You know some one had to ask for this to be made, or it was the owners idea, some things work for some and not for others. My guess is that there will be a few sold to someone who does not know better and depending on how it is marketed it may do well. Look at the junk that is sold on tv over the years that people buy that they really don't need Jim

I'll have you know that the Popeil Pocket Fisherman is one of the most useful inventions ever devised by either man or beast. Fishing for change dropped down subway gratings has never been easier or more profitable. It pays for itself in two stations worth of effort. Hair In A Can is a close second.

They should spend their time at Quality Control. I just threw a set of ATL-106 (the British Scimitar) in the garbage, almost all the holes where you put the pin were blocked all the way in, well to be honest at least 2 pin holes on each single tracks. I was so fedup, it's already gone in the garbage truck. You'll say I should have send it back, but i'm a bit impulsive. (english isn't my 1st language, sorry). I wrote them a sh*t letter, they didn't even bother to acknowledge. That was my 2nd set plus the Dushka that I bought there. But it's the end of the road for me. They lost a customer. Or if someone has a good idea of what to do with it, plz let me know ;-)

Ron Popeil was a God in late nite TV infomercials, The new guys just don't have his appeal. I still have the roterisey he sold and it does make a good Chicken

I can hear Steve Goodman singing his "Vegematic" song in my head! On a more OT note, if parts E/F/C from the diagram are moveable (a series of different slots, perhaps?) then it could be readjusted for different pin lengths. You'd still need to eject each one by pulling, though... And with the parts diagram, it wouldn't take much effort to make one from sheet plastic, so it doesn't exactly encourage sales. Tom

Most Friul sets are like this. You need a pin-vise and 0.5mm drill bit. No problem to drill as the metal is so soft. Get them out of the garbage quickly, if you can. There was no need to throw them. I also think this tool is right up there with the very expensive tool for making grab handles. A lot of money for something that can be easily done with what is already in your tool box. Even if you like the idea .... it could be made simply by getting a bolt and 2 nuts, add some plastic bits and add a catching box. Adjust the top nut to the required length for the wires and cut away.

Frank, maybe you should have designed it. This one doesn't even have a "catching box" as you suggest. I always cup my hand over the snipped ends to keep them from potentially flying away, although it rarely happens. Still, a deflector (similar to what we "correct handed" firers used to use on the old M16) and a catch box would be a pretty nice idea. However, even with such a mod, I'd find myself using it about as much as I'd use the Mr. Tea advertised on SNL.

Mr Tea, right up there with the Bass-o-matic! Dan Acryod "Mmmm that's good bass.." I do like the brass tube with soldered end cap idea, might work the same with plastic tube too. I've got a fair amount of sitting at a kids robotics meet this weekend and have to drive past Spare Time to get here. Maybe I'll fiddle with that idea a bit. Maybe I'm the only one out here, but I wish for the return of the old (and actually right hand and left hand side) pinch together tracks. The pin cutting, link drilling, pin fitting, glueing, and and covering the end holes with punch disks or mud is a LOT more steps. My US$0.02, your mileage may vary. Mike

You know when I first saw this I thought it was to make the wire streight before you cut it. I just drill both tracks insert the wire pull back about a 1/16 of an inch and push back in and hit the end with very little CA I have yet to have a wire come out, this work with all brands of tracks. and don't forget Billy Bass the singing Bass on the Placque, a classic Jim