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June 1st, 2010 | 1:15 pm | Comments: None

If it wasn’t my birthday it would have been alright. Who gets sick with strep throat on their birthday. Anyway here’s to getting my design life in order.

Cutting 3/4″ Steel to make a Library

January 28th, 2011 | 5:14 pm | Comments: None

Yes, this is nuts but I am cutting 3/4″ steel plate to make a library shelving unit. The owner has great big books. It ’s for a wealthy client whose architects have decided to make the library a centerpiece or star of the house. I cannot take photos of the finished product. But this will show the steps leading up to it’s completion. Check in later to see the progress.

Almost done sheet 1

Almost done sheet 1

Mark of the Maker

Mark of the Maker

Going to the Faire

September 21st, 2010 | 9:47 am | Comments: None

MDF is going to be attending the New York Makers Faire this September 25 & 26.

It is being held at the New York Hall of Science, Queens, NY. This is a link to check out

http://makerfaire.com/newyork/2010 it is the first one in New York so it will interesting to

see the exhibitors and events. MDF will be showcasing the wellfleet beach cart. I will also be

letting other makers know about our services for building prototypes and models with our waterjet

and other fabrication capabilities. I am very  enthusiastic about  this event. Please bring yourself and your families

to support this community. See you there!

Specifications of the Wellfleet Voyager beach wagon

November 9th, 2009 | 1:31 pm | Comments: 6

In my research to find (and eventually to custom design and fabricate) the perfect beach wagon, there were several important factors I considered and implemented:

  • Nice wheels: I went on a quest to find wheels that wouldn’t sink into the sand (rendering it useless) the moment you loaded some stuff–or kids–into it, and succeeded with these awesome balloon tires.
  • Size: I was having a hard time finding anything decent that would fit into the trunk of my Volkswagon Jetta. I didn’t want to make something too big that had to go on the roof rack, which would make it difficult to get up and down. I also designed it so the handle folds under and locks along the bottom of the cart for when you need to pack it in a tight space.
  • Steering and ease of use: I wanted a wagon that you could actually turn and steer vs. dragging right and left.
  • Extras: Little things like the hooks along the side to place your umbrella are all design details that you won’t find on any other cart.  I’m still toying with the idea of removable drink holders for those extra long beach walks.

All of these factors, and many more, went into the design of this luxury beach cart. Not only will you turn a lot of heads while you stroll down the beach with this in tow, but you also won’t break a sweat because of all the well-designed features. We are able to make small modifications to the cart if wanted. Please send all inquiries via email to mdfbusiness@martelfab.com . Below are additional photos and specifications.

Wagon stuffed

Wagon stuffed

  • Exterior size 36-1/2″ long x 26″ wide x 21-1/2″ Tall
  • Interior space to put stuff in 34-1/2″ x 23-1/2″ x 7-3/8″
  • Wheels by Wheeleez 12″ Diameter with 121lbs capacity each
  • Under carriage is stainless steel
  • 180° Turning Radius via the handle
  • Handle stores under the wagon for easy storage
  • Aluminum and light weight “panelite” material for main body
  • White Delrin pastic as top rail
  • Curved Hooks on side for storing long umbrellas
180 degree turning raduis

180 degree turning radius and umbrella hooks

Back side with stowaway handle and umbrella hooks

Back side with stowaway handle under wagon

View of the interior

View of the interior panelite material

Beach Wagon “Wellfleet Voyager”

October 30th, 2009 | 7:11 pm | Comments: None
Beach Party and ready for anything

Beach Party and ready for anything

Back before having a family, going to the beach meant nothing more than grabbing a towel and a few other things. Now, however, I’ve learned that it often means packing large amounts of towels, food/drinks, sunscreen, beach toys, umbrellas and, of course, the kids. After several back-breaking and sweaty trips to and from the beach, I realized that there was a significant need for a well-made, well-designed and most of all, functional beach wagon.

The Wellfleet Voyager took its first trip in none other than Wellfleet, Cape Cod and was a big hit with the locals and vacationers alike.  The orders are starting to fly in and if you are thinking of a what might bring a smile to your family’s collective faces when they come down on Christmas morning…this is your pick.  Even though it hasn’t been tested, I’d venture to say it would work pretty well in the snow, too! Order now before it’s too late!

Maiden Voyage to Beach

Maiden Voyage to Beach

Easy enough for a child to pull on the beach sand

Easy enough for a child to pull on the beach sand