87: We Should Probably Cut This

Thoroughly Considered · 19 Oct 2022 · 1h 01m · Episode 87

What this episode covers

Tom Gerhardt and Dan Provost of Studio Neat discuss the reception of the new Material Docks, the progress of the Mark Three pen, and custom Seracote finishes for the Mark One. They detail the manufacturing complexities of the Mark Three, including Swiss turn machining of complex parts like the 'mech inner,' and the challenges of managing color SKUs. The episode concludes with Dan’s Tech Corner analyzing the longevity and design implications of Apple's Dynamic Island on the iPhone 14.

Mentioned

Companies
Studio Neat, Kensington, Cortex
Products
Material Docks, Mark One, Mark Three, Dynamic Island, iPhone 14
Materials
Seracote

Other shows on the same ground, closest first.

  • Making It · 1h 03m

    437: This is a terrible thing to say…

    Jimmy Diresta, Bob Clagett, and David Picciuto discuss the immersive design of Disney World, the infrastructure behind established artists like Frank Stella and Jeff Koons, and the ethics of studio assistants. David Picciuto details the regulatory hurdles and packaging challenges of selling a small-batch wood finish to Patreon subscribers, while Jimmy Diresta shares updates on restoring a vintage bandsaw and working on body filler for a car project.

  • Go/No-Go · 1h 19m

    iFixit’s Shahram Mokhtari on the hidden design of modern electronics, CES-week manufacturing headlines, and a Reconstruction of Juicero, the $700 connected juicer that defined over-engineering.

    Shahram Mokhtari, lead teardown technician at iFixit, explains how their team uses CT scans and coordinated teardowns to analyze modern electronics, highlighting the shift from destructive glue to electrically released adhesives in iPhones. He contrasts Apple’s meticulous, over-engineered design philosophy with Samsung’s risk-taking approach and discusses the sustainability trade-offs of premium materials like aluminum and glass. The episode also covers recent manufacturing headlines, including the heavy cooling requirements of AI data centers, satellite collision risks, and the surprising resilience of fashion catalogs, before concluding with a reconstruction of Juicero’s failure due to over-engineering and lack of product-market fit.

  • Making It · 58m

    367: It looks like the picture on the box

    Jimmy Diresta, Bob Clagett, and David Picciuto discuss the balance between researching and figuring things out on the fly. Bob Clagett details his work on a Buddha head using fairing compound and an oscillating tool, while David Picciuto shares lessons from dyeing wood for a pizza table. Jimmy Diresta demonstrates creating a chrome Star Wars thermal detonator prop, highlighting the challenges of finishing 3D prints. The hosts debate the value of deep research versus experimental prototyping in maker projects.

  • The Next Byte Podcast · 17m

    10. Sustainable Fashion, Apple Car Insights, Sharper Bionic Eyes

    Hosts Daniel and Forbode discuss three engineering breakthroughs: Dr. Svetlana Boriskina’s team at MIT creating breathable polyethylene textiles, Apple’s secret Project Titan car development with partners like Foxconn, and EPFL’s Professor Diego Gezzi’s improved retinal implants. The episode covers the material science of oxidized polyethylene, the business strategy of Apple’s vertically integrated automotive entry, and the clinical iteration of bionic eye technology to improve patient usability.

  • Making It · 56m

    Episode 065: A mallard is a tool you use when you do chisel work

    Jimmy Diresta, Bob Clagett, and David Picciuto discuss the realities of making physical products, from prototyping failures to manufacturing delays. Jimmy details the year-long journey of producing his custom action figure with Carlos from Toy Backer and the sculpting work by the 4 Horsemen, while also explaining his decision to keep manufacturing his ice picks in-house due to quality control issues with overseas factories. Bob shares his experience with a failed dog ramp project and the technical challenges of welding equipment grounding out, while David discusses the difficulties of estimating materials and managing multiple concurrent projects.

The summary, chapters and topics are generated from the episode’s audio by this directory, not written by Thoroughly Considered. The episode itself belongs to its publisher.