Opera???
I seriously doubt it, but there must be a phantom of some sort lurking in my shop! There's got to be some extraordinary explanation, for Pete's sake! Tools keep disappearing... screws and nails never seem to be where I left them. Phantom, yes? The only other possible explanation for losing my screws would be that I'm going completely bonkers, and we don't want to admit to that, do we? Of course, we don't! So, now that we're convinced I have some creepy phantom or, at the very least, a mischievous elf hiding in the dark recesses of the shop, I can stop shopping for anti-dementia medications. Whew! I feel much better - thanks!
We all know this coming Friday is the dreaded, but much anticipated "Black Friday". Most of us have some vague idea of what we'll be doing - I, for one, will almost certainly be nursing a stuffed belly and regretting that extra piece of Lemon Meringue pie, but I've yet to decide on whether, or not, to brave the long lines and stores filled with ruthless elderly shoppers. Only once in my life have I dared enter a store on the day when only the most seasoned of holiday shoppers emerge unscathed. I remember it like it was yesterday...
It was cliche. I roamed the mall while on my quest to find the "life sized" Barbie doll my daughter had asked Santa for. Keeping one eye on other shoppers, a hand on my wallet, and the other eye on signs - oh, the signs - everywhere! Signs marked with percentages off this item, buy one, get one free, $'s off the manufacturers suggested retail price!! I could feel the security cameras on me, watching my every move, and the little old ladies waiting to pounce like lionesses hunting their prey. Then, through the brightly lit isles of toys, perfumes and jewelry, I saw it! Finally!! Six hours, four malls, and countless department stores later, I finally found it! The last one! There it was, in all it's glory, waiting for it's new home. I looked around - no one else seemed interested, so I darted through the human-crammed isles, focused, momentarily fearless, and feebly attempting to hide my interest in the child sized monument to perfect femininity. I was upon her, mere feet away from securing the great Christmas my daughter was not only hoping for, but expecting, when out of nowhere the Grinch snatched her! The miniature Grinch stared at me with her cold, deep-set eyes as if saying, "Go ahead, make my day!" For a woman in her 70's she was incredibly sure of herself and awfully feisty. I decided not to make her day, and instead made my way to yet another store, where I found abundant Barbies in stock. I had escaped almost certain annihilation and have since regained my dignity... so, the question is: To shop Black Friday in "real-life", or to shop online.
The decision is an easy one: STAY HOME, where it's safe from the hordes of evil holiday shoppers... where a man can maintain his dignity and shop from his manly woodshop! ;)
HAPPY THANKSGIVING!!!!
James
We all know this coming Friday is the dreaded, but much anticipated "Black Friday". Most of us have some vague idea of what we'll be doing - I, for one, will almost certainly be nursing a stuffed belly and regretting that extra piece of Lemon Meringue pie, but I've yet to decide on whether, or not, to brave the long lines and stores filled with ruthless elderly shoppers. Only once in my life have I dared enter a store on the day when only the most seasoned of holiday shoppers emerge unscathed. I remember it like it was yesterday...
It was cliche. I roamed the mall while on my quest to find the "life sized" Barbie doll my daughter had asked Santa for. Keeping one eye on other shoppers, a hand on my wallet, and the other eye on signs - oh, the signs - everywhere! Signs marked with percentages off this item, buy one, get one free, $'s off the manufacturers suggested retail price!! I could feel the security cameras on me, watching my every move, and the little old ladies waiting to pounce like lionesses hunting their prey. Then, through the brightly lit isles of toys, perfumes and jewelry, I saw it! Finally!! Six hours, four malls, and countless department stores later, I finally found it! The last one! There it was, in all it's glory, waiting for it's new home. I looked around - no one else seemed interested, so I darted through the human-crammed isles, focused, momentarily fearless, and feebly attempting to hide my interest in the child sized monument to perfect femininity. I was upon her, mere feet away from securing the great Christmas my daughter was not only hoping for, but expecting, when out of nowhere the Grinch snatched her! The miniature Grinch stared at me with her cold, deep-set eyes as if saying, "Go ahead, make my day!" For a woman in her 70's she was incredibly sure of herself and awfully feisty. I decided not to make her day, and instead made my way to yet another store, where I found abundant Barbies in stock. I had escaped almost certain annihilation and have since regained my dignity... so, the question is: To shop Black Friday in "real-life", or to shop online.
The decision is an easy one: STAY HOME, where it's safe from the hordes of evil holiday shoppers... where a man can maintain his dignity and shop from his manly woodshop! ;)
HAPPY THANKSGIVING!!!!
James
Wednesday, November 17, 2010
News from MacGowan's
Hello, my friends!
Several new, and somewhat exciting, things are happening at MacGowan's!!
First, I must apologize for neglecting this blog and other various sites. We have been busy keeping up with orders; preparing for upcoming changes; and revamping the shop to further improve production... somewhere between running around like a head with my chicken cut off and redesigning our technical capabilities - social networking was lost.
On the positive side: business is increasing, and to cope with higher demands we have created new schedules to allow us to better handle all aspects of business, rather than simply focusing on orders only. One such improvement will be the addition of a blog post a week - once every Wednesday, with the occasional odd post here and there. Another improvement is our upcoming website! My partner, Dorothea, is designing a new site that will allow the less technically savvy (me) to post new items and news more easily.
So, what are the big changes, you ask? Well, the biggest change will be the addition of short, 3 - 5 minute "how-to" videos and blog posts. The videos and posts will include instructions for anything from making tankards and cabinets, to sharpening tools to chopping off superfluous chunks of body parts with said sharpened tools to DIY first aide to encourage regeneration of missing chunk. Okay, that last part may be an overstatement, but our videos are sure to include the occasional mishap and/or screw-up. Our first videos are tentatively scheduled for release somewhere between December 26th and January 1st and we hope to post a new video every other week, thereafter.
Once our videos are up we will begin to give away an item of our choosing once a month to the lucky viewer who wins our monthly contest. What contest? You're right, I should've explained that prior to announcing the sucker. The following is a short description of the contest:
Amongst the tools; hardware; chemical cans; wood; etc... will be something in the shop that has changed from the previous video. It could be anything - possibly different paint somewhere; something rewritten; an object in a different place... who knows. The point is: There might be several things that have changed, but only one of those will the intentional change meant to found by viewers, and in MY shop it'll no doubt be a tough one to find!
More information to come!
Thanks for stopping by, and HAPPY THANKSGIVING to all!!
Your dedicated wood man and all around halfway decent guy,
James
Several new, and somewhat exciting, things are happening at MacGowan's!!
First, I must apologize for neglecting this blog and other various sites. We have been busy keeping up with orders; preparing for upcoming changes; and revamping the shop to further improve production... somewhere between running around like a head with my chicken cut off and redesigning our technical capabilities - social networking was lost.
On the positive side: business is increasing, and to cope with higher demands we have created new schedules to allow us to better handle all aspects of business, rather than simply focusing on orders only. One such improvement will be the addition of a blog post a week - once every Wednesday, with the occasional odd post here and there. Another improvement is our upcoming website! My partner, Dorothea, is designing a new site that will allow the less technically savvy (me) to post new items and news more easily.
So, what are the big changes, you ask? Well, the biggest change will be the addition of short, 3 - 5 minute "how-to" videos and blog posts. The videos and posts will include instructions for anything from making tankards and cabinets, to sharpening tools to chopping off superfluous chunks of body parts with said sharpened tools to DIY first aide to encourage regeneration of missing chunk. Okay, that last part may be an overstatement, but our videos are sure to include the occasional mishap and/or screw-up. Our first videos are tentatively scheduled for release somewhere between December 26th and January 1st and we hope to post a new video every other week, thereafter.
Once our videos are up we will begin to give away an item of our choosing once a month to the lucky viewer who wins our monthly contest. What contest? You're right, I should've explained that prior to announcing the sucker. The following is a short description of the contest:
Amongst the tools; hardware; chemical cans; wood; etc... will be something in the shop that has changed from the previous video. It could be anything - possibly different paint somewhere; something rewritten; an object in a different place... who knows. The point is: There might be several things that have changed, but only one of those will the intentional change meant to found by viewers, and in MY shop it'll no doubt be a tough one to find!
More information to come!
Thanks for stopping by, and HAPPY THANKSGIVING to all!!
Your dedicated wood man and all around halfway decent guy,
James
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