Dream Cutter from San Diego, a machine tool maker.

[dreamcutter]

Its great to see so many people inspired to make homemade tools. I invented a tool in my garage and now its selling in production as small business. I had a need to create custom bead rollers for my bead roller (a chain driven frame reinforced HF frankentool). I couldn't create the proper shape with my current lathe compound rest and tool holder so I started on a quest creating prototype after prototype to make the ultimate compound rest. It started with this:

. Excuse the music and parting shot
Its been an interesting ride, and demand has been greater than expected. So we are taking it to the next stage now with the business but I still create a lot of home made tools and equipment. The past year alone I've made innovative things like a 50cal pancake flipper, "drive- through" dirt hauling trailer bays, and even a portable & secure, positive air-filtered, dust free IT server rack/closet for shop use outdoor environments. Pics were on Facebook but they were pulled when the page went commercial. I will have to dig them up and repost them here.

[DIYer]

Welcome, dreamcutter! Looks like you've a lot of interesting inventions. Yes, do post them here as I, and others I'm sure, would like to see them.

[Jon]

Hi dreamcutter - welcome to HomemadeTools.net

Yes, post some pics of your projects if you've got 'em.

Are you using Kickstarter for the dream cutter project?

[dreamcutter]

Hi dreamcutter - welcome to HomemadeTools.net

Yes, post some pics of your projects if you've got 'em.

Are you using Kickstarter for the dream cutter project?

No, I am self funding it and sell it through the website. The prototypes I make at my home shop. The production units I contract with a local CNC shop and help operate the equipment myself to save some cost.
Here are other early prototype pics that give you an idea on some of the concepts I explored:

[kbalch]

Hi dreamcutter,

Welcome!

Very neat stuff you're doing. I like the concept of helping in the CNC shop to defray expenses. Very resourceful. Reminds me of airplane owners who assist with their annual inspections for the same purpose.

What's next on your project list?

When you're ready to share some of your own homemade tools, we'd love to see them. Please post them directly in the Homemade Tools subforum. We'll add each one to the database, as well as to your builder page on the site.

Non-tool items should be shared in the Not a Tool, but Homemade subforum.

Ken