Thanks for the cautionary tale! Definitely was considering doing a DIY import, but might just leave it to FedEx overnight shipping after reading that.
Also,
I've finally gotten in touch with the Canadian BkkCoins was telling me about. He claims he can deliver finished boards within 24 hours or so of receiving all the parts. He also says he can produce the K16s at a rate of 100 per day. His preliminary quote, based on the current board design, is $75 per board for assembly.
He also has a supplier in Taipei who can fabricate the boards for $9 each with 10-12 day turnaround. Given that I can do the same thing domestically for just a little more and with less turnaround, I may do that, or else go with a Canadian fabrication company as well. I'll be looking into prices on that side of the border now that I seem to have found a viable assembly option.
I'm also in the Northwest (Seattle-Tacoma area) and would like to support your effort. There is a PCB manufacturer in Vancouver, WA that you more than likely already know of, but I believe you can rent out their space to do this very thing.
Could you PM me a name? I haven't heard anything about being able to rent equipment/space from any of the companies I've contacted so far. Thanks!
If you haven't yet reached out to the Dorkbot folks in Portland they could probably point you towards the most cost effective direction. I'm sure they know of more local old school 'make and bake' places that might not even have a web presence.
Good call. I'll get in touch with them.
I'm about 2.5 hours away from PDX, so just like the other locals count me in for the assist as well.
Much appreciated! :-)