12/21/08 (updated 12/22) A few parts are being machined and the shop is just about set up. I do still need a lathe and a press but I can take some time getting those and look for the right machine at the right price.

It would be a bit difficult to go pick up something as substantial as a lathe right now anyway, as we've had very un-Portland-like weather lately. The hill we live on has been covered in snow. Considering that roads around the house are 10%-22% grade and the city has no snow removal equipment, we are faced with a few challenges in getting around. The Rux may be AWD but its tires are not suited for these conditions so the last couple times we left the house it was on foot.

The snow should be gone in a few days but in the meantime this is a perfect opportunity to get some of the remaining design items taken care of. And do some gratuitous renderings, of course! Click each picture for a larger version.