I’ve been really focused on the paying work (which is all NDA), so I haven’t much to post lately.
However, this is kinda cool, my Makerbeam kit finally showed up:
..and I’m already using it to make temporary brackets for stepper motors:
More platforms back in the store and I dropped the price by $10. Now you have an option of a plate with no peripheral holes as well as an option for the nicrhome kit.
Here’s how I set it up: using Kapton tape, I attached a loop of nichrome wire to the underside of the platform. I also put the thermistor in an “average” spot away from the wire:
This connects using the A6 pin on the extruder, same as other boards, all of which are basically doing what Eberhard documented on his blog. For software, you’ll need to download and build the latest ReplicatorG and firmware from the makerbot github.
Technorati Tags: makerbot
Finally finished my MS Design degree and now have time to write for people other than professors and whatnot. I’ve got a bunch of half-finished posts to clean up, but I’m too busy doing metalworking stuff in the studio to write very much.
The current project is installing a 60G compressor, which also means bolting it to the floor, running hard line and adding a 220V circuit. I hemmed and hawed about which mini compressor to get, then just said “screw it” and went with a big 60G unit. More than enough PSI and CFM for anything I’ll do in my “one-car” sized studio, and when I get real studio space, I’ll move it there.
Still debating what my first air tool should be, however. I’m thinking a die grinder or a sheet-metal nibbler.
Technorati Tags: metalwork
I’m trying to decide between a Rong Fu RF-45 clone and a Sieg X3. I’m leaning towards a Industrial Hobbies clone, but I thought I’d make up a comparison chart for the Sieg clones for comparison’s sake:
Sieg X3 Clones Comparison Chart in Excel .xls format
Sieg X3 Clones Comparison Chart in CSV
Let me know if you have any corrections/updates.
Technorati Tags: metalwork, mill drill, Sieg X3
Over on the Yahoo mill_dill group I found an outdated spreadsheet comparing features of the Rong Fu RF-45 square column mill/drill and its various clones.
I’ve been thinking about getting one of these for awhile now for my next art project, so I decided to update the chart. You can find it over on the Yahoo group or download it here:
RF-45 Comparison Chart in Excel .xls format
RF-45 Comparison Chart in CSV
Let me know if you have any corrections/updates.
Technorati Tags: metalwork, mill drill, RF-45
(Follows is a test of Google Ads.)
After updating the spreadsheet (see the previous entry), I’m thinking the Industrial Hobbies unit is the one I’m after. I can’t afford CNC just yet, but the base machine looks really good.
I’m going to cheap out and try and use it as a general purpose drill press as well. Most of my recent drilling required a bit more accuracy than my Sears drill press was capable of providing. If setup time starts being a problem I can always drop $100 on a cheapo import from HF or Grizzly.
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