Because We Can blogs

I wrote a chapter for Mastering Autodesk Revit Architecture 2011, which is now out!

Jeffrey McGrew — Tue, 27 Jul 2010 16:48:27 +0000

The wonderful Mastering Autodesk Revit Architecture series is one of the standard books on Revit. Highly recommended. Put together by this crew of knowledgeable folks, it's currently available from Amazon and soon as a downloadable version.

In additional to all the BIM basics, there are extra chapters on all sorts of great work being done via Revit. The one on Revit in the movie industry for set design is stunning! We got to help out on this one too, in that we wrote the extra chapter on BIM-to-CNC fabrication.

So go and grab your copy today!

Jeffrey McGrew is now a California Licensed Architect

Jeffrey McGrew — Tue, 13 Jul 2010 21:12:05 +0000

We're proud to announce that Jeffrey (finally) got his paper from the state. While I passed my final Oral Exams a while ago, the paperwork took a bit (as always).

So say hello to Architect Number 32623 (a palindrome! Awesome!).

This is a big deal to me, for you're not allowed to call yourself an Architect and have anything to do with the building industry unless you're licensed. You're also not allowed to do anything other than houses, some interiors, and furniture, for you can't stamp the drawings for permits.

You may have cleverly noticed that those three things I just mentioned are the majority of what our company does. Now you know why! With this licence, we're hoping it will open us up to a whole new market (and not just new lawsuits! ;-) )

The California licence is the hardest to get, covers the most ground, and transfers to other states more than any other. I hear rumor that they are changing the Orals into a written test or something, so I'll also get proper bragging rights that I had to do it 'the hard way back in my day'.

Business Talk at reMake Lounge as part of Make:SF meetup tonight

Jeffrey McGrew — Tue, 13 Jul 2010 19:11:44 +0000

We're giving a repeat of our Maker Faire small business talk "Turning Pro: Becoming a Professional Maker" at The Remake Lounge tonight as part of the monthly SF:Make meetup.

The talk was a hit at Maker Faire, for it's all about basic business lessons we've learned from the perspective of a professional Maker.

Come check it out, and hope to see you tonight!

Virtual BWC garage sale!

Jillian Northrup — Mon, 12 Jul 2010 20:39:46 +0000

You are in luck! We have some unwanted items from moving, and from some old projects. Please take them! First off, the ladder. This is a 10ft 2in tall ladder on a nice slant with knock in pin construction on the sides. The decorative railing is beautiful and functional. The ladder is 27in wide with 8" deep steps, making it very safe to climb up and down. Originally made to be connected to a rolling track at the top, but can easily be modified for what ever you want to use it for. Made of certified sustainably harvested Birch with water based black dye and durable laquer finish Cash sales only. Local pick up only. $100 _______ Shelves! These shelves are great for a peaked roof, or under the stairs, or just to look cool and an angle. Use them both side by side to create interesting dynamics. Shelves are 3ft 8 1/4in wide x 4ft 1in tall x 10in deep Made of certified sustainably harvested Maple with a natural oil finish Cash sales only Local pick up only. $50 each or $80 for both _______ Solid wood door. 94 inches tall x 3ft wide Some minor scratches that can be sanded out. Comes with door knob assembly and hinges attached. Cash sales only. Local pick up only. $40 Please email to schedule a time to come get em!

July 8th 2010 EatFoodTalkShop

Jeffrey McGrew — Tue, 06 Jul 2010 22:34:43 +0000

Please join us for a night of project sharing, summertime story swapping, and some CNC demonstrations!

It's time for our regular 2nd-Thursday-of-the-month open house / project salon / OMGBBQWTF called EatFoodTalkShop! We're going to get these going again from their brief hiatus due to moving. So count on a monthly show-and-tell for Makers! Bring a project, or a story, or just curiosity and questions.

Please drop by and help us eat food, drink libations, and share project stories. We'll be showing off our recently finished projects for Wikipedia and Bookrenter. Frank will strut his stuff as well with a few demos.

We'll have some food and drink, you bring some more and your friends! Kids welcome, but it is a shop and a party. Lots of sharp corners. And they might learn some interesting new words.

Thursday, July 8th 2010

6:30PM - 9:30PM

Please note that we've moved!

2500 Kirkham St

Oakland, CA 94607

(510) 922-8846

Click here for the Google Map.

Hope to see you there!

Lost? Lonely? BWC help line: 510-922-8846

Business Talk at Techliminal as part of Make:SF meetup tonight

Jeffrey McGrew — Tue, 06 Jul 2010 21:38:52 +0000

We're giving a repeat of our Maker Faire small business talk "Turning Pro: Becoming a Professional Maker" at Tech Liminal (an Oakland technology salon) tonight as part of the SF:Make meetup.

The talk was a hit at Maker Faire, for it's all about basic business lessons we've learned from the perspective of a professional Maker.

We'll be giving it again later this month in San Francisco as well.

Come check it out, and hope to see you tonight!

Hope everyone had a fun 'set things on fire' day!

Jillian Northrup — Tue, 06 Jul 2010 16:28:04 +0000

Looking for an local CNC shop for overflow cutting work

Jeffrey McGrew — Fri, 02 Jul 2010 03:12:07 +0000

We're looking for a local (greater bay area) shop with a Shopbot or better. We've got a number of small cutting runs that we're simply too busy to do and would love to send your way! Contact us at us@becausewecan.org

Woven Twist Coffee Table

Jeffrey McGrew — Thu, 01 Jul 2010 22:12:37 +0000

Woven Twist Coffee Table. Sustainable Maple and Walnut ribs weave together into this modern yet organic base. Another custom piece design for an office interior in San Francisco that we're working on.

The two opposing spirals create a delightful visual tension (and give the form strength) while the frosted top adds mystery to the 'fingers' holding it aloft. Let us know if you'd like something simular!

Quote on a Sign...

Jillian Northrup — Sat, 26 Jun 2010 18:43:32 +0000

One wonderful thing about having a robot that makes things is that it's pretty effortless to create for just the shear joy of it, and share that ability with others! A sign for a friend's wedding. A small detail in this beautifully picturesque landscape. A quote picked by the bride & groom welcomes the wedding guests and sets the tone. Sometimes it's the little things...