I’ve got my Thing-O-Matic operational. There were some initial hiccups, but it seems to be working. However, I definitely need to calibrate Skeinforge and the “end.txt” cool down settings for this machine. More on those details over at the MakerBot blog. My initial print, a mini mug1 , turned out reasonably well – but is a little too sparse for actual toasting.
Just a little. I completed the body assembly of my Thing-O-Matic, but not the MK5 Plastruder.
I just finished up the plastruder, so I’m going to bolt that in and move on to flashing the firmware.
I’m nearly done.
While at Botacon 0 I had the singular pleasure of attending George Hart‘s presentation on “Cool Geometric Forms” and then actually meeting him afterward. His mathematical and geometrical sculptures and puzzles are spectacular. If you haven’t seen them, you really need to check out his website. In any case, earlier this week I learned of a web video/blog series from someone named Vi Hart where the author would post videos of math doodles, puzzles, games, accompanied by whimsical and informative narration.
It wasn’t until I read her post about using a MakerBot for the second time, just this afternoon, that I realized that the father she referred to was none other than the George Hart I had met at Botacon.
I can only hope, that if I am a very very good father, teacher, role model, and example that one day someone will meet my daughter and then tell me what a wonderful/intelligent/witty person they think she is. George, if you read this – you should feel as proud as I one day hope to be.
My Thing-O-Matic bits are set to arrive today. I can’t wait to assemble it. :)
I have SOOO much work for it to do.
I’m still corresponding, commenting, e-mailing, and interacting with the super cool people I met there!
I hope to continue to do so until we meet again!
If you are going to travel to the future, it is always a good idea to visit a ‘bot convention.
I’m tired and happy and have so so so much to blog about…
It is my intention to travel in time in about three days. My plans are as follows:
On Thursday December 9, 2010 I plan to travel back in time 3 hours along my personal timeline.
On Sunday December 12, 2010 I shall travel forwards again by 3 hours.
Upon meeting people I shall declare unto them, “Lo! I am from the future! And it is a glimmering shiny place! I cannot wait for you to see it!”
A few weeks ago I was contacted by Les H. about helping his company prototype a design.
Jay is very knowledgeable about his machine’s capabilities and any pitfalls. His advice enabled us to get a pretty good first prototype out quickly, which showed some deficiencies in our design, and recommended changes to make the design more robust and enable his machine to print it easily. We are about to make the second run. Jay’s suggestions about wall thickness, design elements and dimensional requirements have made us pretty sure that this will be the one we use (unless I make a mistake on layout or measurements). What he printed for us was exactly what we specified, and he worked with us to accomplish a moderately difficult design shape. I am not a mechanical designer, so his assistance filled many gaps in my knowledge. Check out the photos. It all fit together right the very first time.
My advice, go with Makerblock for your prototyping needs.
Regards,
Les H
Prototype enclosure
They had originally expected to go through several design iterations before getting a usable prototype. By exchanging a few e-mails and discussing their designs we were able to eliminate those intermediate print jobs.
Thanks Les!
