SpikenzielabsUseless Machine Kit (No soldering required)

Don't shy away because of the price. This product is worth every dollar and here's why.It arrived in a sturdy corrugated cardboard box, so the piece parts were well protected from damage. Components & hardware were sealed in plastic envelopes. The acrylic pieces for the box were protected with peel off film, whichprevented them from being scratched. They were as shinny as a mirror. They were sturdy and not flimsy. The Laser cutting was sharp and clean and the edges were polished. Clearly, the parts supplied were not junk. From the PCB assembly to the gear motor and silicone feet, everything was first class. and well thought through.The only problem I encountered was pre screwing the corner posts with self tapping screws. The post holes were too small for the screws and needed some enlargement from a slightly larger drill bit. Also, a small clamp to hold the posts while drilling made the job go easier since they're hard to hold in your hand. Just be sure to protect the posts from scratching. As I said, well worth the extra dollars. In this case, quality doesn't cost, it pays.The 10-page instruction guide was phenomenal. First of all, it was written in English, not Chinese English. Everything was clear and concise. Assembly questions were anticipated and each step of the assembly was well explained and illustrated. There were well over 50 photos that guided you through the build.Working with such great parts & instructions made the build as enjoyable as the end product. The precision fitting of the case and parts was refreshing and fun because everything went together perfectly. Obviously a lot of engineering & thought went into the design. The finished product is neat & clean and looks very high-end. The R/G colored LED that reflects through the clear acrylic pivot arm adds a nice touch

Pros:Easy to assemble.Screws are good quality and don't try to strip out.Instructions are clear and well-written.Cons:Getting the nuts in position for one of the bolts can be a real pain. Tweezers and an extra set of hands makes things go far easier.First item was broken when I received it. One of the plastic parts holding the motor had snapped so I had to send the item back. While this could be the fault of Amazon, I'm leaning more towards the manufacturer, as the part was in a plastic bag with all the other plastic plates. This bag was well-packed in the box, so the only way I see the part breaking is if it was put into the bag broken, or if the bag was dropped before putting it in the box. Would recommend checking this before giving as a gift!

This unit was terrible to put together. Multiple pieces broke during assembly. And half of the time, the arm that it supposed to turn off the switch, misses the switch and the machine gets stuck.GET A DIFFERENT ONE!

The clear plastic "finger" that is supposed to turn the switch off is not straight. When you turn the switch on, the finger tries to turn it off, but slides past because it is bent. I've tried shimming it, and will likely have to heat and attempt to deform it.For a kids gift, he was not pleased that it was a dud.

I really like the idea behind this. The idea of a buildable Useless Box is a marvelous one, and these guys did it. The construction is a little bit of a pain when it comes to installing the plastic posts that hold the box together, and recommend the creator make the holes for the screws a tiny bit bigger. Otherwise, great product.