New tool – A 3D Printer!

After working on the the Utility CNC idea for a while, I came to the realisation that I’m not actually making much or any real progress forward. It was more just going around in circles constantly updating parts. I figured this was mostly because I didn’t have much free time or any money to waste on things that might not be the best or could change later. So I needed to change up the way I attacked the entire project and remove the fear of wasting money committing to a design and getting it made to testing out. Of course working on one, full set of designs which get made all together and all work perfectly would be awesome, but the lack of payoff in the meantime is just going to lose my interest. Its a hobby, its meant to be enjoyable.

Firstly I changed the way I will attack the problems. Really its all about setting smaller goals and isolating parts without losing touch of the entire project. I know the overall objectives and have an idea of how everything fits together. Now I just need the parts.

Secondly, and the main reason for this post, is a way of me making prototype parts or sections to test out without costing me my beer or travel money. Hence the purchase of a cheap (very cheap) 3D printer. In all honesty its a small project in itself, but when its finished it should be a very useful tool, not only for mechanical mock ups and prototypes, but hopefully also for electronics by engraving bare PCBs.

The printer itself is a Prusia i3 Chinese clone. Features:

• A basic controller capable of running autonomously. (Atmel MCU,  LCD interface, all-in-one main board, MARLIN software)
• Basic stepper motor and belt drives on linear bearings
• Fastened acrylic constriction (not great but with a bit of epoxy should be a lot better)
• 200 x 200 x 200 build volume

As for the project part of it, I’m currently in the process of designing a new carriage assembly to accept a lighter Bowden type extruder and also a small 12V engraving motor, both of which can be swapped out with only 3 or 4 wingnuts and an electronics socket. That’s the theory anyway.

I know its not going to be the best, but that’s not what its meant to be. Its meant to be a way for me to test out ideas in a cost effective way and hopefully help complete goals quicker. Plus I’ll get my hands on parts quicker.

I’ll try and keep the posts going as it comes along….. if it’s working out that is 😛

I’ve started a blog!

So i was going though my photos the other day and realized i did and mostly tried to do some crazy shit when i was younger ( i think the term for younger me was “knows enough to be dangerous”). So instead of letting all the photos and info for what not to do just get deleted or lost, why not keep it somewhere a little more organised. A blog!

So over the next couple of weeks or so (while I’m unemployed and still have the time that is) ill be going though my past projects, ideas etc. and posting a bit about them. Hope my spelling and general writing skills makes it legable though 😛