When David Kinnich founded Skate Kastle, his passion for skateboarding and electric vehicles was the driving force behind his vision. However, turning that passion into a successful business required the right tools and a steep learning curve. Enter Tormach, whose capable, affordable, and easy-to-use CNC machines became integral to Skate Kastle's journey from idea to reality.
David’s journey began with little to no experience in CNC machining. “When I started the company, I had no CNC experience. This was the first CNC I used,” says David. Initially, he collaborated with the staff at mHUB, a Chicago-based innovation center, and relied on online tutorials and trial-and-error to master the basics of CNC machining. This foundational period was crucial in equipping him with the skills needed to operate Tormach machines effectively.
Skate Kastle Thrives with In-House Manufacturing Using Tormach CNC Machines
Skate Kastle specializes in producing parts and accessories for electric skateboards. Their products include unique items like locking systems, bash guards, and skid plates, all designed to enhance and protect electric skateboards. The ability to manufacture these high-quality components in-house, using Tormach CNC machines, has been a game-changer for the company.
David highlights the ease of use and versatility of Tormach machines: “We have a Tormach in our garage that we use for a lot of product development and prototypes. We now lean more on the MX models for actual production manufacturing. I like the Tormach a lot, as they’ve been really easy to use and learn as I stepped into the world of CNC and manufacturing our products in-house.” This sentiment echoes the core strengths of Tormach machines, which are designed to be user-friendly and efficient for both beginners and seasoned machinists.
One of the standout features of Tormach machines is the PathPilot® control software. This free and open-source software is intuitive and comes with lifetime upgrades, ensuring that users always have access to the latest tools and features. David has found PathPilot to be particularly beneficial in maintaining consistency across different Tormach models. “The PathPilot interface is pretty intuitive and easy to use. It’s great to have the same program on all the pieces of equipment,” he notes.
Beyond the technical capabilities, Tormach’s machines have enabled Skate Kastle to maintain a high level of quality and customization in their products. For example, their skid plates are machined from 6061 billet aluminum and designed to protect electric skateboard components from damage. The ability to produce these parts in-house not only ensures quality control but also allows for rapid prototyping and adaptation to customer needs.
Skate Kastle's Bash Guards protect the front and back of the skateboard from damage.
Tormach and mhub Empower Skate Kastle's Journey to Success
Skate Kastle’s collaboration with mHUB has also been instrumental in their success. mHUB provides access to advanced manufacturing tools and resources that would otherwise be out of reach for a small startup. This partnership has allowed David and his team to prototype and develop products efficiently, keeping costs down and innovation high.
From enabling a novice to become proficient in CNC machining to providing the tools needed for high-quality, in-house manufacturing, Tormach has played a crucial role in transforming Skate Kastle from a passion project into a successful business. David’s experience is a testament to the power of determination, innovation, and the right tools to turn dreams into reality.
