This past October, riders from all over the Midlands came together for a mighty cause. Allison Woolard and a host of other JDRF volunteers helped organize this year’s Hawg Wild for the Cure charity poker run, a fun and fast event intended to raise money for research and a cure for juvenile diabetes. Everyone worked tirelessly to ensure the event was a rousing success, encouraging individuals and local businesses to contribute to this wonderful cause. Cash prizes and 50/50 drawings were awarded throughout the day, while volunteers also organized blood glucose readings and screenings. Midlands Tooling contributed to the event and also created the signature trophy.

Congratulations and thanks to all the Hawg Wild participants! We encourage everyone to visit the JDRF homepage to learn more about this important cause and to read about upcoming events.

This past Autumn, independent comics publisher Red Stylo Media asked MTSI to help wow their fans. The task was to create a modified, modern version of an historical blade featured in their comic book series AZTECA. Writer, Enrica Jang, explains:

“The traditional blade is called a machuitl and is made from wood and obsidian. It was used by the Aztecs in the 16th century in the time of the Spanish invasion and was the signature weapon of the Aztec jaguar warriors. But because our story is set in modern time, our hero uses a modern version when he fights bad guys. Red Stylo Media wanted a replica of the blade we use in the comic to display for our fans at conventions and shows. We found artists who made wood and stone replicas of the original version, but no one had quite what we were looking for. Finally, one of the artists we talked to suggested we call a machine shop. Midlands Tooling was first on our list.”

Artist Jhazmine Ruiz drew the blade as part of a character design for the story’s vigilante hero. MTSI’s designer used panels from the actual comic book to design and plot a model of the blade in AutoCAD. MTSI laser-cut two versions of the design out of scrap metal for the artists to review and modify at their leasure. Once the final design specs were approved by the artists, the drawing was sent to MTSI’s machine shop techs and the final blade was laser-cut from quarter-inch stainless steel. MTSI also designed the cherry handle with bloodwood finish.

“We are thrilled!” says Enrica. “Everyone gets crazy excited when they see the blades on display, and interest in our series has spiked. It’s a very cool thing to see the art come to life.”