# 88: Science Is a Lot Like Quilting

- Show: [Embedded.fm](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/embedded-fm)
- Published: 2015-02-12
- Length: 59m
- Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/embedded-fm/2015-02-12-88-science-is-a-lot-like-quilting
- Listen: https://makingembeddedsystems.libsyn.com/embedded-ep88mp3

## Summary

Danielle Applestone, CEO of Other Machine Company, discusses the development and engineering of the OtherMill, a desktop CNC milling machine originally funded by DARPA and later via Kickstarter. She details the mechanical design choices, such as using HDPE for vibration damping and high-quality motors for longevity, and explains how the machine uses the Synthetos TinyG open-source controller. Applestone also covers the company's supply chain strategy, emphasizing local manufacturing in the San Francisco Bay Area to facilitate rapid iteration and relationship building with contract manufacturers.

## Chapters

- [0:06](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/embedded-fm/2015-02-12-88-science-is-a-lot-like-quilting#t=6) Introduction: Danielle Applestone and Other Machine Company
- [2:25](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/embedded-fm/2015-02-12-88-science-is-a-lot-like-quilting#t=145) DARPA Origins and Educational Mission
- [4:23](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/embedded-fm/2015-02-12-88-science-is-a-lot-like-quilting#t=263) OtherMill Hardware Design and Materials
- [7:04](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/embedded-fm/2015-02-12-88-science-is-a-lot-like-quilting#t=424) PCB Milling and Precision Engineering
- [17:47](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/embedded-fm/2015-02-12-88-science-is-a-lot-like-quilting#t=1067) Software, Toolpaths, and User Experience
- [46:05](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/embedded-fm/2015-02-12-88-science-is-a-lot-like-quilting#t=2765) Supply Chain, Local Manufacturing, and Scaling
- [49:44](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/embedded-fm/2015-02-12-88-science-is-a-lot-like-quilting#t=2984) Kickstarter Success, Funding, and Future Plans
- [53:28](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/embedded-fm/2015-02-12-88-science-is-a-lot-like-quilting#t=3208) Conclusion: Science as Quilting

## Topics

- [Mechanical engineering](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/mechanical-engineering)
- [Manufacturing partners & offshoring](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/manufacturing-partners)
- [Crowdfunding & preorders](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/crowdfunding)
- [Scaling production](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/scaling-production)
- [Embedded firmware](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/embedded-firmware)
- [Starting a product company](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/starting-a-company)

## Most relevant to

companies scaling up

## Mentioned

- OtherMill (product)
- Other Machine Company (company)
- Synthetos (company)
- TinyG (chip)
- DARPA (company)
- Roland (company)
- IModella (product)

## Related episodes from other shows

- [Ep. 4 - Launching the Longmill - ft. Chris from Sienci Labs](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/open-hardware-manufacturing-podcast/2023-09-14-ep-4-launching-the-longmill-ft-chris-from-sienci-labs) (Open Hardware Manufacturing Podcast)
- [Milling About](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-amp-hour/2017-05-31-milling-about) (The Amp Hour)
- [Episode 2 - The Hardware Story of Ethereal Machines w/ Kaushik Mudda | Building a Deep tech Mfg company](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-hardware-story/2024-10-02-episode-2-the-hardware-story-of-ethereal-machines-w-kaushik-mudda-building-a-dee) (The Hardware Story)
- [18: No Cool Cheap Screwdrivers](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/thoroughly-considered/2016-09-17-18-no-cool-cheap-screwdrivers) (Thoroughly Considered)
- [Shop Talk Live 37: SawStop Portable in the Works?](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/shop-talk-live/2013-07-29-shop-talk-live-37-sawstop-portable-in-the-works) (Shop Talk Live)

## Citing this page

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