Clik here to view.
3D crap
I got a 3D printer (a PrintrBot Simple Metal model 1403), and it’s been great. I don’t have time to write much, so I’ll share highlights: I’m on Thingiverse here. I’ve already put up a bunch of crap,...
View ArticleClik here to view.
Fixing a PrintrBot with open source parts
I really like my PrintrBot. It’s compact, reliable, and straightforward to build. Unfortunately, when I started getting ambitious with experimentation, I got into trouble. Basically, I started...
View ArticleClik here to view.
Using Nylon trimmer line with a PrintrBot and Gaffer’s Tape
People have been experimenting with Nylon trimmer line for a while, and I wanted to give it a shot, since nylon is tougher, more flexible, smoother for moving parts, and can handle higher temperatures....
View ArticleClik here to view.
Here’s some huge wallpapers made of math
I don’t feel like writing a big post explaining all of it, so the summary is that I spent a few hours playing with colorspaces, Hilbert curves, and image generation, and produced some stuff that looks...
View ArticleClik here to view.
Generating 3D-printable pieces directly from EAGLE PCB designs
NOTE: Everything involved in this post is available for download here. I while back, I made this PCB that acts as a big daisy-chainable two-digit 7-segment display using the WS2803D and discrete LEDs....
View ArticleClik here to view.
Clik here to view.
How to make a ton of clear LEDs into diffuse LEDs
Step 1: Make a rock tumbler out of some threaded rods, bearings, a motor, and a spaghetti jar: Step 2: Get sand. If you don’t live in a beach/desert, you can probably get some for free from a...
View ArticleClik here to view.
AC power control without touching AC power
In this article I’ll show a simple 3D design for a servo mount to control a light switch for about $3, plus some electronics to drive it with a neat little interface. This article explains how I used...
View ArticleDIY Hall Effect Tachometer
Magnet sensor (A3144’s) + magnets + spinny disc = tachometer. Here’s the quick and dirty code I used — it’s good enough for a demo. EDIT: Ha, I found a video of someone else doing the same thing, but...
View ArticleClik here to view.
MC Escher “Concentric Rinds” in 3D
I recently saw the M.C. Escher exhibit at the NC Museum of Art, and one piece that stuck with me was Concentric Rinds: The geometry bugged me for a while until I finally figured it out and sketched it...
View ArticleClik here to view.
Adapting an mSATA card to a 2.5″ laptop bay
Here’s the short story in picture form: Model available here. More pictures:
View ArticleMostly Printed CNC: Plotting
If you like clumsily drawn squares, you will like this video. http://discspace.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/2016-07-05-02.50.54b.mp4
View ArticleClik here to view.
Mostly Printed CNC: IT WORKS
I strapped an incredibly crappy Harbor Freight Cutoff Tool to the MPCNC (related posts) thanks to this mount, and I was actually able to mill something! It worked! I crudly cut the hand-drawn letters...
View ArticleClik here to view.
MPCNC: Custom mods and part of a dickbutt
I’ve posted two custom parts for the MPCNC: a wire harness and a customizable end-stop holder. This test model works as well in 2D as it does in 3D! I tried a test run of the Optimal Fabrication Test...
View ArticleClik here to view.
MPCNC: A relay-switched outlet box
On Thingiverse I’ve posted a model and schematic for a relay-switched outlet box. This will let you switch an outlet on/off with an Arduino pin. That’s nothing new, but it’s a box that puts all the...
View ArticleClik here to view.
MPCNC: it drew this
The MPCNC with my rudimentary pen holder was able to draw this. I need to add some kind of spring downforce on the pen to deal with small differences in depth (which is why the lower left is faded)....
View ArticleClik here to view.
MPCNC: new pen holder and trochoidal milling
I improved the Z coupling, made a much better pen holder, and discovered trochoidal milling, which, in addition to making actual milling easier, draws cool pictures if used with a pen. The pen holder...
View ArticleClik here to view.
MPCNC: Lumber ID
If you’re like me, you live in constant fear of criminals breaking into your backyard shed and stealing your valuble scrap pieces of 2×4. Well, worry no longer: Now you can protect your lumber scraps...
View ArticleClik here to view.
MPCNC: Adding threaded hold-down holes
To easily hold stuff in place on the MPCNC, I used OpenSCAD to script it to drill a grid of 9mm holes in the bed, then I installed 1/4-20 threaded inserts into them. This lets me tighten down simple...
View Article