KarasKustoms

RENDER K is now on Kickstarter!

2011-12-13T16:02:00.003-07:00

We previously posted about our machined pens and promised more information, well, here it is.
We are proud to introduce our newest product- a machined pen we like to call... the RENDER K

We are currently seeking pledges on Kickstarter to get the ball rolling on production for these awesome pens. Take a look and make a pledge, and be the first kid on your block to get one of these cool pens. http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/karaskustoms/render-k-a-custom-machined-pen

Machined Pens!

2011-10-31T13:54:00.014-07:00

We just finished up a batch of prototypes for something we really think is cool- PENS! Because everyone we talked to had a different type of pen that they really liked, we designed a pen that can take several different types of ink from different manufacturers. The pen originally was just going to take the refill for a Pilot Hi-Tec C, but we eventually made it work for Parker pen refills and for a Fisher Space Pen refill.

After we got rolling, we figured we would make a plain version, an aluminum version, and a brass version. After using the pens for a while, we decided that the pens needed a clip, so...

We bent up some clips by hand, and installed them with some hardware. We think they turned out great. The problem is, we are a machine shop and while we can make the parts for the body of the pen, we can't stamp the clips ourselves. We are working on getting the funding to get the stamping dies made up so we can roll into full production.

Here at the shop, Dan was kind enough to demo his pen for all the world to see. What dinosaurs and unusually flat cars have to do with anything, we'll never know. But, one thing we do know, these pens are awesome and we hope to have them available for you as soon as possible.

Andy the Pinstriper

2011-10-03T11:50:00.001-07:00

Watch this short film about the dying craft of pinstriping. Andy Kawahara is keeping this skill alive for another generation to enjoy.

Great Lakes Boat Building Company

2011-09-20T11:51:00.002-07:00

Here's a great piece by Phillip Bloom about Great Lakes Boat Building Company, who still makes high quality, wooden boats by hand. We want one.

Great Wooden Boats: RED EPIC from Philip Bloom on Vimeo.

Intimidator

2011-09-16T11:30:00.002-07:00

Bart Hickey tells his story of how he became a mechanic. Oh, and he's blind.

"Intimidator" from Jim Quattrocki on Vimeo.

Soulcraft Cycles

2011-09-01T09:45:00.003-07:00

Dig on this. Fire+Metal= Flipping sweet bike frames. People making things with their hands makes us happy.

FROM STEEL: The Making of a Soulcraft from michael evans on Vimeo.

Speedsters

2011-08-30T15:27:00.005-07:00

Our Machined Aluminum Speedsters now have a Driver!

We were goofing around in the shop today and this is what we came up with. Let us know what you think.

Craftsman

2011-08-30T13:00:00.003-07:00

Here at KarasKustoms we are making some changes. We want to start sharing some of the things that inspire us, so hopefully they will inspire you.

PROFESSIONal from VITA BREVIS FILMS on Vimeo.

This is a short film by VITA BREVIS FILMS about a man named Neil Youngberg. He is a 3rd generation craftsman whose business faces possible extinction when he retires. The film made us think about the lack of interest in the trades and how when the current generation of craftsman die, their knowledge and experience will go with them.

iPad Cases are here!

2011-05-18T11:22:00.008-07:00

After a bit of R&D we are able to introduce our new machined cases for the original iPad and the iPad 2. Let us know what you think.

Original iPad

iPad 2

iPad Stand Sketch

2011-03-31T16:05:00.002-07:00

We have had many people if we plan on making a stand for the iPad or other tablet. This is a sketch of the idea that we plan on pursuing. It will be adjustable for different viewing angles and have an option for customizing the look of the sideplates. Stay tuned.

Machined iPad Protype Cases Are Here!

2011-03-09T15:42:00.007-07:00

Here are some shots of the prototype of our new iPad case. Production models of our case for the original iPad as well as the iPad 2 will soon be available on our website. Let us know what you think! Click on the pics to view larger.

Verizon is getting the iPhone 4

2011-01-12T14:55:00.003-07:00

Starting in February, Verizon is going to be selling a new version of the iPhone 4. Some small changes are being made in the placement of the volume and mute switch, so most case manufacturers are going to have to make different cases for these newly designed phones. Not KarasKustoms, however. We are pleased to announce that our iPhone 4 case is compatable with both the AT&T and Verizon versions of the iPhone. So, if you are considering purchasing a new iPhone 4 and want a really cool case to go with it, try one of ours. Just like before, made by us in the USA and only $39. Available now on our website.

2010-09-15T12:54:00.000-07:00

We just finished our new Machined iPhone 4G cases. They really turned out nice.

If you are interested in buying one or just want to know a little bit more about how they are made, just go here.

Prototype iPhone 4G Cases

2010-08-06T10:48:00.000-07:00

We are making cases for the new iPhone 4G and this is a prototype of the final version. Not only does it solve the dropped call problem, it looks cool while doing it.

Shop Photos

2010-07-23T11:59:00.000-07:00

2010-07-22T12:47:00.000-07:00

This is Bill’s 1962 Ford unibody truck. It was previously used by a local handyman who stenciled “HOME REPAIRS” on the doors with black spray paint. While removing the letters, we stepped back and it read “HOME R” as the other letters were gone. That, and the fact that the truck is yellow, is how Homer got his name. Look for more posts on this project in the future. Plans include an engine upgrade and a suspension swap.

Here is an interior shot of the cab. Notice the copper on the transmission tunnel? That is patching a hole that the PO made to install a floor shifter, presumably, after some problem with the column shift mechanism. The column shift functionality has been restored and works fine. Oh, and there are plans to replace those sweet floor mats as well.

Model A

2010-07-22T12:39:00.000-07:00

This is our buddy Mike’s Model A truck. Right now it pretty much sits as he got it. No wiring, no working brakes, no glass, and no seats! But, it won’t stay in that condition for long. When it was purchased, it already had some work done by local rod shop Squeeg’s Kustoms. The chopped top had already been started and the body was channeled over the chassis. Additional chassis work was handled by Terry Palmer before it came to rest in the shop, where it now waits.

iPhone Cases

2010-07-21T18:36:00.000-07:00

We are making cases for the new iPhone... Stay tuned.

Merc Dash

2010-07-08T16:21:00.000-07:00

One of our customers brought in an entire dash from a ‘49 Mercury, along with a hand drawn sketch, and asked us to design and make a custom dash for them. Of course we said, “No problem.” The main bezel is machined from a solid piece of brass, with vents on the right side to allow for A/C to flow. The gauge cluster features a red acrylic panel, that was painted, then machined, to allow for light to shine through the transparent panel in selected areas. This is only a mock-up, without the actual gauges behind the panel, but we were so pleased with how it turned out, we had to share.

Nice, huh?

This last one shows how the light behind the gauges shows through the panel.

Machined Speedster

2010-07-08T11:58:00.000-07:00

We recently completed a short run of these machined speedsters. They end up around 7 1/2 inches long and are made from solid aluminum and feature bronze bearings in the wheels for a long life of smooth rollin'.

And, of course, made by us in the USA.