Wednesday, March 03, 2010

Ghost Drawings

Wanna see where this design came from? I had originally been thinking of making a larger prytool and then trying to use the inside waste cutout to give me a two for one kind of tool shape. But the more I thought about it I decided to not do the big tool but just try the smaller one. Because after all, I am most interested in the smaller tools myself. The Ghosts are 2.5" long.



Anyway, I liked the outcome but then I started playing with variations of it. I ended up deciding to go with the most complicated of the drawings and trying a new edge treatment. I may make the variation drawings too at some point....you can see my doodlings, eraser marks and my brainstorming for names, none of which ended up being used. :)

29 comments:

Jerry Chacon said...

ibid....

Adrian said...

Peter I wish I had the continual creativity you have. Awesome stuff as usual!

Jerry said...

Ghost, Ghost, Ghost.....(low chant in background).

This will be a classic.....

Unknown said...

Your drawings are like engineering porn.

You could not sell a thing and just post pics/drawings and I would still check your blog five times a day.

vegassprky said...

Peter, thanks for showing the creation process!! But they both don't appear to be 2.5 inches long, the G2 Superbug looks longer? But can' wait for the Ghost!!! Gary :>)

Scott Hopkins MD DC said...

i love the progression from the original "sweet tooth" to the final product. The wider grip grinds and putting the hex on the bottle opener rather than the "mouth" were great decisions! fanastic job

Rick said...

Thanks for sharing your ideas. I'm drawn to #3, but with the edge design of #1. Although #3 seems to be not as useful as #1 or #2.

b.read said...

What billy said!


Well, not really...I still like the chance of buying a tool every now and again!

The drawing do look great- you should continue to post them up!

The Bartender said...

How much for the drawing? :-D

Camera said...

What functionality does the center round hole add?

Peter Atwood said...

The center round hole is a simple design element that reduces weight and provides grip. It acts as a pivot point for fiddling with the tool. This tool has a superb fiddle factor to it IMO. I could have made it a hex opening instead but I was unhappy with the way a hex fitted in there...they were all too big except for 5/16 which I am already using as the bottle opener so it would have been redundant.

Indy Fab fan said...

love it!

Noonan for Selectman: said...

LOVE the drawings; a nice look into the design process. I've asked before and I'll ask again, do you think you'd ever do an open house or clinic for us followers?

Jerry Chacon said...

As between the one you went to production with (hex at bottle opener / round in middle) and the original capital version (the 5/16 hex in the center and the rounded off bottle opener), I greatly prefer the piece you went to production with. And I appreciate the grip benefits of the round hole in the center (way better than nothing in the center). I can't wait to get one in my hands.

kai said...

I love seeing the thought processes and design work that goes into these pocket tools. It's fascinating seeing the initial sketches and then (hopefully) being able to hold the finished product in your hand.

With these sketches, have you thought about having a nesting pocket tool - a two-piece tool that is the outer and inner pieces shown, nesting together and maybe held in place with O rings or something like that?

Indy Fab fan said...

you know these sketches would make some nice t-shirt designs . . .

jodj said...

Peter, you should do the larger prytool -- like a Mega-Atwrench. Or just do one proto and send it to me ;)

-- Joel

Adrian said...

I'll 2nd the t-shirt idea. You might want to look into cafe press, I think they do t shirts pretty cheap. Some of the classics (msop, keyton, etc) in your "engineering design sketch" style would make for awesome shirts and hoodies. Just a thought!

Scott Hopkins MD DC said...

The more i look at these drawings the more I see opportunity. If you were interested in making a smaller true pendent, you could easily remove the bottle opener, the grip hole or both! i dont know why i am so hung up on a pendent, i guess bc im running out of space in my pockets!

Peter Atwood said...

LOL, it's really a great size just like this Scott. Wait until you see for yourself. :)

vegassprky said...

Peter anything from heat treat yet? This new tool has really got me drooling!!! Thanks, Gary :>P....

Jem said...

Love the drawings too - how about this for an idea - put the original design on the cards that come with the tool.

The thing I love about your designs is that you have a high regard to the 'fiddle factor' - not something that the big manufacturers consider.

Indy Fab fan said...

@Jem--what a great idea!

vegassprky said...

waiting, waiting, fingers all poised ready to strike!!!! Ghooost!! OK, enough already patience is not one of my virtues! Peter don't overdo, have a refreshment of your choice and relax alittle!! Gary :>)

Peter Atwood said...

Don't you know, Ghosts only come out at night! :p :D

Indy Fab fan said...

but i hope you don't then add "and only on Halloween . . ." becuase that's an awfully long wait . . .

Scott Hopkins MD DC said...

i guess "date night " is cancelled, jklol

vegassprky said...

Boooooo, you can't scare me!! I ain't scared of no Ghosts!!!!!!!!!!! Gary :>O

vegassprky said...

Peter, was that an hint or am I f5ing it for nothing? Thanks Gary :>)