question on reproducing the tempest spinner knob

chips4sle

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Ok
So I've talked to a lot of people and I can have the tempest spinner knob made in 1 of 2 ways.

#1
I can have it made from aluminum and the power coated

#2
I can have a mold made and have it injection molded

If I do option #1 I will need to sell 100

If I do option #2 I will need to sell 200

just taking a poll right now

preliminary numbers show the spinners to be about $50 each... hoping to get those numbers down
 
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What is the price per unit on those? I kinda like the idea of a sturdier aluminum spinner.
 
opps read it wrong the first time... plastic i think you would be able to sell 200.00 as long as the price isn't rediculous.
 
I have an aluminum repro that I use on my MAME panel and I just had the opportunity to play a real Tempest. I much preferred the plastic original knob to the repro. As long as you rounded off the edges of the grooves on it, aluminum would probably be ok, but I don't think you gain anything from using aluminum.

I'd be in for 2 if you could get the price down.
 
nos ones were 45, and i'd think a repro wouldn't be worth as much. i'd shop around.. 35.00 would be more reasonable. Think of all the people that are getting warlords metal kits.. we all need 4 of those knobs.
 
Not bagging on your price just stating that for me, this is a "nice to have" item rather than "must have item" so the price threshold that compels me to buy is lower.
 
I know some folks who would be interested certainly...

Hey, with all of the hub bub about the 3D printers these days, it seems that a part like this might be doable using one of these newfangled printers. I've read articles where folks have made functioning guitars and even guns this way (yikes!).

Anyone have any experience using these yet for arcade parts?

Jon
 
Why not see if one of the current mame spinner manufacturers can run these? They seem to be able to get knobs done to sell at a price point much cheaper than $50.
 
probably about 5K for a mold.. then the spinners are around a buck a piece. 26.00 I've looked into it myself, the main thing that bothers me, is you pay all that money for a mold, and they keep it. you don't even get the mold.
 
I have an aluminium knob from oscar controls (IIRC). Its a really nice piece, but as mentioned, it has a lot of "sharp" edges and is not quite right.
I vote plastic.

cheers
/Tim
 
I'd say it isn't cost effective. Same reason there's cabinets i just won't make anymore.
 
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