Process vs Production

It's always a tough choice between making cubes, and improving the process.

Sometimes I can do both at the same time, and other times, I need to step away and improve things.

Here's a few updates on how things are going, starting off with Sq-1

I've gotten a few MGC v2s, and I'm in the process of improving them. I've already given Calvin (who has been absolutely wonderful in helping me with Mezzoforte, I wouldn't've made a store without his help) a sample, which he showed a few people at NAC.

However, I think we can do a little better.

I've finished work on the Gan sq-1, and I'm doing 2 more variations that I'll get his opinion on later this week.

Just creating the idea is one thing, but figuring out a nice process design to consistently make more is a different thing. I've got history doing this before, and it's super important to nail down correctly.

MGC modification:
1. Adding edge magnets with precision milling
2. Adding 8 magnets into the middle thing to interface with those edge magnets
3. The orbits of edge magnets is DIFFERENT than the corner magnets.
4. Experiment with full coating vs just U/D layer coating

It's a tough choice either way, because although the Gan's magnets are good, it's an insane pain to disassemble. I've got a few ideas on how to improve this, but that's a road I'll cross after discussing with Calvin.

After I get his stamp of approval on the best variation, I'll order more and probably put them up next month. 

As for 3x3s, I've spent the past week doing experiments and improvements. Here are my results:

1. The coating process has been slightly improved. Expect Fortissimo to be even faster, if you're worried about too much speed, that's why I'm introducing Forte, fast but slower than Fortissimo.
2. Primary plastic is now fully possible but UGH, the process is slower and more annoying than colored plastic. Black plastic is still impossible. Unfortunately, this will reflect in the price for primary puzzles.
3. Restructure feel and speed into tiers, inline with the musical notation system. Starting with Pianissimo for slowest, Mezzopiano for a little slower, Mezzoforte for base modification, Forte for fast, and Fortissimo for super fast.
4. I'm considering discontinuing the Mezzoforte level. I feel like going softer/harder is definitively better in every possible case, I'm either reaching for pianissimo or fortissimo, and mezzoforte is in an awkward spot that doesn't do great at anything except lube retention. I want to offer the BEST, and I think it's outperformed. I might offer this for sale in person, so people won't have buyer's regrets.
5. I am worried about selling Pianissimo. It's softest plastic, but it's also the slowest. I don't want someone to buy something, and it's way slower than they expect. I also think this one is going to be an "In-person" sale, probably at competitions in the Bay Area.
6. Out of respect for my former employer, I'm going to discontinue using brass logos. I only recently learned that they're using a brass colored sticker, and I don't want to intersect. Moving forwards, my logos will use a magnetic (haha) stainless steel. I've been agonizing about this for a while, but I DONT WANT DRAMA.
7. I've been pretty happy with RSM v5 Fortissimo lately, I think those are going to be up for sale in the next batch.
8. I'm currently processing a batch of V10s, expect them to hit the store in 1-2 weeks. I'm thinking mostly fortissimo, a few forte, and a few mezzopiano.

August release will most likely look like:
1. TBD Sq-1
2. Fortissimo RSM v5
3. Fortissimo V11

I still hate the v11, and I love the v10, but people have been asking for v11, so I'll offer it.