I had not even thought about stand up targets. Those are typically riveted to the leaf switch, correct? Not sure if it would change the rebound or what the extra weight of aluminum would do to switch sensitivity but it's something I can look into once I'm up and going with the drop targets.

T2 does have one drop target though, correct? But I think it's a rollover drop which we haven't gotten to yet.

Now, reading all the stuff going on with Pinball Rescue I'm starting to rethink this whole thing. I'm not a company, just a fan and mediocre player who likes to tinker, If I got a letter from PPS, I'm out all my time and money. Everything is on hold for now. I'm still going to work on designs and get everything ready, but nothing will be sold without knowing for sure that I am allowed to sell. I'm not talking about the artwork here, that's pretty cut and dry, I just don't know if I'm even allowed to sell a target that works in a William's game.

Thanks for the words of encouragement. I'm not looking to make money, but I'm also not looking to pay for people to buy them, know what I mean?

I don't mind putting some of my money in to cover the up front costs, like materials, design and testing but there has to be a point where I break even at the least even if it's after 100-200 targets. I would like to charge more, but I don't think people will buy them for more.

Some pinball machines have lots of drop targets and you can buy a reliable working plastic one for about $3 each. These 'AlumiDrops' while functional are "Bling" and for me to make a profit I would have to sell them for about $15-$18 (just an estimate at this point) and that doesn't include programming the decal and applying it to the target face. So lets say it's $20 with the decal (If I can use that graphic, which I'm pretty sure I can't without paying someone). Black Knight 2000 uses 6 drop targets so it will be $120 plus shipping, Who's gonna pay that for some shiny drop targets? The market is pretty limited.

This is my first attempt to create something like this and sell it and it's a learning experience for me and that's mostly why I'm doing it. I have had cool ideas all my life and then did nothing and watch as someone else had success with them, and this time I went for it so if I make $0 I'm fine with that, I'll make a little on the next idea and people will know I make a quality item.

I'm kinda putting all this detail and 'inside baseball' out there so people understand how much these things cost, especially on a small scale. I'm getting a HUGE discount on the design and programming compared to what someone would be paying a company that specializes in prototyping and manufacturing and it still is pretty costly for a hobbiest.

I should know more in a few weeks and I'll update, nothing has changed as far as our plan, I just need to confirm a few things before I sell them. We are still going to make them in the meantime so they are ready to go.

Thanks again to all the Pinsiders for the support and encouragement.

One last thing, in response to the first reply by CastleSteve, I bought a domain name over the weekend

I hear ya, I'd pay a pretty penny for that stupid lower wireform on my BK2K (that's next on my list after the targets).

Just picked up a target for the William's style rollover for system 9/11. Appears to be the exact same target with just the added rollover wedge on the top, the wedge doesn't appear to be any higher than the blade for the opto so I should be able to make them out of the same piece of stock, so that's good news!

I hope to have examples of Stern, System7 & DE targets this week, I'm going to look into Whysnow's suggestion of a more universal target, not sure it's possible, but man it would be nice, wouldn't it?

PM sent.

I already have designs for something like this. It would depend on how much material you had to take out, I don't want to do anything to compromise the structure and have something bend or dent.

Anodizing has been a bit of a problem. Unless I want to do it myself, which is possible, there really isn't any way to do it until I get to quantities over 500 pcs each color. We have a finish that will produce a similar if not better result and we can still engrave it to reveal the silver aluminum. I am going to offer black and Metallica targets are near the top of the list.

Laser etching is something I am looking into, but it's tricky because of the mirror surface.

I know it seems like it's taking a while, but I'm not going to sell them unless I'm sure they will last forever and look amazing.

During initial testing we noticed some wear on the face, and we expected it, it was actually less than we thought it would be. We have already made changes in the design and the finish will also play into this. We are creating a testing rig to beat the crap out of it to ensure durability will not be an issue and the target should look as good as new for a very long time.

Right now we are testing function. Making sure the target drops and resets without any issues over a long period of time. Just because you make a copy of something that works out of a different material does not mean it will function the same. Aluminum has different properties than plastic and the target banks were never designed to use a metal target. We have already made 2 design changes regarding this and are in the process of testing.

This here will be a matter of opinion. Yes they sound different and are slightly louder than a plastic target. The sound comes not from the ball hitting the target, but the target hitting the return plate when it's pulled down. We will plan to include a dampener with each target that can be installed if the owner wants to. I like the sound it makes. It kinda sounds like when someone from a 70's movie would pull out a switch blade. It's a cool satisfying sound, but with the dampener on, it's about the same as a standard target.

I know everyone wants these soon, so do I, but I want them to function properly and last a lifetime. If I am going to ask people to pay a premium for a simple drop target then they should get a premium drop target. I hope to have these shipping out in a couple different colors by Halloween. Stay tuned.

I have no idea what you are talking about, but if it involves fire I am interested in hearing more.

I think the people who take the initial risk on me and my idea should get a good deal. If I have to take a loss on the first couple batches in order to get them out there so people can try them and give some feedback then I think it's a good investment. After that the price will likely go up some so that I can make enough to buy more materials, create more artwork and support more types of targets.

Like I said, I don't mind charging people a premium as long as they are getting a premium item and feel like they got their money's worth. I can't wait to see these in other pinball machines. Thanks again for all the support, ideas, suggestions and encouragement.

Sick... Stop giving me ideas, I got enough to do already!

But you did just give me an idea to make custom chimes in the future!

6061 aluminum currently. unfortunately you can't temper it. Stay tuned, I have color coming and I think you will really like it.

Whysnow is correct, the steel ball is harder than the target, and it's smooth, if anything, it would polish the ball.

One step ahead of you, That's very close to what we are testing now, but it's not the washers that are the problem.

My machine has not stand up targets, other than the drawbridge I guess, but when you buy these, do they come with the switch attached, or do you rivet them on. If I made them, I would have to have the correct switch for each machine right? They aren't universal correct?

It seems doable, machine specific themed drops would be cool.

If I get to where I am making them, I will make them assembled as a replacement part with a factory style rivet (not a pop rivet). I wouldn't want someone to damage it, or their machine trying to get it put together. I'll keep stand up targets in mind as we go, hopefully it will be something we can do.

Can you recommend a laser etcher, preferably something small?

Thinking about something like this.
http://www.thermark.com/