You only need a hole in the exposed handle for a lock. ... I think to be successful the first run needs to accommodate 43mm racks.
I could care less about the 43 mm racks...
...with a couple 43mm GB projects on the forum right now, this birdcage project is very timely.
Looking at his future business prospects ... how much long term demand is there really going to be for 43mm birdcages? And how many people want chip storage for 39mm sets with all kinds of weird extra space?...
...a standard 39mm could also help him get into casino suppliers before a 43mm would...
Sounds like a good poll candidate.
...I think the factor that will be the biggest draw is a viable birdcage of super solid quality construction at a reasonable price. I think if you make it solid and simple, and the price is low, then it will sell like hot cakes...
Again, this should be settled by a poll as to which model/tooling we order first. Looking more and more to me like everyone's preference is a simple base and a 1000-chip handle.
...I prefer a 800 chip...but I’d order at least two 1000 ct carriers...a 1200 ct unit is meh
Love it!
We're well above 70 cases now. Also agree about the 1200-chip cases, but apparently some people need some, so hopefully we can get enough Apex 1000's ordered to move on to the other bases, as well as handles--which determines capacity.
There isn’t a lot of material in the exposed handle. It appears maybe adding just a tad bit of material in the bottom might help with that. (Where my finger is)
It's a good idea and, as long as the community doesn't hate the little hole, we'll include that in the design.
...Put them on
amazon so that every person who buys standard 39mm chips can see it, that it holds cards, dealers buttons, comes with racks, and a lock...boom.
I hope you're right,
@Lovejoyz I sincerely do. Supplant all junk birdcages everywhere, then, world domination.
If you had both sizes of typical chip racks, 39mm and 43mm, I don't think it would be hard to design a carrier that accommodates both. Some kind of recess in the bottom for 39s where 43s sit on the ledge around the recess, or something like that. The difference between them is total 15-20mm, or a bit over half an inch.
Finally made it through all the posts!
First of all, well done with the design and initiative, I like where this is going!
39mm is my primary concern, even though I also have 43 mm chips. But those are currently in Matsui racks, which don't look like they work with the base plate rack stabilizer (nubs). Also, I would never run a pure 43 mm set, so a way to include both would be benefitial - but that seems more of a rack stacking issue. Unless you had like a dividing plate to go over and create a new "base" for stacking a different size rack?
I agree with most that the cards and button need to be at the top and not in the base as a cutout. You would have to unload the whole birdcage to start playing - not as practical. Though the tray/door/storage in the bottom seems neat, for the extra weight, cost and potential weakness (or any moving piece), I say put it on the back burner. If there was a rack for cards/buttons (
@justsomedude), that would be ideal, and the most versatile. Maybe even have a "blank" rack tray with pick n pluck foam (or something classier) so people could customize it to their own deck/button size. It would also prevent rattling or scratching...
My initial interest is either in 800 or 1000 ct. With a 1000 ct, I could still have an extra bit of space at the top (for the future card/button setup).
A lot of good ideas, here. Thanks for the feedback,
@markleteenie! Thanks for the kid words, as well. They're very encouraging. Finally feels like we can contribute something useful to the poker community, which is all I've ever really wanted to do with APG.
39mm vote. Copied. Maybe the extra little dividing platform thing would work best for Matsui racks and other non-"standard" types. Maybe a plate that covers the Rack Stabilizers (pegs)?
I did consider in one of the early designs, a ridge that the chip racks would sit inside of in the base. They I designed them to accommodate 39mm and 43mm racks at the time--at least, in theory--and I didn't care for the overall look. I also misjudged the popularity of 43mm chips in the US market. Thought I could always design another case for 43-mil chips later. I'm sure the Rack Stabilizer spacing can be modified to fit both sizes though.
Judging from that photo, a padlock may be able to wrap the handle, thus allowing the "sheath" to only be lifted a few inches.
If the few inches only exposes the thick base where the cards/button hides, the chips would remain secure to all but a determined thief... and I have not yet met the master lock that would prevent a determined thief.
I’m thinking more at home simple storage. If you really want to protect them from a their, they should be in a full safe/vault. That plastic isn’t keeponf anybody from smashing it and taking them also
I do understand the application you intended them for,
@Lovejoyz. My wife runs a home daycare, so I do understand the importance of locking your chips up. We just put ours high enough for the kids not to get them, but it
is a pain to lift heavy birdcages. You practically have to warm up first or risk injury.
If there is a count being taken, I would almost certainly be in for two 1000 count 43mm cases.
There's, sort of, an unofficial count going, so far. But I gotcha,
@ThinkingFold.
Thanks!
Ooooh, excellent idea. I often use an upside down rack on the top of the top rack to store cards and extra cut cards etc... I might have to come up with some foam insert for the bottom of an inverted rack...
I'm thinking various rack types is becoming a must. Why do chips get all the love? Card racks, DB racks, maybe even plaque racks? Sounds good to me.
Well, that difference wasn't crystal clear, but now I see why there is some hype over this project. I've never felt my Brybellys were insufficient, but I agree I treat them with care when moving them fully loaded, and they'd never last in a casino environment.
Carry on.
I agree... he just seems to be more of an "idea guy" than a "sales guy". He may need some help pushing the "why this is a better mousetrap" bit. But once he does, I have a feeling his product could have some legs.
@justsomedude @WedgeRock You're right about the vagueness of the initial post. If I had known it would become the first thread in the Aurora Poker Gear Forum--and gain such momentum!--I would have included another set of pictures, which explains every feature in detail. I think I'll just add them here before this thread runs away much further.
1000% agree with this. I believe it's the formula for success, but we'll definitely consider every option and everyone's ideas.
Very interested in 600, 800, 1000 carriers. Would like to get more specifics, but will wait for that
Specifics are on the way.
...aaaaand you are officially not welcome anywhere near my chips....
But I'm
suuuuuch a huge fish!
Keep in mind that new threads are easily overlooked. This one has legs. If you open a new thread on the topic, it should be a new topic.
Good advice. Anything new will be added here. As for the polls, what do you suggest? I think we need a vote on each of the following:
Which capacity first?
1) 1200
2) 1000
3) 800
Which base first?
1) Flat with rack stabilizers + card/button racks that go on top of the chips
2) Card and DB Compartments
Design Apex for 39mm and 43mm chips/racks?
1) Yea
2) Nay
And maybe...
Color?
1) Black
2) White
3) Hard Candy Magenta
@SixSpeedFury (y) :thumbsup:
Hole for lock?
1) Yea
2) Nay