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# MakerBlock

And I, for one, welcome our new robotic overlords

## Sitemaps

- [XML Sitemap](https://makerblock.com/sitemap.xml): Contains all public & indexable URLs for this website.

## Posts

- [OpenSCAD Shadow Boxes, Shadow Casting](https://makerblock.com/2026/04/openscad-shadow-boxes-shadow-casting/) - A friend recently requested some less LLM-centric content. I've often said this blog is largely a lab notebook for various ideas or build log. It's also merely a subset of the stuff swirling around in my brain than a dedication to any one topic. In any case, this post is dedicated to Pete. I saw
- [Inception and Exorcisms](https://makerblock.com/2026/04/inception-and-exorcisms/) - I have found that if I have an idea, it will keep swirling around my brain unless I get it out in some way. In a way, I'm exorcising myself to prevent these ideas from plaguing me further. It's not so bad having ideas pile up in my brain, it's just that as long as
- [Never Stop Breaking Up](https://makerblock.com/2026/04/never-stop-breaking-up/) - About two months ago ((You know, before our latest war and revelations AI companies were helping power the county's military.)) I signed up for a frontier LLM / AI subscription. It was the lowest plan at Anthropic so I could use Claude Code. I have a small website business ((Very boring)) that had a lot
- [Ah, just what I need!  A new project!](https://makerblock.com/2025/04/ah-just-what-i-need-a-new-project/) - If you're anything like me, you're familiar with the idea of Too-Many-Tabs™️. I see a cool thing, I open it in a tab, I might organize tabs, I might bookmark them, and see them now and then. The worst part about this for me is that as long as they're not yet bookmarked and organized,
- [Weakness](https://makerblock.com/2026/04/weakness/) - I just wrote a very large blog post about kicking frontier LLM's to the curb. The problem I'm facing is that running a useful scale LLM on my extremely modest PC is not just slow, it's difficult. I don't mind waiting 30 minutes or even an hour for it to work on a small piece
- [Python Practice with an LLM](https://makerblock.com/2025/06/python-practice-with-an-llm/) - I've been tinkering with Python more recently. When used on a MCU ((Microcontroller unit)) or a PC, it's such a nice experience being able to write some code, run it without having to compile, see what happens, and adjust as necessary. Now, since I'm a newb at this, I'm getting help from... *shudder* LLM's. ((Large
- [Not Team AI](https://makerblock.com/2026/03/not-team-ai/) - Look, I hate AI slop as much as the next person. My kiddo has been taking a college class where they've been delving to the ideas swirling around AI/LLM's and from what I gather, the class is nearly incomprehensible. Just like my toaster, oven, toaster oven, fridge, and dryer don't need wifi - neither does
- [A more practical EDC sling bag](https://makerblock.com/2026/03/a-more-practical-edc-sling-bag/) - Six months ago I purchased a new sling bag. I'd been procrastineering some designs for ages, bought lots of materials, but never actually made much. Then I saw this Ozark Trail bag from Walmart which someone was reviewing on Reddit. It didn't seem too big, bulky, didn't have any stupid features, had the right number
- [Building a Jarvis-inspired voice activated LLM powered virtual assistant](https://makerblock.com/2026/01/building-a-jarvis-inspired-voice-activated-llm-powered-virtual-assistant/) - I'd like my computer to be smarter and more interactive and handle boring stuff for me and I'd also like to play around with some LLM / AI stuff... which brings me to this project. I've got a ton of basic things I'd love for it to do - manage lists, reminders, some Outlook functions,
- [Minecraft Recovery Bundle](https://makerblock.com/2025/12/minecraft-recovery-bundle/) - Yep, I'm an adult who enjoys playing Minecraft. Now that this is out of the way... I enjoy playing in survival mode and building farms for various resources, carving out a base into a mountain side, collecting hard to find items, building something of a fortress to house my resources and "pets." Sometimes my kids
- [Keychron Keyboard Bluetooth Won't Work](https://makerblock.com/2025/12/keychron-keyboard-bluetooth-wont-work/) - From dipping my toes in the mechanical keyboard subreddit, it seems some people look down on Keychron keyboards. It was pricier than other mechanical bluetooth keyboards, but I like being able to reassign keys, I like having nifty RGB lights, and it seemed to have very good reviews. Sure, perhaps an artisanal, grass fed, locally
- [How to Make a Vacuum Former (2023)](https://makerblock.com/2023/10/how-to-make-a-vacuum-former-2023/) - Sunday, October 15 Zone 2 - Make: Demo Stage 4:30 pm - 5:00 pm Let's goooooooooooooooooooo!
- [Smol Fonts for E-Ink Displays](https://makerblock.com/2025/06/smol-fonts-for-e-ink-displays/) - I've been playing with different screen designs for my e-ink display. After initially going with some "to do" style items, I quickly pivoted to playing with some more interesting screens while I was working out the best way to update the display with new content from lists. This wasn't a totally worthless chase, however. Fiddling
- [Cephalopod Robot Friend Progress](https://makerblock.com/2019/06/cephalopod-robot-friend-progress/) - Well, it's here! Today is the start of #CephalopodWeek on ScienceFriday! There's a little progress to report on my, tentatively named, CuttleBot. I'll post a picture first, then get to describing the progress so far. In the prior post I listed some of my sources of inspiration. Another such source is the work of Sean
- [Cephalopod Robot Friend, the story so far](https://makerblock.com/2019/06/cephalopod-robot-friend-the-story-so-far/) - Quick lead in: I am trying to build a cephalopod robot shoulder friend. I was disappointed that I only learned of Glow Ascii's owl robot companion, Archimedes, after Maker Faire Bay Area 2018. Over the year, leading up to Maker Faire Bay Area 2019, I followed Odd_Jayy's spider/bowler Anansi robot companion with similar rapt interest.
- [Tap Light Focus Timer System](https://makerblock.com/2025/08/tap-light-focus-timer-system/) - I've been procrastineering on a "sticky note timer" which would incorporate an e-ink display, be portable, updatable via WiFi, show me what I should be working on, and flash lights at me to give me a sense of movement / time passing / and urgency. Sometimes I use the word "procrastineering" to refer to when
- [Prusa Lack Stack, LED Lighting, CircuitPython Tweaks](https://makerblock.com/2025/08/prusa-lack-stack-led-lighting-circuitpython-tweaks/) - Much like those recipes on the internet where the author tells you their life story or inspiration, I've got a lot to share before I get to the punchline of this blog post (a bunch of CircuitPython tweaks). Edit: On second thought: Keep the lines of code
- [[2025] Google Pixel Boot Loop Fixes](https://makerblock.com/2025/08/2025-google-pixel-boot-loop-fixes/) - In the 7 years since I wrote a blog post about rescuing my Google Pixel from a boot loop people have started reaching out to me desperately looking for a way to fix their phones. This particularly horrible glitch happens at the worst time - when your phone storage is completely full of pictures and
- [Capstan Drives as alternatives to Planetary Gears?](https://makerblock.com/2025/07/capstan-drives-as-alternatives-to-planetary-gears/) - Sometimes I hate the algorithm and sometimes it shows me cool new robotics / mechanics / gadgets and makers. Aaed Musa has been working on something called a "Capstan Drive" which is a rope driven alternative to gears. By removing gears and teeth and replacing them with rope you cut down on noise, eliminate backlash,
- [Fixing a coiled zipper that won't close](https://makerblock.com/2025/07/fixing-a-coiled-zipper-that-wont-close/) - I have a favorite soft pencil case made from faux leather that I've been using for more than 20 years, but the zipper had gotten finicky and started to not close. It started having a problem zipping closed on just one side, but today it wouldn't close at all and the slide was just moving
- [Slow Progress...](https://makerblock.com/2025/07/slow-progress/) - ... is still progress. I designed a planetary gear assembly, more to see whether parts this small would even turn out than to actually make a working component. The gears are about 3 mm thick, but half of that is the larger part. I forgot that you can't have a two-level gear mesh against another
- [Thermal QR Code Sticker Success!](https://makerblock.com/2025/07/thermal-qr-code-sticker-success/) - I could not be happier with how this little thermal label printer turned out! The highest use case I had for it was to create small QR codes I could stick in my various maker notebooks so that I could easily connect specific pages in my notebooks back to blog posts, essentially being able to
- [A Cornucopia of Keyboard Options](https://makerblock.com/2021/01/a-cornucopia-keyboard-options/) - Once I started looking, I found a lot of options for a custom keyboard. In fact, I started seeing them everywhere. ((I'm reminded of the Baader–Meinhof phenomenon; after the first time you notice something, you notice it more everywhere)) I found these offered as some combination of "media," "macro," "button," "board," "keypad," and "keyboard." I'm
- [Falling Down the Mechanical Keyboard Rabbit Hole](https://makerblock.com/2021/01/falling-down-the-mechanical-keyboard-rabbit-hole/) - TLDR: I'm going to try some mechanical keyboards to help me work from home and blog about my experiences. I'm fortunate that I've been able to work from home this pandemic. I've always made a special effort to make my work more "digital," by scanning and organizing digital copies of important work documents. In many
- [QMK: The Adventure Begins](https://makerblock.com/2021/01/qmk-the-adventure-begins/) - Noted philosopher / physicist Richard Feynman has a now-famous method for quickly learning a topic. It boils down to (a) pick topic (b) write everything you know (c) research to understand gaps (d) simplify. While I'm not big on biographies, I found this graphic novel version extremely compelling. I suspect most makers do something very
- [CuttleBot Body and OpenSCAD Design Tips](https://makerblock.com/2019/06/cuttlebot-body-and-openscad-design-tips/) - I really like 3D printing - but really dislike post-processing. This means I'll make extra efforts to design things that can just be plucked off the build platform and hand assembled without tools. With my limited build volume, this also means larger objects need to be printed in sections. I'm very proud of a particular
- [An Assembled CuttleBot Body](https://makerblock.com/2019/06/an-assembled-cuttlebot-body/) - It's one thing to hack away in CAD software, rendering the idea of a model. It's another thing entirely to pull it off the print bed and pop it all together. Last night before going to sleep I started the 2+ hour print job that became the center body piece for the CuttleBot. When I
- [Building the Monocle Top Hat Cat for #MicrobitVirtualConcert](https://makerblock.com/2021/05/building-the-monocle-top-hat-cat-for-microbitvirtualconcert/) - The last few months there have been some pretty amazing little robots posted online for the Tinkering Studio / Exploratorium #MicrobitVirtualConcert. I wanted to make something and participate and my 6 year old was interested in helping out. I don't have a Micro:Bit, but I've got a few other microcontrollers and the Adafruit Circuitplayground Express
- [Companion Robots and Maker Faire Season!](https://makerblock.com/2023/09/companion-robots-and-maker-faire-season/) - I'm super excited for Maker Faire Bay Area / Mare Island and Mini Maker Faire Rocklin. ((I just got a notice they're no longer a "Mini"!)) I'm not just excited to see everything, but to show all the things I've been working on for a while now. It's also time to pick up all the
- [DIY Soprano Scale Travel Ukulele](https://makerblock.com/2023/05/diy-soprano-scale-travel-ukulele/) - I recently entered my DIY soprano scale travel ukulele in the California State Fair and wanted to add a post giving an overview of the materials, design process, progress pictures, sound test and extra information: Final Project Photos Materials African mahogany stainless steel rod for the bridge, cotter pins cut and filed for the frets,
- [Building a Travel Ukulele:  Getting Started](https://makerblock.com/2022/07/building-a-travel-ukulele-getting-started/) - What would one of my blog posts look like, if it didn't involve wild digressions? The saying, "Everyone has a plan until they get punched in the mouth" is attributed to Mike Tyson, speaking of the impending fight with Evander Holyfield. ((For a short, fun, deep dive on the origins of these quotes, I'd recommend
- [Building a Travel Ukulele:  Cutting Stuff](https://makerblock.com/2022/07/building-a-travel-ukulele-cutting-stuff/) - Today was mostly about just cutting and shaping the piece of wood. Gallery with descriptions below. What I didn't really show in these pictures was me shaving the wood with several different hand files and rasps. One side of the "sound hole" was a lot wider than the other - too wide to put the
- [Building a Travel Ukulele: Cutting, Filing, Shaping](https://makerblock.com/2022/07/building-a-travel-ukulele-cutting-filing-shaping/) - It was going to be hot in California today, so after my morning coffee I went out to the backyard to work on my ukulele. I already had the center sound hole cut away and part of the neck - now I needed to cut away the excess from along the neck and shape it.
- [Building a Travel Ukulele: Filing, sanding, filing, sanding, filing...](https://makerblock.com/2022/07/building-a-travel-ukulele-filing-sanding-filing-sanding-filing/) - I pretty much only make progress on my ukulele on the weekends - and even then only for a short period in morning since it gets so hot so quickly. ((It's going to be 105 degrees in Northern California today!)) Unfortunately, last Sunday I didn't get to it - and as a result spent the
- [Building a Travel Ukulele: Sanding.](https://makerblock.com/2022/07/building-a-travel-ukulele-sanding/) - There wasn't a lot of magic to today's work. My time was probably 29% filing, 70% sanding with successively finer sandpaper, and 1% brushing dust. A few notes: Filing. I bought a set of files years ago at Ace Hardware. They had a bargain bin and a set of files - with one missing. I
- [Building a Travel Ukulele: Test Fitting](https://makerblock.com/2022/07/building-a-travel-ukulele-test-fitting/) - This barely qualifies as an update. Or even any kind of a meaningful incremental improvement to include for this blog / project notebook. However, I'm so pleased with the look and feel of the progress, I couldn't help take a few pictures. From the underside, with several prior iterations. The very first design / print
- [Building a Travel Ukulele: Preparation, Marking and Cutting Frets](https://makerblock.com/2022/07/building-a-travel-ukulele-preparation-marking-and-cutting-frets/) - The last week has been more planning and preparing than actual progress. However, this wasn't so bad. Cutting off chunks of wood, filing gouges into a plank, sanding areas smooth all feel like progress, but all the little steps along the way are important too. Here's what I worked on over the work-week: Ordered Oil
- [Building a Travel Ukulele: Shaping Frets, Sanding](https://makerblock.com/2022/07/building-a-travel-ukulele-shaping-frets-sanding-fixing-tuner-holes/) - I'll start with some spoiler pictures, already posted on my Instagram account: It was a very busy week at work, so I didn't get a chance to work on the ukulele until this morning. I needed to shape the ends of the frets so they won't be sharp and pokey while I'm playing, sand the
- [Building a Travel Ukulele: Building a Drill](https://makerblock.com/2022/08/building-a-travel-ukulele-building-a-drill/) - As I suggested in a prior post I mentioned how the tuning pegs were slightly angled because the holes I drilled were, unintentionally, slightly angled, causing the the tuning pegs to not sit flush against the ukulele body. You can see the slight angle of the tuning pegs - and the gap on one side
- [Building a Travel Ukulele: No Turning Back](https://makerblock.com/2022/08/building-a-travel-ukulele-no-turning-back/) - Preparation can be a form of procrastination. As long as I was planning to make a ukulele, I didn't actually ever have to start doing it. There were a few points along the way where I was hesitant to take the next step. Drilling into the wood for the first time. Trying to cut tight
- [Building a Travel Ukulele: Sanding, sanding, and finishing](https://makerblock.com/2022/08/building-a-travel-ukulele-sanding-sanding-and-finishing/) - Normally I only work on the ukulele at night or on the weekends. However, of all of the steps, I've been really looking forward to adding the wood finish, since that's when all of the hard work will really start to become visible. This morning I: Sanded. Gluing the frets down went reasonably well, but
- [Building a Travel Ukulele: Finishing, sanding, painting, etc](https://makerblock.com/2022/08/building-a-travel-ukulele-finishing-sanding-painting-etc/) - As I suggested yesterday, I began the rewarding process of applying finishing oil to the wood. After the wood had been sanded several times, I applied the oil to a clean cloth, wiped it on and rubbed it in. I then hung it inside a cardboard box outside in the warm weather for 3-4 hours,
- [Building a Travel Ukulele: So Much Experimentation, Bridges, Printing, and Sanding](https://makerblock.com/2022/08/building-a-travel-ukulele-so-much-experimentation-bridges/) - I've been lightly working on the ukulele before work in the mornings over the last week and today (Saturday). I feel like the finish line is finally in sight. So much so that I watched a video on how to string a ukulele. My plan is to replace the strings on my regular uke and
- [Building a Travel Ukulele: Plancratineering](https://makerblock.com/2022/08/building-a-travel-ukulele-plancratineering/) - It's a word I just made up from "planning," "procrastinating," and "engineering." I suppose it's also a form of mid-project optimization. As I get closer to the finish line of this project, other ways to improve or embellish pop into my mind and won't leave me alone until I sketch, model, research, build, and/or blog
- [Building a Travel Ukulele: Swapping Hardware, Fret Experiments](https://makerblock.com/2022/08/building-a-travel-ukulele-swapping-hardware-fret-experiments/) - Before it got too hot this morning, I spent a little time experimenting with materials before taking another scary step towards finishing the travel ukulele. Bridge. Now, I could have called it a day with the bridge brackets I designed, printed, sanded, and painted. But, it didn't have exactly the aesthetic I wanted. I didn't
- [Building a Travel Ukulele: Bridge, Stringing It Up, and a Sound Test!](https://makerblock.com/2022/08/building-a-travel-ukulele-bridge-stringing-it-up-and-a-sound-test/) - I've tended to avoid referring to this project as a "ukulele" and usually refer to it as a "piece of wood" or "plank." Today I'm calling it a ukulele since I was able to actually string it up and play it. Bridge. I wasn't happy with the bridge brackets. They looked uneven and even after
- [Guest post: another travel ukulele](https://makerblock.com/2022/09/guest-post-another-travel-ukulele/) - Hi folks—this is Tim, I came to know MakerBlock through my attempts at making a travel ukulele too. So here’s a guest post postmortem (guest postmortem?) about my most recent build! For some background, this is my second travel uke build. My first was an early pandemic project, but I accidentally used some wood that
- [Building a Travel Ukulele: Improvements](https://makerblock.com/2022/10/building-a-travel-ukulele-improvements/) - I've been playing my DIY travel soprano scale ukulele for about a while now and it's been really great. If I lightly strum it, it's quiet enough that someone a few feet away might not notice. If I really go for it, you could hear it across the room. If I put a board of
- [Building a Travel Ukulele: Back to Basics](https://makerblock.com/2023/05/building-a-travel-ukulele-back-to-basics/) - My experiment with a multi-piece turn around didn't work. The idea was for a multi-segment turn around where each string could be tightened and that portion of the turn around would be able to rotate as needed independent of the other pieces. I simply did not account for the kinds of stresses the pieces would
- [Sticker Printer](https://makerblock.com/2025/07/sticker-printer/) - I recently purchased a small thermal label / sticker printer after seeing what amazing things @Alpenglow was doing at Teardown 2025. I quickly picked picked one up and posted a few notes. The bluetooth connection was a little finicky, but Android app worked well enough. I was able to print over USB without a lot
- [QR Codes and Avatars](https://makerblock.com/2025/06/qr-codes-and-avatars/) - I'm not really big on social media, especially Facebook. While I used Twitter for a long time, I pretty much abandoned it after their re-brand. For a variety of reasons, mostly privacy related, I actively avoid associating my online moniker with my real name or photographs of myself. Plus, I can be a lot more
- [Prelude to Protractors](https://makerblock.com/2025/07/prelude-to-protractors/) - I was flipping through my smaller notebook and remembered I'd already posted about a credit card sized design for a protractor and ruler. I decided to connect this to my recent other design and turn it into a short series. This design predates the one I most recently made and shared on this site, thus
- [Inkscape Protractor and Rulers](https://makerblock.com/2025/04/inkscape-protractor-and-rulers/) - Over the last week I'd tried making a set of small rulers and straight edges I could keep in notebooks of various sizes. I've got a big heavy sketchbook, a thin college rule composition notebook with several DIY augments, and a very small sketchbook about 4" square. My idea was to make small credit card
- [Goblin Hours, Enabled](https://makerblock.com/2025/03/goblin-hours-enabled/) - I've often told my family that if it were not for them, I'd basically work all night, every night, on whatever latest project popped into my brain, and then fall asleep at the workbench/eating plank/soldering station every night/early morning. The thing is, these tendencies just aren't very conducive when it comes to trying to live
- [Brainstorming More E-Ink Stuff](https://makerblock.com/2025/05/brainstorming-more-e-ink-stuff/) - I've been on vacation for a few weeks and a big part of that was completely leaving work and a computer/laptop entirely behind. If I had a computer handy, I would have been tempted to noodle around on some project, jot down some notes on some new harebrained scheme, and potentially slide sideways into working.
- [Trash to Treasure](https://makerblock.com/2025/04/trash-to-treasure/) - Years ago, like more than a decade ago, I went on a tour of a Tesla facility, which was amazing, and I bought a t-shirt. Now the idea that I gave that company any money turns my stomach. While comfortable, the shirt was not cheap and the neck stretched out almost immediately. My youngest had
- [More Musings on Lightsabers, Mechanical Components](https://makerblock.com/2025/07/more-musings-on-lightsabers-mechanical-components/) - Other Lightsabers After doing so many web / Youtube searches and watching so many videos on the topic of lightsabers, the algorithm quickly caught up to me and started showing me similar things. There was one excellent video by Cleo Abram going behind the scenes at Disney to talk about how their incredible designer /
- [Considering the design elements of a DIY light saber](https://makerblock.com/2025/07/considering-the-design-elements-of-a-diy-light-saber/) - I like to think about projects in discrete parts, trying to solve one part, then moving onto another section. In the case of this DIY lightsaber build, I've been burning some brain cells thinking about this project. Just by looking at the publicly available images of the TwistSaber, what can I infer about it's construction?
- [Wait, haven't I worked on this before?!](https://makerblock.com/2025/07/wait-havent-i-worked-on-this-before/) - Years ago one of my kids had a pirate themed birthday party. I interpreted it as a "space cowboy pirate" and went with a slightly Firefly-meets-Treasure Planet theme. My outfit included a 3D printed telescoping monocle / eyepatch and a katana that collapsed into the handle. I was going to install some Neopixels in the
- [DIY Lightsaber Thoughts](https://makerblock.com/2025/07/diy-lightsaber-thoughts/) - My mind, perhaps in order to avoid having to think about things like responsibilities and work, keeps returning to this project. Some thoughts: My buddy Andrew pointed out the design of a telescoping boom as a way to build a lightsaber. At a glance, it appears to use a series of pulleys to evenly telescope
- [TwistSabers](https://makerblock.com/2025/07/twistsabers/) - I stumbled across the "TwistSaber" probably six to nine months too late. Their original Kickstarter was for the STL or printed parts to build one, then they accepted payments through their website for a short time, and now they have a new Kickstarter where only the exterior shells are available as digital files. I wish
- [OtherCutter Epilog](https://makerblock.com/2025/07/othercutter-epilog/) - I published a long-dormant draft post about the OtherCutter very nearly a full decade after starting it. At the same time I published it, I also filed a FOIA request for DARPA information related to this project - since it was literally a DARPA project. ((See voluminous links in prior post)) I knew it was
- [Where is the Othercutter? [Draft 06/08/2015]](https://makerblock.com/2025/04/where-is-the-othercutter-draft-06-08-2015/) - [This is a post I've revisited so often that I really have no idea when I began writing it - and couldn't figure it out without digging deep into the WordPress database. Suffice it to say, I've wanted a cardboard cutting CNC for a long time. Originally a collaboration between DARPA and OtherLabs, most of
- [Calibre, Kindle 4 Non Touch](https://makerblock.com/2025/07/calibre-kindle-4-non-touch/) - I've been using this new-to-me Kindle 4 Non Touchscreen for about a week or so now. The page advance button on the right side is a little sensitive, causing the book to sometimes advance two pages about 25% of the time. However, the battery life is still fantastic - and I discovered that I can
- [SSH into a Kindle 4 from 2012](https://makerblock.com/2025/06/ssh-into-a-kindle-4-from-2012/) - Now that I've gotten the Kindle looking and working just how I like it, I suppose it's time to get ready to mess it all up. As before, I'm going to mention where I got started on this process, but then link to the specific post/page/file where I ended up. USB Network Hack The last
- [Jailbreaking a Kindle 4 Non Touch (2012), Take 2](https://makerblock.com/2025/06/jailbreaking-a-kindle-4-non-touch-2012-take-2/) - When last we saw our intrepid hero, he was running a factory reset on his new-ish Kindle 4 Non Touch (Black) circa 2012. ((Listed as "NoTouch" sometimes, but that just sounds too weird for me to use except in instances where I want my notes to match what appears on various guides...)) He'd managed to
- [Repairing My DIY Travel Uke](https://makerblock.com/2025/06/repairing-my-diy-travel-uke/) - If you're just catching up, check out the list of posts below for the full build log plus a short clip of me playing the ukulele. I've gotten a lot of use out of my travel ukulele, but it's need a little TLC now and then. Most recently, I found myself in that classic DIY
- [Futzing With An Old Kindle](https://makerblock.com/2025/06/futzing-with-an-old-kindle/) - The Kindle was an incredible device for 2012. E-ink display, 2-4GB of storage, wifi, ability to download thousands of books, purchase and borrow new books wirelessly, play games, and battery that could last for weeks. We bought one new back then, but it's tied to my wife's account and I don't want to lose access
- [Help!  I've been posterized!](https://makerblock.com/2010/09/help-ive-been-posterized/) - Actually, Bre just drew a picture for my introduction over at the MakerBot blog. I like the picture mostly because it makes me look WAAAY cooler than I really am. :)
- [Papercraft Phone Stand](https://makerblock.com/2025/06/papercraft-phone-stand/) - I recently saw an Instagram post from someone I follow who makes cardboard furniture in India. His story of building cardboard furniture while in college during COVID, building hand sanitizer dispensers out of cardboard, licensing this, and then pivoting to creating a business around making cardboard furniture is pretty cool. One part of the story
- [OpenSCAD Club Cookies](https://makerblock.com/2025/04/openscad-club-cookies/) - @raster wanted to make cookie cutters. This has been something of a solved problem for about 12 years now, through Thingiverse's Cookie Cutter Customizer. Except, it's been totally non-functional for probably a decade now. :( My solution is basically to make a solid for the thin brim + tall cutting edge and then subtract the
- [Seeed Studio XIAO ESP32C3 and a small sticky note display](https://makerblock.com/2025/04/seeed-studio-xiao-esp32c3-and-a-small-sticky-note-display/) - The chief benefit of the XIAO ESP32C3 appears to be it's very low cost. $5 for a microcontroller which can run Arduino or CircuitPython and has WiFi and Bluetooth sounds like a smoking deal. As I'm fumbling my way through this project, I'm finding some little hiccups learning experiences along the way. The XIAO ESP32C3
- [Sticky Note Timer, parts arrived!](https://makerblock.com/2025/04/sticky-note-timer-parts-arrived/) - The parts have arrived for this project! The three XIAO boards cost $17.33, were ordered on 04/10/2025 and landed on 04/17/2025. ((This price includes shipping and after a $5 welcome coupon code for my first order)) The 2.9" e-ink display cost $24.99 from Waveshare, were ordered on 04/11/2025 and landed on 04/14/2025. ((Again, this includes
- [Loudest 3D Printed Whistle - now with 100% more science](https://makerblock.com/2018/07/loudest-3d-printed-whistle-now-with-100-more-science/) - I ordered a decibel meter from Amazon the other day so I could drop some science on the claims from various 3D printed whistles on Thingiverse. There are several that claim to be the loudest. Well, today, I began my quest to put these claims to rest. The closer the decibel meter is to a
- [Loud 3D Printed Whistle Test, Take 2](https://makerblock.com/2018/07/loud-3d-printed-whistle-test-take-2/) - Impatient for my decibel meter to arrive from Amazon and eager to get more feedback on the loudest 3D printed whistle, I brought the four loudest whistles to work and enlisted the help of two friends. We performed the test much the same as the last time - only this time they were on one
- [Loudest Whistle on Thingiverse... The Answer Might Surprise You!](https://makerblock.com/2018/07/loudest-whistle-on-thingiverse-the-answer-might-surprise-you/) - Whistles have been a staple on Thingiverse for years, probably because they're such a small, simple, and impactful way to demonstrate the usefulness of a 3D printer. ((Photo by mosambers)) I don't know how many there are, but there are a LOT of whistles on Thingiverse. I've been curious about which whistles on Thingiverse are
- [MOAR WHISTLES](https://makerblock.com/2015/11/moar-whistles/) - The other day I was trolling Thingiverse ((and Youmagine! I can't forget you Erik and Team Ultimaker!)) looking for the best quick-printing model to show off DIY 3D printing to 3rd graders. After a bit of searching, I found it: the simple whistle. There are whistles a-plenty on Thingiverse, but the DarkAlchemist remix of the muddtt Emergency
- [New favorite test object?](https://makerblock.com/2011/01/new-favorite-test-object/) - The low profile whistle. Not sure if it came out well? If it whistles, it came out fine. If it doesn't, you need to tweak the profile more. That's a crazy dead simple non-subjective litmus test. It's a big-ish file, clocking in at 14 minutes, but this is for the "large" whistle. I need to
- [Off the rack options for EDC bags](https://makerblock.com/2025/04/off-the-rack-options-for-edc-bags/) - I'm not too proud to admit that I thought Ryan Reynold's thief character running around in Red Notice with a sling bag under his jacket packed with stolen goods was super cool. I genuinely want a sling bag to carry a small amount of things comfortably, possibly while looking cool, and absolutely not while committing
- [My Ultimate Bag](https://makerblock.com/2010/07/my-ultimate-bag/) - In college I used to carry a camera bag where I kept my stuff. Car keys, notebook, pens, pencils, etc. This was an old faux-leather camera bag my dad used to use years ago. I loved that thing. Unfortunately, it was stolen out of a friend's car while we were at a concert. Over the
- [Designing Custom TCG Cards and Proxies](https://makerblock.com/2025/04/designing-custom-tcg-cards-and-proxies/) - This post is basically a bookmark dump so I can locate this information later on. Maybe it will be helpful to you too! Card Design Websites CardConjurer.App. Easily the most comprehensive and feature rich card design option. Lots of formats, borders, etc, for Magic the Gathering related cards. You can download and save your cards
- [One Simple Trick Can Save You 30 Minutes...](https://makerblock.com/2025/04/one-simple-trick-can-save-you-30-minutes/) - After mentioning long render times on my machine, @raster suggested switching to the manifold 3D rendering backend. Depending on your OpenSCAD version, you might need to poke around to find how to enable this option. It's absolutely worth your time and should really be enabled by default. If you dig into this option a little,
- [OpenSCAD Render Times](https://makerblock.com/2025/04/openscad-render-times/) - Thanks to @raster, I'm going to do a side-by-side taste test of several different flavors of OpenSCAD. ((*I'm not avoiding work!* YOU'RE avoiding work!)) To give each one a similar test, I'm trying out my D-Pad design from ... uh, earlier this morning. ((Like, way earlier... midnight or so...)) Version Release F5 Preview F6 Render
- [OpenSCADClub Week 2:  Directional Pad](https://makerblock.com/2025/04/openscadclub-week-2-directional-pad/) - This week's topic related to @deshipu's directional keypad designs. The directional pad is clearly the most complicated part of the design. The four buttons are basically just cylinders that can be created in several different ways. Brian published his designs to Github. After staring at the design a little longer, I changed from my original
- [OpenSCAD 3D Printed Spring](https://makerblock.com/2025/03/openscad-3d-printed-spring/) - A friend posted a design pondering whether there was a better way to design an object in OpenSCAD. As so often happens when I approach a 3D design, one solution pops up in my head... and is immediately discarded as garbage. That first thought was to create a negative of the interior of the spring,
- [RepRap Parts for Sale [Draft 04/07/2010]](https://makerblock.com/2025/03/reprap-parts-for-sale/) - [Yep. This was the whole blog post. I don't know what happened to that set of parts, if I sold them, gave them away, or what. I hope I gave them away.] I've made all of one Mendel part.
- [RepRap and MakerBot alternatives [Draft 04/05/2010]](https://makerblock.com/2025/03/reprap-and-makerbot-alternatives-draft-04-05-2010/) - [Holy cow. Can you imagine a time when a person could singlehandedly have made a comprehensive list of all open source 3D printers in an afternoon?] Here's a list of all of the RepRap, RepStrap, and MakerBot open source 3d plastic FDM 3d printers I can find. When possible I've tried to link to the
- [Idea for Skeinforge settings... [Draft 03/27/2010]](https://makerblock.com/2025/03/idea-for-skeinforge-settings-draft-03-27-2010/) - Dialing in Skeinforge settings and calibrating a MakerBot can be a frustrating and time consuming process. I'm always tempted to just start tweaking settings and start printing. Part of the reason I'm impatient is that making a change to Skeinforge, printing a test, noting observations, and LRR ((Lather, rinse, repeat)) is SOOOOoooo incredibly boring next
- [MakerBot: Toy or Tool? [02/25/2010]](https://makerblock.com/2025/03/makerbot-toy-or-tool-02-25-2010/) - or this post could be titled ... "Open source intern tells all!" ((... 'cause, you know, it was all... open source.)) A review of the MakerBot Industries Cupcake CNC today from a former MakerBot intern discusses the MakerBot's use as a tool. Some of the comments bring to suggest its usage as an expensive toy.
- [First commissioned piece! [Draft 02/22/2010]](https://makerblock.com/2025/03/first-commissioned-piece-draft-02-22-2010/) - [That's it. Just the title. I have no idea what this piece may have been, how much I was paid, or how long it took! I was just excited that my little 3D printer was making a little bit of money and started to share it with the world... before sitting in my drafts folder
- [more things i learned [Draft 02/20/2010]](https://makerblock.com/2025/03/more-things-i-learned-draft-02-20-2010/) - put screws through the opto endstops first - to make sure they'll go through put the hex key through the body in order to line up the spacers not all spacers are the same size the heads that bite into the ribbon cable are difficult to clamp on Adjust the y tension pulley as best
- [MY robot [Draft 02/18/2010]](https://makerblock.com/2025/03/my-robot-draft-02-18-2010/) - There really is something special about having built this robot for myself. I know it pretty well how it works and why certain design and engineering decisions were made. I've also modified and customized this robot as I've used it. I've moved the extruder board, rotated the motherboard to give me better access to the
- [Rebuilding my extruder [Draft 02/16/2010]](https://makerblock.com/2025/03/rebuilding-my-extruder-draft-02-16-2010/) - [I put down the title and then did nothing. :) I suspect the other adjacent draft about printing with PLA was related to the need to re-re-re-build my extruder. The way extruders were built back then didn't involve careful machining of custom nozzles and shaped channels for the plastic to flow. Instead, the PTFE tube
- [How are you printing with PLA? [Draft 02/16/2010]](https://makerblock.com/2025/03/how-are-you-printing-with-pla-draft-02-16-2010/) - [There were two drafts with this title, one empty, and one with the single sentence below unfinished. Up until about January of 2010 I was printing in ABS which smelled bad and warped like crazy. But, it did print. When I started printing with PLA I found it difficult to work with, temperamental, wouldn't melt
- [Magic [Draft 02/03/2010]](https://makerblock.com/2025/03/magic/) - [Reflecting back on this post is a little bittersweet. 2010 was an incredible time to be someone with a 3D printer at home. I remember Forrest Higgs' detailed website about how he built his mostly wooden 3D printer. By my recollection, it was slow but accurate enough to make useable parts. Back then it was
- [Plastic Screw Anchor [Draft 02/02/2010]](https://makerblock.com/2025/03/plastic-screw-anchor-draft-02-02-2010/) - [This draft consisted of nothing more than these two links to plastic drywall anchors. Enjoy!] http://images.google.com/images?q=plastic%20drywall%20anchor&oe=utf-8&rls=org.mozilla:en-US:official&client=firefox-a&um=1&ie=UTF-8&sa=N&hl=en&tab=wi http://www.plastic-anchors.com/plastic_screw_anchor.htm
- [MakerBot tuning [Draft 01/20/2010]](https://makerblock.com/2025/03/makerbot-tuning/) - There's a fair amount of tuning involved in getting a MakerBot running. Once assembled there may be some plastruder, Skeinforge, replicatorG troubleshooting before you get your first print. Once that's done you'll want to print up some upgrades and replacement parts, experimenting along the way. I figure there's two parallel tracks to tuning a MakerBot
- [The Lost Blog Posts](https://makerblock.com/2025/03/the-lost-blog-posts/) - I've got a lot of unpublished draft blog posts here. Like a lot. At the time I'm writing this post, I've got 1,134 published posts and 329 drafts. This isn't versions of drafts. It's posts that I've started and then didn't publish for some reason or another. On probably 300 different topics. Some are, admittedly,
- [Plastruder!  [Draft 12/25/2009]](https://makerblock.com/2025/03/plastruder-draft-12-25-2009/) - Last night I started work on the Plastruder Mark IV. Superglued the dino-bases, bolted those bits together, sourced some bits of wire from an ethernet cable, soldered together the nichrome wire, soldered together the thermisistor, and bolted the plastruder housing together with the motor. Apparently there are two varieties of thermisistors - one small and
- [UNTITLED [Draft 12/25/2009]](https://makerblock.com/2025/03/untitled-draft-12-25-2009/) - [I have no idea why I jotted down the below. At the time these pages were all easily accessible from the MakerBot website and wiki. These days, you need Archive.org to see what these items are. I think this is a snapshot of what I was doing on Christmas Day 2009?] http://sanguino.cc/softwareforwindows http://wiki.makerbot.com/plastruder-mk4 http://wiki.makerbot.com/plastruder-mk4-assembly#toc75 http://wiki.makerbot.com/cupcake-motherboard-firmware-update
- [Preparing to print [Draft 12/27/2009]](https://makerblock.com/2025/03/preparing-to-print-draft-12-27-2009/) - Unfortunately my MakerBot did not come with a print button. I'm (slowly) going through the MakerBot tutorial on how to print. For those of you with a Windows box, the first time process should be as follows: Learn! Read about Plastruder usage Read MakerBot tutorial on how to print Read Thingiverse tutorial on how to
- [More prints [Draft 01/04/2010]](https://makerblock.com/2025/03/more-prints-draft-01-04-2010/) - Over the last two days I've printed a MakerBot coin, two chess pieces (both knights), two replacement Scrabble pieces (one printed vertically, one printed horizontally), two different tries at printing a dummy SD card, and a very loud whistle. I've had difficulty re-printing the whistle once I changed some of my Skeinforge settings. (Dang.) I've
- [Prototype Pricing [Draft 01/19/2010]](https://makerblock.com/2025/03/prototype-pricing-draft-01-19-2010/) - This is something I've thought about as well - what's a fair way of pricing printed objects? I figure the potential costs associated with a build can be split into those build dependent costs and those costs which are uniform to every build. Build dependent costs: (1) plastic (2) electricity (3) waste Uniform costs: (1)
- [Combining Multiple Video Files](https://makerblock.com/2025/01/combining-multiple-video-files/) - Rather than send me a single set of video files, my client's vendor sent me... 149 separate MP4 files, ranging from a few seconds to about 11 minutes long. I have no interest in sorting through dozens of video files, cataloging them individually, and then trying to review them in order. While I would have
- [Adventures with a (Cheap) Vinyl Cutter](https://makerblock.com/2024/10/adventures-with-a-cheap-vinyl-cutter/) - I don't have any affiliate links to shill, but I really like Monoprice. They sold cheap re-branded 3D printers, decent office equipment, and sometimes they will have an absolutely ridiculous deal on one of their products. I'd say, overall, the quality is "pretty good" across the board and when you can find a deal on
- [Night Before Going to Maker Faire](https://makerblock.com/2024/10/night-before-going-to-maker-faire/) - Annnnnnnnnnnd... my robot which has been working for a solid year is now completely unresponsive. My wife's robot is working, Dexter Starfighter's robot is working, Kim'Dael LightingSlayer's pendant is working. And my robot not only doesn't work, I have spent so much time trying to get it functional that I still don't have a good
- [Prepping for Maker Faire Bay Area 2024](https://makerblock.com/2024/10/prepping-for-maker-faire-bay-area-2024/) - It's always a whirlwind heading into Maker Faire. This year is no exception. This past weekend we got things mostly ready for the Rocklin Maker Faire. All of our robots were functional, which was really great. A quick update to document progress and also act like a to-do list of sorts: MakerKnit's companion robot My wife
- [How to Uninstall McAfee AntiVirus](https://makerblock.com/2024/05/how-to-uninstall-mcafee-antivirus/) - I got to my computer this morning and discovered a pop-up from McAfee AntiVirus altering me to some nonsense or other. Without going into all the reasons, I don't like or want McAfee on any of my computers. Given when it was installed, I believe it was quietly bundled with the Adobe Reader I installed
- [Review of DriveThruCards.com](https://makerblock.com/2024/03/review-of-drivethrucards-com/) - TLDR: The cards from DriveThruCards.com (DTC) arrived yesterday and I couldn't be happier with the result. Great customer service, product, and value. Shipping: Great 3/19/2024: I ordered 120 cards around 2 AM PST in California. 3/19/2024: The DTC website was updated with the following statuses: Pending Payment Approval, Paid For, Sent to printer, Confirmed. 3/24/2024:
- [Custom Cards with DriveThruCards.com](https://makerblock.com/2024/03/custom-cards-with-drivethrucards-com/) - I've been looking to get some playing sized cards for various purposes recently. I've enjoyed making my own cards from blanks ordered off of Amazon, but for things that might get used a little more regularly, it would actually help to have these things pre-typed/printed. And, as a long-time / returning enthusiast of a particular
- [Gluing Polypropylene Corrugated Plastic (Coroplast)](https://makerblock.com/2024/02/gluing-polypropylene-corrugated-plastic-coroplast/) - Late at night, when I should be doing work or, better yet, sleeping, ideas spring to mind. I've created a few small projects from big sheets of coroplast or polypropylene corrugated plastic. This is the kind of material you see in use for yard signs. They are big, cheap, sturdy (as long as you're not
- [How to "Unthread" Emails in Thunderbird v115](https://makerblock.com/2024/01/how-to-unthread-emails-in-thunderbird-v115/) - If you're just here for the solution (or, you're actually me, returning some time in the future to fix the problem after perhaps a Thunderbird update), here's all you need to know: Click on the icon in the top right that looks like a film strip which displays the "Message list display options" when the
- [Heat Transfer Vinyl T-Shirts Without a Craft Cutter (2023)](https://makerblock.com/2023/10/heat-transfer-vinyl-t-shirts-without-a-craft-cutter-2023/) - Saturday, October 21 Zone 2 – Make: Demo Stage 2:30 pm – 3:00 pm Let’s goooooooooooooooooooo!
- [How to Make a Vacuum Former](https://makerblock.com/2017/02/how-to-make-a-vacuum-former/) - First, a huge thank you to Airship Noir and their Maker Faire Kansas City 2016 project, "Make Your Own Vacuum Formed Steampunk Goggles." They were kind enough to post pictures and instructions about how they made an incredibly cheap, but effective, vacuum former. Inspired by their project, I wanted to pay-it-forward and help others build their
- [How to Use a Vacuum Former](https://makerblock.com/2017/05/how-to-use-a-vacuum-former/) - This is the second post in a short series about vacuum formers. You can start with the first post about how to make your own inexpensive and easy to use vacuum former or skip to the bottom of this post with a list of all of the posts in this series. Theory I discussed the theory
- [Vacuum Former - Things to Form](https://makerblock.com/2017/05/vacuum-former-things-to-form/) - Here's a list of things I'm thinking about vacuum forming: Arc Reactor parts Star Trek communications badge Cell phone case or cell phone stand Hair clip accessories Replacement emblem Goggles Paint or small part tray Molds from play dough, sculpey, or model magic Molds for soap, candy, ice, lollipops, or popsicles Light switch cover, electrical outlet
- [Vacuum Former - Ideas to Improve Vacuum Former](https://makerblock.com/2017/05/vacuum-former-ideas-to-improve-vacuum-former/) - This is less a post and more about just brainstorming some ideas about how to improve my vacuum formed objects: Main holes, plus smaller holes Perhaps additional, smaller, holes in the center of the vacuum former would allow for additional suction and more detail. Taping unused holes My thinking is the most useful holes in the vacuum
- [Vacuum Forming an Arc Reactor](https://makerblock.com/2017/05/vacuum-forming-an-arc-reactor/) - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9Prj04gPeLw If you see me at Maker Faire this weekend, you will likely catch me wearing my vacuum formed goggles and arc reactor. I was inspired by my vacuum former and this awesome Instructable by dgrover. Once you have everything set up, this neat little "arc reactor" only uses about 50¢ of materials and doesn't
- [Maker Faire Application:  Vacuum Forming Workshop](https://makerblock.com/2019/02/maker-faire-application-vacuum-forming-workshop/) - I've been making some notes as I work on my vacuum former and the proposed workshop for this year's Bay Area Maker Faire. Here's some ideas and thoughts, in no particular order. ((As always, as much to inform you, dear reader, as to order my own thinking and jot things down before I forget them))
- [Maker Faire 2017 How to Make a Vacuum Former Presentation Slides](https://makerblock.com/2017/05/maker-faire-2017-how-to-make-a-vacuum-former-presentation-slides/) - In case you missed me at Maker Faire Bay Area 2017 this year, here are my slides! Don't forget to check out all the blog posts with even more detail and pictures. You can find all the links, including to the 3D printable files, below.
- [Beep Boop: Emotions for ED-E](https://makerblock.com/2023/08/beep-boop-emotions-for-ed-e/) - So I'm trying to program emotions for ED-E. In Fallout New Vegas, ED-E doesn't use regular dialogue, but communicates through beeps. Basically, he gets as his dialogue. Obviously the only way to research his beeping for this project is to replay Fallout New Vegas and talk to everyone's favorite eyebot. I came
- [ED-E Project: Origins](https://makerblock.com/2023/08/ed-e-project-origins/) - Hi, I’m DexterStarfighter, offspring of MakerBlock. ((I considered saying progeny and descendant of the House of MakerBlock, but offspring sounded the best. Progeny sounded weird and the descendant thing reminded me of Game of Thrones, which I have not read or watched, but I might someday and I don’t want to invite spoilers.)) I am
- [Coding with an LLM Sidekick](https://makerblock.com/2023/08/coding-with-an-llm-sidekick/) - I fell down a rabbit hole recently which lead me to think about my experiences in the nascent field of "prompt engineering." ((I know, it feels pretentious, doesn't it?)) ((I've got the same knee-jerk reaction to "visionary," "thought leader," "polymath," and "futurist.")) As a thought experiment, I was thinking about what I've managed to accomplish
- [ChatGPT WordPress Plugins](https://makerblock.com/2023/06/chatgpt-wordpress-plugins/) - This is kinda bananas. Years ago I wrote a plugin to solve a problem I had. I wanted a simple WordPress plugin where I could insert a shortcode into a blog post, specify a series title, and have it automatically search up all the other blog posts that used the same shortcode and series title,
- [Series Plugin Test for Illustrative Purposes Only](https://makerblock.com/2023/06/series-plugin-test-for-illustrative-purposes-only/) - The only purpose for this post is to serve as a reference for a more interesting and useful post. [custom_pdf_generator visitor_data="John Doe"]
- [EDC Bag Materials, Designs, Etc](https://makerblock.com/2023/07/edc-bag-materials-designs-etc/) - I've been spending way too much time fiddling around thinking about a new every day carry bag, but not a lot of time actually doing anything about it. I've got piles of notes, lots of links, sketches, and product photos. Here's a lot of them: My notes and brainstorming are also rather extensive: Different Potential
- [Custom Every Day Carry (EDC) Bag](https://makerblock.com/2023/07/custom-every-day-carry-edc-bag/) - It's been more than nine thirteen years since my last blog post regarding my every day carry bag. Something must have happened between August of 2019 when I started this blog post and July of 2023, but for some reason, I just can't seem to think of what could possibly happened to have derailed an
- [Sewing Practice](https://makerblock.com/2023/07/sewing-practice/) - About two years ago I purchased a few kits from RipstopByTheRoll.com - their Zipper Pouch Kit and their $10 kit. They were partially for sewing practice and brush off long dormant sewing skills, but mostly for learning some new skills. (You see, I have zipper cowardice.) I did do a little bit of sewing at
- [Further Adventures in Eraser Carving](https://makerblock.com/2023/06/further-adventures-in-eraser-carving/) - I thought it would be neat to try cutting a QR code stamp. (Skip to the end to see the one time I was able to get the stamp to work) The obvious problem is this would require an incredibly detailed and precise approach to carving. To get the smallest QR code that can still
- [DIY Carved Eraser QR Code Stamp](https://makerblock.com/2023/06/diy-carved-eraser-qr-code-stamp/) - After some modest success carving some neat designs into pink erasers, I tried making a QR code stamp. It didn't work well at all, with exactly just one impression working ... sometimes. The first attempt took a really long time and turned out terribly. After a few days break, and some mental distance from the
- [DIYFaire.com:  Hello Maker World!](https://makerblock.com/2019/06/diyfaire-com-hello-maker-world/) - There were dark rumors going into Maker Faire Bay Area 2019 which imparted a cloud over the event. On June 8, 2019 I was still reeling from the news Make and Maker Faire were closing, so I bought a domain and created a website (DIYFaire.com, now lapsed) with the idea that come January of 2020 perhaps
- [Heat Transfer Vinyl T-Shirts - Without A Vinyl Cutter](https://makerblock.com/2023/02/heat-transfer-vinyl-t-shirts-without-a-vinyl-cutter/) - I'm going to commit the sin of a thousand online recipe websites and give you a bit of backstory before I get to the method. If you don't like fun, feel free to skip the first few paragraphs. I recently watched Avatar: The Last Airbender and Avatar: The Legend of Korra with my kids. ((I'm
- [Heat Transfer Vinyl T-Shirts – Without A Vinyl Cutter, Part II](https://makerblock.com/2023/02/heat-transfer-vinyl-t-shirts-without-a-vinyl-cutter-part-ii/) - I recently posted my method for making DIY heat transfer vinyl t-shirts without a craft / vinyl cutter. I used the process to make an Avatar: The Last Airbender themed t-shirt, then a set of four Fallout themed t-shirts for the entire family. After that I designed, cut, and ironed several more t-shirts. (You'll see
- [Carved Eraser Stamping](https://makerblock.com/2023/05/carved-eraser-stamping/) - I recently stumbled across the world of fantastically charming mini prints and carved erasers by Serena Rios McRae aka Cactus Clouds Art. This short Instagram post provides an excellent overview of her process. https://www.instagram.com/p/CsXHpEMIYXt/ Serena's artwork is evocative, accessible, and affordable. I bought several of her prints the other day. She also posts how-to's on
- [FIXED:  Minecraft Launcher Stuck / Won't Download / Slow Download on Windows 10](https://makerblock.com/2022/11/fixed-minecraft-launcher-stuck-wont-download-slow-download-on-windows-10/) - I recently purchased Minecraft for the PC (Windows 10) and tried to install it. It was brutal, but I got through it. I'm documenting my experiences here in the hopes it helps someone else. The download was incredibly slow, would time out, get stuck, would give me the message "queued in position X," or would
- [Fixing the Acer Aspire 5 Bluetooth Disappeared, Missing, or Not Working Issue with Windows 10 Update](https://makerblock.com/2022/08/fixing-the-acer-aspire-5-bluetooth-disappeared-missing-or-not-working-issue-with-windows-10-update/) - I own an Acer Aspire 5 and every time there's a Windows update, the Bluetooth adapter stops working. Working from home, noise cancelling Bluetooth headphones are a necessity. This problem reoccurs infrequently enough that I don't really remember how to fix it - but frequently enough that I want to make the next time I
- [Learning Curves and Ukuleles](https://makerblock.com/2022/06/learning-curves-and-ukuleles/) - Background About two years ago I received a ukulele for Father's Day and started playing it. It's an instrument I've always been interested in, but nothing I'd ever put any effort into. Thanks go a world-wide pandemic ((I guess that's redundant)) I had a little extra time on my hands and figured I'd really give
- [Multiplayer MineCraft on the PlayStation](https://makerblock.com/2021/12/multiplayer-minecraft-on-the-playstation/) - I've been trying to get MineCraft on our PlayStation to work with multiplayer for ages without any success. I could see friends, but my kids couldn't see or add friends and couldn't join any remote multiplayer games. They kept getting messages like: "You need permission. You cannot add friends because of how your Microsoft account
- [Adobe Javascript](https://makerblock.com/2021/11/adobe-javascript/) - I occasionally create PDF forms for work that would be a lot more useful with just a little bit of logic. Luckily, PDF's can run javascript. To save me from having to continually search for this same information every few months, I'm copying and pasting a piece of an Adobe forum thread here: // Obtain
- [A Little Bit of Javascript Goes a Long Way](https://makerblock.com/2021/10/a-little-bit-of-javascript-goes-a-long-way/) - I use a web based CRM for work, and it's pretty good. That said, I wrote a chrome extension to slightly improve it in dozens of small ways. The cumulative effect of these changes is that I have a quantitively and qualitatively different experience than everyone else using this software. Working remotely, where so much
- [How to Reverse Text String in LibreOffice or OpenOffice](https://makerblock.com/2021/09/how-to-reverse-text-string-in-libreoffice-or-openoffice/) - After spending a bit of time trying to figure out how to reverse the text in a LibreOffice cell, I found some information from mikekaganski which solved the problem for me. I find it easier to learn such things with written information rather than a combination of written and video, so I'm reproducing the steps here.
- [How to Fix Outlook "Get Add-Ins" Grayed Out Button](https://makerblock.com/2021/05/how-to-fix-outlook-get-add-ins-grayed-out-button/) - Work requires a particular Outlook Add-In, but Outlook wasn't having it. A bunch of Googling and searching revealed this is because of some esoteric privacy setting that needs to be twiddled. ((This page says what needs to be done - but doesn't say where to find the necessary privacy settings)) Here's how you fix that:
- [BristleBots - Easy DIY STEM/STEAM Robots](https://makerblock.com/2020/07/bristlebots-easy-diy-stem-steam-robots/) - If you don't know who EMSL are, you're missing out. Evil Mad Scientist Laboratories is a small family owned DIY electronics business in the California Bay Area with a deep enduring commitment and support for open source software, open source hardware, educators, and Makers. And they are genuinely good people. Their blog is an incredible
- [PCB Design with KiCAD](https://makerblock.com/2018/10/pcb-design-with-kicad/) - It is pretty incredible that you can find a written or ((More frequently these days)) video tutorial on virtually any topic to learn anything. Today, I'm particularly thankful to Shawn Hymel, Sparkfun, and Digi-Key for putting together their Intro to KiCAD video series on printed circuit board design. This series took me from knowing nothing
- [Rocklin Mini Maker Faire 2018](https://makerblock.com/2018/10/rocklin-mini-maker-faire-2018/) - My daughter, TinkerGirl, and I are going to be demonstrating our 15 second drawings at the Rocklin Mini Maker Faire this Saturday. We're pretty stoked about this since it will be our first time as Makers at this Mini Maker Faire. We'll be the ones wandering around with a DIY dry erase board. If you're wondering
- [Regex: Back reference and Self reference in Regular Expressions](https://makerblock.com/2018/07/regex-back-reference-and-self-reference-in-regular-expressions/) - This is going to be a very short and niche post. Sometimes I have to use regular expression or "regex" searches to parse a bunch of text, but I can't remember how to use the search function to find a particular sequence of character and then reuse those found characters in the text I'm trying
- [[SOLVED] Google Pixel stuck in a boot loop after update and full storage](https://makerblock.com/2018/07/solved-google-pixel-stuck-in-a-boot-loop-after-update-and-full-storage/) - If your Google Pixel is stuck displaying the "G" and forever looping through a boot screen, Google's support will tell you there is no hope and you'll either have to do a complete factory reset and data wipe of your phone or send it in so they can do it for you. However, if you are
- [How to Back Up Files from Google Drive with a Supervised User](https://makerblock.com/2018/05/how-to-back-up-files-from-google-drive-with-a-supervised-user/) - Google suddenly discontinued/crippled their Google Supervised User program in January of 2018. This was a fantastic program which allowed parents to set up a Google account for a child on a Chromebook and monitor and control access to the internet. Unfortunately, the "manage user page" redirects you a page "Supervised Users can't be created or
- [Maker Faire 2018 - 3D Printing for Home Improvement](https://makerblock.com/2018/05/maker-faire-2018-3d-printing-for-home-improvement/) - If you're here checking out my site after my presentation, you can check out all the slides from my presentation above. If you'd like more information about the individual things in the slides, I posted an update for most of them over on Hackaday. If you've still got some questions, feel free to leave a
- [SOLVED! I can't upload Arduino sketch to Wemos D1 Mini ESP8266](https://makerblock.com/2018/02/solved-i-cant-upload-arduino-sketch-to-wemos-d1-mini-esp32/) - My Wemos D1 Mini WiFi boards had arrived from China (($13 for four boards plus headers?!)) on Friday and I've been fiending to build... something with them. Unfortunately, I couldn't get the very basic "blink" sketch to upload. Here were my symptoms: When uploading, I got the "error: failed to open" message My Windows computer
- [Wemos D1 Mini Arduino Pin Mapping](https://makerblock.com/2018/02/wemos-d1-mini-arduino-pin-mapping/) - I was expecting to be able to set up digital pin 0 on the Wemos D1 Mini and have it "Just Work." It turns out the Arduino pins don't match up neatly to the Wemos D1 Mini pins. The path of true love, eh? Luckily, Richard Lee mapped the Wemos pins to the Arduino pins well
- [Bamboo Illuminated Dome](https://makerblock.com/2018/02/bamboo-illuminated-dome/) - I've always liked the idea of geodesic domes, but haven't had the space, time, or ability to actually assemble one. On top of all that, I was having trouble coming up with an idea for struts that would be both sturdy and cheap enough to build a dome at a reasonable cost. Until I went
- [Practical 3D Printing for Everyone](https://makerblock.com/2018/02/practical-3d-printing-for-everyone/) - 3D printing can sometimes get a bad rap. At first people are excited by the possibilities, then after printing a few trinkets the novelty can really start to wear off. However, our 3D printers have become an absolutely critical part of our home repairs. We have printed literally dozens and dozens of things in and
- [Cheapest Easiest Easy Button Hack EVER](https://makerblock.com/2018/02/cheapest-easiest-easy-button-hack-ever/) - I've always liked the idea of the Staples Easy Button. Not so much a button that says "That was easy," but the idea of having an enormous button on my desktop that would do... anything at all. Official "Staples Easy Buttons" used to sell for about $20 and are now only about $7. But, this
- [Hacked Tap Light Enclosure](https://makerblock.com/2018/02/hacked-tap-light-enclosure/) - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4FIOplo0MEo Just seeing a post and pile of code about a project isn't always that interesting. The nifty thing about this project is also one of the problems. They're cosmetically identical - so you can only tell which one you've got by activating it. :) I couldn't be more pleased with the way this project
- [Maker Faire 2018: The Wandering Artists - 15 Second Drawings](https://makerblock.com/2018/02/maker-faire-2018-the-wandering-artists-15-second-drawings/) - My daughter and I are super excited about our Maker Faire project this year. Last year she brought her "15 Second Drawing Challenge" project to Benicia Mini Maker Faire and Maker Faire Bay Area. Her project was so much fun that when she invited me to team up and take the show on the road,
- [ESP WiFi Board Experiments](https://makerblock.com/2018/02/esp-wifi-board-experiments/) - A friend of mine pointed me in the direction of some ESP32 board tutorials over at MsRaynsford.co.uk. ((Another tutorial here and here)) You know it's a fast moving area when a post that's less than a month old already has a dead link. :) Rather than re-creating all the tutorials that are already out there,
- [Art Docent Program - Posters, 10/12/2017](https://makerblock.com/2017/10/art-docent-program-posters-10122017/)
- [Organizing](https://makerblock.com/2017/09/organizing/) - Everyone utilizes their own method of organization, notetaking, and motivation. Some use "Getting Things Done," others go with "Inbox Zero," or the "43 folders," there's Jerry Seinfeld's "Don't Break the Chain," and a new one called the "Bullet Journal." I've tried some of these methods, combinations of these methods, and here's what I've come up
- [Art Docent Program - Textures and Patterns, 09/22/2016](https://makerblock.com/2016/09/art-docent-program/)
- [Art Docent Program - Tessellations, 10/13/2016](https://makerblock.com/2016/10/art-docent-program-tessellations-10132016/)
- [Art Docent Program – Square One Art Project, 2/16/2017](https://makerblock.com/2017/02/art-docent-program-square-one-art-project-2162017/)
- [Art Docent Program – Self Portraits, 4/20/2017](https://makerblock.com/2017/04/art-docent-program-self-portraits-4202017/) - Easy self portraits for kids
- [Paper Circuits: The Adventure Begins](https://makerblock.com/2016/07/paper-circuits-the-adventure-begins/) - While I'm a big fan of paper and circuits, I've never really given paper circuits/circuitry a shot. Unfortunately, I have no good excuse for this. (Fair warning: I've been collecting links and ideas on this topic for several weeks now, and even though I intend to break up the post into more manageable chunks, I have
- [Paper Circuits: Project Enclosures, Lamination, Encapsulation](https://makerblock.com/2016/07/paper-circuits-project-enclosures-lamination-encapsulation/) - While I'm nominally focusing this series of posts on paper circuitry, I'm actually looking to put together a resource for myself and others for any kind of electronics project. To that end, there are some ideas below that have nothing to do with affixing a circuit to paper, but that might still be an interesting
- [SMUD Tiny House Competition 2016](https://makerblock.com/2016/10/smud-tiny-house-competition-2016/) - The Sacramento Municipal Utility District sponsored a Tiny House Competition, modeled on the U.S. Department of Energy Solar Decathalon, started in October of 2014 and presented to the public on October 15, 2016. The goal was for each team to design and build a zero net energy house on wheels for 100 - 400 square feet,
- [Adventures in Chrome OS](https://makerblock.com/2016/05/adventures-in-chrome-os/) - My old Toshiba laptop had been slowly dying for a while. Historically I would simply just go to CostCo and pick up one of their mid-range Windows machines for $500 which would last me 3 years. ((Two years of decent function followed by a crappy year of service)) After looking over my various options, I figured I'd give
- [Buy Your Own Modem: Save $120/year and Get Faster Internet](https://makerblock.com/2016/04/buy-your-own-modem-save-120year-and-get-faster-internet/) - If you've got Comcast internet you're probably "renting" their cable modem for something INSANE like $10 a month. ((Photo by Images_of_Money)) Stop it. Just stop that nonsense right now. You can buy a brand new modem off Amazon for $65 (shipped with prime!), hook up the modem in 5 minutes, and have Comcast authorize the new modem
- [Nachos and Game Theory](https://makerblock.com/2016/04/nachos-and-game-theory/) - Last night during dinner I was reminded of an article about an optimal game theory strategy for playing Memory. ((Photo by @joefoodie)) Game theory is all well and good, but rarely does it intersect with real life situations. Being a competitive sort, I've always enjoyed reading about game theory, but have had little chance to put that kind
- [How to Make Awesome Cardboard Paper Mache Anything](https://makerblock.com/2014/03/how-to-make-awesome-cardboard-paper-mache-anything/) - A few weeks ago a friend of mine had a "bad movie night" where he was showing the film ((And I use the word "film" loosely here)) "Sharknado." Inspired by the theme for the party, I decided I had to wear a shark hat for the event. After making my hat, my daughter requested a
- [How to Enable WiFi on Dell Mini 9 Running Ubuntu](https://makerblock.com/2015/11/how-to-enable-wifi-on-dell-mini-9-running-ubuntu/) - My elementary-school-aged daughter wanted her own laptop. However, I wouldn't want to spend several hundred dollars on a computer only to have her step on it, throw something at the screen, or snap the power cord off in the jack. My solution was to dust off an old Dell Mini 9 that had been sitting around since it stopped
- [It was called a "Tracer Gun"](https://makerblock.com/2010/11/it-was-called-a-tracer-gun/) - Despite my best efforts I could not locate an image on the interwebs for the kind of disc shooter I remember playing with as a kid. Finally after much googling, I found a picture and the actual name of the type of toy. Apparently they were known as "Tracer Guns" and were produced circa the
- [Your Restaurant Website Sucks](https://makerblock.com/2015/07/your-restaurant-website-sucks/) - Dear Restaurant, Your website is really bad. ((Photo courtesy of Chris Blakely)) It is literally preventing me from giving you money. Don't take this the wrong way, all your competitors' websites suck too. Fortunately, I have come up with a quick and easy list of things you can do to make your website not suck:
- [How to Fix Broken Flip-Flops](https://makerblock.com/2015/09/how-to-fix-broken-flip-flops/) - We went to Hawaii last year and had all kinds of adventures. While on these travels, I took a stance against the $40 flip-flops available at every corner and bought a pair of $1 flip-flops at the local Walmart when we stopped to buy water and supplies. It wasn't long after coming home from vacation
- [My eyes!  The goggles do nothing!](https://makerblock.com/2015/05/my-eyes-the-goggles-do-nothing/) - While I'm not much one for impulse buys, I was unable to prevent myself from purchasing the Adafruit Trinket-Powered NeoPixel Goggle Kit Pack. If you're on the fence about dropping the $40 for this kit, let me help you out with the pro's and con's list I went through before buying my own. Cons I literally
- [DIY Shrinky Dinks](https://makerblock.com/2015/04/diy-shrinky-dinks/) - The other day I stumbled across a method of making DIY shrinky-dinks. ((Credit to Alyssa and Cindy for the ideas)) Today my daughter and I gave it a shot - they turned out really well! Here's how you can make your own: Cut Plastic Pieces Locate polystyrene which is easily identifiable by the number 6 in the
- [Priceless Moments with a Crappy Burner Phone](https://makerblock.com/2014/12/priceless-moments-with-a-crappy-burner-phone/) - A little while ago I purchased an LG 38c "Optimus Dynamic" Android based touch screen "pay as you go" phone. ((Photo courtesy of Cianginty)) Frankly, this phone has come in WAY more useful than I ever though it would. Here are a few ways in which I've actually used this phone recently: Using a tripod adapter
- [Why You Should Buy a Crappy Burner Phone](https://makerblock.com/2014/10/why-you-should-buy-a-crappy-burner-phone/) - I recently purchased a cheap "pay-as-you-go" Android smartphone after reading about it on Slashdot. The phone in question is an "LG 38c" being sold under the name, "LG Optimus Dynamic" with triple "Tracphone" minutes which you can pick up from Amazon for $19.99. Before you rush out and get one, the processor is underpowered, the screen
- [The best apps for your crappy burner phone](https://makerblock.com/2014/10/the-best-apps-for-your-crappy-burner-phone/) - I recently purchased a cheap pay-as-you-go Android smartphone with no intention to ever use the phone feature. After removing several non-essential apps from the phone, I installed the following useful (and free!) apps: UTILITY Plane Mode Tweaker by Chislon Chow This app allows you to let your WiFi through the phone's "Airplane Mode." All cell
- [I could watch this all day](https://makerblock.com/2011/03/i-could-watch-this-all-day/) - Get it? http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VDASn7gsdG4 Seriously, though - I like the song and the video is AWESOME.
- [XY-Plotter Robot Kit v2.0 Unboxing](https://makerblock.com/2014/08/xy-plotter-robot-kit-v2-0-unboxing/) - The crew over at Makeblock.cc were kind enough to send an XY-Plotter Robot Kit v2.0 my way for a review. I'll be assembling the the robot and posting pictures of the process soon, but for now I wanted to do an unboxing preview for you. The Box The first step to any unboxing review must, necessarily, start
- [Maker Faire Checklist](https://makerblock.com/2014/06/maker-faire-checklist/) - Between taking most of "Maker Faire" week off work and getting ready ((Photo courtesy of Daniel Kulinski)) for MakerCon and Maker Faire, May was a hectic month. I remembered pretty much everything I needed for a successful ((Editor's choice blue ribbon!)) - except "maker cards" and a metric ruler. With a few additional tweaks, I'm sure it can be
- [Printable Prosthetics: Brainstorming](https://makerblock.com/2014/04/printable-prosthetics-brainstorming/) - My overall designs for a printable parametric hand are still far from done. And, yet, I've come a long long way since jumping headfirst into the realm of open source prosthetics a little more than 30 days ago. ((My first concrete step was going to an e-NABLE meeting in San Francisco on 3/21/2014.)) ((The above
- [Printable Prosthetics: A Mock Hand](https://makerblock.com/2014/04/printable-prosthetics-a-mock-hand/) - Here you can see the fingers placed appropriately with the palm. I've used the same "finger" designs to add a thumb. For right now, this is just to demonstrate the progress so far. Theoretically, the only thing left to do is crank out an appropriate gauntlet to bring the entire design together. In reality, there's
- [Printable Parametric Prosthetics: Design Features](https://makerblock.com/2014/04/printable-parametric-prosthetics-design-features/) - I'm not ashamed to admit it - I'm proud of these parametric designs like few of my other designs. I've worked to make this design as customizable and organic as possible. The two modules that define each finger can be customized in two important ways - they can be lengthened ((Or shortened)) as well as scaled
- [Printable Parametric Prosthetics and OpenSCAD: Parametric Optimization](https://makerblock.com/2014/04/printable-parametric-prosthetics-and-openscad-parametric-optimization/) - This post is intended as a set of "guidelines" to creating a parametric design in OpenSCAD. Last Sunday afternoon was spent working out a parametric design for printable prosthetic fingers. Using the OpenSCAD function "hull" it's relatively easy to crank out a nifty organic appearing design. Admittedly, you have to have a working knowledge the basic union/difference/intersection function
- [Printable Prosthetics Fingers and OpenSCAD Design Tips](https://makerblock.com/2014/04/printable-prosthetics-fingers-and-openscad-design-tips/) - Above is my first attempt at designing a "solid" finger for the Cyborg Beast DIY printable prosthetic in OpenSCAD. ((If this is your first time tuning in, check out the prior posts in this series using the links at the bottom of this post)) The reason this is a "solid" finger is that I haven't subtracted
- [Printable Prosthetics R&D Q&A FAQ: Part The Third - The Answering](https://makerblock.com/2014/04/printable-prosthetics-rd-qa-faq-part-the-third-the-answering/) - Tuesday afternoon I had the good fortune to talk to Professor Jorge Zuniga of Creighton University regarding his insights on printable prosthetics, measurements of uneffected/effected hands, and various important design considerations. Getting to talk to him really helped crystallize my understanding of the various measurements and the way in which the parts of the printable prosthetic ((I'm
- [Printable Prosthetics R&D Q&A FAQ: Part 1 - The Questioning](https://makerblock.com/2014/04/printable-prosthetics-rd-qa-faq-part-1/) - Marc Petrykowski of Creighton University was kind enough to provide some additional practical experience and information about the university's research study into printable prosthetics. For anyone looking to dive into this project, I'm cross-posting the information from the e-NABLE Google Plus group here. ((The Google Plus group is private and you have to request an
- [Printable Prosthetics R&D Q&A FAQ: Part 2 - The Wondering](https://makerblock.com/2014/04/printable-prosthetics-rd-qa-faq-part-2-the-wondering/) - In order for me to design an OpenSCAD parametric model that can be adjusted to work for more people, I need to get a better handle on the necessary measurements and how they effect the final design. Below is my understanding of the necessary measurements and how those measurements necessitate changes in the final prosthetic.
- [OpenSCAD Intermediates: How to Make Complex Organic Shapes](https://makerblock.com/2014/03/openscad-intermediates-how-to-make-complex-organic-shapes/) - OpenSCAD tutorials for the MakerBot blog. In that OpenSCAD tutorial series I covered the basics of the OpenSCAD interface, how to make 2D forms, how to make some basic 3D forms, how to position those forms in 3D space, the different ways to combine forms, how to create mashups of one or more existing STL’s and OpenSCAD forms, how to use modules to reuse your code
- [Progress on Parametric Printable Prosthetic](https://makerblock.com/2014/03/progress-on-parametric-printable-prosthetic/) - So, I've been hacking away at an OpenSCAD sketch of the Cyborg Beast 3D printable DIY prosthetic. At the moment I'm working on designing the left palm. ((And, really, once the left palm is done it's an easy to mirror this part to make a "right palm.")) I'm reasonably happy with the version so far. I've
- [On Designing in the Open](https://makerblock.com/2014/03/on-designing-in-the-open/) - I like designing in the open. This is not really the same thing as "open source" design, although I love that too. An open source design means that you're sharing your source files, ideally with lots of comments to explain what you're doing and why. I think of "designing in the open" as talking about
- [It's that time of year for frivolous things... or](https://makerblock.com/2012/08/its-that-time-of-year-for-frivolous-things-or/) - I've been coveting two tiny little robots. The Piccolo CNC by Diatom Studios and the Adafruit IoT "Internet of Things" mini printer. There's no word on a release date for the Piccolo, but you can get the Adafruit IoT here.
- [Measurements Required for DIY 3D Printed Hand Prosthetics](https://makerblock.com/2014/03/measurements-required-for-diy-3d-printed-hand-prosthetics/) - I've recently embarked upon a quest to create a parametric version of the e-NABLE prosthetic designs. I've chosen the "Cyborg Beast" as it came highly recommended and I had the good fortune to meet one the main designers. I have a habit of diving headfirst ((Almost willy-nilly, if you will.)) ((You will, won't you?)) into
- [Possibly Parametric Prosthetics](https://makerblock.com/2014/03/possibly-parametric-prosthetics/) - This last Friday I journeyed to the Autodesk offices at Pier 9 in San Francisco to attend a meeting for e-NABLE, a group devoted to developing, making, and distributing DIY prosthetics. I have to admit that my own personal interests weren't necessarily aligned with that of the entire group. I'm sure those there would forgive my trespasses,
- [Fix a Fitbit Ultra Flashing Display](https://makerblock.com/2014/03/fix-a-fitbit-ultra-flashing-display/) - If you're looking for a way to fix the flickering or flashing LCD display on your Fitbit Ultra, I've got a few tips to help you on your way. This post is basically broken into three parts - how to revive a Fitbit Ultra, my experiences with Fitbit's support, and an update about me. How
- [How NOT to Serve Chicken](https://makerblock.com/2014/03/how-not-to-serve-chicken/) - This last year the office Christmas party was held at Ruth's Chris where I was served an unappetizing and inedible dish. ((Can you tell I'm overcompensating for not having actually posted last month?)) Setting aside the profound service issues and the presentation, the dish was just not edible. Now, I like cheese - I even
- [This Post Is A Fraud](https://makerblock.com/2014/02/this-post-is-a-fraud/) - I've been blogging on this site since 11/2009 - almost 4-1/2 years. ((Photo courtesy of Chris)) In that time I've published just over 1,000 posts ((1,007 including this one)) ((I like to think that most of the posts made some sort of sense at the time.)) and I've got more than 200 just sitting around in draft
- [Google's breaking their social contract](https://makerblock.com/2014/01/googles-breaking-their-social-contract/) - I'd say I started noticing a change in the keyword stats reported on my websites about six months or so ago. Instead of seeing all of the keywords and search terms people used to arrive at my websites, most of the search terms were showing up as "Unknown search terms" in my WordPress Jetpack stats
- [Comics about evil](https://makerblock.com/2012/05/comics-about-evil/) - This awesome Dilbert comic reminds me of this awesome XKCD comic. Here's the scary thing... I could seriously imagine this actually working.
- [Google, what the hell?!](https://makerblock.com/2011/03/google-what-the-hell/) - Apparently I can't access Google Groups. Which sucks. I have several different Gmail accounts and I can't use any of them with Google Groups. As a result, I can only read what's going on in the Google Groups on my RSS feed - and not respond to anything. Google, this may not be evil... But
- [Maybe Google is Evil after all](https://makerblock.com/2012/05/maybe-google-is-evil-afterall/) - Dear Google, You're over-reaching. A year ago, I would have defended your name against accusations of evil-ness. (( Photo Credit: Jason Scragz via Compfight)) Today, is a different story. Google, you're in my work computer, my laptop, and my phone. You already know my every move - and yet you're always asking for more. You
- [Has Google become evil?](https://makerblock.com/2011/09/has-google-become-evil/) - I'm not a fan of Facebook or Google Plus. However, Google's new "real name" policy is really getting on my nerves. My Google Plus account is under the pseudonym of "MakerBlock," so I might as well save them the trouble of suspending my accounts and just delete it now. Eric Schmidt recently publicly stated Google
- [Dear Google, this IS my name](https://makerblock.com/2012/07/dear-google-this-is-my-name/) - Dear Google, Your user policies apparently require anyone using Google Plus to provide proof of an established online identity or have my Google Plus account deleted. I have been using the name "MakerBlock" for two and a half years now. I probably have as many friends and acquaintances who know me by this, my chosen
- [Maze Code + Polargraph?](https://makerblock.com/2012/12/maze-code-polargraph/) - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m9joBLOZVEo My RSS feed for Slashdot brought my attention to an article on Slate. The Slashdot summary stated: This Slate article talks about a single line of code — 10 PRINT CHR$ (205.5 + RND (1)); : GOTO 10 — and how it manages to create a complicated maze without the use of a loop,
- [Zen and the Art of Cross Stitching](https://makerblock.com/2013/12/zen-and-the-art-of-cross-stitching/) - I love every damn thing about this beautiful post by Rachel aka AverageJaneCrafter. ((Hat tip to Chris Connors for the link)) ((Photo from Rachel's blog. Rachel - I hope you don't mind me recycling your wonderful artwork here!)) I love how she drew inspiration from John Grunsfeld (one of her favorite astronauts), a sweet bit
- [Maker MBA](https://makerblock.com/2013/12/maker-mba/) - I've been investigating the possibility of trying to make a business out of making. ((Photo courtesy of Poster Boy)) This got me thinking about the best series and the best single post about making money out of making. I got a lot out of these posts and I hope you will too: Ten Rules for Maker Businesses
- [A website just about drawing robots](https://makerblock.com/2013/11/a-website-just-about-drawing-robots/) - Lately I've been working on drawing robots more and more. My latest creation is an itty bitty Tiny CNC drawing robot. I've already published the files and Arduino sketch on Thingiverse, but you'll find all of the instructions over on my PlotterBot blog. While this site is about 3D printing and random nonsense, I've tried
- [Interactive Floor Projection Displays](https://makerblock.com/2013/10/interactive-floor-projection-displays/) - This weekend we went to the The Tech Museum of Innovation, aka "The Tech," in San Jose. ((Photo courtesy of Carbon Arc)) We had a great time and saw a lot of amazing things. (Also, a lot of people greeted me as "Bender!" because I was wearing the Bender hat my wife knit for me.) One of
- [Upcycling Plastic Bags into Fabric](https://makerblock.com/2013/10/upcycling-plastic-bags-into-fabric/) - Last year was our family's second time at the East Bay Mini Maker Faire. October in Oakland tends to be a really rainy time - and the last few EBMMF's are no exception. The rain didn't seem to dampen the crowds or diminish attendance, but it did make the experience a little more trying. ((Don't get
- [RepRap Wally: Turtles all the way down](https://makerblock.com/2013/10/reprap-wally-turtles-all-the-way-down/) - RepRap Morgan was recently awarded the Gada prize, which was the first time I had seen a "SCARA arm" ((Yes, I know that's redundant)) robot. ((Photo courtesy of Haceme un 14)) Reading Hackaday lead me to read about RepRap Wally, another SCARA based robot. ((Watching this orange plastic robot in action, it's easy to imagine they gave
- [What are the minimum parts necessary for an Arduino?](https://makerblock.com/2013/10/what-are-the-minimum-parts-necessary-for-an-arduino/) - It was hard for a beginner like me to imagine that an Arduino actually requires a whole lot less than all the stuff you would see on an Arduino Uno. Assembling a MintDuino - and slowly pulling parts out to see what was really necessary - helped me understand what was truly critical to its
- [Arduino Adventures:  What I learned building a MintDuino](https://makerblock.com/2013/10/arduino-adventures-what-i-learned-building-a-mintduino/) - My first real foray into tinkering with an Arduino began a few weeks ago with a MintDuino. About two years ago I contemplated trying one out, but I never pulled the trigger. This was due to a combination of decision paralysis, a very short attention span ((Oh! A squirrel!)) , and a plethora of other
- [Arduino Adventure Series - The Adventure Begins!](https://makerblock.com/2013/10/arduino-adventure-series-the-adventure-begins/) - A few weeks ago I started fiddling with an Arduino in earnest. ((Photo courtesy of Arkadiusz Sikorski)) I've built things using Arduinos before, but each time all I did was slavishly follow a tutorial as it took me step by step through a process. Just as a child memorizes the Pledge of Allegiance, committing to memory the
- [Open questions for anyone familiar with Arduinos](https://makerblock.com/2011/04/open-questions-for-anyone-familiar-with-arduinos/) - And, I've got several. I'm not entirely sure what I'd end up using an Arduino for - perhaps making tiny silly robots. However, there are so many choices and not a really good way to differentiate among them. Chips There appear to be several. From my friend Google, I understand that the "ATmega328" is significantly
- [DrawBot Resources and Links](https://makerblock.com/2012/01/drawbot-resources-and-links/) - I've moved the latest updated version of this post to my website dedicated to "v-plotter" drawing robots. Check it out! *** As I'm gathering the parts and the courage to build my own Drawbot, I'm keeping track of the various resources I'm using. Since I'll be documenting my success ((Or, alternatively, EPIC failures)) here, it
- [Lessons In Printed Plastic Paper Mache Molds](https://makerblock.com/2013/09/lessons-in-printed-plastic-paper-mache-molds/) - My daughter and I have been working on a project to create paper mache fairies and fairy furniture. ((I'll leave it to your imagination to decide who chose the subject matter)) But first, I can't help showing off this nifty 3D printable photographic background stand I designed. Inspired by some other designs on Thingiverse, my
- [DIY Chess Board Bag - 13 years in the making](https://makerblock.com/2013/09/chess-board-bag-13-years-in-the-making/) - Very nearly four years ago I had a vision of a totally DIY chess set. In the year 2000 I designed a bag for holding chess pieces - that could be turned inside out and used as a chess board itself. I filled the bag with some cheap ((Injection molded)) plastic chess pieces... and then lost
- [Ideas for improvements on the Open Source Disc Shooter](https://makerblock.com/2010/11/ideas-for-improvements-on-the-open-source-disc-shooter/) - Here are some of the ideas I've been kicking around: A magazine ((Hey, Dave, happy???)) that you clip in the front of the shooter. When you clip it in it should depress a spring, or more likely, tension a rubber band. When you press the button clipping the magazine in, it could actually eject the
- [Time? What time do you think we have?](https://makerblock.com/2010/11/time-what-time-do-you-think-we-have/) - The hours grow short until Botacon Zero. I am determined to have a fully printed chess set before Botacon so that I can play ((And, by play, I mean lose graciously.)) ((And, by graciously, I mean to say that upon not winning I will smash every piece to bits and yell something along the lines
- [Chess set: 1/4 complete](https://makerblock.com/2010/10/chess-set-1-4-complete/) - I've been working on printing a chess set today. Yesterday I was troubleshooting my automated build platform. I could use it reasonably well as a heated build platform, but the automated part was not working so well. The main issues I was having were the thermistor only registered 255, the automated build platform only ran
- [Has anyone ever finished a printed chess set?](https://makerblock.com/2010/11/has-anyone-ever-finished-a-printed-chess-set/) - I've seen multiple chess pieces on Thingiverse, but I've never seen a full black and white (or any two-toned, for that matter) printed chess set. Do you know if anyone has ever done this already? I've got all 16 pieces in black ABS, but have been struggling with PLA. Then, as I am wont to
- [Chess set update - 1/2 complete](https://makerblock.com/2010/10/chess-set-update-1-2-complete/) - I finished printing 16 pieces in black ABS. I'm experimenting with the Skeinforge settings for clear PLA again before I move on to the remaining pieces.
- [PLA, what to do, what to do...](https://makerblock.com/2010/02/pla-what-to-do-what-to-do/) - A crystal TARDIS? A crystal dalek? A crystal Darth Vader head? Actually, as soon as the ABS is out of the nozzle I want to print up a chess set.
- [Dragging my feet on PLA](https://makerblock.com/2010/02/dragging-my-feet-on-pla/) - I've been a total slacker about getting started printing in PLA. Part of the reason is I've seen others have a lot of problems printing with it - ruining extruders, oozing out of barriers, too hot, too cold, too just right, the heat is uneven, the barrel jams, etc, etc. However, since I've been printing
- [Current projects](https://makerblock.com/2010/01/current-projects/) - Some of my current MakerBot related projects: Trying to improve build quality. I'm trying to tune up the hardware before I start to fiddle with Skeinforge in earnest. I'd also like to replace one or more of my threaded rods as at least one has a warp significant enough to affect build quality. Printable axis
- [To Do List](https://makerblock.com/2009/12/to-do-list/) - Here’s my rough “to do” list for my CupCake CNC once it’s fully operational: Foldable Z-axis crank Heated build platform A Death Star Chess set Custom construction toy parts Random plastic bits to repair various broken things
- [Productivity Hack: Fight The Tab](https://makerblock.com/2013/09/productivity-hack-fight-the-tab/) - One of the best things about modern browsers, the tab, is also the most destructive to my productivity. ((Photo courtesy of Bill Selak)) While I wouldn't want to give up my tabs, I've found an awesome productivity hack to help me manage them. The Problem In short: cognitive clutter. Visiting Twitter, a favorite blog, or some RSS
- [Tentative Shredded Paper Mache Results](https://makerblock.com/2013/08/tentative-shredded-paper-mache-results/) - This last weekend my daughter and I tried making some small objects using paper mache from shredded paper. ((Photo courtesy of Esther Simpson)) Here's what we did: Soaked 3 gallons of shredded paper in 1 gallon of water in a 5 gallon bucket for a week in a warm garage Each day I stirred the mixture
- [Shredded Paper Mache](https://makerblock.com/2013/08/shredded-paper-mache/) - A few days ago I realized that I might have an actual use for all of the shredded paper I've accumulated at home and at work. ((Photo courtesy of Sha Sha Chu)) Basically, my thought is that I may be able to create a paper mache "clay" by soaking shredded paper in a bucket of water, draining
- [Mechanical Movements and Design Inspirations](https://makerblock.com/2013/07/mechanical-movements-and-design-inspirations/) - I've been working on a few different mechanical projects for a while now. On the one hand, I'm severely limited by my complete and utter lack of mechanical engineering knowledge. On the other hand, I've got a 3D printer so I can always arrive at a decent approximation through enough trial and error. Of course,
- [Catching up](https://makerblock.com/2013/06/catching-up/) - Hey! It's been a while since we've talked! ((Photo courtesy of Scott Beale)) Hopefully you'll excuse the rambling nature of this post. :) A fair bit has changed recently. I started a new day job ((I say "day job" to differentiate what I do as my vocation versus what I do with the rest of my time))
- [Spacexula to the rescue!](https://makerblock.com/2013/04/spacexula-to-the-rescue-2/) - My friend Spacexula just sent in this AWESOME suggestion on how to display 1000 origami cranes in a durable pleasing way. ((I should mention, this is not the first time I've blogged with the title, "Spacexula to the rescue!")) ((Photo courtesy of John Abella)) I'm going to give you a link to his website and
- [The 1000 Cranes Project](https://makerblock.com/2013/04/the-1000-cranes-project/) - I recently mentioned one of my New Year's Ambitions is fold 1000 origami paper cranes. ((Photo courtesy of Emre Ayaroglu )) As an ancient Japanese legend goes, a person who folds a thousand origami cranes will be granted a single wish. There are some variations on this legend. It's possible that you "only" get eternal good luck rather than
- [New Google Groups to Discusss 3D Design Marketplaces](https://makerblock.com/2013/05/new-google-groups-to-discusss-3d-design-marketplaces/) - If you read this blog, I think you would be interested in joining a new Google Group for discussing emerging 3D design marketplaces. ((Photo courtesy of David)) It was started a few days ago by the illustrious 3D designer and artist Emmett Lalish to start a dialog about designing in the brave new world of digital things. I
- [PlotterBot.com - a new site dedicated to drawing robots](https://makerblock.com/2013/05/plotterbot-com-a-new-site-dedicated-to-drawing-robots/) - I've been working on and blogging about my PlotterBot, through several incarnations, for a little over a year now. ((Photo courtesy of cmorran123)) The posts on this site have always tended to be a mixture of near-incoherent ramblings, frivolity, and the occasional nuggets of information. However, since showing off my PlotterBot at the Maker Faire Bay Area
- [PlotterBot at Maker Faire Bay Area 2013!](https://makerblock.com/2013/05/plotterbot-at-maker-faire-bay-area-2013/) - Did you miss my booth at Maker Faire this year? No problem! Sign up for my PlotterBot newsletter and I'll send you the entire PDF all of my booth materials and the binder I had on display.
- [Folding Cranes, Errata](https://makerblock.com/2013/04/folding-cranes-errata/) - I've been folding some cranes. ((Photo courtesy of Socar Myles)) Well, a lot of origami cranes. I'm shooting for 1000 in 365 days. I'm folding more than 10 cranes a day and at this rate I'll finish in a little over 81 days. Here are some random tidbits about these cranes: Project Considerations. My three big concerns
- [More than you ever wanted to know](https://makerblock.com/2013/04/more-than-you-ever-wanted-to-know/) - I'm a big believer that small changes over time can have a huge impact. ((Photo courtesy of m.a.r.c.)) This year I made some commitments to bring about changes in my life. These aren't resolutions - I've had and broken resolutions before. These were ambitions. The most drastic changes to my lifestyle has been my work on losing
- [New Year's Ambitions!](https://makerblock.com/2013/04/new-years-ambitions/) - At the beginning of the year I decided upon a few New Year's Ambitions. ((Photo courtesy of David)) I don't like the idea of resolutions. ((It's not that I'm not resolute - I certainly can be. I'm certain of it.)) Resolutions tend to be rule-driven. And, the problem with a rule-driven resolution is that once it's broken, your
- [Back on the wagon](https://makerblock.com/2013/04/back-on-the-wagon/) - FitDay.com is essentially a food diary site that lets you look up or enter the nutritional content for the food you eat, set goals, and track your progress. ((Photo courtesy of Dave Wilson)) A very long time ago I lost probably about 25 pounds by using the site. A friend lost about 80 using the same site! Well,
- [Come see us at Maker Faire Bay Area 2013!](https://makerblock.com/2013/04/come-see-us-at-maker-faire-bay-area-2013/) - It is now officially official! ((Photo courtesy of Lenore Edman)) My daughter and I are going to be presenting our projects at Maker Faire Bay Area 2013! How awesome is that!!!
- [Your vote could stop the Robopocalypse!](https://makerblock.com/2013/04/your-vote-could-stop-the-robopocalypse/) - Okay, before you read any further, take a moment to click here and vote for my PlotterBot for the Road to Maker Faire Challenge. I've been blogging about every little aspect of my own drawing robot - with this post ((Which really doesn't count...)) it's more than 80 posts on the topic. ((Photo courtesy of Vox
- [Drawing Robot Penmanship](https://makerblock.com/2013/04/drawing-robot-penmanship/) - Until very recently, I had only considered a drawing robot's pen holder maintaining the pen at an angle to the drawing surface as an obvious and positive thing. ((Photo courtesy of Creative Tools)) I have now been cured of such illusions and understand that when the pen is mounted at something other than perfectly perpendicular to the
- [Skipping!  How could I forget the skipping?!](https://makerblock.com/2013/04/skipping-how-could-i-forget-the-skipping/) - Mr. Noble is not the only one prone to hubris. ((Photo courtesy of Markus Krispler)) After taking into account every post on ideal drawing robot pen holder criteria, I found one more post that I should have read first. Dan Royer of MarginallyClever.com suggests ((I'm keeping all of Dan's words, but reformatting them)) as good pen holder should:
- [To Maker Faire!!!](https://makerblock.com/2013/04/to-maker-faire/) - Early yesterday morning I got an e-mail from Make saying that my DrawBot project had been accepted to the "Road to Maker Faire Challenge!" If you check out Make's latest post inviting applicants for the "Road to Maker Faire Challenge," you'll notice the tiny image in the bottom left is from this post. How cool is
- [Perpetuating Password Myths](https://makerblock.com/2013/04/perpetuating-password-myths/) - Today at work I got an e-mail from the IT department saying everyone needs to set new, stronger, passwords. ((Photo courtesy of akashgoyal)) They suggested several things, like: "tomandjerry" is not as strong a password as "$H2mlf" "Fishing123" is not as strong as "Fish123ing" Assuming a black hat hacker is really determined to crack your password, they're
- [That's not junk!!!](https://makerblock.com/2013/03/thats-not-junk/) - A few days ago I found a DYMO LabelWriter 400 Turbo had been tossed into a cardboard box with used toner cartridges and broken printer parts. ((Photo courtesy of Tinkerbots)) After making sure this really was a box of lost things, I swiped the label printer along with its power cord. Tiny little printers such as this
- [DrawBot Pen Holder Post Mortem](https://makerblock.com/2013/03/drawbot-pen-holder-post-mortem/) - Two days ago I designed a new type of pen holder for my drawing robot based upon what I had learned from examining the pen holders other people have designed and used. Here's what worked and what didn't: WORKED: The fit. I'm really happy with how the pen holder went together. It's always very satisfying
- [Fire the DrawBot!](https://makerblock.com/2013/03/fire-the-drawbot/) - Last night I connected my newly designed pen holder to my finished drawing robot and attempted a relatively "quick" drawing of Yoda. I say "quick," because it only took about two hours. The one lone trade-off for having an cheap and easy to build robot capable of essentially unlimited drawing sizes is that it can
- [A Study of Drawing Robot Pen Holders and Design Considerations](https://makerblock.com/2013/03/a-study-of-drawing-robot-pen-holders-and-design-considerations/) - The pen holder for a drawing robot is one of the most deceptively simple aspects of the entire machine. Stripped down to the most basic elements, the pen holder is nothing more than a small device used to connect to both cords from each motor to the pen. However, there are a number of extremely
- [Enough talk!  Finally a pen holder!](https://makerblock.com/2013/03/enough-talk-finally-a-pen-holder/) - I admit it, I'm prone to verbosity. I wrote 2200 words just discussing the kinds of pen holders other people have used and another 2300 words talking about what I consider to be ideal qualities in a pen holder. ((I haven't even started blathering on about different kinds of pens!)) In some ways, the
- [Drawing Robot Pen Holders, Calligraphy Pens, and Thought Experiments](https://makerblock.com/2013/03/drawing-robot-pen-holders-calligraphy-pens-and-thought-experiments/) - In discussing Sandy Noble's Polargraph pen holder I mentioned how his design is optimized so that the point where the two cords meet is always the same as where the pen tip meets the paper. ((Photo courtesy of Kristina Alexanderson)) In the comments, he explained his rational, "So the pen tip is always at the tip of
- [Ideal Qualities in a Drawing Robot Pen Holder](https://makerblock.com/2013/03/ideal-qualities-in-a-drawing-robot-pen-holder/) - In my last post I tried to list off as many uniquely designed drawing robot pen holders as I could find. The reason for documenting them as I did, and pointing out certain design choices, was to help me identify ideal qualities in a drawing robot pen holder. Before I dive too far down this
- [I swear I'm not jealous!](https://makerblock.com/2013/03/i-swear-im-not-jealous/) - Before Maker Faire announced the official call for Makers, I had already downloaded and printed out the "call for Makers" information from the most recent Maker Faire and handwritten all of my responses in the form - just so I would be ready to submit my application to be a Maker this year. ((Photo courtesy of
- [Dogs and cats living together!](https://makerblock.com/2013/03/dogs-and-cats-living-together/) - I'm basically through with CD's. I don't even want the ones I have. I would much rather just have the MP3's since they're just so much easier to organize and play. This has been the case for a while now - the last time I bought a physical CD was four years ago. The CD
- [Random Gripes of The Day](https://makerblock.com/2013/03/random-gripes-of-the-day/) - I was annoyed by two things today and I have decided to share them with you. ((Photo courtesy of Göran Arvidson)) It's more about the sharing than actually imparting information, but these are two things I feel kinda strongly about. The day is young yet, so I reserve the right to add more things to this
- [How to add a custom button to the WordPress Visual TinyMCE Editor](https://makerblock.com/2013/03/how-to-add-a-custom-button-to-the-wordpress-visual-tinymce-editor/) - The other day I found a great post that explained how to add a custom button to the WordPress Visual TinyMCE editor. ((Photo courtesy of Marco Bernardini)) It was fairly simple and concise and even includes a zip file of all the parts you would need to install a button into WordPress's visual TinyMCE editor. I'm not
- [OCD Plugin Stats and the WordPress.org Statistics API](https://makerblock.com/2013/03/ocd-plugin-stats-and-the-wordpress-org-statistics-api/) - The current version of my WordPress OCD Plugin Stats plugin, is somewhat... clunky. ((Photo courtesy of peasap)) When I wrote it I didn't know that WordPress.org had an API for it's plugin statistics. ((Apparently they have more statistics than just on plugins)) Thus, the current version essentially scrapes particular WordPress.org plugin pages for information and drops it into the
- [How to add a custom button to the WordPress editor](https://makerblock.com/2013/03/how-to-add-a-custom-button-to-the-wordpress-editor/) - While posting about my DrawBot adventures, I've become increasingly annoyed with my own post series WordPress plugin. If only it had a simple button in the WordPress editor to drop the shortcode for an existing series, it would instantly become so much better. Thus inspired, I delved into WordPress.org and sought out the answers. What
- [Simple Series WordPress Plugin Update](https://makerblock.com/2013/03/simple-series-wordpress-plugin-update/) - This weekend, almost an entire year from the last update, I made some revisions to my Simple Series plugin for WordPress. ((Photo courtesy of Tavo)) This is one of the plugins that I use the most often for WordPress. It's right up there, in terms of frequency, with the WP-Footnotes plugin that lets me insert footnotes.
- [Apparently WordPress.org serves up even more delicious download stats](https://makerblock.com/2013/03/apparently-wordpress-org-serves-up-even-more-delicious-download-stats/) - While looking at the source code on my Simple Series plugin page, I began to wonder how WordPress.org was serving up all those nifty little stats into the downloads graph. ((Photo courtesy of Windell Oskay)) What I discovered is that there's a little bit of jQuery magic going on that pulls download data from a WordPress.org API,
- [WordPress plugin - OCD Plugin Stats](https://makerblock.com/2012/02/wordpress-plugin-ocd-plugin-stats/) - I've just published another WordPress plugin called OCD Plugin Stats. This isn't a plugin that would really interest most people. If you're a WordPress plugin developer and like seeing the stats for your plugins, OCD Plugin Stats will let you monitor all the stats for all of your plugins in one convenient location in your
- [SaaS: the good, the bad, the ugly](https://makerblock.com/2013/02/saas-the-good-the-bad-the-ugly/) - I've extolled the virtues and pitfalls of running a software as a service business. ((Photo courtesy of Rufus Gefangenen)) This morning I discovered a glitch in my SaaS website that, while it doesn't cause anything to actually malfunction, creates a very obnoxious problem on a lot of the pages. The site is written in WordPress ((My
- [DrawBot, now ACTUALLY wall mounted!](https://makerblock.com/2013/02/drawbot-now-actually-wall-mounted/) - If you're just tuning in, I'm building an Arduino powered drawing robot. If you're the least bit interested in making one of your own ((I've heard of someone making one for as little as $30)) then please take this quick DrawBot poll to let me know what you're interested in. You can come right back and check
- [Arduino Powered Drawing Robot - Take 2 (Or 3)](https://makerblock.com/2013/02/arduino-powered-drawing-robot-take-2-or-3/) - My original drawing robot was built using an Arduino Uno, Adafruit motor shield, and two beefy stepper motors bolted onto a big chunk of plywood. ((Photo courtesy of Alex Abian (Also on flickr.com/alexabian)) Now I'm in the process of building a new robot using a sweet wooden project box, a freeduino, a PolagraphSD shield, and the steppers
- [Unidentified Foam Object](https://makerblock.com/2013/02/unidentified-foam-object/) - While I understand options like acoustic wool makes a very good sound/vibration insulator, I'd rather not have something that messy in my 'bot. I'd be happy to use a material that doesn't insulate as well, as long as it is clean. I found this short strip of gray/black foam padding lying around my house among my daughter's things.
- [The best part about SaaS](https://makerblock.com/2012/09/the-best-part-about-saas/) - I've mentioned that I've got this software-as-service website. ((Photo courtesy of Sebastián Dario)) ((Why a photo of a puppy? Well, I tried searching for a photo that included the word "sass" on Flickr... and I now wish I had not done so.)) Today, while dealing with a tech support problem, I realized what I love
- [The worst part about SaaS](https://makerblock.com/2012/11/the-worst-part-about-saas/) - Since I recently gushed on about how wonderful it is to run a SasS business, it's only fair to share with you a downside. ((I don't know where the original picture comes from, but I got it from this website.)) This morning I quickly checked my small-side-business SaaS site before heading off to work, only
- [DrawBot - Printed Parts Tour](https://makerblock.com/2013/02/drawbot-printed-parts-tour/) - This is going to be another long in-depth post about my Arduino powered drawing robot. If you'd like to know more about how to build one yourself, please help me out by filling out my DrawBot poll. And, if after reading this post you find you want to know even more, be sure and check out the
- [Building an Arduino Drawing Robot - On The Cheap](https://makerblock.com/2013/02/building-a-drawbot-on-the-cheap/) - First, if you haven't taken the time to add your voice to my DrawBot poll, please take a moment to do so! ((Photo courtesy of Trashcam Project)) Since there seems to be interest in learning how to build a drawing robot as cheaply as possible, I figured I'd give some help on how to do it. As
- [Arduino Powered Drawing Robot Poll](https://makerblock.com/2013/02/arduino-powered-drawing-robot-poll/) - Thanks for checking out my DrawBot Adventure Series. For the last 13 months I've been blogging all about my adventures in learning basic Arduino skills, basic robot building skills, applying my limited soldering skills, talking about my numerous fails and occasional triumphs, in building a drawing robot. So far I've racked up 66 blog posts about drawing
- [DrawBot - A Preview](https://makerblock.com/2013/02/drawbot-a-preview/) - Unfortunately, it will be a few more days yet before I can completely finish the drawing robot. I still need to order some rainbow ribbon cable and connects, wire up the motors, and then actually draw something with the brand spanking new PolargraphSD brain. For now, please just ignore the mess of wires and the
- [DrawBot - A Tour!](https://makerblock.com/2013/02/drawbot-a-tour/) - Above is a picture of my drawing robot, still a work in progress. The great thing about this particular project box is that it also doubles as a work area. It's a good place to cut and strip wires, solder, assemble parts, and it's totally portable. The box is 3' long, 8" high, 2" inches
- [Welcome to Radio Shack!  Don't let the door hit you on the way out!](https://makerblock.com/2013/02/welcome-to-radio-shack-dont-let-the-door-hit-you-on-the-way-out/) - This post could also be entitled, "Customer Service Fail Day." TLDR: If you're looking to build something, don't even bother going to Radio Shack or Fry's Electronics. ((Photo courtesy of Giampaolo Macorig)) Even in the SF Bay Area they won't carry what you need and if you leave feeling disgusted with their customer service, you've gotten
- [Sourcing DrawBot Parts](https://makerblock.com/2013/02/sourcing-drawbot-parts/) - I've previously discussed sourcing the main electronic components for a drawing robot. ((Photo courtesy of Jes)) Since there's more to a robot than just the electronics that make it work, I thought I would list my other resources in one place. Electronics. The electronics are the brain and heart of this project. There's really only two parts
- [Overengineered Bolt Endcaps, Case Holder](https://makerblock.com/2013/02/overengineered-bolt-endcaps-case-holder/) - I'm still working on building out an awesome drawing robot. ((Photo courtesy of Fábio Pinheiro)) I'm designing printable parts to be installed into a left over wooden box for holding a paper roll, filament spools, stepper motor mounts, and a few more bits. PolagraphSD case - discussed here - done! Mounts for a paper roll - discussed here - waiting to
- [Overengineered Stepper Motor Mounts, Filament Guides](https://makerblock.com/2013/02/overengineered-stepper-motor-mounts-filament-guides/) - If you're just tuning in, I'm working towards overengineering a drawing robot. ((Photo courtesy of Casey Hussein Bisson)) Here's my progress to date: PolagraphSD case - discussed here - done! Mounts for a paper roll - discussed here - waiting to upload... Filament spools - discussed here - waiting to upload... Stepper motor mounts - discussed in this
- [Best Super BoWl Day Ever](https://makerblock.com/2013/02/best-super-bowl-day-ever/) - ToDAY i've tinkerED with my DigiSpark From dIGIsTUMP and run it throUGH A few little programs. ((Photo courtesy of Adam Fagen)) My experienCE with arDuinos is acTUALLY quite limited. SincE i'M faMILIar with c-style proGRAMMIng languages, I can teLl what an ARDUINO sketch is Doing if i spend enough time staring at the COde. I staRted off
- [Every Body Needs a Skull](https://makerblock.com/2013/01/every-body-needs-a-skull/) - Is there anyone out there who built their own Polargraph, but does not have a plastic case for it? ((Photo courtesy of chotda)) In designing my own I've got two perfectly serviceable cases that I'm not going to use. Each case fits Sandy Noble's PolargraphSD which consists of an Arduino Mega 256 clone plus an LCD
- [Overengineered Spools](https://makerblock.com/2013/02/overengineered-spools/) - This post is a sub-series concerning the redesign of the various parts of my DrawBot. In short, I am looking to design/redesign PolagraphSD case - discussed here - done! Mounts for a paper roll - discussed here - waiting to upload... Filament spools - discussed in this post - waiting to upload... Stepper motor mounts -
- [This project is not going to overengineer itself](https://makerblock.com/2013/01/this-project-is-not-going-to-overengineer-itself/) - This weekend I worked on my DrawBot. ((Photo courtesy of Relly Annett-Baker)) I stripped my current DrawBot for parts so that I may build it back together with a PolagraphSD brain/heart. ((Bart? Hain?)) Given that there aren't a ton of parts involved, the process went quickly. I disconnected the two steppers, pulled all the screws ((Four
- [A watched DigiSpark never boils](https://makerblock.com/2013/01/a-watched-digispark-never-boils/) - I've been refreshing my DigiSpark Kickstarter backer/order page for days now watching my spot in the queue go from #3800 to just now under #200. ((Photo courtesy of Clarence Risher)) Since I have such limited experience with Arduinos, I am hoping that this project is a good place to start. To date my experience with Arduinos had
- [I think I know what I want to draw next...](https://makerblock.com/2013/01/i-think-i-know-what-i-want-to-draw-next/) - A big gigantic drawing of the inside of the TARDIS. How awesome would that be? ((Photo courtesy of Foomandoonian))
- [The Eagle Has Landed](https://makerblock.com/2013/01/the-eagle-has-landed/) - According to the USPS my Polargraph has landed at my local post office where I keep a post office box. ((Photo courtesy of Grant MacDonald)) Hopefully I can pick it up after work today! How exciting! I can't wait to pull my existing DrawBot apart and reassemble the bits with a Polargraph brain.
- [Oh the places you'll go!](https://makerblock.com/2013/01/oh-the-places-youll-go/) - Something like six months ago I checked in on the Piccolo by Diatom and watched the cute little video that goes along with it. That video led me to the video for their Antler lasercut chair featured above which, in turn, lead me to the album for Wet Wings and their song Keep It Together. I
- [DrawBot Aesthetic Re-Design Ideas](https://makerblock.com/2013/01/drawbot-aesthetic-re-design-ideas/) - I've been kicking around some design ideas for how my new DrawBot will look. I'd like it to be aesthetically pleasing and reasonably compact so that when not in use it will be reasonably unobtrusive. For the most part none of these designs would require the DrawBot to operate in a mechanically different way. However,
- [Ideas for improving my DrawBot](https://makerblock.com/2013/01/ideas-for-improving-my-drawbot/) - I've given a lot of thought to how I can improve my DrawBot setup now that I have a Polargraph brain on the way. ((Photo courtesy of Sandy Noble)) Print a nice 3D printed plastic case for my DrawBot brain The 3D printed plastic case I have for my current DrawBot doesn't fit very well
- [All New Polargraph on the way!!!](https://makerblock.com/2013/01/all-new-polargraph-on-the-way/) - A little while ago I purchased a Polargraph kit from Sandy Noble and now it's on the way!!! Sandy is responsible for having put together the best instructions for building a Polargraph/drawbot anywhere on the web. Sandy's latest kit uses an Arduino Mega clone, a shield specifically designed by Sandy to provide all the Polargraph
- [Sailfish + Print-O-Matic = Wow](https://makerblock.com/2012/11/sailfish-print-o-matic-wow/) - Last night and tonight I have been tinkering with Flexo, my Thing-O-Matic, to install Jetty's Sailfish firmware update. The setup text is very helpful, but not particularly optimized for a Thing-O-Matic with a MK6 extruder. I also found that I had to heavily modify the "start.gcode" and "end.gcode" to keep my bot from shaking itself
- [Was This Made on a MakerBot?!](https://makerblock.com/2012/11/was-this-made-on-a-makerbot/) - Netflix has nearly all of the "new series" Doctor Who episodes available for online streaming. As a guy who grew up watching the show, having it on tap is just plain awesome. Unfortunately, Netflix does not carry one my favorite episodes ever - the Doctor Who Christmas Special from 2010 entitled, "A Christmas Carol." You
- [Pantsless](https://makerblock.com/2012/11/pantsless/) - Ever have one of those days when nothing goes right and you can't find your pants? ((Photo courtesy of Klara)) Yeah. Me too. On the plus side, I'm working to make a cool new printable model. :) Also, word of advice. Never search Flickr for the word "Pantsless." Ever.
- [Robbed.  During broad daylight.  At work.  By the mailroom guys.](https://makerblock.com/2012/10/robbed-during-broad-daylight-at-work-by-the-mailroom-guys/) - I was waiting to surprise you with this, but last week I bought a MakerBot and had it shipped to work. ((Photo courtesy of Timo Newton-Syms)) Well, it arrived today... and really... I suppose this is my own fault... but... you see... I was just robbed. One of the best and most irreplaceable things about
- [Swing States and Farming](https://makerblock.com/2012/10/swing-states-and-farming/) - This election has been an interesting one to watch - especially since following the analysis on Nate Silver's 538 blog at the New York Times. It seems like there are really two different kinds of campaigns going on right now. (Actually, I'm pretty sure this has been happening every four years - I've just been
- [So THAT'S why I've been a bastard each morning](https://makerblock.com/2012/10/so-thats-why-ive-been-a-bastard-each-morning/) - I made a large pot of coffee on Saturday, more than I would drink in a single morning, specifically because I'm lazy and thought I would just drink the second half of the pot the following morning. ((Photo courtesy of patries71)) Saturday morning I didn't see any of the white mugs we've been using lately,
- [Mailing lists that eventually become spam](https://makerblock.com/2012/10/mailing-lists-that-eventually-become-spam/) - Occasionally I will opt into a mailing list - but very very rarely will I do so with a real e-mail address. ((Photo courtesy of Tinkerbots)) One of the domains I own allows me to specify a "catch all" e-mail address where mis-addressed e-mails will be sent. The most useful part of this is that
- [Making may have just jumped the shark...](https://makerblock.com/2012/10/making-may-have-just-jumped-the-shark/) - I just saw a commercial for canned biscuits with the tagline of "Let the Making Begin." ((Photo courtesy of Theron LaBounty)) More amusing - the bottom of the screen has "#makernation." I suppose it's inevitable that popular trends get co-opted by marketers. Given that the maker-trend is about actually diving in and making things for
- [Why do DrawBots draw on walls?](https://makerblock.com/2012/09/why-do-drawbots-draw-on-walls/) - A commenter named Ellison left a deceptively simple question on my first post in this DrawBot series. ((Photo courtesy of The Kozy Shack)) Ellison: Why do it on a wall? Why not a drawing robot that draws on a large piece of paper on the ground? I think you’ll get better results from that. I
- [Wanna make a DrawBot?](https://makerblock.com/2012/01/wanna-make-a-drawbot/) - So, I wanna make a drawbot. While there are any number of draw-bots and art-bots out there, the kind I would really like to make is the kind that suspends a pen or a pen in a carriage on a wall by two wires or cords that are reeled in and out in order to
- [The biggest inkjet printer ever](https://makerblock.com/2012/08/the-biggest-inkjet-printer-ever/) - The other day I wondered what people have done with their InkShields. ((An InkShield is an Arduino shield that allows the Arduino to control an inkjet cartridge.)) ((Photo courtesy of iLEZ iLEZ)) Then I got to wondering what people were doing to mount their InkShield printer heads and move them around. Then I thought... hey!
- [Fab.com - BEST unsubscribe process EVAR](https://makerblock.com/2012/08/fab-com-best-unsubscribe-process-evar/) - The other day I got sick and tired of my inbox getting daily e-mails from Fab.com. It's a fine site, but I don't need a daily e-mail from just about anyone. ((Well, except YOU! I love getting YOUR e-mails! They keep me warm at night!)) Naturally, I sought out the unsubscribe link at the bottom
- [Driving Lessons from Google](https://makerblock.com/2012/08/driving-lessons-from-google/) - Last Monday I noticed a funny looking Google vehicle while driving back home from Palo Alto. ((Photo courtesy of Saad Faruque)) It was a white SUV with a big Google logo on the back passenger side door. Traffic was heavy and I didn't get to look at the vehicle very long. I've seen the Google
- [Wacky Realization #8565748](https://makerblock.com/2012/07/wacky-realization-8565748/) - I had a lot of driving to do this last week. ((Garry via Compfight)) For work I drove about 11 hours total on two separate days combined. Then, on Friday, I drove another 4 hours or so to visit some friends. Thankfully, driving back Saturday was only 3 hours. Driving back at around dusk on
- [Has it really been that long?](https://makerblock.com/2012/07/has-it-really-been-that-long/) - I just fired up OpenSCAD, my 3D design program of choice, and then it occurred to me that it's been quite a while since I've used it. A quick search for *.SCAD files on my hard drive revealed I haven't updated any OpenSCAD documents since 5/13/2012. ((Photo courtesy of Asja Borošvia Compfight)) That's more than
- [I am kicking myself](https://makerblock.com/2012/07/i-am-kicking-myself/) - For not naming that last post "A watched plot." I cannot believe I let that joke slip through my fingers.
- [DrawBot Practice Tip: A Watched Pot](https://makerblock.com/2012/07/drawbot-practice-tip-a-watched-pot/) - It's been a while since I've talked about my DrawBot. In large part that's because it's been a while since I've even used my DrawBot. After a little dry spell of making, I've been rocking the DrawBot. Previously I had been drawing things about the size of a sheet of paper. While this meant the
- [WordPress Cache Wars:  WP Super Cache wins!](https://makerblock.com/2012/07/wordpress-cache-wars-wp-super-cache-wins/) - I just read this super useful comparison test of four top-notch WordPress caching solutions. Since none of my websites have the kind of traffic that really warrants the optimal caching solution, it's nice to know what that solution actually is. :)
- [The bad kind of downtime](https://makerblock.com/2012/06/the-bad-kind-of-downtime/) - Failin' Personal downtime? Good. Server downtime? Bad. My other website (perpetually unlinked to) is sitting on a server which is apparently in Las Vegas, Nevada. ((Photo Credit: Ben Ho via Compfight)) They also, apparently, had a power failure and then an air conditioning unit failure and shut it all down. And, it's going to be
- [I don't know why it bothers me, but it just does](https://makerblock.com/2012/06/i-dont-know-why-it-bothers-me-but-it-just-does/) - Catcopter?!! Where's the back button?! Make Magazine posted that they would not be linking to the dead cat quadcopter. ((Photo Credit: Dino Abatzidis via Compfight)) That's something I can get behind. ((Full disclosure: I'm a cat person.)) The problem is - I struggle to be able to articulate or even rationalize why I feel this
- [QR Code for the Maker Faire 2012 App page](https://makerblock.com/2012/05/qr-code-for-the-maker-faire-2012-app-page/)
- [Mad and Sad about "Girls and Robots"](https://makerblock.com/2012/05/mad-and-sad-about-girls-and-robots/) - Robots, Trains, and Cars, oh my Andrea Phillips' recent post "Girls and Robots" made me so very mad and sad for both Andrea's daughter and my own. ((Photo Credit: Don via Compfight)) Right now my daughter and I play with trains, work on robots, talk about science and try to invent and discover things together.
- [Ack!  ShrimpTest!!!](https://makerblock.com/2012/05/ack-shrimptest/) - This shrimp, it's not so good as I once thought... I'd really really like to love ShrimpTest. ((Photo Credit: D. Sharon Pruitt via Compfight)) Apparently it is making the database on one of my sites continually puke errors. Great. This kinda sucks a lot.
- [So, what do you think of all the pictures?](https://makerblock.com/2012/05/so-what-do-you-think-of-all-the-pictures/) - I've been making a point of adding pictures to each post here. ((Photo Credit: Milos Milosevic via Compfight)) Did you notice? Do you like it? Do you not care? Lemme know!
- [Bad Idea #2098](https://makerblock.com/2012/05/bad-idea-2098/) - Great cheese comes from happy cows, but bad milk comes from mad cows I like my coffee with sweetened and with milk or cream. However, about six months ago we found we had no milk, no cream, no half-and-half, not even whipped cream in the fridge for the coffee. What we did have was powdered
- [I'm not ready to dismiss it as coincidence](https://makerblock.com/2012/05/im-not-ready-to-dismiss-it-as-coincidence/) - Perhaps it is just not all a roll of the die I'm going to mention some stuff related to Sherlock Season 2, A Scandal in Belgravia. ((Photo Credit: Souparna via Compfight)) If you haven't seen it, skip the rest of this post. First, after a re-re-watch, I need to correct my statement that it was
- [Do you have a Maker card?](https://makerblock.com/2012/05/do-you-have-a-maker-card/) - The best business card ever handed to me At Maker Faire last year I received several such non-business Maker cards from people. ((Photo Credit: Nathan Rupert via Compfight)) I'm thinking I would like to have some too. Do you have a Maker card? What information do you include on it? I'm thinking a QR code
- [Did anyone else think of NIHM?](https://makerblock.com/2012/05/did-anyone-else-think-of-nihm/) - What would Mrs. Frisby do?! I know I sure did. ((Photo Credit: Mixxie Sixty Seven via Compfight))
- [Yeah, twice](https://makerblock.com/2012/05/yeah-twice/) - Don't you laugh at me, Moffat... I'd say every time I've watched a Moffat production the second time, I've caught things I didn't see the first time. ((Photo Credit: Sara Zizza via Compfight)) Damn him. This almost goes without saying, but don't read further if you haven't seen the episode. Here's what I did and
- [No I don't!](https://makerblock.com/2012/05/no-i-dont/) - Short is relative Suck at brevity, that is. ((Photo Credit: William A. Clark via Compfight)) That post has some useful links I'm quite confident I'll look forward to re-reading. As this blog is as much an external extension of my memory as it is a method of expression, I'm hopeful you might find them interesting
- [Sherlock!!!](https://makerblock.com/2012/05/sherlock/) - Yay!!! I've got the DVR set - and I'm watching with rapt attention. Now that Masterpiece Theater is doing an intro, I can afford a few moments to blog/tweet. But, that's it until it ends. See you after. (( Photo Credit: Scott Monty via Compfight))
- [How should I give out two Free Maker Faire Bay Area tickets?](https://makerblock.com/2012/05/how-should-i-give-out-two-free-maker-faire-bay-area-tickets/) - Geek Chic @ Maker Faire After we already bought weekend passes for the Maker Faire Bay Area, I happened to have been given an two day pass tickets. (( Photo Credit: Steve Jurvetson via Compfight)) Now, what is the best way to give these out? I think I'd like to do a design challenge, but I
- [CompFight plugin, with 100% more awesome](https://makerblock.com/2012/04/compfight-plugin-with-100-more-awesome/) - I cannot express to you how much I just love this new CompFight plugin. ((Photo Credit: seyed mostafa zamani via Compfight)) Snagging images off of CompFight/Flickr and dropping them into a post is so freaking easy now. This is definitely going to become one of my stock-plugins for a fresh WordPress installation. I'm happy to
- [I have re-written this exact post subject line no less than five times](https://makerblock.com/2012/04/i-have-re-written-this-exact-post-subject-line-no-less-than-five-times/) - and I'm still not satisfied with it. ((Photo Credit: Emi Yañez via Compfight)) Ze Frank may just be my brand new hero. You see, all the things he says in this video are the exact kinds of things I could really stand to hear right now. I've listened to this particular video probably three times
- [So that's how he injured his ankle!](https://makerblock.com/2012/04/so-thats-how-he-injured-his-ankle/) - While the real story isn't that exciting, it would be a far more apt description to suggest that I did so by wedging my foot firmly in my mouth. ((Photo courtesy of joshuallen))
- [What was I thinking](https://makerblock.com/2012/04/what-was-i-thinking/) - I've got this website I'm working on and I'm trying to launch a new product. ((Photo Credit: Riccardo Cuppini via Compfight)) The last time I launched something there I built a quick hacky WordPress plugin using PayPal to serve up the product once a person had made an electronic payment. Not only was it hacky,
- [Another way to perform A/B testing in WordPress](https://makerblock.com/2012/04/another-way-to-perform-ab-testing-in-wordpress/) - I ran across this article on how to do "split testing" also known as "A/B testing" in WordPress. Basically, this process uses a Google Website Optimizer Plugin and Google's Analytics tools to handle all the heavy lifting. Once you create the control, test, and goal pages you would configure your Google Analytics account to look
- [ShrimpTest - how to fix incompatibilities with WordPress v3.3](https://makerblock.com/2012/04/shrimptest-how-to-fix-incompatibilities-with-wordpress-v3-3/) - ShrimpTest is a WordPress plugin with a LOT of promise. Basically, it is an A/B testing tool for WordPress. The plugin author, Mitcho, does a great job of explaining A/B testing and why it is important. If you are already familiar with A/B testing, you can skip ahead to 16:03 in the video to see
- [Kids' books reading lists for parents](https://makerblock.com/2012/04/kids-books-reading-lists-for-parents/) - Wired's GeekDad blog recently posted a really great list of book every geek should read to their kids before they're 10. I've read a lot, but not all, of those books and now I'm looking forward to reading them with my daughter. Since I kinda wish that list were in a checklist format, I've gone
- [Another Drawing Robot!!!](https://makerblock.com/2012/04/another-drawing-robot/) - I've added another link to the really huge list of drawing robots for a Facebook Wall Robot.
- [Windows and Tabs](https://makerblock.com/2012/04/windows-and-tabs/) - My FireFox tabs were getting out of control. I had about 50 tabs all stacked up and I couldn't really quite keep them all straight. Why so many? I had about a dozen tabs for things like Gmail, Twitter, a few random sites/blog posts I'd been meaning to read/scan, two YouTube videos I wanted to
- [Excellent DrawBot Slides](https://makerblock.com/2012/04/excellent-drawbot-slides/) - Dan Royer just posted his slides and notes from a recent talk at his local hackerspace. What I particularly like about these slides is that they simply and clearly lay out the math required to operate a DrawBot as well as some potentially practical implications and applications for a well designed DrawBot system.
- [Two new DrawBot links!  And an update!](https://makerblock.com/2012/04/two-new-drawbot-links-and-an-update/) - Thanks to Dan Royer, I've added two new links to my really huge list of DrawBots. That brings the total to 28 drawing robots! (( 28! 28 drawing robots! Ah-ha-ha-ha-ha!)) That's a really incredible number of people who have shared documentation for their hard work. Six months ago I wouldn't have guessed
- [Yup, just three](https://makerblock.com/2012/04/yup-just-three/) - My daughter asked me the other day about Indiana Jones. She must have seen an ad or something. I told her it was a series of movies about an archeologist adventurer. She asked how many. I said that no matter what anyone said, there were only three of them. And none of them had anything
- [Funny dream the other night](https://makerblock.com/2012/04/funny-dream-the-other-night/) - In the dream I had a few GREAT ideas, so, naturally, I wrote them down. When I have ideas in a dream and write them down, I find that about 75% of the time the ideas don't make any sense in the full light of day. I've heard that keeping a dream log helps with
- [Not what I expected at all](https://makerblock.com/2012/04/not-what-i-expected-at-all/) - I've never had to use crutches before. I had always thought using crutches would be kind of like a super power - being able to swing forward and out. I thought it might feel like being a money-man or perhaps a short giraffe. For anyone who is wondering, it's not like that at all. It's
- [Nothing personal](https://makerblock.com/2012/03/nothing-personal/) - Actually, maybe it is. I just went through my Facebook account and unfriended about a dozen people. But, not because we're not friends - it's because we are. If we're friends and you and I talk outside Facebook, there's no need for Facebook, and I have now unfriended you.
- [The Triumph of Intellect and Romance Over Brute Force And Cynicism](https://makerblock.com/2012/03/the-triumph-of-intellect-and-romance-over-brute-force-and-cynicism/) - It's really just about time for everyone to re-watch this.
- [I take it all back - Mad Men ain't half bad](https://makerblock.com/2012/03/i-take-it-all-back-mad-men-aint-half-bad/) - Several years ago I watched the first three episodes of Mad Men, decided it was crap, and never watched it again. Tonight I tried watching the fourth episode. It was a lot better. Also, if you haven't seen it, this is very funny.
- [Wow... the internet just became a friendlier place!](https://makerblock.com/2012/03/wow-the-internet-just-became-a-friendlier-place/) - Per Whosawhasis's suggestion, I installed AdBlock in my FireFox browser. I also installed a Facebook tracking blocker, since Facebook was really creeping me out. In this short time, it really feels like the internet just became a friendlier place. Awesome. Thanks Whosa!
- [Google, why you so creepy?](https://makerblock.com/2012/03/google-why-you-so-creepy-2/) - This is actually my second post with the same subject/topic/title. :/ As a joke I did a google search for "cell phone for elderly" because a friend of mine has this ridiculous habit of taking pictures with his iPhone UPSIDE down. Sure, it's easy enough to turn it back upside right - but wouldn't it
- [Facebook, why you so creepy?](https://makerblock.com/2011/02/facebook-why-you-so-creepy/) - I'm always shocked when Facebook shows me people I actually know as possible friends. I almost never use the site and when I do it's to get someone's e-mail address so I can e-mail them directly. Somehow they populate that list with people I rarely speak to and have zero public connections to. I mean,
- [Facebook, why are you so damned creepy?](https://makerblock.com/2011/01/facebook-why-are-you-so-damned-creepy/) - It seems every time I visit a website it already knows my name. When I walk into a favorite lunch hang out and I'm greeted by name, that's nice. When I walk into a store I've never been in before and they greet me by name and drop the names of a few friends... well,
- [Google, why you so creepy?](https://makerblock.com/2011/03/google-why-you-so-creepy/) - I'm used to seeing 3D printing services advertising in the Google ads on Thingiverse. Then I was searching for dog barking collars. A few hours later, back to Thingiverse... dog collars?!?! Cut it out!
- [Okay, that was a bad idea...](https://makerblock.com/2012/03/okay-that-was-a-bad-idea/) - I missed out on several episodes of The Walking Dead when the second half of season two returned in mid-February. Since AMC was going to re-air season two episodes before last night's season finale, I figured I'd just wait until the marathon was mostly over and watch everything, including the finale, without commercials. The second
- [PageRank: Zowie!](https://makerblock.com/2012/03/pagerank-zowie/) - I use a FireFox extension that tells me the Google PageRank, Alexa rank, and Complete ranks in the bottom right-hand corner of the screen. What I noticed today is that my main page has a PageRank of 3, but that one page on this site has a PageRank of 6! What the heck?!
- [DrawBot – How to Recover from a Stalled Print!](https://makerblock.com/2012/02/drawbot-how-to-recover-from-a-stalled-print/) - I should really have entitled this post "How to mostly recover from a stalled print." Several times now I've had a problem with the DrawBot stalling out and stopping a print. When this has happened, hours can pass and the little 'bot will do nothing at all. Such as last night. It was probably 80%
- [I suppose it's just as well they didn't have these when I was a kid](https://makerblock.com/2012/03/i-suppose-its-just-as-well-they-didnt-have-these-when-i-was-a-kid/) - Because I would have just taken to living inside it. Like a hobo. Like an AWESOME 8 year old hobo.
- [Making a MakerBot make a MakerBot](https://makerblock.com/2010/06/making-a-makerbot-make-a-makerbot/) - Thingiverse user Webca has uploaded a printable MakerBot. Back in February I thought it was audacious to hope someone would design a printable Y stage. Later that day I realized that if you had a MakerBot Cupcake Deluxe kit, you'd have all the tools plus much of the materials to build another MakerBot - suggesting
- [Am I too old to want one?](https://makerblock.com/2012/03/am-i-too-old-to-want-one/) - I know this one guy... he's got one... Actually, it's a TARDIS tent. For children 5 years and over. ((Size 180 x 90 x 90cm)) ((71 x 35½ x 35½")) But, still, how awesome is THAT?!
- [Speedier DrawBot Drawings](https://makerblock.com/2012/03/speedier-drawbot-drawings/) - When using my DrawBot to draw pixelated drawings (versus TSP or vectors) ((Actually, the TSP drawings ARE vector graphics...)) I don't really notice a pause from the machine between each pixel. It takes a few seconds to shade each pixel, then it moves to the next spot and starts over again. However, when trying to
- [TSP FTW!](https://makerblock.com/2012/03/tsp-ftw/) - I have been having SO MUCH FUN with traveling salesman problem / single line art! I can't wait to draw some of these with my DrawBot! And, really, how much more perfect could this project get? It's a TSP nerdy math single line art drawing of my favorite sci-fi show for drawing with a robot
- [There, now it's fixed!](https://makerblock.com/2012/03/there-now-its-fixed/) - I've enjoyed this program on Fox called "Breaking In." It has this affable young guy who has been in a lot of cancelled shows, Christian Slater acting like what I can only imagine is what Christian Slater is really like, and it was always quite entertaining. Since it was a pretty good and funny show,
- [Doctor Who Season 6 on Netflix Streaming!!!](https://makerblock.com/2012/03/doctor-who-season-6-on-netflix-streaming/) - Yay!!! Now, I've already seen Doctor Who Season 6. I liked it, but, on the whole, not as much as Season 5. Why am I so excited then? Because now I can delete these episodes off our DVR and watch them, unedited, without commercials just as god intended.
- [Maker Faire 2012 - Torn](https://makerblock.com/2012/03/maker-faire-2012-torn/) - So, here's the thing. I really really really like the Maker Faire. I'm just torn as to the most optimal way to experience it. First of all, I love taking my wife and daughter to Maker Faire. Getting to see so many amazing things all in one place - and getting to see them all
- [New MakerBot high resolution record!](https://makerblock.com/2010/07/new-makerbot-high-resolution-record/) - Update: Since this post others have achieved sub-0.1mm layer prints with their MakerBots as low as 0.075mm/layer Ddurand123 has probably just taken the world record for highest resolution. The current record holder is Rick Pollack at 0.15mm per layer. Ddurant123 was able to print a 10mm test cube at 0.1mm per layer. Dave! How did
- [How would you bring users back?](https://makerblock.com/2012/03/how-would-you-bring-users-back/) - I've got this other website with several thousand registered users. This morning I wondered - how many of these users are really active users and how many registered and then abandoned their account. I was kind of shocked to discover that for one of my target demographics, only about 20% of those registered users visited
- [Proud Parenting Moment](https://makerblock.com/2012/03/proud-parenting-moment/) - This isn't my absolute proudest parenting moment, but it is way up there. Thursday we bought a bunch of small rolls, suitable for small sandwiches, from the grocery store. Friday night I was talking about how delicious they are and how suitable they are for small sandwiches. At which point my daughter tells me she's
- [Who is tracking you?  Collusion plugin for FireFox](https://makerblock.com/2012/03/who-is-tracking-you-collusion-plugin-for-firefox/) - If you want to see something that is simultaneously disturbing and ego-inflating, check out the Collusion plugin for FireFox. ((In a perverse way, it is slightly ego-inflating because I'm clearly so very important to ALL these companies!)) A friend of mine e-mailed me the link to the LifeHacker post discussing it. If you want to
- [Restarting a Stalled DrawBot Drawing](https://makerblock.com/2012/03/restarting-a-stalled-drawbot-drawing/) - Over the last two days or so I've drawn the largest picture yet with my DrawBot. I started it on Friday night and, with numerous pauses and other misadventures, finished it this morning. The drawing is roughly 12" x 18" or so. ((I rolled it up and gave it to a friend before I thought
- [Gotta love wikipedia](https://makerblock.com/2012/03/gotta-love-wikipedia/) - There's a whole huge article entitled "List of Doctor Who items" which covers just about everything I've ever seen on the show.
- [American Idol Performance Pro-Tip](https://makerblock.com/2012/02/american-idol-performance-pro-tip/) - Singing a song slower doesn't make it better.
- [WordPress Plugin: Easy CC License](https://makerblock.com/2012/02/wordpress-plugin-easy-cc-license/) - [ezcc] I've written a new WordPress plugin! It uses the Creative Commons API to grab the appropriate license based on your license choices. While there's still room to improve the plugin, I'm pretty happy with the way it's turned out. I've made a conscious effort to use best plugin programming practices - and learned a
- [Plugin Considerations](https://makerblock.com/2012/02/plugin-considerations/) - When designing/writing software, or I suppose any kind of engineering for that matter, there is always a tension between features and complexity. I really want this Simple Series WordPress plugin to be simple and easy to use. But, as I use it more and more I find there are some possible features that I wouldn't
- [DrawBot – Another Successful(ish) Drawing!, and an Update](https://makerblock.com/2012/02/drawbot-another-successfulish-drawing-and-an-update/) - The drawings are getting better with a little tinkering. I've designed, printed, and installed new motor spools. These have a thicker central core, so they should be able to collect more monofilament line with slightly less distortion. I've made a few changes to the setup. Dialing in the starting area and calibrating the starting home
- [Guilty Pleasure #293](https://makerblock.com/2012/02/guilty-pleasure-293/) - I found a container of canned air at work. I practically emptied it into my laptop and desktop keyboard. I held the desktop keyboard vertically and ran the air can up and down. In doing so, I accidentally zapped my hand. Cold! I know the directions say not to do it, but then I did
- [Looking forward](https://makerblock.com/2009/11/looking-forward/) - This website for documenting my attempt to build a MakerBot Industries CupCake CNC 3D printer. I’ve got just about no experience working with electronics and no experience building robots. So, its going to be a wild ride. It is named “Bender.” Here’s what I’d like to see happen: Documenting everything inside the CupCake Deluxe CNC
- [DrawBot – Onwards and Upwards!](https://makerblock.com/2012/02/drawbot-onwards-and-upwards/) - A few thoughts about operating a DrawBot, in semi-organized fashion: Vertical Surface Drawing. There is an interesting tension in the design of a vertical line-driven drawing robot. As the drawing surface orientation approaches horizontal, the easier time the robot will have using a standard pen to draw, the more difficult it will be to control
- [What's it like to have to have the power to feature things on Thingiverse?](https://makerblock.com/2011/10/whats-it-like-to-have-to-have-the-power-to-feature-things-on-thingiverse/) - I wouldn't know. But, my guess is that it feels like living on a planet where the air is made of chocolate and I have gills that allow me to breathe and taste at the same time. It must be glorious...
- [DrawBot – Pen Selection, Part II](https://makerblock.com/2012/02/drawbot-pen-selection-part-ii/) - I believe my next challenge, aside from better DrawBot calibration, is to find a good pen and paper combination. This afternoon after I got back from a meeting, but before I went back to the office, I stopped off at an office supply store. The local craft/hobby store near work didn't have any really big
- [DrawBot – Drawing Success(ish)!!!](https://makerblock.com/2012/02/drawbot-drawing-successish/) - I think that turned out rather well!!! If you look closely at the area circled in red in the next picture, you'll see where there is a discontinuity in the line. You may have to look at the large version to really see where this happens. I suspect that my attempt to fix the stalled
- [DrawBot – Pen Selection](https://makerblock.com/2012/02/drawbot-pen-selection/) - I just tried several pens. Here's what I've found: "Fine point" Sharpie, black. This is the kind you typically use. It makes a huge, stinky, black line that leaks all over. Not recommended. "Ultra fine point" Sharpie, black. This also leaked right through the paper, made a super thick line, and made such a mess
- [DrawBot – Calibration](https://makerblock.com/2012/02/drawbot-calibration/) - Calibrating my DrawBot was apparently important to its operation. Who knew?! If you're following along at home, you'll definitely want to check out Sandy Noble's instructible on Polargraph calibration. I'll put my settings here, but they probably won't be that helpful to you unless you're using the same exact equipment and hardware as I am.
- [DrawBot – Why are you crying?](https://makerblock.com/2012/02/drawbot-why-are-you-crying/) - After about half an hour I noticed my drawing robot was not making the low scritchy scratchy humming drawing noise. I've started the drawing again... It looked like it should have been working, the controller software indicated it was still connected, the command queue was still loaded, the Arduino + Motor Shield were still lit
- [You know there's something wrong when...](https://makerblock.com/2012/02/you-know-theres-something-wrong-when/) - My office is about two blocks from a grocery store and many days I'll just walk out there and grab a sandwich from the deli. As I was walking back I thought of something I might want to blog... but none of my current blogs ((I post two places regularly and on a third site
- [DrawBot – Printing, Part II](https://makerblock.com/2012/02/drawbot-printing-part-ii/) - After actually calibrating my machine, the results are MUCH better. I still need to adjust the settings a little, but otherwise I'm very very happy with this result. As you can see, the drawing is flipped. Once flipped back, I think it is reasonably apparent this is Van Gogh's Starry Night. Here are a few
- [DrawBot – The Breakdown, Part II](https://makerblock.com/2012/02/drawbot-the-breakdown-part-ii/) - Since my prior cost breakdown post, I've invested a little more in this project. Thankfully, this hasn't been a project where I've been throwing money at the end goal. Overall, it's been incredibly cheap with the cost of failure at the most delicate points being quite low.this help in choosing the steppers and power adapter.
- [DrawBot – Printing!](https://makerblock.com/2012/02/drawbot-printing/) - I've actually printed something using my DrawBot!!! Would you like to see it?! As you can see, this is a print of Van Gogh's Starry Night. It has a few problems. First, the pen was non-ideal. This will take some experimentation. Second, the image, as anyone can tell you, is mirrored. Third, the image was
- [DrawBot – The Assembly, Part VIII](https://makerblock.com/2012/02/drawbot-the-assembly-part-viii/) - Well, my newly designed motor mounts, while cool, just aren't working. If I were committed to using that long pine box, I could probably make a go of them. I've tried several variations on this robot, and nothing has really worked so far. Here's what I've tried: In a box, mounted to the wall This
- [DrawBot – The Operation, Part I](https://makerblock.com/2012/02/drawbot-the-operation-part-i/) - I need to make my DrawBot voice activated. So that when I yell, "No! Nonononono!" at it, it will stop. On the plus side, "progress is being made."
- [DrawBot – The Assembly, Part VII](https://makerblock.com/2012/02/drawbot-the-assembly-part-vii/) - Yesterday I accomplished a little more with my DrawBot. Here's what I did: Drilled holes in my project box ((A long pine box)) for running mounting wires through the box. Drilled holes in my project box for the power cord and USB cable. I added several yards of monofilament line to each spool. The way
- [Roboapocalypse averted](https://makerblock.com/2012/02/roboapocalypse-averted/) - Yesterday I got to hang out with Chris of DIYDrones. We discussed this video and he assured me that SkyNet is still a little ways off. What I didn't realize about those videos is that they are, in Chris' words, one step up from a simulation. The rooms in which those copters are flying have
- [I kept thinking... SkyNet](https://makerblock.com/2012/02/i-kept-thinking-skynet/) - @johnbaichtal had this to say: Dude, quadrotors are scary. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YQIMGV5vtd4 Watching an army of nano quadrotors fly in formation, swarm, and return to formation was almost surreal. It really did feel like I was watching a clip out of Terminator. If you get a chance, watch the other videos by this same uploader, "TheDemel" as
- [On Partially Closed Systems (or why businesses should share more)](https://makerblock.com/2012/01/on-partially-closed-systems-or-why-businesses-should-share-more/) - Sometimes it is just silly not to share. Take for instance mouser and digikey's refusal to make a cost API available ((No longer there. Bummer.)) or Polulu's refusal to share their 3D image files for their products. I say these are partially closed systems because, for whatever reason, the system controllers refuse to facilitate sharing.
- [Kodak, Kodak, Kodak...](https://makerblock.com/2012/01/kodak-kodak-kodak/) - Over the last few weeks Kodak has been on NPR several times. Kodak invented digital camera technology, but never tried to push it - since it didn't advance their core method for making money... selling film. I'm reminded of this because I've finally come very very close to finally using up my 5 pound coil
- [Can you tell I'm trying not to work?](https://makerblock.com/2012/01/can-you-tell-im-trying-not-to-work/) - I've been sick the last few days. Yesterday I thought I was feeling pretty good and ran a bunch of errands. By the time I got back home and took care of a few small projects around the house... I was totally wiped. It felt like someone had just pulled the plug on me. Obviously,
- [DrawBot – Printed Parts](https://makerblock.com/2012/01/drawbot-printed-parts/) - So far I've got three types of printed parts: Spools These spools hold the monofilament and are friction fit onto the motor shaft. You can check out the designs on Thingiverse. Motor Mounts The Thingiverse page actually has a lot of information about the motor mounts. They're designed in OpenSCAD and are mostly parametric. Since
- [DrawBot – The Assembly, Part IV](https://makerblock.com/2012/01/drawbot-the-assembly-part-iv/) - Here's what I was able to do last night: As I've mentioned, I know very very little about Arduinos or how to hook them up. Although the Adafruit stepper motor page gives some guidance as to how to hook up the Stepper motor - 200 steps/rev, 12V 350mA, "Red, Yellow, skip ground, Green, Brown," I have
- [DrawBot – The Assembly, Part VI](https://makerblock.com/2012/01/drawbot-the-assembly-part-vi/) - Okay! It was a good day for drawing robots in the MakerBlock household! Here's what we got accomplished: I designed some motor mounts, printed one... and had to redesign it. Gotta love having a 3D printer! I selected a long shallow pine box to hold the motors and electronics. I tried a variety of sound
- [Simple Series - Half-Life; Market Research](https://makerblock.com/2012/01/simple-series-half-life-market-research/) - I'm wondering at what point will the downloads on this plugin plateau. Whatever the eventual baseline download rate, I would suspect that speaks to the amount of maximum market share that is possible for a plugin that performs these functions. ((I promise I won't subject your RSS feed to my obsessive stats checking. Much of
- [Anti-Virals](https://makerblock.com/2012/01/anti-virals/) - Here's the WordPress.org plugin download stats for "Simple Series with SEO!" for the first three days. 1/26/2012: 1 download ((That was me installing it in another blog!)) 1/27/2012: 99 downloads ((And a blog ain't one)) 1/28/2012: 37 downloads ((I have nothing clever to say about this.)) It looks after being bumped from the newest plugins
- [TARDIS's are more practical than you might think...](https://makerblock.com/2012/01/tardiss-are-more-practical-than-you-might-think/) - You could use a prop TARDIS for a tool shed, chicken coop, garden shed, file cabinet, etc. ((A place to change clothes very quickly before you go off to save the world?)) But, as I was watching that video of Sillysparrowness build her TARDIS, I couldn't help thinking... This is a time and relative dimensions
- [DrawBot – The Assembly, Part V](https://makerblock.com/2012/01/drawbot-the-assembly-part-v/) - I just finished soldering the Adafruit Motor Shield ... this time with all the bits in the correct places. The Adafruit directions are incredibly detailed, I just soldered a few parts in wrong like an idiot last time. This time it went much smoother and much quicker. I just wired up the two steppers, plugged
- [DrawBot – The Delivery, Part VI](https://makerblock.com/2012/01/drawbot-the-delivery-part-vi/) - Okay, that was FAST. I ordered the Adafruit motor shield from MakerBot on 1/26/2012 just after midnight and it arrived today a little after noon. That's about two-and-a-half days for the parts to be packed, shipped, make it from Brooklyn, NY to Oakland, CA and then to my secret robot lair in the Bay Area.
- [New Poll: Which kind of posts do you like?](https://makerblock.com/2012/01/new-poll-which-kind-of-posts-do-you-like/) - I'm actually curious!
- [I had a dream last night](https://makerblock.com/2012/01/i-had-a-dream-last-night-3/) - One of my favorite songs has this line in it, so I just like saying and writing it. So much so that I've used that same exact title for three posts, including this one. Okay, so, in this dream a huge package arrived from MakerBot. It contained a bunch of spools different colored plastics, a
- [Ignore that last post](https://makerblock.com/2012/01/ignore-that-last-post/) - That stuff about the twitter frame busting code is just so I don't lose that snippet of code. Plus, I suppose it might be useful to someone.
- [Twitter.com Frame Escaping Code](https://makerblock.com/2012/01/twitter-com-frame-escaping-code/) - function bust () { document.write = ""; window.top.location = window.self.location; setTimeout(function() { document.body.innerHTML = ''; }, 0); window.self.onload = function(evt) { document.body.innerHTML = ''; }; } if (window.top !== window.self) { // are you trying to put self in an iframe? try { if (window.top.location.host) { // this is illegal to access unless you
- [Late Night Musings](https://makerblock.com/2012/01/late-night-musings/) - I have a feeling this might be a long-ish post. Buckle up! There's a line from one of Douglas Adams books that I just love to quote. I don't just love to quote this bit, I love to say it fast. I don't just love to say it fast, I love to say it fast
- [She built her own TARDIS!](https://makerblock.com/2012/01/she-built-her-own-tardis/) - I just can't help it. I'm such a sucker for DIY Doctor Who stuff. ((Ladies and gentlemen of the jury... Exhibit A!)) Until now I had only known about Project Dalek for people who wanted to build replica Daleks. I suppose I should have known, but never thought to have looked it up, that there's
- [Articles on writing WordPress Plugins](https://makerblock.com/2012/01/articles-on-writing-wordpress-plugins/) - Looking back at one's code from years prior is like looking back at a junior high school picture of one's self. I'm looking back at the code for my quick-and-dirty pie chart plugin and think, man, why did I write things THAT way? In the 1,000 years since I wrote that plugin in 2009, I've
- [Simple Series with SEO! after just one day](https://makerblock.com/2012/01/simple-series-with-seo-after-just-one-day/) - I'm really happy to report that per the WordPress.org stats, this little post series plugin has been downloaded more than 100 times so far. That's really awesome. And, now that I've figured out how to work this wacky SVN thing, I think it would be fun to release some of the other random little plugins
- [DrawBot – The Silver Lining of Failure](https://makerblock.com/2012/01/drawbot-the-silver-lining-of-failure/) - After having fried my Adafruit motor shield with excessive levels of stupidity by accidentally soldering two chips in each other's spots, I thought of a little bit of silver lining. I now have an H-bridge and an IC that may both still be good!
- [ZOMG!  Simple Series is going viral!](https://makerblock.com/2012/01/zomg-simple-series-is-going-viral/) - Nine people have downloaded my super awesome WordPress plugin for automatically generated a list of posts in a series! NINE, internets - NINE whole people! ((Wait... now ten!))
- [Simple Series WordPress Plugin](https://makerblock.com/2012/01/simple-series-wordpress-plugin/) - I've written a new WordPress plugin specifically designed to let you simply and easily create a series of related posts. You can download Simple Series here. What does "Simple Series" do? Simple Series uses a WordPress shortcode to associate your posts together. All you have to do is use the same shortcode in all of
- [Now Simple Series will also add the series list to RSS feeds too!](https://makerblock.com/2012/01/now-simple-series-will-also-add-the-series-list-to-rss-feeds-too/) - How awesome is that?!
- [This is a test of the Simple Series post system...  This is only a test](https://makerblock.com/2012/01/this-is-a-test-of-the-simple-series-post-system-this-is-only-a-test/) - This is really just to see if I've solved the "Hey! The series link doesn't show up in my RSS feed" problem. ((Thanks for telling my Dna!))
- [A nifty little WordPress plugin...](https://makerblock.com/2012/01/a-nifty-little-wordpress-plugin/) - The idea for this little plugin has been rattling around in my head for a little while now. It clocks in at less than 60 lines of code, including comments, and makes it easy to create a "series" for posts. As I've been blogging about my (mis)adventures in building a DrawBot, I've been updating each
- [i find i want to add more posts in some random series, just so i can use my new plugin](https://makerblock.com/2012/01/i-find-i-want-to-add-more-posts-in-some-random-series-just-so-i-can-use-my-new-plugin/) - Wouldn't that be something? A bunch of posts... all associated with one another by nothing more than some kind of random brain process fueled by stubbornness, a fever, and too much caffeine?
- [My first published WordPress plugin!  Simple Series!](https://makerblock.com/2012/01/my-first-published-wordpress-plugin-simple-series/) - This may seem silly, but I'm really happy with having published my very first plugin on WordPress.org. My Simple Series plugin lets you easily create and helps you automatically maintain a list of posts. I started writing this plugin because all of the existing ones seemed really clunky and over-engineered. There's no need for extra
- [What in the world am I doing?](https://makerblock.com/2012/01/what-in-the-world-am-i-doing/) - I'm still sick. I should not be at work right now. I should be at home, in my jammies, asleep. Delirium and the giggles have set in. I wonder what I've been e-mailing my clients all morning? Gah, it's only 2pm. In three more hours rainbow armadillos shooting stars out of their butts will seem
- [DrawBot, the Adventure Begins](https://makerblock.com/2012/01/drawbot-the-adventure-begins/) - Update: If you want to find the latest on my DrawBot adventures and build log, check out this link! Okay! I think I'm ready to do this! Is anyone interested in playing along at home? Let's give this a whirl! Here's what I'm thinking: Type. There are at least three distinct drawing styles among the
- [DrawBots for the slow learner](https://makerblock.com/2012/01/drawbots-for-the-slow-learner/) - Today I bugged several people far more knowledgeable than I about Arduinos, drawbots, steppers, servos, and power supplies. Here's what I've learned: Apparently you can run a drawbot using tin can steppers! (Just check out LadaAda's setup!) Apparently you can power those steppers through the power the Adafruit Motor Shield gets through the Arduino! (Thanks
- [DrawBot - Parts Ordered!!!](https://makerblock.com/2012/01/drawbot-parts-ordered/) - So, I just placed an order for all the electronics parts I'll need. A big thank-you to John Abella for this help in choosing the steppers and power adapter. Here's what I bought and from where: Adafruit Industries 9 VDC 1000mA regulated switching power adapter - UL listed Stepper motor - 200 steps/rev, 12V 350mA
- [DrawBot - The Breakdown](https://makerblock.com/2012/01/drawbot-the-breakdown/) - The Breakdown: Overall, this project cost to date is $103.30. That's less than I would have spent for a single really large framed print. If I had to, I could have done this for less - especially if I were willing to be more patient. If I had placed my order with just one source
- [DrawBot - Parts Shipped!!!](https://makerblock.com/2012/01/drawbot-parts-shipped/) - Yesterday I placed an order with Adafruit and MakerBot for all the parts I'll need to build a DrawBot. The MakerBot order shipped that same day and I just got a confirmation that the Adafruit order has shipped. According to the USPS priority shipping estimates, it should take 2 days for these packages to get
- [DrawBot - What would you draw?](https://makerblock.com/2012/01/drawbot-what-would-you-draw/) - If you're just tuning in, I'm going to be building a DrawBot. Or, in the alternative, I intend to fail as spectacularly as I can. However, it occurs to me that I need not be constrained by just my ideas of what a drawing robot should draw. Admittedly, several of my anticipated print jobs are
- [DrawBot - The Plan!](https://makerblock.com/2012/01/drawbot-the-plan/) - What's next? Well, once the parts arrive I'll have my hands full. I'll need to: Solder up the Adafruit Motor Shield kit Solder together some long wires to run between the motors and electronics Print or recycle some spools ((Printing, for sure!)) Print the motor mounts and print-head/gondola Add some monofilament line ((I don't fish,
- [DrawBot - The Hacks](https://makerblock.com/2012/01/drawbot-the-hacks/) - Chatting with Sandy Noble over at the Polargraph website has been extremely helpful. ((The photo is from Sandy Noble's photo stream. It says All Rights Reserved and I will happily take it down if he asks and says this is not a fair use. Given that all of his stuff has been very open source,
- [DrawBot - Giant Unicorn?](https://makerblock.com/2012/01/drawbot-giant-unicorn/) - As you may know, I've got a MakerBot Cupcake named "Bender" and a MakerBot Thing-O-Matic named "Flexo". There's really no doubt in my mind I'll be springing for a Replicator with dual extrusion. ((Will my extravagance know no bounds?!)) Thankfully, I think there's a way for me to make use of each of my robots,
- [DrawBot - The Delivery?](https://makerblock.com/2012/01/drawbot-the-delivery/) - I don't think all of my parts are going to arrive in time for me to take a crack at assembling a DrawBot this weekend. Per the USPS: MakerBot shipment: Your item departed our OAKLAND, CA 94615 sort facility on January 13, 2012. Adafruit shipment: Your item departed our NEW YORK, NY 10199 sort facility
- [DrawBot - The Delivery, Part II](https://makerblock.com/2012/01/drawbot-the-delivery-part-ii/) - Dang. A co-worker just reminded me that Monday is a holiday. If the parts don't arrive today or tomorrow, I'll be waiting until Tuesday. Patience... patience...
- [DrawBot – The Delivery, Part III](https://makerblock.com/2012/01/drawbot-the-delivery-part-iii/) - So, I've figured it out. Admittedly, it took until about 4:45pm today, but I figured it out. Today was Friday the Thirteenth. Duh. That DEFINITELY explains my work day. I was very happy to find the Adafruit Motor/Stepper/Servo Shield for Arduino kit - v1.0 had arrived from MakerBot. When I opened ((Read: shredded the USPS
- [DrawBot – The Assembly, Part I](https://makerblock.com/2012/01/drawbot-the-assembly-part-i/) - I assembled most of the Adafruit Motor/Stepper/Servo Shield for Arduino kit – v1.0 last night. Since I don't have an Arduino yet, ((It's on its way!!!)) I didn't want to solder in the connector pins. Other than those four connectors, it is all soldered up. FYI, don't try to put the L293D into the 16-pin
- [DrawBot – The Software, Part I (and an existential conversation)](https://makerblock.com/2012/01/drawbot-the-software-part-i-and-an-existential-conversation/) - This morning the USPS website told me that the remaining parts from Adafruit left Oakland yesterday. As of this moment, they should be sitting at my local Post Office... but not go out for delivery until tomorrow as today is a postal holiday. (( My current self [CS] would like to point out to my
- [DrawBot – The Delivery, Part IV](https://makerblock.com/2012/01/drawbot-the-delivery-part-iv/) - It always kinda freaks me out for a moment when I am talking to someone and they reference something I've written in a blog post. It takes me a little bit to process that the act of blogging isn't really a solitary one - that I'm usually interacting with the people who read it. While
- [DrawBot – The Assembly, Part II](https://makerblock.com/2012/01/drawbot-the-assembly-part-ii/) - Now that all the parts have arrived, I've finished soldering the Adafruit Motor Shield, it's time to figure out what the hell I'm doing. The Parts 9 VDC 1000mA regulated switching power adapter – UL listed Stepper motor – 200 steps/rev, 12V 350mA Micro servo Arduino Uno R3 (Atmega328 – assembled) Adafruit Motor/Stepper/Servo Shield for
- [DrawBot – The Delivery, Part V](https://makerblock.com/2012/01/drawbot-the-delivery-part-v/) - After frying some unknown number of unknown parts, I'm re-ordering an Adafruit Motor/Stepper/Servo Shield for Arduino Kit v1.0 from MakerBot. ((Option #2, recall?)) Upon its arrival, I'll need to solder the new board and try, again, to build a DrawBot!
- [DrawBot – The Assembly, Part III](https://makerblock.com/2012/01/drawbot-the-assembly-part-iii/) - I debated with myself over how best to lay out my build log for this DrawBot. ((FYI, I was explaining this DrawBot to a friend at a party yesterday. He suggested I create a wipe board robot instead, similar to the Lady Ada and Matt Metts robots, and call it the BotWiper.)) Is it better
- [DrawBot – Design Considerations](https://makerblock.com/2012/01/drawbot-design-considerations/) - This post isn't really so much of an update as it is a way for me to jot down some thoughts about this DrawBot and to keep me occupied. ((I don't feel like working, even though the hour grows late and I will need to get a bunch of things done one way or another.))
- [DrawBot – Halp!!!  No - seriously, a little help?](https://makerblock.com/2012/01/drawbot-halp-no-seriously-a-little-help/) - Okay, I'm stuck. I don' t know what I'm doing wrong or what I need to do next. So, I'm calling upon John Abella, Sandy Noble, and Kongorilla for your help. :) Here's where I am: The burning! At last attempt, I hooked up some small steppers to the Adafruit motor shield, put the shield
- [DrawBot – The Face Palm](https://makerblock.com/2012/01/drawbot-the-face-palm/) - Okay. Confession time. First, if you have been following along at home, I'm sorry - I have been leading you on a fool's quest. I did warn you at the outset I had no idea what the hell I was doing. Carry on, don't worry about me, I'll go down with this ship. Second, here's
- [3.57% More Contempt](https://makerblock.com/2012/01/3-57-more-contempt/) - I really hate January and February. This year, I have 3.57% more contempt for February since it is a leap year. Historically, these are dark and foreboding months for me. I am grateful this month is nearly at an end, but fearful for what lies ahead. I'm not overly superstitious, but like any reasonable man
- [Goodbye Kitty](https://makerblock.com/2012/01/goodbye-kitty/) - This past Thursday one of our kitties was acting very lethargic and withdrawn. Highly unusual behavior for such a social, friendly, and outgoing creature. We took her to the vet for tests that day and heard back from them on Saturday. I was in a meeting in San Francisco when I got the news. I
- [Google Sketchup Plugins](https://makerblock.com/2010/01/google-sketchup-plugins/) - I cannot take credit for these fantastic plugins. Since posting this originally I have heavily edited it to include all the great Google Sketchup plugins I'm using. ((I don't have the author's names/links handy at the moment, but when I find them I'll update this page.)) Without further ado they are: - This script will
- [ProfileMaker Update - and an apology!](https://makerblock.com/2012/01/profilemaker-update-and-an-apology/) - Last week, in an attempt to improve ProfileMaker I actually made some things worse - including screwing up the calculations. So, if you ran some calculations last week and got some terrible results, that's why. Extra apologies to Tyler, since this was his first experience with ProfileMaker. So, what's different? Well, a lot. I added
- [My New Wallpaper](https://makerblock.com/2012/01/my-new-wallpaper/) - It's just so damn pretty!
- [DMCA dot com - I CANNOT believe I didn't think of this...](https://makerblock.com/2012/01/dmca-dot-com-i-cannot-believe-i-didnt-think-of-this/) - I'm not going to actually link to DMCA dot com because I don't want to send any Google juice their way. ((They've got their PageRank of 5 and I'm only a little jealous)) This is just so freaking evil I cannot believe I didn't think of it. ((I have evil ideas from time to time,
- [This may be the worst SFW website anywhere on the internet](https://makerblock.com/2012/01/this-may-be-the-worst-sfw-website-anywhere-on-the-internet/) - I came across this website as a result of something I was researching for work. I merely thought the website was bad until I saw a rainbow armadillo shoot stars out of its butt. Then I realized it was all so much worse. It is perfectly safe-for-work. It may send you into seizures, but it's
- [ProfileMaker update](https://makerblock.com/2012/01/profilemaker-update/) - I've made a few slight modifications to ProfileMaker. First, after testing it seems that the apparent optimal W/T is approximately 1.67 or so. Using this value for target W/T setting has lead to my cleanest and most sturdy prints. Admittedly, I haven't done proper science-testing to determine the optimal value - but I do not
- [Seriously, BBC?!](https://makerblock.com/2012/01/seriously-bbc/) - Okay, I get that you want to show Sherlock in the UK before it airs in the US, but really? Those in England got to see it on 1/1/2012 and those in the States have to wait until 5/6/2012 on PBS. My DVR doesn't go out that far. It's been nearly one and a half
- [New And Improved!](https://makerblock.com/2012/01/new-and-improved/) - One of my New Year's resolutions is to lose weight. I've used Fitday.com in the past with a lot of success. Unfortunately, they've redone their website it is almost totally unusable. It's always been an annoyance that the site doesn't remember me if I close the tab and come back 1 minute later. Cookies and
- [Verizon Wireless Contract Cancellation](https://makerblock.com/2011/12/verizon-wireless-contract-cancellation/) - Some friends of mine wanted help with their Verizon account. Basically, they had ((I kid you not)) six wireless lines. I'm a pretty tech savvy guy and I've got two. But, nevertheless, they had six - one of which was a smart phone line with a data plan they had reduced to a normal phone
- [On Being A Bad Consumer](https://makerblock.com/2011/12/on-being-a-bad-consumer/) - The Christmas season always reminds me how much I dislike and avoid shopping when I can. I especially avoid retail stores and do my best not to enter a mall. ((I think I've entered a mall thrice this year - once for some appliance I can't recall, once for a new pair of sneakers, and
- [MakerBot Ordered!](https://makerblock.com/2009/11/makerbot-ordered/) - Ever since hearing about the RepRap project more than a year and a half ago I've been dying to make/build/buy one. This last May I got to see an actual MakerBot CupCake CNC print a lego right in front of my eyes at the 2009 MakerFaire in San Mateo. One of the best parts was
- [The Downside of Blogging](https://makerblock.com/2011/12/the-downside-of-blogging/) - I have another website/blog that I've really basically neglected the hell out of. Due to some new developments related to that other blog, I put up three posts in the last month. Which is cool and all except... Now I'm getting pelted with spam through that blog and to the address associated with that website.
- ["Bellflower" ... uh, wtf?](https://makerblock.com/2011/12/bellflower-uh-wtf/) - Last night I watched "Bellflower." I don't know what the hell happened in this movie. Anyone want to help me out here?!
- [Probably my most popular design ever...](https://makerblock.com/2011/12/probably-my-most-popular-design-ever/) - I can't tell you how giddy I get when I see that someone has printed this and uploaded a picture. So, to the eight people who have done so - thank you!
- [How PayPal Stole Christmas](https://makerblock.com/2011/12/how-paypal-stole-christmas/) - Apparently PayPal has decided to royally screw up Christmas for needy families. PayPal, here's the thing. Assuming any truth to these descriptions, one of your representatives was drunk with power and went off the deep end. Throw them under the bus as fast as you can, apologize, and fix everything. Fix everything in such an
- [What do you listen to when you're hacking/coding?](https://makerblock.com/2011/12/what-do-you-listen-to-when-youre-hackingcoding/) - I'm just curious what other people listen to. ((My mix is an eclectic mix of current pop and rap, 80's goth-rock, and other random stuff.)) Would it be safe to assume that Daft Punk is a staple?
- [More than the sum of its parts](https://makerblock.com/2011/12/more-than-the-sum-of-its-parts/) - I just searched for the Pet Shop Boys song "Opportunity" for adding to my late-night-coding-and-working mix. This was not the song I was thinking of. The song I really wanted was "Opportunities" by the Pet Shop Boys. Let's just say this, listening to "Opportunity" twice would NOT be a good as listening to "Opportunities" once.
- [WordPress makes all the difference](https://makerblock.com/2011/12/wordpress-makes-all-the-difference/) - ...I don't care what FakeGrimlock says. ((No matter how hurtful it is...)) I finally updated the WordPress installation on this other blog of mine. ((Yeah, I know. Three blogs?! It's true! But, it's far less frequently updated - more on this in a second)) I've more or less neglected that other blog for almost two
- [Fakegrimlock... how could you?!](https://makerblock.com/2011/12/fakegrimlock-how-could-you/) - Everyone has to take a stand somewhere. Mine is with WordPress. Fakegrimlock, how could you?! I'm pretty damned sure the REAL Grimlock would NEVER say such a thing. ((Plus, I mean, just who the hell is a robot dinosaur to give out opinions on the benefits of one blogging/CMS platform over another? With those itty
- [It feels good to finally get this over with...](https://makerblock.com/2011/12/it-feels-good-to-finally-get-this-over-with/) - I have this other ((Mysterious)) website for which I've been avoiding upgrading WordPress. ((It's an uninteresting niche business website - you're not missing anything.)) This is basically a developer sin, I know. I wrote some plugins and some features for this particular website and my concern was that by upgrading I might break some parts
- [Adventures in blogging!](https://makerblock.com/2011/11/adventures-in-blogging/) - The internet can be a big scary place when you have to google for "rubber eyes."
- [Silence in the White House](https://makerblock.com/2011/11/silence-in-the-white-house/) - A super big thank you to Sven Hecht for spotting this and sending it my way. After bursting out laughing, I then had to explain to everyone around me just why it was so funny.
- [You Can't Please Everyone (but, maybe - just maybe you could please Scott Berkun)](https://makerblock.com/2011/11/you-cant-please-everyone-but-maybe-just-maybe-you-could-please-scott-berkun/) - Here's a tweet from Scott Berkun in response to my last post on being self-taught: @kiostark @makerblock I'm impressed you're self taught, but you readers will love it if you learn linespacing and whitespace for posts. Here, this little addition of CSS is just for you! p { text-indent: 2.0em; padding-bottom:10px; }
- [On Being Self-Taught (or How I Saved $10,000)](https://makerblock.com/2011/11/on-being-self-taught-or-how-i-saved-10000/) - When it comes to programming, I'm a fair hand at several languages - PHP, MySQL, javascript, several others, and a number of frameworks. I ended up teaching myself out of what amounted to necessity. ((Read: unemployment)) I learned by looking at source code, checking some books out from the library, buying several books, going through
- [Welcome Emmett!](https://makerblock.com/2011/11/welcome-emmett/) - As an origami nerd, I'm always so happy to hear about other origami-inclined people. I was surprised, though I suppose I should not have been, that Emmett is a fellow folder! I'm really glad to welcome Emmett to this blog as a contributing author and look forward to seeing more of his work. So, check
- [A Fellow Origamist](https://makerblock.com/2011/11/a-fellow-origamist/) - Hi there, this is Emmett, and when Makerblock found out I was a fellow origamist, he invited me to post some of what I've folded. I like modular origami, so that's mostly what's here. I didn't invent any of these designs, but I honestly can't remember any more where I found the instructions. This buckyball
- [It's a valid question...](https://makerblock.com/2011/11/its-a-valid-question/) - My mother in law was over recently and saw part of a "Dora the Explorer" as my daughter was watching it. There was significantly less Spanish spoken in the show than I realized. In any case, there was a part where a talking treasure map was speaking to the audience. It repeated the three-step directions
- [What kind of CNC cutter would you recommend?](https://makerblock.com/2011/11/what-kind-of-cnc-cutter-would-you-recommend/) - I'm only vaguely aware of craft/robo/CNC cutters that aren't laser cutters. I don't want one of those has to use cartridges to give it different preprogrammed cutting patterns - I want to be able to design my own shapes for cutting. So, I ask you now for your help... Is there a difference between robocutters,
- [The one who smelt it, dealt it](https://makerblock.com/2011/11/the-one-who-smelt-it-dealt-it/) - This morning I came in late to work, mostly because I had stayed up late working on work. One of the staff made a joke that I was sneaking into the office like one of my co-workers. ((He tends to sneak in, and then sneak out)) I responded thusly: I don't sneak in or out.
- [Reflection](https://makerblock.com/2011/11/reflection/) - There are some movies that, having seen them once, I think back on. Usually I think of such movies as mediocre at first. Among this list would be Paycheck, The Prestige, and Inception. Having watched Inception once, I recently felt like re-watching it. And, upon reflection, I think I like the movie a lot more
- [My new motto, my new wallpaper](https://makerblock.com/2011/10/my-new-motto-my-new-wallpaper/) - Burn, burn, burn - with fire!
- [Printed Pirate Ship](https://makerblock.com/2011/10/printed-pirate-ship/) - I've printed this pirate ship twice and am reasonably satisfied with the result. The first I printed with support structure and the second without. I'm still getting used to Skeinforge v35, so I hope to get a better result. Interestingly, support isn't really required for the bow!
- [Vacations are funny things](https://makerblock.com/2011/10/vacations-are-funny-things/) - By the time you set up a vacation, you really really need one. But, before you can leave for your vacation you've got to take care of a bunch of work so that nothing explodes while you're gone. But, by the time you come back everything has been sitting around for probably a week. Which
- [Creating PDF's on the fly using PHP and TCPDF](https://makerblock.com/2011/10/creating-pdfs-on-the-fly-using-php-and-tcpdf/) - I've got a separate website that used to offer a service where you could get a custom report in the form of a PDF sent to you. For that I used a free open source PHP script/library called FPDF. It's reasonably well documented, but there are a lot of nuances that not really intuitive. Used
- [Bein' a Gangsta](https://makerblock.com/2011/10/bein-a-gangsta/) - In the last 5 or 6 years I've bought two video games for the PC. Unfortunately, I have probably played each of them no more than about 1 -2 hours total. I just got busy and didn't have any time for them. ((I've moved on to more important things - such as designing and printing
- [Mini Maker Faire East Bay](https://makerblock.com/2011/10/mini-maker-faire-east-bay/) - So, this year's mini-Maker Faire East Bay (Oakland) was SO much better than last year. Last year it was pouring rain the whole time. Not entirely prepared for precipitation, I got soaked. Even so, we had fun. But, this year we had a great time overall. The weather was mild and nice. A little breezy,
- [I cannot wait to print this!!!](https://makerblock.com/2011/10/i-cannot-wait-to-print-this/) - 46 lines of code. Just one surface. Booyah!
- [My best ideas](https://makerblock.com/2011/10/my-best-ideas/) - Always come to me when I'm swamped with work. Oh well! *** I started this post at the beginning of October. Here I am a few days in... still swamped with work... and more ideas for random things just popping into my head all the time. :) How do you organize your ideas? Here's what
- [Themes from Doctor Who Series 6](https://makerblock.com/2011/10/themes-from-doctor-who-series-6/) - Stop reading if you think mentioning stuff about the episodes that have already aired on BBC America to date would be considered... spoilers. Amy giving up on Rory. She seemed to give up on performing CPR on Rory during the pirate-y episode. Later, in the Doctor's Wife episode, she's confronted with visions of Rory accusing
- [The power of free](https://makerblock.com/2011/10/the-power-of-free/) - Well, my super comfy couch and sofa are both gone. My wife was concerned no one would pick them up. I had no such doubts. They were super comfy, lightly worn, a nice pleasing light brown color, and in pretty good shape. I had one e-mail inquiry and someone else took it away. Both pieces
- [I had a dream last night](https://makerblock.com/2011/10/i-had-a-dream-last-night-2/) - If that title look familiar, it's because I've used it before. ((And, that line twice before.)) I don't remember much about it except that in this dream I lost my pseudo anonymity. *** This post was sitting in draft form in WordPress for the last two months. I have no recollection about this dream any
- [Publishing Drafts](https://makerblock.com/2011/10/publishing-drafts/) - I've got a bunch ((Well over 100)) posts on totally random topics just sitting in my WordPress drafts folder. Some are no longer relevant. Some might still be. Some are even a little embarrassing. But, it's late and I'm in a sharing mood. :) Enjoy!
- ["Limitless"](https://makerblock.com/2011/10/limitless/) - I read a review of the movie "Limitless" recently and saw a reference to the short story "Understand." I'm going to cut to the chase here and say that the short story is better than the film. Stop reading right now if you don't want to read my nitpicking and spoilers. Okay, you've opted for
- [I think I like Pandora's algorithm better](https://makerblock.com/2011/10/i-think-i-like-pandoras-algorithm-better/) - For my job I sometimes have to Google some very unsavory topics. ((SERIOUSLY!!! I SWEAR! It's NOT me!)) So, naturally, Google thinks I'm a perv. I shudder to think what WebMD must think I have. Pandora on the other hand - they're pushing ads for Porche. Really?! I had no idea that listening to Kanye,
- [Steve Jobs 2005 Stanford Commencement Address](https://makerblock.com/2011/10/steve-jobs-2005-stanford-commencement-address/) - Steve Jobs' commencement address for the Stanford 2005 graduating class has been in the news a lot lately - and with good reason. Commencement speeches are supposed to be inspiring and this is one of the best. I am honored to be with you today at your commencement from one of the finest universities in
- [What does your D20 say about you?](https://makerblock.com/2011/10/what-does-your-d20-say-about-you/) - Here's what my D20 says about me - I'm a nerd who doesn't take chances with fate. I only roll 20's.
- [More Rubber Band Guns](https://makerblock.com/2011/10/more-rubber-band-guns/) - Thingiverse® controversies aside, I like rubber band guns. I just saw this one the other day made by Plumb B. I've never played Gears of War, but this appears to be a very faithful replica from the images I have seen. Aside from it's faithfulness, I admire the way it uses a magazine to hold
- [Quote of the Day](https://makerblock.com/2011/10/quote-of-the-day/) - "Mathematics? Pfff. I'm going to invent Meta-Mathematics. Like a BOSS." Courtesy of Vi Hart.
- [It's still extruding...](https://makerblock.com/2011/10/its-still-extruding/) - Spacexula is selling his RepRap on ebay. It's one thing to buy a kit and it's another thing altogether to buy a fully assembled fully operational machine. This machine was built and operated by one of the most vocal RepRap champions and prolific RepRap bloggers around. So, it's not insignificant that this machine comes backed
- [Here I sit](https://makerblock.com/2011/09/here-i-sit/) - At work. Not near my MakerBot®. Unable to print a 20-sided die. Bummer.
- [My 85% Rule](https://makerblock.com/2011/09/my-85-rule/) - I'm sure others have a similar rule, but this is my formulation. The 80/20 rule is a pretty decent formulation of it. Per Wikipedia: The Pareto principle (also known as the 80-20 rule, the law of the vital few, and the principle of factor sparsity) states that, for many events, roughly 80% of the effects
- [While I'm griping about Netflix...](https://makerblock.com/2011/09/while-im-griping-about-netflix/) - Why in the world did they change the user interface? Now it's much more akin to what you would see in a touch-screen. I use a laptop or desktop with a touchpad or mouse. I just wish they'd stop trying to fix things that aren't broken.
- [Reed Hastings Netflix CEO just doesn't get it](https://makerblock.com/2011/09/reed-hastings-netflix-ceo-just-doesnt-get-it/) - Netflix recently split their services into DVD shipping and internet streaming, while increasing prices. Back in July this change was announced and today Reed Hastings has issued what he describes as an apology. Only, it isn't. The price increase and service reduction announced back in July ((Which was scheduled to be implemented on September 1)) was
- [Why I am cutting back on Netflix ](https://makerblock.com/2011/07/why-i-am-cutting-back-on-netflix/) - First, let me preface this by saying that my current plan is 3-DVD's at a time, with free streaming movies, for $20/month. As of 9/1/2011 that price will increase 20% to $24/month. I get that streaming subscribers cost Netflix less and they make more money. I couldn't care less about the "It's just a latte"
- [On Sketching](https://makerblock.com/2011/09/on-sketching/) - On a slightly wistful note, Kathleen Jennings' simple, elegant, and evocative sketches make me miss sketching. Once upon a time, a long long time ago, I would carry an analog notebook everywhere and sketch in pen and ink, my favorite media. I still sketch occasionally, my most amusing sketches are now done at the behest
- [The Dalek Game](https://makerblock.com/2011/09/the-dalek-game/) - The Dalek Game just makes me all kinds of happy. Kathleen Jennings has started a little game where she inserts the word "Dalek" into literary titles and then draws an accompanying picture. It is the best thing the internet has brought me all day. ((Thank you ROFLazzi!))
- [Today just must be my day for commentary on social media...](https://makerblock.com/2011/09/today-just-must-be-my-day-for-commentary-on-social-media/) - In case you're ever interested, there's a really great piece of open source software called YouURLS available at Yourls.org. It is a LAMP ((Linux, Apache, MySQL, PHP, natch)) architecture URL shortening software. It's about as easy to install as WordPress and reasonably barebones. But, once installed, "it just works." A few weeks ago I became
- [Twitter's cute little information gathering tool...  the short URL](https://makerblock.com/2011/09/twitters-cute-little-information-gathering-tool-the-short-url/) - You've probably seen Twitter's URL shortener, "t.co", pop up in links. Then again, you might not even realize it's there. Whenever you post a link, it will be shortened with this service automatically. Interestingly, even a URL that is short enough already, or shortened with another service, will still be shortened into a "t.co" short
- [OMG - You guys are back!!!](https://makerblock.com/2011/09/omg-you-guys-are-back/) - So, after the ridiculous fiasco with my former hosting company it looked like nearly everyone had abandoned this blog. At least, according to Feedburner. The Feedburner logo had said there were only 30 or so people who were still subscribed. Well, let me just say, I'm glad to see you're back. I've brought back ProfileMaker,
- [T Minus 48 Minutes...  Plus another two hours](https://makerblock.com/2011/08/t-minus-48-minutes-plus-another-two-hours/) - In 48 minutes the second half of Doctor Who Series 6 begins. I'm pretty excited about this. In any case, it will start recording from BBC America at 6pm PST ((As opposed to 9pm MST)) ((MakerBot Standard Time)) , but I won't be able to start watching it until my daughter goes to bed in
- [Have you turned your MakerBot or RepRap into a robo-cutter?](https://makerblock.com/2011/08/have-you-turned-your-makerbot-or-reprap-into-a-robo-cutter/) - I'm curious - has anyone out there retrofitted their MakerBot Cupcake CNC, MakerBot Thing-O-Matic, or RepRap ((Or other DIY 3D printer, for that matter)) with a cutting device? I recall seeing an example of someone creating a laser cutter, but I was particularly interested in whether someone had made a cutting device using a blade.
- [Amazing Rubber Band Guns](https://makerblock.com/2011/08/amazing-rubber-band-guns/) - I was just floored by this recent post to the Make blog. This is the most amazing rubber band gun I've ever seen in my life. ((Link to the video, if you're tuning in via the RSS feed)) It genuinely looks like a P90 from Stargate SG-1, including the way in which ammunition is loaded.
- [Thingiverse Widget Test](https://makerblock.com/2010/08/thingiverse-widget-test-2/) - [thingiverse thing=10383]
- [Is this wrong?](https://makerblock.com/2011/08/is-this-wrong/) - While I just had a birthday, I'm actually much more excited about the second half of Season Six of Doctor Who starting up this coming weekend.
- [Yarr!!!  I'm BACK, baby!](https://makerblock.com/2011/08/yarr-im-back-baby/) - The blog? BACK. ProfileMaker? Also BACK by overwhelming popular demand! New host? CHECK!!! As far as I can tell, there are three major drawbacks. First, the amount of work involved in changing hosts. That's a serious freaking pain. MySQL DB's, files, and e-mails, oh my. Second, this theme isn't working as well as it once
- [Well, sure, THAT could be a problem...](https://makerblock.com/2011/08/well-sure-that-could-be-a-problem/) - I just found 1.3GB PHP "error_log" file in MakerBlock.com. Yeah, I suppose THAT could be contributing to the problem...
- [Growing pains](https://makerblock.com/2011/08/growing-pains-2/) - Okay, that's it. I've had it. I'm moving hosting companies. This is the first site I'm moving - and you can be assured I'll be bringing back ProfileMaker first thing! Wish me luck!!!
- [How to clean an "jsss.ce.ms" SQL injection](https://makerblock.com/2011/08/how-to-clean-an-jsss-ce-ms-sql-injection/) - Well, that was exciting. Apparently my website had been attached by some kind of SQL injection. I was curious if my self-hosted WordPress website had been attacked like 4,300 others. After some digging around, I found that this was not the case. A scan by UnmaskParasites.com revealed nothing unusual. However, a scan by Sucuri's SiteCheck
- [PayPal payments and micropayments](https://makerblock.com/2011/08/paypal-payments-and-micropayments/) - So, PayPal has a micropayment system as well as a regular payment system. The micropayment fee is 5% + $0.05 while the normal fee is 2.9% + $0.30. For payments below $12.00, it makes sense to use the micropayments system and the normal system above that level. Here's the rub - you can only set
- [WordPress Plugin Writing Resources](https://makerblock.com/2011/08/wordpress-plugin-writing-resources/) - WordPress is easily my favorite open source software project. I love it for it's functionality, flexibility, and extensibility. When it comes to writing a plugin, these are my favorite resources. Don't write a plugin without them! WordPress.org Codex for Writing a Plugin If you're just getting started, this is the place to begin WordPress.org Codex
- [Why I am not a gambler](https://makerblock.com/2011/08/why-i-am-not-a-gambler/) - See, I'm not a gambler. For any amount that I'd feel comfortable wagering, it would literally just be easier and take less time for to work a few extra hours. I recognize that if you're an actual mathematician you could basically assure yourself of coming out ahead, but I'm just not interested in investing the
- [Cross your fingerss, here goes nothing!](https://makerblock.com/2011/08/cross-your-fingerss-here-goes-nothing/) - I may have pinpointed the source of my website's high resource usage woes. ((You know, besides my hosting company being whiny about resource usage.)) If this works, I should be able to start up ProfileMaker again! Huzzah!
- [$50 prize for a printable disc shooter design challenge](https://makerblock.com/2011/07/50-prize-for-a-printable-disc-shooter-design-challenge/) - All the details are over at the MakerBot blog. I can't wait to have a set of printable disc shooters!
- [My pseudonym is my name](https://makerblock.com/2011/07/my-pseudonym-is-my-name/) - When I began blogging for MakerBot, it was with the stipulation that I would be able to continue to blog under my pseudonym. This was not a problem at all. In fact, I was assured that many people go by their adopted 'nym's which are more reflective of who they are than their given names
- [Oh, OpenSCAD...](https://makerblock.com/2011/07/oh-openscad/) - One of things I really like about OpenSCAD is how anything I make in it is guaranteed to be manifold. It's a solid modeler and by manipulating, adding, and subtracting solids - I should always end up with another solid. I exported two of the parts necessary for a Pez Powered Disc Shooter only to
- [Day 30](https://makerblock.com/2011/07/day-30/) - So, I've been on a self-imposed diet for the last 30 days. I've lost about 10 pounds so far by just not eating like a piggie, which is pretty cool. I've been using Fitday.com ((A free website for helping to track food, caloric intake, activity level, and weight changes)) very sporadically since April of 2004.
- [Inside a Pez dispenser, metal spring exposed](https://makerblock.com/2011/07/inside-a-pez-dispenser-metal-spring-exposed/) - Thanks to Chris Connors for sacrificing a cute Pez dispenser for such a frivolous purpose and helping to create a DIY open source disc shooter toy. :)
- [Do you have an old Pez dispenser?](https://makerblock.com/2011/07/do-you-have-an-old-pez-dispenser/) - I'm in the process of designing a disc magazine for the open source disc shooter. Ideally, I would like it to have a snap-together design and use rubber bands where possible. However, it occurs to me that any standard or readily available piece of hardware could be useful too. To that end, I thought that
- [Design idea - printable calipers](https://makerblock.com/2011/07/design-idea-printable-calipers/) - There are plenty of lasercut calipers on Thingiverse. I suppose the problem with a 3D printable caliper is getting the accuracy down. However, why not take the accuracy out of the equation? It should be simple enough to create a printable little caliper that has a thin slot for inserting a printable paper ruler. The
- [ProfileMaker - Crippled, but back...  ](https://makerblock.com/2011/07/profilemaker-crippled-but-back/) - At least for the time being. :) I'm guessing that only about 10% of ProfileMaker users were using the complete profile feature. For those of you who didn't use it, this feature would use your inputs to create an entire Skeinforge profile, zip the whole thing, and e-mail it to you. ((Pretty convenient, really.)) However,
- [Alas, poor ProfileMaker, I knew you well...](https://makerblock.com/2011/07/alas-poor-profilemaker-i-knew-you-well/) - I launched ProfileMaker on March 20, 2011. After serving up more than 3500 awesome Skeinforge profiles, my website hosting company has actually started to complain that I'm using too much of the shared hosting environment's resources. As a result, I'm going to have to disable temporarily and potentially discontinue ProfileMaker. I suspect it is the
- [That's my girl!](https://makerblock.com/2011/06/thats-my-girl/) - My wife and daughter were at the grocery store today. My daughter tends to get chatty when out and about. She volunteered that she was from California and that her dad had two robots. Gotta love it.
- [And afternoons that make me sleepy](https://makerblock.com/2011/06/and-afternoons-that-make-me-sleepy/) - Cigarettes, and carrot juice And get yourself a new tattoo For those sleeveless days of June I'm sitting on the Cafè Xeno's steps With a book I haven't started yet, Watching all the girls walk by... Could I take you out? I'll be yours without a doubt On that Big Dipper And if the sound
- [This would undoubtedly work on me](https://makerblock.com/2011/06/this-would-undoubtedly-work-on-me/) - And, here's the reason why - finding a method for opening that safe is infinitely more interesting than your crap. :)
- [Sooo... what's going on with you?](https://makerblock.com/2011/06/sooo-whats-going-on-with-you/) - Today: I've got a meeting out in Monterey today at 10:00AM and then I have to swing by San Jose back to the office. Just the driving alone will end up eating most of my day. I'm hoping to be able to get back to the office by 4-5:00PM. Day 2 of my diet. My
- [Accidental Experiment #371](https://makerblock.com/2011/06/accidental-experiment-371/) - Hypothesis: If you leave a bunch of green-yellow bananas in a hot car on a hot day for five hours will the peels turn blackish-brown and the insides mushy and slimy. Conclusion: Yes.
- [MOAR CUPCAKES!  Or, am I being a glutton?](https://makerblock.com/2011/06/moar-cupcakes-or-am-i-being-a-glutton/) - MakerBot just announced they're dropping the price on the MakerBot Cupcake CNC Ultimate kits to a ridiculously low $455.00. I already own a Cupcake CNC, named "Bender." He's been fully upgraded with an automated build platform, MK5, and a few printed upgrades as well. (Right now it has a Unicorn instead of the MK5 installed.)
- [Citigroup - URL hacked?  Seriously?](https://makerblock.com/2011/06/citigroup-url-hacked-seriously/) - Apparently the hackers who stole all kinds of personal information to Citigroup's website did so by URL hacking. This is just unconscionable. Even before you get to cyber-security 101, SOMEONE should have figured out that putting the account number in plain text in the URL was a terrible idea. I don't care who you are,
- [Freecycle.org - why are you so terrible?](https://makerblock.com/2011/06/freecycle-org-why-are-you-so-terrible/) - I've spent probably an hour today trying to give away an awesome sofa couch and matching stuffed chair. I tried to list it on Craiglist, but they had this terrible system where you had to give a phone number and wait for an automated phone call or SMS. It only allows you submit or try
- [Is a lasercutter for me?](https://makerblock.com/2011/06/is-a-lasercutter-for-me/) - After consideration, maybe not. Following Maker Faire Bay Area 2011 I was again prompted to investigate the feasibility of a lasercutter. Now, I don't have any great big grand plans for one - I just think it would be awesome to have one and I would be able to think of some pretty sweet uses
- [Is your significant other a knitter?](https://makerblock.com/2011/06/is-your-significant-other-a-knitter/) - While at Botacon I had the opportunity to chat with other 'bot operators - and a surprising number of them had significant others who knit. I think there may be an entire genre of knitting accessories that could be designed and 3D printed. So, how about helping out with this quick poll to the right?
- [Windows 8?!?!](https://makerblock.com/2011/06/windows-8/) - What the hell? I'm not done hating Windows 7 yet!!!
- [Surprising spam comment](https://makerblock.com/2011/06/surprising-spam-comment/) - There was this spam comment to a recent post referencing Doctor Who's sixth season: ..As with the series of Doctor Who last year the final two episodes before the finale have been much more small scale and in some ways a little different. Last week we had a largely Doctor-less story Love and Monsters and
- [Yesterday was a good day](https://makerblock.com/2011/06/yesterday-was-a-good-day/) - Twice yesterday I had someone ask me, "Do you know something I don't know?" Whenever someone asks me that question, I get downright giddy and reply, "I know many things you do not know."
- [Before I had robots...](https://makerblock.com/2011/06/before-i-had-robots/) - My favorite open source project was WordPress. Now, don't get me wrong, I love me my WordPress, but I tend to usually spend my precious tinkering time with robots. But sometimes, such as this very morning, I enjoy just a little bit of tinkering. I've made a few very subtle changes to the blog. You
- [Congratulations Renosis!](https://makerblock.com/2011/06/congratulations-renosis/) - Renosis and I had a friendly dispute. We decided to settle it by challenge - a Maker challenge. I have a feeling Maker disputes are different from other kinds of disputes. Even though we were competing against each other, we still consulted each other, bounced ideas off one another, and, I like to think shared
- [Google Giveth, and Google Taketh](https://makerblock.com/2011/06/google-giveth-and-google-taketh/) - So, apparently NOW I can access Google Groups while still logged into my Google account. However, now I can't be logged into two separate accounts at the same time. I think this is more irritating. Is there some kind of Google competition for ways to be more aggravating? 'Cause they're winning.
- [Doctor Who Teasers - Matched to episodes so far](https://makerblock.com/2011/05/doctor-who-teasers-matched-to-episodes-so-far/) - Last week I posted a list of 41 teasers from the current Series 6 of Doctor Who. I don't think any of these actually count as spoilers, but in case you do - stop reading. :)Rewatching the Christmas special "A Christmas Carol" last night, I realized that one of the comments matched up to this
- [How Makers Settle Disputes](https://makerblock.com/2011/05/how-makers-settle-disputes/) - So, here's the deal. Renosis and I are settling a friendly disagreement by participating in a design challenge. The rules are simple: We have 24 hours to upload and publish a Gangsta derivative STL on Thingiverse, starting 5/26/2011 at 11PM EST. On 5/31/2011 at 11PM EST, the person with the most number of likes wins.
- [Thingiverse formatting plugin](https://makerblock.com/2011/05/thingiverse-formatting-plugin/) - Schmarty's Thingiverse embed plugin is pretty sweet. I believe it has been updated so that calling the relevant shortcode looks much more like a Thingiverse link to a particular thing. Since I'm in a procrastinating mood, I began to wonder if it would be possible to make this plugin even easier to use. There are
- [MakerBot and Legos](https://makerblock.com/2010/01/makerbot-and-legos/) - Update 5/26/2011: MakerBots, DIY 3D printing, and the science of calibration has come a long long way in the year since this post. I've been distracted with other projects, but I'm pretty confident that I could print some very reasonable lego-compatible bricks. Having printed a few legos, I haven't printed any more. I'd certainly like
- [Doctor Who 6th Season teasers](https://makerblock.com/2011/05/doctor-who-6th-season-teasers/) - I know some people who follow this blog are also fans of Doctor Who. For those of you who are, I just found this list of 41 teasers about the current 6th season of Doctor Who from DoctorWhoTV.co.uk: The Doctor will be on trial – twice! Who controls the light sculptors? You won’t believe what’s
- [Back from Maker Faire SF Bay Area 2011!](https://makerblock.com/2011/05/back-from-maker-faire-sf-bay-area-2011/) - I'm exhausted! ((So exhausted I didn't get to publish this post until just now...)) What a great time! I got to spend time with my family, see some amazing stuff, meet some great people, and see some old friends. I also ate some junk food! Perfect weekend all around. I got to meet several people
- [I feel like a bad dad](https://makerblock.com/2011/05/i-feel-like-a-bad-dad/) - For secretly wanting to abandon my family and get to Maker Faire earlier...
- [Maker Faire Bay Area 2011](https://makerblock.com/2011/05/maker-faire-bay-area-2011/) - On Saturday you may see a a guy wearing the funkiest glasses in all of creation. That would be me. I'm planning to be at Maker Faire all day on Saturday and Sunday and will be at the MakerBot table intermittently. Stop by and say hey! I'm so excited!!!
- [Help cleaning up an STL?](https://makerblock.com/2011/05/help-cleaning-up-an-stl/) - I'm trying to import this STL of a Mini Cooper on Thingiverse into OpenSCAD without much success. I've run it through Netfabb's cloud service, but that still isn't fixing the problem. I have a sweet sweet mashup I'd like to make... so, do you think you could help out? Much appreciated!
- [Countdown clock to the right](https://makerblock.com/2011/05/countdown-clock-to-the-right/) - I couldn't resist including the MakerFaire Bay Area countdown clock in my sidebar. However, since it is kinda wide for my sidebar, I had to use a quick bit of CSS to shoehorn it into the space. In case you want to do the same:
- [How to Build a TJARDIIS](https://makerblock.com/2011/05/how-to-build-a-tjardiis/) - Too much awesome. ((Broken chameleon circuit? Love it!)) ((Also, you might enjoy this.))
- [On the road again](https://makerblock.com/2011/05/on-the-road-again/) - Early tomorrow ((Well, technically TODAY)) morning I need to drive from the SF bay area up to Chico. On a whim I checked out the MakerBot map to see if there was anyone around in that area. Apparently MakerBot operator "RG MakerBot #853" is out that way. I think I need to burn a driving
- [Why didn't they have classes like this when I was in college?](https://makerblock.com/2011/05/why-didnt-they-have-classes-like-this-when-i-was-in-college/) - Oh, right, because when I went to college the web didn't exist yet. And, even if there was such a class, I wouldn't have heard about it as a philosphy major.
- [It's always the funky ones...](https://makerblock.com/2011/05/its-always-the-funky-ones/) - I bought several ((Five!!!)) pairs of glasses online recently. They're so cheap (($37, shipped, for all five pairs of prescription glasses with frames, cases, cleaning cloths, extra nose nubby bits)) that when I order them online I make a point of getting one pair that looks like the pair I'm currently wearing, one pair that
- [I'm so giddy!](https://makerblock.com/2011/05/im-so-giddy/) - I can't wait for OpenSCAD to finish rendering this new object I've fashioned out of a DXF file! Toolpath was basically: Inkscape importing PNG image Convert image to SVG, reduce colors, simplify lines Export to DXF Incorporate extruded DXF into design It will be mine. Oh, yes, it will be mine. ((The precious.)) ((That's a
- [What's the best toolpath for SVG to OpenSCAD?](https://makerblock.com/2011/05/whats-the-best-toolpath-for-svg-to-openscad/) - While I have one selfish motive for wanting a reliable toolpath for going from an SVG to OpenSCAD, I'd also like to do a tutorial on this. ((Selfish as in I already have an idea for how I would use this knowledge to make something cool.)) ((What could it be? Hint: It's related to something
- [What the heck?!?!](https://makerblock.com/2011/05/what-the-heck/) - I just listened to a song by Amy Winehouse courtesy of Pandora. I was very pleasantly surprised.
- [MakerFaire car magnets?](https://makerblock.com/2011/05/makerfaire-car-magnets/) - I've been seeing these around for the last month or so. I think they're from the Young Maker's program. At least, that's what my friend Google tells me.
- [Two weeks later](https://makerblock.com/2011/05/two-weeks-later/) - On April 14 I posted that ProfileMaker had served up 209 profiles to 58 people. As of right now there's 598 profiles and 144 people served. That's a lot of repeat business! ((And, by business I mean people clicking a button on a free web service)) The number of people increased by 100%, the number
- [New Design:  Sonic Screwdriver](https://makerblock.com/2010/07/new-design-sonic-screwdriver/) - Those of you who are not fans of Doctor Who may want to just skip this post. In any case, what I'd really like to do is to design and print a life-size model of a sonic screwdriver. Ideally it would have a spot for inserting an LED, space for a battery, switch, and be
- [Who am I kidding?](https://makerblock.com/2011/04/who-am-i-kidding/) - I really do like learning. I'm reading "Make: Arduino Bots and Gadgets" and "Getting Started with Arduino."
- [What would you do?](https://makerblock.com/2011/04/what-would-you-do/) - I watched a show the other day that featured a bunch of rich people. It showed them showing off all the stuff they were spending money on - sports teams, boats, etc. If I suddenly came into a pile of cash, I'd move to the middle of no where and have a big damn library
- [Perception Filter](https://makerblock.com/2011/04/perception-filter/) - Yesterday I had a coworker tell me I'd like the TV show Bones. I was told I reminded them of one of the main characters - smart, arrogant, and completely lacking people skills. I think it's a compliment?
- [9:30PM...](https://makerblock.com/2011/04/930pm/) - And I just finished watching the Doctor Who premier. It was really good.
- [2:00AM and it has begun...](https://makerblock.com/2011/04/200am-and-it-has-begun/) - There's a Doctor Who marathon leading up to the premier of season 6. Right now the episode "The Waters of Mars" is on. This is a particularly magnificent episode - if for nothing else than for the last ten minutes or so. If you haven't seen the episode, turn back now and stop reading. The
- [How to caliberate and tune Skeinforge for your MakerBot](https://makerblock.com/2010/02/makerbot-skeinforge-tuning-and-calibration/) - Update 4/21/2011: This post is more than a year old. Since then I've created ProfileMaker which should eliminate the need for almost all of these steps. Share and enjoy! A MakerBot Operators group member, Cliff Biffle, has posted a very comprehensive list his Skeinforge tuning and calibration procedure. Cliff owns MakerBot #69 from Batch#4, named
- [Aren't you glad you never return my e-mails?](https://makerblock.com/2011/04/arent-you-glad-you-never-return-my-e-mails/) - A real conversation: Friend: "how the fuck am I going to model a knight and a horse though?" Me: "Psssh. That's like two lines in OpenSCAD"
- [Congratulations on avoiding Skynet Self-Awareness!](https://makerblock.com/2011/04/congratulations-on-avoiding-skynet-self-awareness/) - And, really, I like to think that we have MakerBot to thank - for showing our robot friends that we CAN live in harmony.
- [Young whippersnapper!](https://makerblock.com/2011/04/young-whippersnapper/) - Get off my lawn! Cyrozap suggested a Kinect could help a 'bot someone stepping on the lawn. I don't think it would be extraordinary to build something that would aim and operate a hose. Bonus points if I could get it to look like either (A) a scary sentry robot or (B) a big Santa
- [The darker side of copyright](https://makerblock.com/2011/04/the-darker-side-of-copyright/) - I know it's cute to have your word processing program auto-correct "(c)" into "©" ... but why? ((Original title for this post: "This post has been brought to you by the letter 'C'')) It is FAR more common for me to see "©" in correspondence when someone means "(c)" than for me to see "(c)"
- [Founds parts](https://makerblock.com/2011/04/founds-parts/) - I took my daughter to the library yesterday ((As in about 10 hours ago)) and they were having a huge book sale. I'm such a sucker for a used book sale. Some of my most cherished books were previously cherished books. :) While rummaging through the books I found one that was a children's board
- [4/23/11](https://makerblock.com/2011/04/42311/) - I'm really really excited about the upcoming Doctor Who premier. That is all.
- [Hello Coffee my old friend](https://makerblock.com/2011/04/hello-coffee-my-old-friend/) - In an effort to get out the door for work on time yesterday and then to a meeting a little later I skipped out on getting coffee, which left me caffeine deficient until about 30 minutes ago. Why this sometimes seems like a good idea is totally beyond me. I'm addicted and I should really
- [ProfileMaker: More than 209 profiles and 58 people served! ](https://makerblock.com/2011/04/profilemaker-more-than-209-profiles-and-58-people-served/) - More than 58 people have generated profiles with ProfileMaker ((Powered by SCIENCE!)) ! Seriously, you need to stop printing calibration cubes and fiddling with Skeinforge. Find out more than 58 people have discovered and start using ProfileMaker to create your Skeinforge profiles. You can either manually enter the values provided by ProfileMaker into Skeinforge or
- [I hope my own daughter would make the right choice](https://makerblock.com/2011/04/i-hope-my-own-daughter-would-make-the-right-choice/) - You know, you do what you can. You bring your kids up the best you know how, teach them right from wrong, and send them off into the world. I hope my daughter will make the correct choice one day. Thanks for the link Clothbot
- [Son, I am disappoint](https://makerblock.com/2011/04/son-i-am-disappoint/) - Tron: Legacy. Really? I must be missing something. They really could have had a decent movie without a bunch of "meaning of life" BS. Why couldn't it just have been a movie about a kid rescuing his dad? The mystical junk just got in the way and made it confusing. The effects were pretty good
- [Then again, I suppose it could be worse...  I could be Tony Buser](https://makerblock.com/2011/04/then-again-i-suppose-it-could-be-worse-i-could-be-tony-buser/) - I mean, THAT guy was in NY tonight and missed the Doctor Who premier. At least I have 3000 miles and three time zones as an excuse. Tony, I mean, that guy... He was right there...
- [Heart = Broken](https://makerblock.com/2011/04/heart-broken/) - I am crushed. On the verge of tears. The cast of Doctor Who was in New York for the premier. They had a Q&A. And, this tweet from Bre: #doctorwho premiere is full of bow ties, scarves and awesome And, here I sit, in lousy California. Stupid left coast. This Doctor Who fanboy is broken
- [ProfileMaker v3.0!](https://makerblock.com/2011/04/profilemaker-v3-0-2/) - I've just launched ProfileMaker v3.0. It's got all the good stuff you've become accustomed to plus even more features. As yet, it still does not do calculations for DC motors. Please give it a whirl and let me know what you think.
- [Pick me!  Pick me!](https://makerblock.com/2011/04/pick-me-pick-me/) - Okay, I've gotten the clearance from Pattywac to join in the United We Stand team design challenge. Although I voluntarily take myself out of the running from every challenge, I love participating. They're just too much damn fun. :) I never participate in the judging on these things - but it would look a little
- [Confluence](https://makerblock.com/2011/04/confluence/) - With my MK6 disassembled ((More on this later)) and work projects stacking up, I tend to become more prolific in writing and designing. ((I didn't say better, mind.)) Whenever my 'bot is in need of repair, my mind goes back to all of the projects and things I keep meaning to print... but never find
- [Oh Adobe, you so silly](https://makerblock.com/2011/04/oh-adobe-you-so-silly/) - I just updated my Adobe Reader. The only reason I do it is to patch vulnerabilities in their crappy ubiquitous system. And, with the update it installs a shortcut to Adobe Reader on my desktop. Seriously, now, why the hell would I want that? How could this possibly be useful to anyone? If I click
- [It's the little things in life](https://makerblock.com/2011/04/its-the-little-things-in-life/) - I've got a funny day job. Some days I'm out and about at meetings. That's where I was for the last three days. Some days I sit at a desk. Today was one of those days. I spent basically the entire day wrestling with a HUGE spreadsheet made by someone else who just doesn't understand
- [It's that time of year - to frustrate friends and family](https://makerblock.com/2010/08/its-that-time-of-year-to-frustrate-friends-and-family/) - So, I've got a birthday coming up. Getting older doesn't bother me much - it's really just a number associated with the number of times I've traveled around the sun. ((It also seems to be related to the number of gray hairs that are appearing. I rather like them, actually.)) I will gleefully relate to
- [MakerGear Enhanced Operator's Pack](https://makerblock.com/2010/08/makergear-enhanced-operators-pack/) - I placed my order for a MakerGear Enhanced Operator's Pack on 8/11/2010, it shipped the same day, and arrived today 8/13/2010. My extruder has been working really well and without problems with ABS since my last rebuild. I'm really hoping I won't need these bits any time soon... Thanks Rick and Karen!!!
- [Thank you MakerBot!!!](https://makerblock.com/2010/08/thank-you-makerbot/) - Thanks to the generosity of my family I placed an order for a bunch of the MakerBot ((And MakerGear!)) parts for which I've been pining away. Ordered on August 10th, the box arrived on August 16th. One of the things ordered was the MegaRainbow ABS plastic pack. However, the box contained something else - fluorescent
- [Microcontrollers?](https://makerblock.com/2011/04/microcontrollers/) - Recently more than one person has suggested I try my hand at an Arduino. I've got a spare Extruder Controller which happens to include an Arduino. I rarely bother learning something new if I can help it. ((I remember in high school that it was so much easier for me to derive Tan, Sin, Cos,
- [This is #650](https://makerblock.com/2011/04/this-is-650/) - This is the 650th post on this blog in the 18 or so months since its launch. As of this moment, very early on Monday morning, there's 283 posts over at the MakerBot blog authored by yours truly. That's 933 posts in the 497 days since I started blogging here on 11/23/2009. That's about 1.88
- [Imbalance in the force](https://makerblock.com/2011/04/imbalance-in-the-force/) - I just realized that about 95% of all of my Facebook content is generated from just three people. And, really, I could do without that content. Misanthropic much?
- [Is this irony?](https://makerblock.com/2011/04/is-this-irony/) - I don't actually remember the definition of irony. I do, however, remember the scene from Reality Bites that highlights the importance of knowing the definition. ((Also, I have a friend who refers to things as ironic, when they're clearly not. I suspect he might be confusing irony with coincidence. "Ten thousand spoons when all you
- [Fumigation](https://makerblock.com/2011/04/fumigation/) - Yesterday I was busy cranking out printed parts and soldering some of the components of my MakerBot interface kit. I've printed 60 of these parts so far. What I did was organize the letter bracelet sections into plates of 10 parts each, in a Scrabble tile letter distribution. I'm not sure why, except that it
- [Shark + Tank - Lasers](https://makerblock.com/2011/04/shark-tank-lasers/) - I watched a show called Shark Tank on the recommendations of a friend. It's basically this - an inventor or business person pitches their idea to and answers questions from four or five potential investors who are using their own money. These investors will either decline or make an offer - combinations of cash, equity
- [A truly sonic screwdriver?](https://makerblock.com/2011/04/a-truly-sonic-screwdriver/) - While looking at the Adafruit Drawdio v1.1 I noticed that it runs off of a single AAA battery. That's certainly small enough to fit into a printed sonic screwdriver! And, of course, it would make for an actually sonic sonic screwdriver...
- [In celebration of the day...](https://makerblock.com/2011/03/in-celebration-of-the-day/) - Maybe I'll be totally serious!
- [One monkey down...](https://makerblock.com/2011/03/one-monkey-down/) - The end of the month is always CRAZY busy for me at work. Sooo... with varied interests I start lots of projects, join lots of groups, and end up with lots of commitments. I took on a rather big commitment (basically to edit a reference text related to my area of work) about six months
- [Kaaaaaaaahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhn!](https://makerblock.com/2011/03/kaaaaaaaahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhn/) - Now, picture me yelling the words, "Google Groups" like that. Just what the holy hell do I need to do to be able to view Google Groups? I can't view them when I'm logged in. I can't view them when I'm logged out. I can't view it with ANY of my Google accounts. WHY would
- [Have you ever tried to microwave a printed part?](https://makerblock.com/2011/03/have-you-ever-tried-to-microwave-a-printed-part/) - I'm very curious what would happen, but don't want to try this with my home kitchen microwave. If you have tried it, what did you discover? What do you think would happen? Is it a bad idea? I haven't tried it in part because I think it sounds like a bad idea... What would happen
- [Skeinosaur - I choose you!](https://makerblock.com/2011/03/skeinosaur-i-choose-you/) - A printable knitting machine?! Awesome. Everything about this is just plain awesome. 3/9/2008: "Homemade knitting machine using old printer parts, two servos and a Picaxe-18x microcontroller" 2/7/2009: "Faster machine with new carriage, needle and wool drive designs." 4/30/2009: "Semi automatic machine where the needles are fixed." 11/7/2009: "Simple to construct and use knitting gadget" Dang.
- [You had me at Rubik's](https://makerblock.com/2011/03/you-had-me-at-rubiks/) - Inspired by the GEB Rubik's Cube I just purchased Gödel, Escher, Bach: An Eternal Golden Braid with the last little bit remaining on an Amazon gift card. Based on the reviews, I'm very much looking forward to reading this. :)
- [Men just don't understand...](https://makerblock.com/2011/03/men-just-dont-understand/) - So, let's say I was a tinkerer ((which I am)) and you told me that you could show me a robot that could make things out of plastic that I would normally have to cobble together out of junk. I would say that is awesome. During the most recent Ask An Engineer Woz was ((Was
- [Your mamma was so rusty](https://makerblock.com/2011/03/your-mamma-was-so-rusty/) - I recently watched this bit from Doctor Who. Cybermen and Daleks insulting one another? Heck yes! Our species are similar, though your design is inelegant. Daleks have no concept of eh-leh-gance. This is obvious. But, consider - our technologies are compatible. Cybermen plus Daleks. Together we could upgrade the universe. Request denied. Hostile elements will
- [Do I have a doppleganger?!](https://makerblock.com/2011/03/do-i-have-a-doppleganger/) - That's a scary thought... @intel_jim tweeted: Good turnout tonight @ASUSkySong Hackspace for MakerBlock's Arduino Cookbook Pre-release Party & Hacknight. http://twitpic.com/4et6uo I don't know who that MakerBlock guy is... but, I'll tell you this - he's one HANDSOME devil!
- [I had a dream last night...](https://makerblock.com/2011/03/i-had-a-dream-last-night/) - And, it isn't the first time. I was going into excruciating detail about calculating and calibrating a good Skeinforge profile. Well, we can use a thread thickness of such-and-such, a layer height of such and such, oh, and what plastic are you using? Admittedly, just before bed I had chatted with several MakerBot/RepRap guys and
- [Love the smell of burning wood in the morning...](https://makerblock.com/2011/03/love-the-smell-of-burning-wood-in-the-morning/) - I just added a Relay Board Mounting Kit to my Cupcake. It's been a few months since I've assembled something from a laser cut kit, so having that now-familiar smell of burnt wood, ash, and singed adhesive... Ah! That takes me back to when I first assembled my Cupcake! Anyhow, up until this morning ((It's
- [New affordable 3D printer - the Ultimaker](https://makerblock.com/2010/08/new-affordable-3d-printer-the-ultimaker/) - Update 3/28/2011: The Ultimaker is available for pre-order! Erik de Bruijn along with a newly formed Dutch RepRap group have put together this new design for a low cost RepRap alternative. The stated goal of their blog is "designing/developing an easy to build low cost 3D printer with a small form factor but large build
- [ProfileMaker v3.0](https://makerblock.com/2011/03/profilemaker-v3-0/) - It's online and ready for testing. I would appreciate the help of any beta testers. Here's what you need to play: A Thing-O-Matic with a MK6 Stepstruder Ideally you have filament in 1.75mm and 3mm diameters and in both ABS and PLA A fair amount of patience, a willingness to print off some test objects
- [I should really take that poll down now...](https://makerblock.com/2011/03/i-should-really-take-that-poll-down-now/) - I ran a poll recently asking for input on the following: Work for PLA as well as ABS (5 votes) Work for DC motors as well as Stepper motors (2 votes) Work for 1.75mm filament as well (2 votes) E-mail myself the results Ability to change the feedrate (2 votes) Ability to manually change the
- [How not to ask for tech support](https://makerblock.com/2011/03/how-not-to-ask-for-tech-support/) - DISCLAIMER: This has nothing to do with MakerBot, MakerBlock, or anything you see on this site. This is me venting my frustration at a user of a totally totally different website that has nothing to do with awesome cool robots. ((But, damn, I sure wish it did have something to do with awesome cool robots!))
- [I had no idea this was a competition...](https://makerblock.com/2011/03/i-had-no-idea-this-was-a-competition/) - But, apparently, I'm in it. I hope I'm winning!
- [Another interesting project - Tater Tot Gun](https://makerblock.com/2011/03/another-interesting-project-tater-tot-gun/) - This is a project I stumbled across a few years ago. It's a "Tater Tot Gun" - a pneumatic gun which uses a small bike pump to pressurize a chamber and hold a semi-rigid diaphragm in place. When the chamber is very slightly decompressed, the diaphragm falls out of place releasing all of the pressure
- [I would like to thank my agent...](https://makerblock.com/2011/03/i-would-like-to-thank-my-agent/) - ...the Hollywood foreign press... Actually, huge thanks to Dave Durant for the math and answering questions, Renosis for exhaustive testing and feedback. Thanks also to all of the other beta testers of whom there are too many to name. Um, they're playing the music,... uh, uh, Honey - we did it! Um... Free Tibet! and...
- [Who's got mad WP skillz?](https://makerblock.com/2011/03/whos-got-mad-wp-skillz/) - Iz can haz mad WP skillz. The upgraded theme included a PHP5 function that's not supported by my PHP4 server. I ripped THOSE functions out right quick. The blog is back. Oh, how I've missed you!
- [Why-o-why did I fix it if it wasn't broken?](https://makerblock.com/2011/03/why-o-why-did-i-fix-it-if-it-wasnt-broken/) - My website's theme is broken. Great. It was working fine, why did I upgrade?!
- [Dear Movie Studios...  would you like to borrow my glasses?](https://makerblock.com/2011/03/dear-movie-studios-would-you-like-to-borrow-my-glasses/) - ...'cause you are apparently as nearsighted as I am. I netflix'd the movie Scott Pilgrim vs. The World a few weeks ago. It was pretty entertaining. I don't often check out the "special" features on movies, but I went to that menu option after watching the movie. In doing so the DVD notified me that
- [ProfileMaker Version 2.0 is coming!](https://makerblock.com/2011/03/profilemaker-version-2-0-is-coming/) - A few cosmetic details to work out yet... but I'm almost ready to launch the second version of my ProfileMaker. I released the first version late last night. I'd like to think that I've increased the number of options while still keeping a slim and intuitive user interface. I would really appreciate any comments, criticisms,
- [ProfileMaker thoughts...](https://makerblock.com/2011/03/profilemaker-thoughts/) - Looking at Dave's Profileinator seems really well suited to a stepper extruder. However, he also suggests adding a "Flow Fudge Factor." I just use this set to 1.0, so I'm not sure if I'm using it correctly. Flow Fudge Factor: I have to enter 1.0 into the flow rate to get 2.0 RPMs on the
- [Also, a new poll - what feature would you like next?](https://makerblock.com/2011/03/also-a-new-poll-what-feature-would-you-like-next/) - What ProfileMaker feature would you like next?
- [Cross-Platform Profileinator Web App](https://makerblock.com/2011/03/cross-platform-profileinator-web-app/) - Some of this write up is over at Thingiverse and some of it is at the end of the ProfileMaker page. Dave Durant's program for solving for flowrate is really incredibly helpful. It is truly a shame that it isn't more widely used. I think part of the problem might have been people were intimidated
- [Eureka!](https://makerblock.com/2011/03/eureka/) - Not knowing a thing about C++, I think I've been able to fumble my way through Dave's code to the point I can replicate his calculations. On to coding!
- [Creating an Online Profileinator](https://makerblock.com/2011/03/creating-an-online-profileinator/) - I'm always juggling multiple projects - that seems to be the mark of a Maker and/or a Maker with ADD. ((Which, in my experience, might just be a redundant statement)) I'm looking to tinker with a clockwork spider, an open source disc shooter, possibly an open source shooter compatible with Nerf darts, and now... I'd
- [Can we make a printed Nerf dart shooter?](https://makerblock.com/2011/03/can-we-make-a-printed-nerf-dart-shooter/) - I'm curious. I figure a typical Nerf dart shooter works as so: A dart with a plastic cap and a hollow center Putting the dart in a thin cylinder, with the cap facing out Pulling back a larger cylinder that fits around the thin cylinder, where the larger cylinder is capped at one end Suddenly
- [And you thought *I* was wordy...](https://makerblock.com/2011/03/and-you-thought-i-was-wordy/) - My wife started a blog about knitting. :) If you showed up for Botacon, you actually got to see some of our work during my presentation. She's designed some napkin holders and knited bangles. ((I designed and printed the PLA inserts.))
- [My baby?  My baby, she likes Firefly](https://makerblock.com/2011/03/my-baby-my-baby-she-likes-firefly/) - ... and that's how I knew I found true love. ((We both cried when Wash died.)) Okay, I get the girl in the video doesn't like Firefly. But, why did she tear up a picture of Tony Buser @ 1:57?
- [A friend of mine was talking about homeopathy...](https://makerblock.com/2011/03/a-friend-of-mine-was-talking-about-homeopathy/) - ... the other day and how he liked natural solutions and remedies. I asked him if he knew what homeopathy is. He thought about it and said, "You know, natural stuff." I told him that homeopathy is the belief that exposing yourself to very small doses, parts per million, of a harmful or toxic substance
- [@giseburt, if you hated the circus...](https://makerblock.com/2011/03/giseburt-if-you-hated-the-circus/) - ...then don't go to Disney On Ice. It's hard to say which would be worse. I'm not sure if I hate clowns because I fear them so, or because I fear them because of my deep and abiding hatred for them. ((That said, I like balloon animals. And red noses. Face paint? Not so much.))
- [Internet Famous!](https://makerblock.com/2011/03/internet-famous-2/) - Woot! My post over at MakerBot entitled "Clockwork Variations" was picked up by both Make: Online and BoingBoing! This little project has been a ton of fun and I'm really glad others seem to enjoy it as well.
- [Don't think I've given up...](https://makerblock.com/2011/03/dont-think-ive-given-up/) - Just because I didn't label the Clockwork Spider on Thingiverse as a "work in progress," don't think I've given up on it. It exists now as an actual physically printed object and I'm very happy about that. However, the legs are just a stand-in ((As it were)) for nice spidery looking legs I've already designed.
- [URLHunter?  Heck yes I will](https://makerblock.com/2011/03/urlhunter-heck-yes-i-will/) - http://probablyinteractive.com/url-hunter#%20%20You%20killed%204%20animals%20in%2021%20seconds!%20%28Press%20ESC%20to%20play%20again%29
- [Clockwork spiders](https://makerblock.com/2011/03/clockwork-spiders/) - I'm so freaking happy with the design, print, and assembly. You can assemble the entire thing by hand in just a minute or two with no tools or hardware. Turn the center wheel to make it walk. Right now the gears are a little rough - but I have an idea on how to fix
- [Flobots?!!  Heck yes!](https://makerblock.com/2011/03/flobots-heck-yes/) - Pandora just suggested this band and I heard their song "Handlebars." It sounds like CAKE making sweet sweet love to Beck. Oh, and the name of the band is Flobots?! I love robots! I'm sold. Update: They also are reminiscent of Maroon 5, Fugees... but mostly CAKE. Seriously, it's like accidentally finding a CAKE album
- [SpiderBot - once more into the breach!](https://makerblock.com/2011/03/spiderbot-once-more-into-the-breach/) - So, I'm about to begin a completely new design on my little spider bot using what I've learned from the last try. Failure is fun!
- [Spiders + Robots = two great tastes that taste great together](https://makerblock.com/2011/03/spiders-robots-two-great-tastes-that-taste-great-together/) - I just uploaded my latest designs to Thingiverse. I'm working on a RoboSpider using a set of gears run in an elliptical cycle. I've been through a few revisions already and just came up with a new idea on how to design it with a thinner profile and hopefully work more reliably. Unfortunately, the snap-together
- [Still got it](https://makerblock.com/2011/03/still-got-it/) - I just helped my wife start her own blog. She wanted to include a license for some of things she'll be publishing, so I whipped up a little WordPress plugin that will insert some creative commons license language with a small shortcode. Although I haven't tinkered with one of my plugins for a while now
- [Yay for March!](https://makerblock.com/2011/03/yay-for-march/) - So, yesterday someone who works for one of my competitors told my boss that I was a "feisty one." This made my day for two reasons. This guy is a jerk and it really came across in his letters. I ignored every single one of his snarky and caustic comments and never responded to a
- [Oh, hello there!](https://makerblock.com/2011/03/oh-hello-there/) - I haven't tried out Pandora in something like six or seven years. I just tried it again today because I wanted to listen to something while I worked. I'm very very pleasantly surprised.
- [February Recap](https://makerblock.com/2011/03/february-recap/) - It sucked. I uploaded 25 things to Thingiverse, but not even close to the "thing-a-day" schedule. I think there was a day in there where I uploaded five or six things. There were two items in particular where I started working on a mashup within an hour of the original thing being uploaded. One was
- [Nope, it's not Rumplestiltskin...](https://makerblock.com/2011/02/nope-its-not-rumplestiltskin/) - After spending some quality time in the lavatory yesterday I begged off a meeting I had this morning. The other guy was very understanding, but I couldn't help wincing a little as I greeted him on the phone to ask for a rescheduling. You see... ...his name... ...is... ...Ralph. ((I wish I were kidding.))
- [Another glorious day in February](https://makerblock.com/2011/02/another-glorious-day-in-february/) - Not. This has been a miserable month. On top of everything else today I started to feel a little off, and then sick, until... I'll spare you the details. In looking for the silver lining, I would note that after I've been sick and I'm on the mend, I feel like a million dollars. I
- [Oh, WordPress!](https://makerblock.com/2011/02/oh-wordpress/) - My dear dear friend - has it really been so long? Tonight I had the opportunity to dive back into a few old plugins. Fun!
- [MakerBlock Thing-A-Day](https://makerblock.com/2011/02/makerblock-thing-a-day/) - Let's see if I can upload a new thing to Thingiverse for each day in February. This post will be my updated list of Things as I upload them. Day 7: Cupcake XY autohoming GCode thingiverse.com/thing:6200 Day 6: Cupcake CNC Optoendstop Trigger for X Minimum thingiverse.com/thing:6191 Day 5: Things That Cannot Be Unseen. thingiverse.com/thing:6097 Day
- [Domain Name Squatters](https://makerblock.com/2011/02/domain-name-squatters/) - Here's an e-mail I received today: Dear Jay MakerBlock, Our registrar is in the process of acquiring makerblocks.com. We are sending this email to everyone who might benefit from owning this domain. If you are interested in buying makerblocks.com you can make an offer here http://ekodeliver.com/527749pogomu After successful acquisition of the domain we will contact
- [Everything about this comic strip makes me happy](https://makerblock.com/2011/02/everything-about-this-comic-strip-makes-me-happy/) - And, really, a zombie movie just would not be entertaining if everyone made a series of wise decisions, any of which would forestall the coming apocalypse.
- [Impecible logic](https://makerblock.com/2011/02/impecible-logic/) - A conversation from bedtime: "Did you ever break a toy when you were a little boy?" Yes, honey, sometimes I did. And my daddy was pretty good at fixing things, but we didn't have a robot. "I have an idea!" Oh? What's that? "We'll get a big box and a pulley and a rope and
- [Well, that didn't work](https://makerblock.com/2011/02/well-that-didnt-work/) - As a last ditch effort, I just tried to swap the hard drives from my Dell Mini10 into my craptop case. The screen on the Dell Mini10 is really that bad. In doing so Windows said I needed to re-activate it. Why? Just because I swapped hard drives? Are you kidding me? I tried to
- [The long road to recovery](https://makerblock.com/2011/02/the-long-road-to-recovery/) - I'm trying to recover my laptop drive from a ridiculous malware infection. It's something called "System Tools" and it does everything. Browser hijack, disallows Ctrl-Alt-Del, disallows access to most system functions, disallows Task Manager, disallows the running of anything that even looks like it could be helpful in removing it. It shows the most insanely
- [And....... it's gone!](https://makerblock.com/2011/02/and-its-gone/) - The malware has taken control of my laptop. It's offering to clean my computer for $60. Right. Argh.
- [Grumble grumble](https://makerblock.com/2011/02/grumble-grumble/) - Be warned, dear reader, this is a grumbly post. ((Got to love the foreshadowing with the subject, eh?)) This song just perfectly sums up my day: My platonic ideal of a rain forest is a place where I just run away to and live like the Swiss Family Robinson. I, along with my family and
- [Here's a side splitter for you...](https://makerblock.com/2011/02/heres-a-side-splitter-for-you/) - First day out of the hospital, the very very first day, and what do you suppose he eats for dinner? McDonald's.
- [Bumper sticker](https://makerblock.com/2011/02/bumper-sticker/) - "I'd rather be printing" Who wouldn't want one of those?
- [747](https://makerblock.com/2011/02/747/) - I'm 7 for 7 on the Thing-A-Day challenge. I originally didn't think I'd be able to do this - making something new each day. However, I'm dusting off old things that I haven't uploaded yet, designing new things in OpenSCAD as tests and proofs of concepts as part of my research for upcoming tutorials, and
- [Most stressful week evar, day 5](https://makerblock.com/2011/02/most-stressful-week-evar-day-5/) - Google tells me that John Wheeler said, "Time is what prevents everything from happening at once." Apparently at some point on Sunday afternoon Time got all huffy, picked up its toys, and went home since just about anything that could have happened since that time has. Hopefully cheerfully ridiculous posts will resume shortly. As in,
- [Yet another cynical thought](https://makerblock.com/2011/02/yet-another-cynical-thought/) - As I'm re-watching the Doctor Who 2010 Christmas special ((It was really good.)) I suddenly caught myself thinking... Wait a second, he just broke his sonic screwdriver. Again. The last sonic screwdriver was good for two doctors and four seasons. This last screwdriver lasted only a single season. ((Well, I suppose it lasted 1.09 seasons
- [Could I do this?](https://makerblock.com/2011/02/could-i-do-this/) - Thirty days of things? I wonder if I could do it. I've got less than 3 hours to post something for today. Every single day? Man. That's a serious time commitment. Day job, blogging, a number of other various and sundry endeavors and obligations... Well, let's take this just one day at a time. I
- [Math guys](https://makerblock.com/2011/02/math-guys/) - My profession isn't one that involves a lot of math. In my small little niche, I'm considered a "techie" or "computer guy" or "math guy." What's funny is that being a "math guy" is a relative term. I'm more of a math guy than my co-workers, but oh-so much less so than the people who
- [With great power](https://makerblock.com/2011/01/with-great-power/) - Comes abuse. I've come to realize that OpenSCAD can indeed be abused. It's so easy to import several objects and manipulate them that I wish I had gotten around to learning OpenSCAD a long time ago. You can do some pretty amazing (and scary) things with just the import and translate functions. ((I also scaled
- [Your argument is invalid.](https://makerblock.com/2011/01/your-argument-is-invalid/) - Okay, Erik, my excuse is that I can't help myself. If someone asks me to do something ridiculous, I just can't not do it. ((Can I misuse OpenSCAD, or what???)) But, man, who actually wants a pink panther lady Walt Disney's brainy-head bottle opener whistle? That's just crazy, dude. You can print out Pink Panther
- [Least favorite blog post subject line "gotcha"](https://makerblock.com/2011/01/least-favorite-blog-post-subject-line-gotcha/) - Any blog post that has a subject of "SOMETHING TOTALLY UNBELIEVABLE!" With a blog post that starts, "Well, not really..."
- [Best MakerBot printed sample?  Bottle opener leading the pack with 100%](https://makerblock.com/2011/01/best-makerbot-printed-sample-bottle-opener-leading-the-pack-with-100/) - Apparently 100% of respondents believe that a bottle opener is the ultimate printed sample give away. Remarkable! Srlsy, tho, what do you think? Poll to the right -->
- [OpenSCAD tutorial outline](https://makerblock.com/2011/01/openscad-tutorial-outline/) - They'll continue, but I think the next one will come out on Friday. So far I've covered the interface of OpenSCAD, 2D forms, and 3D forms. My goal is to show people how to use OpenSCAD in a way that is intuitive and builds quickly on what was taught earlier, with a secondary goal of
- [Robotics Work Area](https://makerblock.com/2011/01/robotics-work-area/) - I thought people might be interested in seeing what my robot work area looks like. ((It's a bit messy, but worlds better than before I tidied it up.)) Part of this last weekend was devoted to organizing the contents of the above library card catalog, putting things in appropriate drawers and labeling them. ((I had
- [Create and upload something and I will Flattr you](https://makerblock.com/2011/01/create-and-upload-something-and-i-will-flattr-you/) - Make something that combines a coat hook, functional whistle, AND bottle opener. Upload to Thingiverse with an open license Post a comment to this post with a link so I know about it Profit! I'm totally serious. I want to spend my flattr moolah! Also, 9000 internet points to whoever can combine these things in
- [New poll - best printed sample?](https://makerblock.com/2011/01/new-poll-best-printed-sample/) - What do you think? I've put up a poll so you can help me figure this one out. Coat hook Bottle opener Thin profile whistle Pink Panther Lady Or, something else entirely? With huge bonus points for a quick-printing object, I suspect the Pink Panther Lady loses.
- [One other decent possibility](https://makerblock.com/2011/01/one-other-decent-possibility/) - A coat hook. The thing I like about "samples" is that they can actually be useful. So, a whistle, a bottle opener, a coat hook - these are all things that people could examine and then actually use. That way, their utility lives beyond simply being examined once as a curiosity - they become a
- [What's the best MakerBot sample you can think of?](https://makerblock.com/2011/01/whats-the-best-makerbot-sample-you-can-think-of/) - Okay, what's the best thing you can think of that exhibits the possibilities of a MakerBot or RepRap? ((Yes, I know I ended the subject of this post with a preposition, but what the heck. The first amendment protects "free speech" not just "correct grammar.")) ((Amiright or amiright?)) If y0u're going for something that shows
- [Duet](https://makerblock.com/2011/01/duet/) - Why is tonight a good night? There are a number of reasons. But, right now I have my Bender and Flexo making parts simultaneously. ((Bender is my Cupcake CNC, Flexo is my Thing-O-Matic.)) Two robots! Will my extravagances know no bounds?!
- [OpenSCAD tutorial, take II](https://makerblock.com/2011/01/openscad-tutorial-take-ii/) - So, I've been working on some OpenSCAD tutorials over at the MakerBot blog. OpenSCAD Basics: The Setup OpenSCAD Basics: 2D Forms What did you think of them? Are they too high-falutin' or too basic? Are they too serious? What would you like to learn next? I'm probably going to cover 3D forms next. Do you
- [OpenSCAD tutorials](https://makerblock.com/2011/01/openscad-tutorials/) - Well, it looks like the poll is 67% in favor of more OpenSCAD tutorials. The comments to my recent tutorial seem very positive. So, I'll keep going until I get a ton of hate mail or I hit the limit of my knowledge. ((And, really, I think we both know THAT won't take long...))
- [Happy camper](https://makerblock.com/2011/01/happy-camper/) - Today was a long Long LONG day. What was supposed to be an 8 hour round trip drive evolved, by means of persistent fog, traffic, accidents and road work, into a 10 hour round trip drive. Oh, and I was at my destination meeting for less than two hours. Upon my return I discovered two
- [7 hours, 16 minutes](https://makerblock.com/2011/01/7-hours-16-minutes/) - I've got a work meeting tomorrow that will require round trip travel of 7 hours and 16 minutes over 426 miles. I'm not looking forward to this. I have to arrive at 10am, which means I have to leave my home at about 6:00 AM. Believe me, I'm really not a morning person. Not only
- [Scrapping for parts](https://makerblock.com/2011/01/scrapping-for-parts/) - Over the weekend I took apart two old DVD players for parts. I found some interesting small motors, magnets, tiny precision rods, and some other assorted odds and ends. Today at work our office manager mentioned that some e-waste recyclers were coming out to pick up some old printers and other stuff. I suggested we
- [Do you want to learn OpenSCAD with me?](https://makerblock.com/2011/01/do-you-want-to-learn-openscad-with-me/) - I'm really just learning OpenSCAD right now. I can make some basic shapes, put things together, and whatnot. I was thinking about putting together some super super basic tutorials that would take a user from knowing nothing about OpenSCAD to knowing as little about OpenSCAD as I do. ((Perhaps even a little less!)) Is this
- [ReplicatorG v0023 error](https://makerblock.com/2011/01/replicatorg-v0023-error/) - "This should never happen, deltaX in addValueSegmentToPixelTable in euclidean is 0." And, really, this is just one of MANY such errors. Also, Marty was kind enough to slice it up in Zaggo's Pleasant 3D software. He took a look at the OpenSCAD code and didn't see anything nasty in there. I dunno. Do you?
- [OpenSCAD, ReplicatorG, why can't we all just get along?](https://makerblock.com/2011/01/openscad-replicatorg-why-cant-we-all-just-get-along/) - I need to bolt some shelving to the wall. Yes, I know the shelves came with some hardware for doing that - but I own a 3D printer and I can design BETTER hardware. I whipped something up in Sketchup and printed off some brackets. Next, I needed a slight variation in order to bolt
- [Added Flattr](https://makerblock.com/2011/01/added-flattr/) - The interesting thing about Flattr is that in order to be eligible to receive funds, you need to be willing to share funds. In any case, I've added a Flattr button to this site as well as to my MakerBlock Thingiverse page. Because I'm such an optimistic guy, I also just ordered an extra large
- [Old DVD player - what should I salvage?](https://makerblock.com/2011/01/old-dvd-player-what-should-i-salvage/) - We own two DVD players. Well, three. Well, four - but one is a portable DVD player for trips and one is a replacement for one of the first two. The first two are really old - and were just failing. They had problems loading DVD's or just even turning on. I was curious what
- [Pulled the trigger](https://makerblock.com/2011/01/pulled-the-trigger/) - I just bought it.
- [Note to self](https://makerblock.com/2011/01/note-to-self-2/) - If I could send a message to myself when I was a kid, to blow my own mind, here's what I would tell myself: One day you will own several computers known as "laptops," the least of which is more powerful than the biggest most bad ass mainframe under the control of any company or
- [Chicken, part II](https://makerblock.com/2011/01/chicken-part-ii/) - From a chat with Marty: "if only someone would write a blog post about when it's going to be on sale" If only, my friend. If only. The price of Doctor Who Series 5 just dropped another $2. Oh, and Marty is officially off my doo-doo list since he's watched The End of Time. As
- [Coffee, coffee, coffee!](https://makerblock.com/2011/01/coffee-coffee-coffee/) - Man-o-man, I'm such a better person under the influence (of coffee). I don't have any idea why someone would put up with me otherwise. Sheesh. (What a jerk!)
- [Playing chicken](https://makerblock.com/2011/01/playing-chicken/) - Marty, STOP READING NOW. Doctor Who: The Complete Fifth Series is selling over at Amazon - but as I procrastinate purchasing it, the price has been falling. From about $60 to $52 - with the non-Amazon options as low as $42 or so with shipping. So, do I pull the trigger now or wait for
- [Occupational Hazards](https://makerblock.com/2011/01/occupational-hazards/) - I love coming up with ideas, poking holes in those ideas, and trying to think of every way I can to make the idea fail. For even more fun, I like to try to twist ideas into things that they were never really meant to be. If an idea stands to that kind of poking
- [The cake was a lie](https://makerblock.com/2011/01/the-cake-was-a-lie/) - So, I'm just learning OpenSCAD when Tony Buser leaves this comment: This should be in the next version I believe, see: http://gitorious.org/openscad/openscad/commit/d479fca855688c92f4a9f72f4ec18d655c3b351d Also, you can set variables on the command line like this: http://en.wikibooks.org/wiki/OpenSCAD_User_Manual/Using_OpenSCAD_in_a_command_line_environment So you could set a variable to a random value in a shell script too. Unfortunately, since variables aren’t really variable
- [Brute force](https://makerblock.com/2011/01/brute-force/) - So, a brute force password attack would mean trying every combination of keys until you hit upon the proper combination for a password. Here's the stupidest, but cool in a bloody-minded sort of way, use a possible OpenSCAD randomizing function: A script that generates a pile of random keys so you can brute force attack
- [OpenSCAD and randomness](https://makerblock.com/2011/01/openscad-and-randomness/) - A quick google search tells me that OpenSCAD doesn't have a random number generator. That's a bit of a bummer. I was just thinking how cool it would be to have an OpenSCAD file that would give you little variations on itself every time you generated an STL. I'm thinking snowflakes, giant fingerprints, and other
- [Definition:  Angoraphobe](https://makerblock.com/2011/01/definition-angoraphobe/) - The fear of rabbit sweaters.
- [WHY ARE YOU DOING THAT???](https://makerblock.com/2011/01/why-are-you-doing-that/) - For a totally different website I have a client whose representative only e-mails me USING ALL CAPS. I cannot imagine what would possess someone to want to communicate like that. Sure, I could just put up with it - but it is so so so difficult to read. Last week I ended up responding to
- [Playing with OpenSCAD / CloudSCAD](https://makerblock.com/2011/01/playing-with-openscad-cloudscad/) - Inspired by MaskedRetriever's last few Thingiverse blog posts on OpenSCAD I tried it out again. Well, to be fair, I've been trying Tony Buser's CloudSCAD. I'll get around to actually installing OpenSCAD, but playing with CloudSCAD is so dang easy. It is limited by the power ((Or, lack thereof)) of my netbook. I have always
- [Pattywac design challenge - $150.00 in prizes](https://makerblock.com/2011/01/pattywac-design-challenge-150-00-in-prizes/) - Just a head's up to anyone who is entering Pattwac's latest design challenge, the total prize pool is $150.00. $50.00 from Pattywac and $100 from MakerBot in store credit. In the original post I got the prizes all messed up. :/
- [More Google Sketchup plugins](https://makerblock.com/2011/01/more-google-sketchup-plugins/) - These look promising... http://www.ohyeahcad.com/download/ I'll try them out and let you know.
- [Doing God's work](https://makerblock.com/2011/01/doing-gods-work/) - Restoring old lost episodes of Doctor Who? It takes several hundred hours to restore a single episode, frame by frame. I imagine a room full of monks hunched over individual frames and restoring them with quill and ink.
- [It's 3:00AM, welcome to my groove](https://makerblock.com/2011/01/its-300am-welcome-to-my-groove/) - I'm NOT a morning person. I'm a late afternoon to late evening person. I really don't hit my groove until around 2AM to 3AM. It is during this time of the quiet hum of the refrigerator and laptop fan that I am seriously hitting my stride for the day. Who am I kidding, even when
- [Also, a poll to the right...](https://makerblock.com/2011/01/also-a-poll-to-the-right/) - Who's your fav Doctor Who villain? Just curious.
- [I'd rather be making](https://makerblock.com/2011/01/id-rather-be-making-2/) - Part way into all nighter for work, I can't help but think that I'd rather be making right now. I was having a conversation with a friend a few weeks ago about hobbies. A mutual friend of ours has
- [I love the word geegaw](https://makerblock.com/2011/01/i-love-the-word-geegaw/) - Um. That's it really.
- [Rocking SOMA FM](https://makerblock.com/2011/01/rocking-soma-fm/) - I enjoy playing music while I work. I'll flip between LastFM, CD's, MP3's, Pandora, with one of my fav's being Grooveshark. Grooveshark is a great option since I can specify nearly any song as if I had a huge MP3 library. Today, however, is another matter. Today I checked back in with an old friend,
- [Oooh, that's why!](https://makerblock.com/2011/01/oooh-thats-why/) - I mentioned that the BBC show "Sherlock" was like Doctor Who without all the wibbly wobbly timey wimey bits. It's co-produced by Steven Moffat, the current writer for Doctor Who. When watching this show, I could easily see either David Tennat or Matt Smith taking up this role. You know, if Sherlock was to sudden
- [New "Wheresthetardis" Infomercial - PLUS a special bonus gift if you act now! (justpayshippingandhandling)](https://makerblock.com/2011/01/new-wheresthetardis-infomercial-plus-a-special-bonus-gift-if-you-act-now-justpayshippingandhandling/) - If you act now, this special bonus gift could be yours! At the end of the TARDIS infomercial they have a bunch of text quickly scroll past. I paused the video and copied it all down, just so you won't have to. It's after the two videos. :) Allons-y!!! Here's the bit that scrolls past
- [MakerBot Cupcake Ultimate Sale!](https://makerblock.com/2010/12/makerbot-cupcake-ultimate-sale/) - If you've been waffling on whether to buy a 3D printer, NOW is the time to pull the trigger. I purchased my Cupcake CNC Deluxe kit for about $1000, shipped. Over the following year I spent about another $500 or so on other color of plastic, replacement parts, and upgrades. You, my friend, are in
- [It's like Doctor Who without all the wibbly wobbly timey wimey](https://makerblock.com/2010/12/its-like-doctor-who-without-all-the-wibbly-wobbly-timey-wimey/) - I just watched the first episode of the BBC series Sherlock. Wow. You'd probably really really like it.
- [This post may be viewed by any internet user except Marty McGuire](https://makerblock.com/2010/12/this-post-may-be-viewed-by-any-internet-user-except-marty-mcguire/)
- [Hello Thunderbird my old friend, I've come to talk with you again](https://makerblock.com/2010/12/hello-thunderbird-my-old-friend-ive-come-to-talk-with-you-again/) - For the past six months or so I have been blaming the latest update to Thunderbird ((My old friend)) for being ridiculously slow. This charge has, apparently, been completely unfounded. At about the same time I also noticed a ridiculous deterioration in Firefox's performance as well as an overall incredible slow down on my laptop.
- [What other Doctor Who things should be on Thingiverse?](https://makerblock.com/2010/12/what-other-doctor-who-things-should-be-on-thingiverse/) - Okay, we already have: A TARDIS A printable dalek, a 3D rendering of a dalek, and a dalek head A sonic screwdriver for the 1st, 10th, and 11th Doctors ((Well, most of the 11th. It's a perpetual work in progress.)) A cyberman symbol A dalek, TARDIS, and sonic screwdriver cookie cutter ((Delicious sci fi??? Sign
- [TARDIS Police Box Signs](https://makerblock.com/2010/12/tardis-police-box-signs/) - Police Box sign on Amazon UK Police Box sign from Bygones Several pictures of the new (white background) and old (black background) Police Box signs ((Whatever you do, DO NOT CLICK on the "Index" on that website. You have been warned.)) Black and white photo of Police Box sign by Star Cross Police Box sign
- [Nuance](https://makerblock.com/2010/12/nuance/) - Some would call it OCD, others attention to detail. When I originally uploaded the STL file for my Leonardo Voltron I discovered that the figure was facing away from the "camera" in the rendering. Since I had to run the model through Netfabb to fix up some minor details anyhow, I rotated the entire model
- [Another cool Sketchup plugin!](https://makerblock.com/2010/12/another-cool-sketchup-plugin/) - I update an earlier post with the best, coolest, and most awesome Sketchup plugins I can find. The latest entry is one that will convert a Sketchup file into a 2D G-code cutting pattern. It's not useful (yet) for printing 3D images, but I hope one day it will be!
- [Printable Voltron!](https://makerblock.com/2010/12/printable-voltron/) - I've mentioned wanting to print a Voltron several times before. It was Tony Buser who mentioned modifying the Leonardo Robot by jrombousky. Well, I finally got around to designing it! All you have to do is print up the parts from Jrombousky's Leonardo Robot and then this single plate of parts. Swap out the bits,
- [TARDIS infomercial](https://makerblock.com/2010/12/tardis-infomercial/) - Awesome.
- [Common ground](https://makerblock.com/2010/12/common-ground/) - Yesterday I had coffee with a friend I hadn't seen in about ten years, maybe even a little more. As it was appropriate to the conversation we were having, I asked him whether he had read any Neal Stephenson, to which he laughed and replied, "Yes, of course I have. I didn't even occur to
- [Movie Review: The Expendables](https://makerblock.com/2010/12/movie-review-the-expendables/) - In a word, bad. I'm warning you now, this could be considered a "spoiler" in so far as I discuss things that happen in the film that are crucial to the "plot." Nothing about this movie made any sense to me. Bruce Willis hires Sylvester Stalone to do a job and threatens him with consequences
- [New bizarre form of spam...](https://makerblock.com/2010/12/new-bizarre-form-of-spam/) - But an interesting idea nonetheless. Someone has programmed their spambots to pick up old comments and parrot them back. It's an interesting way to spam - because my filter did allow the original comments through. Thankfully, Akismet's kung fu is strong.
- [Spell check on exams](https://makerblock.com/2010/12/spell-check-on-exams/) - The Oregon Department of Education is going to allow test takers to use spell check on state exams. This is a dumb idea. ((I'm hoping to increase their SEO mojo for the keywords "dumb ideas")) I remember when I had to take a big exam after grad school - I handwrote the exam because I
- [What is SyFy without SciFi?](https://makerblock.com/2010/12/what-is-syfy-without-scifi/) - Seriously, ask you. Destination Truth, Ghost Hunters. Are these supposed to be pseudo-science shows? I don't think they purport to be fiction or entertainment. The people on those shows seem to take themselves pretty seriously. Perhaps they would be better suited to the "SuFy" channel. I refuse to watch "professional" wrestling on the SyFy channel.
- [It's alive!](https://makerblock.com/2010/12/its-alive/) - 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 mug ((Natch)) , turned out reasonably well - but
- [I cheated](https://makerblock.com/2010/12/i-cheated/) - 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.
- [Working on my Thing-O-Matic...](https://makerblock.com/2010/12/working-on-my-thing-o-matic/) - I'm nearly done.
- [Math videos and math puzzle sculptures](https://makerblock.com/2010/12/math-videos-and-math-puzzle-sculptures/) - 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
- [I can't wait to abandon my family!!!](https://makerblock.com/2010/12/i-cant-wait-to-abandon-my-family/) - 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 still think it's a good idea](https://makerblock.com/2010/12/i-still-think-its-a-good-idea/) - A few weeks ago, I forget when or where, I was someplace where someone was talking and then finished with, "Any questions?" I said, "Yes! Why hasn't anyone else invented a papasan / beanbag chair?" No one answered, just cold stares. ((I suppose more people might take my questions seriously if I were actually part
- [BEST part about Botacon?](https://makerblock.com/2010/12/best-part-about-botacon/) - 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!
- [Back to the past!](https://makerblock.com/2010/12/back-to-the-past/) - 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...
- [I have landed ... in the FUTURE!!!](https://makerblock.com/2010/12/i-have-landed-in-the-future/) - More missives to follow. The future is a strange and wonderful place. I can't wait to see you here!
- [Researchers uncover functional sonic screwdriver impossibly buried under a pyramid](https://makerblock.com/2010/12/researchers-uncover-functional-sonic-screwdriver-impossibly-buried-under-a-pyramid/) - The title is a complete fabrication. But, that would have been a much cooler way to announce "engineers are already experimenting with ultrasonic waves to move and manipulate small objects." The sonic screwdriver is (may be) real!
- [Packing for time travel](https://makerblock.com/2010/12/packing-for-time-travel/) - I suppose a more adventurous sort would just leap into a time machine heedless of the consequences. I tend to be more deliberative. Here's what I'm planning to take in my foray into the past: A small netbook. My itty bitty red Dell Mini 10. Zero battery life, bad resolution, super light weight. An analog
- [Planning for time travel isn't as easy as you might think](https://makerblock.com/2010/12/planning-for-time-travel-isnt-as-easy-as-you-might-think/) - 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
- [Ultimachine plastic](https://makerblock.com/2010/12/ultimachine-plastic/) - For a client I just special ordered some black PLA from UltiMachine. ((I have always bought MakerBot plastic, but they don't carry black PLA.)) This will be my first experience purchasing from UltiMachine, but I've heard good things. I'll let you know how it goes.
- [What do astronauts use for their computer's wallpaper?](https://makerblock.com/2010/12/what-do-astronauts-use-for-their-computers-wallpaper/) - Commander Scott Kelly provides a tour of the super small personal spaces on the ISS. Like every other kid with a computer, at some point I've used a variety of skyscapes or spacescapes as my computer's wallpaper. What does Commander Kelly use? Green earth fields. I love it.
- [More signs of the coming zombie apocalypse](https://makerblock.com/2010/12/more-signs-of-the-coming-zombie-apocalypse/) - There was a "The Walking Dead" marathon on last night. Watched the whole thing in one sitting. :) I like zombie movies. And, apparently zombie TV shows too. Who knew?
- [Real conversation from work yesterday](https://makerblock.com/2010/12/real-conversation-from-work-yesterday/) - Co-worker: Wait, do you celebrate Christmas? MakerBlock: Well, I don't have any Christmas stuff up in my office, so... I suppose not. Well, I do have a picture of an Easter Bunny. But, that's because I believe in bunnies. I believe in bunnies but not Easter,
- [Why would anyone want a vortex manipulator?](https://makerblock.com/2010/12/why-would-anyone-want-a-vortex-manipulator/) - Answer: It's a lot more convenient than strapping a TARDIS to your wrist. Ever since seeing the season 5 finale of Doctor Who I've wanted my own printed vortex manipulator. I have a feeling Nick Starno's pocket watch case for the MakerBot Watch would be a good place to start. Just another random thing in
- [500?!?!](https://makerblock.com/2010/12/500/) - Wow. I just noticed that I've got more than 500 posts on this site. That's kinda cool. Most of them seemed to make some sort of sense to me at the time.
- [The most awesome musical Craig Ferguson video you will see today](https://makerblock.com/2010/12/the-most-awesome-musical-craig-ferguson-video-you-will-see-today/) - Dave Durant, Tony Buser - You're welcome.
- [Doctor Who Christmas Special 2010 Trailer](https://makerblock.com/2010/12/doctor-who-christmas-special-2010-trailer/) - Since the revival ((Regeneration?)) of Doctor Who they've had a Christmas Special each year, but it airs at least a day later here in the States. Last year I totally missed the Christmas Special and had to wait several more months before BBC America re-aired it. This year BBC and BBC America will be airing
- [Help with the Disc Shooter?](https://makerblock.com/2010/11/help-with-the-disc-shooter/) - The other day I sketched up a concept of a disc shooter - the style that used to be available in grocery store aisles at about my eye level. Strangely enough I noticed over time they moved them lower and lower on the shelves until they stopped carrying them entirely. In any case, I'd really
- [More cool Sketchup plugins](https://makerblock.com/2010/11/more-cool-sketchup-plugins/) - I've updated my prior post about cool Sketchup plugins with some interesting new plugins. ((New to me.)) These should be very useful to anyone looking to develop printable models in Sketchup. Some allow for smoothing, fixing solids, adding curves, and other cool stuff.
- [How awesome is this photo?](https://makerblock.com/2010/11/how-awesome-is-this-photo/) - I'm surprise the universe didn't explode. Old Spice Man and The Most Interesting Man in the World?!
- [Parkflyer landing gear](https://makerblock.com/2010/11/parkflyer-landing-gear/) - The other weekend my wife and I met another couple. Quite naturally the guys started talking about work and hobbies. It turns out that Jon owns AirscapeRC.com a website for customizing radio controlled "Parkflyer" airplanes. He manufactures and sources parts for inclusion in landing gear kits and tail wheel kits which he sells through his
- [What would you charge?](https://makerblock.com/2010/11/what-would-you-charge/) - I know some people use their MakerBots as small scale rapid prototyping services. What I don't know is what or how they charge for providing these services. Obviously, there's a cost associated with the plastic, electricity, wear and tear, failed prints, etc. ((It takes about 4.5 minutes to print one cubic centimeter of ABS or
- [Argh.](https://makerblock.com/2010/11/argh/) - I spent WAY too long this morning working on a post here... got ready to hit print... and was told by WordPress the post no longer existed. Even better? Every post and page on the entire site was gone. Even better? MySQL said the posts table had crashed. I use a plugin that backs up
- [Vincent, here I come!](https://makerblock.com/2010/11/vincent-here-i-come/) - The DeYoung museum in San Francisco has a special exhibit of Post-Impressionistic Painters on loan from the Musée d’Orsay in France. I'm taking the day off work tomorrow to go check it out. I know I'm not alone in saying Van Gogh is my favorite painter of all time. More than any other painter, Van
- [MakerBlock Testimonial from Les H](https://makerblock.com/2010/11/makerblock-testimonial-from-les-h/) - 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
- [What kind of crayon molds would you like to see?](https://makerblock.com/2010/11/what-kind-of-crayon-molds-would-you-like-to-see/) - I like the idea of making a crayon mold with my MakerBot. I even have a draft design sitting on my hard drive. However, what's a good shape for a crayon mold? Triangular crayons, square crayons, fat crayons, thin crayons, flat crayons, smiley face crayons, Christmas crayons, Halloween crayons, Valentine's Day crayons, Easter egg crayons...
- [Right click](https://makerblock.com/2010/11/right-click/) - As someone with a modicum of javascript, URL hacking, and a passing familiarity with Firebug I sneer at websites that use javascript to disable right clicks. Frankly, I'm amazing anyone would bother doing it. There are just too many ways around these "protections" to make them worthwhile. I recently was reading a website and started
- [Vincent](https://makerblock.com/2010/11/vincent/) - I had kept a few choice episodes of Doctor Who on my DVR, including several from this most recent season. When working late, I like to have something playing in the background. Unfortunately, my wife deleted the second ((And arguably better)) half of the Season 5 finale. Shortly after our DVR started to go and
- [More Doctor Who nonsense](https://makerblock.com/2010/11/moredoctor-who-nonsense/) - ((Photo courtesy of gbrummett.))
- [Bearings ](https://makerblock.com/2010/11/bearings/) - I'm working on designs for MakerBot printable bearings. The proof of concept tests so far have been very promising. I've printed one that's a little larger than a 608 bearing and turns quite well. The secret is that I'm not using printed ball bearings, just the printed casing. :) My final proof of this part
- [Worse than his usual rubbish](https://makerblock.com/2010/11/worse-than-his-usual-rubbish/) - This last season of Doctor Who has been really great. You have probably gleaned from this blog that I'm a big fan of the show. ((Bonus points if you can name the episode from which I borrowed the title of this post)) I just re-watched one of my favorite episodes from this season (there were
- [I'd rather be blogging](https://makerblock.com/2010/11/id-rather-be-blogging/) - I'm stuck at work. I read a Penny Arcade post this morning that made me smile. Humans are always asking us if we ever get tired of doing "Penny Arcade," which is a reasonable question, but from here inside the mechanism it doesn't all hook up conceptually. It would be like asking if we get
- [Happy Birthday to me!](https://makerblock.com/2010/12/happy-birthday-to-me/) - On December 15, 2009 I purchased this domain name and started blogging about my MakerBot, "Bender." ((You may notice a few posts from just before that date. That happened because I had originally purchased a different domain name and blogged there before settling on MakerBlock.com.)) It has been a fun, wild year of blogging. I
- [Halloween costume](https://makerblock.com/2010/10/halloween-costume/) - My WordPress/gravatar avatar is basically a small picture of David Tennant as Doctor Who. I started using that picture because I'm a big fan of Doctor Who and have been for a long time. ((I liked Doctor Who before it was cool, man. Oh, wait, it's still not cool? Crap.)) In actually, no one with
- [Missing Isaac](https://makerblock.com/2010/10/missing-isaac/) - I took a few photos at the Mini-MakerFaire on Sunday, most of which will be posted over at the MakerBot blog. I was looking forward to seeing an Egg-bot, other MakerBot operators (Ace Monster Toys), and an Isaac. Unfortunately, the table labeled "Isaac" only had a kid doing his homework. ((I asked him where the
- [Glowing Logo Cube by Domonoky](https://makerblock.com/2010/10/glowing-logo-cube-by-domonoky/) - Domonoky uploaded his "Glowing Logo Cube." I'm loving this thing. The second I saw it, I thought of The Pandorica from the season finale of this last season of Doctor Who. Here's a papercraft version of the Pandorica from AFT Downloads, a website devoted to Doctor Who papercraft: That image below is from Peter McKinstry's
- [Would you be interested in some free MakerBot prints?](https://makerblock.com/2010/10/would-you-be-interested-in-some-free-makerbot-prints/) - I have this pile of printed PLA pawns I'm not going to be using any time soon. They're of varying quality and interesting-ness. If you've always wanted a MakerBot printed part but thought they were just too unattainable, now's your chance! I'm going to be at the East Bay Mini-MakerFaire this Sunday just walking around
- [Botacon talks!](https://makerblock.com/2010/10/botacon-talks/) - So, hey, there's going to be this whole Botacon thing. Basically it's about awesome robots and people talking about robots and people showing off their robots. ((Next on a very special Oprah - Robots and the people that care for them)) What would you like to see and hear at Botacon? Help us make it
- [Mini-MakerFaire East Bay this Sunday 10/24/10!](https://makerblock.com/2010/10/mini-makerfaire-east-bay-this-sunday-102410/) - I'm really excited about this weekend's Mini-MakerFaire taking place at Park Day in Oakland! There's going to be at least 100 different exhibits and things going on. I can't wait!!! (Just bought my tix) Are you going? Are you an exhibitor? If so, leave a comment so I can be sure and stop by your
- [MakerBlock, he's just this guy, you know?](https://makerblock.com/2010/10/makerblock-hes-just-this-guy-you-know/) - So, I am just a guy. Prior to assembling my Cupcake 3D printer I had never fiddled much with electronics, let alone attempted something as audacious as building a robot. I don't have a tech degree, I don't work in a tech field, basically I'm a glorified cubicle plant. With what little spare time I
- [WordPress developer job posting](https://makerblock.com/2010/10/wordpress-developer-job-posting/) - A friend of mine is a small business owner in the Sacramento area. He has seen the light and is finally developing his stuff in WordPress. (Sorry Drupal guys, he gave that a whirl) However, he needs a good WordPress developer to help him out. I'm not positive, but I'm pretty sure he'd be okay
- [This tweet made my day](https://makerblock.com/2010/10/this-tweet-made-my-day/) - Thanks @NYCDesigner - you made my day with that tweet! @makerbot Can't stop reading @makerblock blog or wiki.makerbot.com Must. Sleep. Now.
- [Working on my automated build platform](https://makerblock.com/2010/10/working-on-my-automated-build-platform/) - I had some technical trouble with my automated build platform today. (Yesterday? Last night? It all blurs. :) ) I've fixed some problems and found others. Right now I think there may be a slight kink in my filament spindle box. The extruder motor kept running but no plastic came out in one build job.
- [I will never ever use MS Office again, unless forced to at gunpoint](https://makerblock.com/2010/10/i-will-never-ever-use-ms-office-again-unless-forced-to-at-gunpoint/) - MS just released this video bashing open source tech. There are some really amusing points about it. The testimonials describe how wonderful MS Office 2007 is - but MS wants you to buy the 2010 version. Guys, let's not get ahead of ourselves. This is a word processor - for most people they just need
- [Commonalities](https://makerblock.com/2010/10/commonalities/) - This morning I arrived at work about 2 minutes before a silver Prius. He is a Joss Whedon fan.
- [I am ambivalent about this photo](https://makerblock.com/2010/10/i-am-ambivalent-about-this-photo/) - On the one hand, I support marine research and head-mounted sensors for all aquatic mammals. On the other hand, just look at this poor bastard. That's pretty messed up. Just look at his right eye - there's a reflection of the photographer. This seal looks completely resigned to his fate. I have a hard time
- [You know you're prone to over-engineering when...](https://makerblock.com/2010/10/you-know-youre-prone-to-over-engineering-when/) - The California DMV is a scary and terrifying place. It's so bad that their website's horrific navigation and UI seems comforting in comparison. Both give you the impression that you want to spend as little time dilly-dallying there as possible. I will say this though - for any given DMV location they have a little
- [Dilemma or opportunity](https://makerblock.com/2010/10/dilemma-or-opportunity/) - About a year ago on a totally separate blog for a totally separate topic I put up a series of posts reviewing my experiences in ordering a products from two online services. ((Vague enough for you?)) It's something innocuous, but also something that you'd hate to invest money in and then find out is worthless.
- [Can a MakerBot make a healthy marriage?](https://makerblock.com/2010/10/can-a-makerbot-make-a-healthy-marriage/) - Tony Buser posted this comment over at the MakerBot blog: My wife bought me my makerbot last year for my birthday and I know someone else whose fiance bought him on too. I’m sensing a trend here – 3D printer operators fall in love with awesome people. All very "causation or correlation." Are 3D printers
- [Well, *I* thought it was funny...](https://makerblock.com/2010/10/well-i-thought-it-was-funny/) - Yesterday morning I attended a meeting where the person holding the meeting was trying to mediate a dispute between two groups. In considering the nuances of various points, she asked aloud, "How many angels can dance on the head of a pin?" I blurted out, "Forty-two!!!" ((Here's the thing - you don't get many chances
- [New favorite licence plate frame](https://makerblock.com/2010/10/new-favorite-licence-plate-frame/) - Saw this in the parking lot at work. It makes me happy.
- [I did it!](https://makerblock.com/2010/10/i-did-it/) - I desoldered the burned H bridge on my extruder board and soldered in a new one!!! I'm so freaking happy! I'll be posting the details soon... Anyone in the Bay Area with a burned out extruder board?
- [Laptop woes](https://makerblock.com/2010/10/laptop-woes/) - I probably own about four or five laptops - all in states of serious disrepair. I have broken down laptops like some people have cars on blocks on their lawn or tires in piles in their backyard. Here's what I've got right now, with a description of what it would take to fix it: Dell
- [All that is wrong with Intelectual Property laws](https://makerblock.com/2010/10/all-that-is-wrong-with-intelectual-property-laws/) - This year's Nobel prize for physics went to Andre Geim for the development of a process for creating a sheet of graphene 1 atom thick which has useful electrical and physical properties. ((Thanks Slashdot)) Apparently Geim approached an electronics manufacturer about his discovery and whether his company would be willing to sponsor their patent for
- [Jump in!](https://makerblock.com/2010/10/jump-in/) - A friend of mine pointed me in the direction of this post about a guy who is making $600/month now after spending just one day on market research, development, and product launching. I think this guy's success is epitomizes Guy Kawasaki's advice - jump in. You can agonize over a business idea, sketch new logos
- [Trying to go Open Source](https://makerblock.com/2010/10/trying-to-go-open-source/) - Don't throw anything at me, but I'm not a fan of Mac products. I don't own an iPad, iPod, or iPhone and have never used iTunes. Windows XP has it's flaws, don't get me wrong, but it basically just works and I can use most products with it as I choose. Other than my operating
- [Go, UPS!  Fly like the wind!](https://makerblock.com/2010/10/go-ups-fly-like-the-wind/) - I've been SOOO anxious to use my Cupcake again. The withdrawal symptoms have been insane. And the cool stuff on Thingiverse keeps rolling in. I swear, ever since I melted one of their servers, their service has been suuuuuhhhhhh-lloooooowwww. ((I don't know how to design a printable server, so my promised replacement will have to
- [Moore's Law of Blogging](https://makerblock.com/2010/09/moores-law-of-blogging/) - "MakerBlock will double his nonsense output and become more incomprehensible every six months." Thanks Erik! Edit: For those of you who don't want to click through, Erik de Bruijn's tweet was: The amount of #RepRap news also appears to double every 6 months. It's becoming hard to follow even a good portion of it, @makerblock!
- [It will be mine.  Oh yes, it WILL be mine...](https://makerblock.com/2010/09/it-will-be-mine-oh-yes-it-will-be-mine/) - MakerBot just announced their brand spanking new 3D printer - the Thing-O-Matic! As far as I can tell, the highlights are as follows: Automated Build Platform - version 2.0??? Guys, I just built my version 1.0 a few DAYS ago! Did you design a time machine to let you import new developments from the future?
- [I am not alone](https://makerblock.com/2010/09/i-am-not-alone/) - Thank you interwebs.
- [Unbelievable deal on Cupcake CNC's](https://makerblock.com/2010/09/unbelievable-deal-on-cupcake-cncs/) - Apparently MakerBot is getting ready to launch a new 3D printer and is putting their Cupcake CNC's on sale. I've had an absolute blast with my MakerBot over the last nine months. I bought the Deluxe Kit for $950. With shipping and taxes it came to just over $1,000. I haven't confirmed it with MakerBot,
- [I swear this is not a zombie themed Doctor Who fansite](https://makerblock.com/2010/09/i-swear-this-is-not-a-zombie-themed-doctor-who-fansite/) - So, just ignore these links to awesome: 13 awesome episodes of the new series of Doctor Who Mostly candid photos of Matt Smith and Karen Gillan It's really that I enjoyed these links and find this a more interesting place to bookmark them. :)
- [Why is NPR suddenly talking about the zombie apocalypse???](https://makerblock.com/2010/09/why-is-npr-suddenly-talking-about-the-zombie-apocalypse/) - I don't know what the deal with NPR is, but they've been giving a lot of attention to the zombie apocalypse lately. I'm being totally serious. Last Friday they interviewed someone with a book about math and the zombie apocalypse. A few days before that they had a bit about a course in zombie studies.
- [Inside scoop on the MakerBot decision to launch an announcement of an impending launch](https://makerblock.com/2010/09/inside-scoop-on-the-makerbot-decision-to-launch-an-announcement-of-an-impending-launch/) - This morning MakerBot tweeted: Last week we launched the MakerBot Automated Build Platform and the MakerBot Cyclops 3D Scanner and this week we've got more to launch! Uh, let me guess guys - this week you will launch an announcement announcing the launching of a MakerBot Cyclops Automated MK37 3D Build Plastruder Platform Scanner DIY kit.
- [What am I supposed to do with all of these obsolete parts?](https://makerblock.com/2010/09/what-am-i-supposed-to-do-with-all-of-these-obsolete-parts/) - I love love love the idea of repurposing a MK4 plastruder into a plastic welding gun. Although, you could probably build a reasonable welding gun out of scrap parts even if you had only a MK4 - since it really only requires the PTFE barrier, barrel, nozzle, and some nichrome.
- [Speaking of Zombie Overlords...](https://makerblock.com/2010/09/speaking-of-zombie-overlords/) - Have you seen Daybreakers? It's a movie about vampire overlords. ((Let me guess, Dave - you welcome our new zombie vampire robotic overlords, too?)) There was basically no reason for about 95% of the entire movie. But, other than one super large glaring plot hole, it wasn't that bad.
- [Blueprints for building a Dalek](https://makerblock.com/2010/09/blueprints-for-building-a-dalek/) - You must already know by now that I am a fan of Doctor Who. I really wanted to build one as a kid - and had even heard the BBC had long ago published and gave away designs on how to make your own. Then, about a week ago I saw this blog post showing
- [Zombie apocalpyse](https://makerblock.com/2010/09/zombie-apocalpyse/) - I saw a shirt today that had three words I found very intriguing. Zombie, apocalpyse, and homeschool. The woman wearing the shirt was gone before I could get a good look, so I may never know. I now fear what will happen to this child of the traditional educational school system on the day of
- [I feel dirty for admitting this
](https://makerblock.com/2010/09/i-feel-dirty-for-admitting-this/) - This idea had already occurred to me. It is just too evil to actually execute.
- [More things that make me happy](https://makerblock.com/2010/09/more-things-that-make-me-happy/) - Axis of Awesome, indeed! Update: Thanks bpijls!
- [On a more serious note](https://makerblock.com/2010/09/on-a-more-serious-note/) - I will continue to blog here ((Mostly the nonsense from the MakerBot cutting room floor. :) )) and offer prototyping and 3D printing services through this website. :)
- [Yay!](https://makerblock.com/2010/09/yay-3/) - [pdrpiechart data="Yes. Ill even donate a dinosaur. Or laser.=27|Only if they promise to make him blog LESS. =4|No freaking way. I hate that guy.=2"] As you may have heard, I have finally worn down the resolve of MakerBot Industries. They've agreed to hire me to blog for them! ((Suckers! I would have paid them to
- [Maybe you guys can help](https://makerblock.com/2010/08/maybe-you-guys-can-help/) - My recent post about We Alone On Earth's MakerBot woes (and some solutions!) caught the attention of some people on Twitter, including Tim freaking O'Reilly. As in Make Magazine, Maker Faire Tim O'Reilly. Guys, if you have any sway with MakerBot Industries, tell them to hire me to blog for them already. :)
- [MakerBot Cyclops scanner, and 3D scanner alternatives](https://makerblock.com/2010/08/makerbot-cyclops-scanner-and-3d-scanner-alternatives/) - Looks like MakerBot has been quite busy on the wiki of late. Clothbot just pointed out a new section on their wiki devoted to documentation for a 3D scanner called "Cyclops." From the documentation they system appears to work by projecting a series of stripes onto the subject. An iPhone or similar camera then captures
- [Google Maps - a stalker's best friend](https://makerblock.com/2010/08/google-maps-a-stalkers-best-friend/) - Ah, Google, you always know how to build an online tool that straddles the line between helpful and creepy. Streetview plus Google Maps? You are truly mana from heaven for stalkers. ((Not that I know anything about stalkers. Because I don't.)) So. It gets kinda cold outside at night. I forgot to bring a sleeping
- [Poll dancing](https://makerblock.com/2010/08/poll-dancing/) - [pdrpiechart data="Yes. Ill even donate a dinosaur. Or laser.=25|Only if they promise to make him blog LESS. =3|No freaking way. I hate that guy.=1"] 96% of people polled want MakerBot to hire me to blog for them. 4% hate me and would rather have a sharp poke in the eye than read another word I've
- [Counter proposal for MakerBot Industries](https://makerblock.com/2010/08/counter-proposal-for-makerbot-industries/) - Sometimes you just need to turn a problem on it's head. I see that's it been over a week since I submitted my job application. ((That's right, I stayed up until 1:27am on Wednesday morning writing it, overslept, and was late to a meeting the following morning... Worth every moment.)) So, here's my counter proposal
- [DIY laser cutting](https://makerblock.com/2010/08/diy-laser-cutting/) - Peter Jansen's latest post about selective laser sintering (SLS) is nothing short of amazing. Most of his posts on the RepRap Builders blog posts deal with his adventures and research into SLS fabrication - basically directing a laser over a bed of powder to fuse powder in successive layers into a 3D object. Since the
- [Video of FULLY printed 3x2x1 Rubik's Cube!](https://makerblock.com/2010/08/video-of-fully-printed-3x2x1-rubiks-cube/) - TheMitch22 downloaded the 3x2x1 Rubik's cube v4, printed it, and uploaded a video of it working! The cycle is complete. 100% printable, no hardware or tools required. And it looks amazing in red.
- [MakerBot woes](https://makerblock.com/2010/08/makerbot-woes/) - Building my MakerBot and getting it printing reliably was challenging, but totally doable by a technical novice such as myself. I have lots of people on the MakerBot Operators group to thank for their patience and help in getting my MakerBot online. ((If I had an acceptance speech, I'd go on and on while the
- [Note to self](https://makerblock.com/2010/08/note-to-self/) - In continuing with my Doctor Who fanboy prints, I'd like to create a Time Lord Seal coin. Coins are cool. The BBC put up the design file associated with the Time Lord Seal from The End of Time.
- [Note to self, too](https://makerblock.com/2010/08/note-to-self-too/) - One of my favorite movies is The Mummy, and the coolest prop in the movie is a hexagonal puzzle box. When I get a chance, I'd like to design this object too. Here are some photos and informative links I've found: The cover of the Mummy Box DVD Set. What appears to be a homebrew
- [Why doesn't MakerBot carry PLA any more?](https://makerblock.com/2010/08/why-doesnt-makerbot-carry-pla-any-more/) - I just noticed they don't have this any more. It seems like it's a popular choice and people ((who aren't me)) are able to get it to print well. The odd thing is that their store doesn't say they're out of stock, it doesn't list this any more. What's up with that?
- [Poll results so far](https://makerblock.com/2010/08/poll-results-so-far/) - The question is, "Should MakerBot hire MakerBlock to blog for them?" So far the responses are as follows: [pdrpiechart data="Yes. Ill even donate a dinosaur. Or laser.=19|Only if they promise to make him blog LESS. =1|No freaking way. I hate that guy.=0"] Vote now to skew the results!!! (The poll is to the right)
- [WordPress II](https://makerblock.com/2010/08/wordpress-ii/) - I tend to see the world through WordPress eyes. ((You see, the subject is WordPress double-I, as in WordPress I's, as in WordPress eyes...)) When I find (or write) a clever bit of script that would be useful to a WordPress website, I tend to convert it into a WordPress plugin. I did this with
- [MakerBot Origami](https://makerblock.com/2010/08/makerbot-origami/) - Or, "Design Constraints and Creativity" Origami is another of my hobbies and it is all about design constraints. ((I waffled on that title.)) The rules are simple ((Modern origami rules, anyhow.)) - one square sheet of paper only manipulated by folding. ((Designing an origami model is not about figuring a way to cheat those rules
- [Blame Cyrozap](https://makerblock.com/2010/07/blame-cryozap/) - Cyrozap's recent vociferous comments about truncated feeds were basically on point. He noticed that I had recently changed my RSS feed settings to serve up truncated posts, rather than full content. I made this change in mostly because I was tired of dealing with content theft. However, I'm reasonably sure this will probably not be
- [Cyrozap - ARE YOU HAPPY NOW???](https://makerblock.com/2010/07/cryozap-are-you-happy-now/) - Cryozap Cyrozap, I mean, is there anything else I can get you? A moist towelette? A cotton shammy? Perhaps you would like a bloom from the titan arum? ((By some reports, it blooms about once every three years in the wild.)) Shall I bottle the nuance of the Mona Lisa's smile for you? Please just
- [3D design constraints, problems, considerations, potential solutions](https://makerblock.com/2010/07/3d-design-constraints-problems-considerations-potential-solutions/) - In the comments of a recent post Tony and I were discussing how we were each thinking about how to design and print an 11th Doctor sonic screwdriver. ((Tony Buser, are you listening?)) ((In case anyone from the BBC cares - I'm not doing this for pecuniary gain. I'm just a nerdy American Doctor Who
- [An honorary Duggar](https://makerblock.com/2010/08/an-honorary-duggar/) - Nophead's Mendel ((I don't know if he's named it yet - so I'll call it Anna until he corrects me.)) has produced 15 sets of Mendel parts, and is hard at work on it's 16th!!! My understanding is that it would take about 60 hours to print a full set of Mendel parts. I have
- [MakerBlock apologies](https://makerblock.com/2010/08/makerblock-apologies/) - I'm not ignoring you, I swear. I totally misconfigured my "Contact" page e-mail form plugin. That's not the worst part - I contributed a big chunk of the code to that plugin and really should have known better. So, if you've tried to send me an e-mail, please try again. :)
- [Sonic Screwdriver - first draft](https://makerblock.com/2010/08/sonic-screwdriver-first-draft/) - To the right is a first draft print of my latest designs for the sonic screwdriver. It's next to a USB cable for scale and perspective. There are several things I need to fix: It's too small. I was guesstimating the scale based upon the size of hand holding the sonic screwdriver in one of
- [Fourth wall](https://makerblock.com/2010/08/fourth-wall/) - Yesterday, just as an experiment, I tried to blog all of my the MakerBot related ideas and reactions. Here's the result: Thank you MakerBot!!! [144 words] Thanking MakerBot for sending fluorescent red ABS and a spare parts kit along with my birthday order. Anticipation [140 words] Likening waiting on my application for the MakerBot blogger
- [What's the minimum cost to upgrade to a MK5 Plastruder?](https://makerblock.com/2010/08/whats-the-minimum-cost-to-upgrade-to-a-mk5-plastruder/) - I figure to upgrade my Batch 9 MakerBot to use a Plastruder MK5, I'll need the following: $100 - Plastruder MK5 Hot End Kit $6 - Delrin Plunger Kit $12 - MK5 Drive Gear Upgrade Kit $17.50 - Relay Board Kit v1.0 A design for a printable Plastruder MK5 ((I'd ask Zaggo, Webca, or jrombousky
- [Plastruder MK5, now with 85% less heartache!](https://makerblock.com/2010/08/plastruder-mk5-now-with-85-less-heartache/) - Of all the bits to get working on my MakerBot, the Plastruder MK4 was the most challenging. There were so many ways for some critical component of the Plastruder to go wrong. You could: Cut the wrong length or resistance of nichrome wire A small patch of nichrome fiberglass insulation is scratched off, creating a
- [MakerBot Business Idea #5](https://makerblock.com/2010/08/makerbot-business-idea-5/) - I've had a few ideas about how one can build a business around a MakerBot. Advice for a Makerbot based business Thingiverse based business idea Custom plastic cookie cutter business idea RepRap crowdsourced parts business Well, here's my latest idea. Small custom replacement parts. Not a new idea, right? Well, it's all about the marketing
- [Why tweet?](https://makerblock.com/2010/08/why-tweet/) - Seriously, why "Tweet"? ((I'm pretty late to the whole "Twitter" phenom.)) If I had never known about Twitter and were asked to start a company exactly like it, I would have called it "Bleeter" instead. Anything you said in 140 characters would be a "Bleet." And, best of all, the phrase "Follow me" would just
- [Why should you buy a MakerBot sooner, rather than later?](https://makerblock.com/2010/08/why-should-you-buy-a-makerbot-sooner-rather-than-later/) - A fair number of people I polled are waiting to buy MakerBots not because of money, but because they are waiting for the technology to mature. ((Not to mention a small percentage of people whose parents were killed by awesome robots...)) Is this you too? If so, let me ask you this - would you
- [Plastruder MK5 plans released!](https://makerblock.com/2010/08/plastruder-mk5-plans-released/) - MakerBot just released the photostream and wiki instructions for the Plastruder MK5. ((Photo courtesy of Johnson Cameraface)) This looks like a total overhaul of their original designs. ((A close tie for the photo was "Number 5 is alive!" a la Johnny 5 from Short Circuit. I'm just too much of a Doctor Who fanboy to
- [Dinosaurs with lasers](https://makerblock.com/2010/08/dinosaurs-with-lasers/) - There's a new poll to the right. Basically, "Should Makerbot hire MakerBlock to blog for them?" So, take 5 seconds and cast your vote. Then, on to pictures of dinosaurs with lasers!!!
- [Why do I want to work for MakerBot?](https://makerblock.com/2010/08/why-do-i-want-to-work-for-makerbot/) - There's a legend that Steve Jobs lured John Sculley away from Pepsi to work as Apple's CEO by asking this simple question: Do you want to sell sugar water for the rest of your life, or do you want to come with me and change the world? Hey, MakerBot - I'd like to help you
- [MakerBlock's MakerBot setup](https://makerblock.com/2010/08/makerblocks-makerbot-setup/) - I've posted about other people's MakerBot work space set ups, ((Mattpr's MakerBot cart , Tony Buser's "Tea" #481)) but not much about my own yet. Right now there's a bunch of junk ((FYI, junk = stuff waiting to be made into other, more useful or more amusing stuff.)) in the way so no pictures of
- [Anticipation](https://makerblock.com/2010/08/anticipation/) - I remember waiting for the letter which would tell me whether I got into grad school. Once you send off your application, it's out of your hands and just need to be patient. I was waiting to find out if I would get the small envelope ((Boo!!!)) or the large envelope. ((Yay!!!)) I hadn't thought
- [Sometimes a good deal isn't](https://makerblock.com/2010/08/sometimes-a-good-deal-isnt/) - Several months ago I made an impulse buy at the local hardware store. I picked up a utility knife that came with 6 blades for $1. It was a good deal, if even for just the razors, and I couldn't find my usual $3 knife. Here they are, side by side. My trusty Stanley utility
- [MakerBot LCD screens](https://makerblock.com/2010/08/makerbot-lcd-screens/) - Perusing Capolight's recent post about his LCD screen made me pine for an LCD display/simple SD print selection for my MakerBot. I think Zaggo was working on something similar a while back. Of course, there's the RapMan with an integrated OLED screen. I'm guessing I'm not the only one who would be interested in such
- [Lazzersaurus Rex, I choose you!](https://makerblock.com/2010/08/lazzersaurus-rex-i-choose-you/) - Tony Buser, my origami laser dinosaurs accept your challenge. Oh. Dang. That did not appear to go well for Team Buser. ((You see, I use EVIL origami paper.)) You probably didn't realize the scale of those origami dinosaurs before issuing your challenge. See, that's a laser canon, not a laser pointer. Also, sorry about your
- [Unrealistic expectations](https://makerblock.com/2010/08/unrealistic-expectations/) - The guys at MakerBot just posted a job opening for a MakerBot blogger. As if their list of qualifications wasn't daunting enough, the tweet that follows... Well, I'll just let it speak for itself. MakerBot Blogger Wanted: http://bit.ly/dur4vK (also: dinosaurs with lasers wanted) You want a robot obsessed dinosaur with lasers? ((I don't recall that
- [I'm sorry you had to find out like this](https://makerblock.com/2010/08/im-sorry-you-had-to-find-out-like-this/) - Dear lovely wife, I never meant for this to happen. It just sort of happened. It all started so innocently - reading about the RepRap project, going to the MakerFaire, buying a MakerBot, starting this blog, extra plastic here and there... and then MakerBot advertised for a blogger. Tell the kids I love them, don't
- [Sonic Screwdriver progress](https://makerblock.com/2010/08/sonic-screwdriver-progress/) - I just redesigned the printable screwdriver in order to make the parts fit together better and be more printable. It should be easier to see how these parts go together. Basically, you take the "mid-handle" at the far end of the build sheet, turn it upside right, clamp the two "lower handle" pieces on either
- [Real life sonic screwdriver](https://makerblock.com/2010/08/real-life-sonic-screwdriver/) - This morning I received an e-mail from Bre out of the blue introducing me to Travis Goodspeed. Apparently Travis has been working on building sonic screwdriver guts out of the GoodFET, a universal JTAG programmer, a "sonic screwdriver of hacking." Travis suggested a GoodFET could be programmed to act as a TV-B-Gone, light show, or
- [I really shoulda known](https://makerblock.com/2010/08/i-really-shoulda-known/) - If I'm printing an object with a 0.5mm thickness, chances are the very first time there's a slight overhang it will go pear shaped. When the walls are that thin, there's almost nothing underneath even a very slight 20-30 degree overhang. Duh.
- [Random stuff that makes me happy](https://makerblock.com/2010/08/random-stuff-that-makes-me-happy/) - Thank you @tbuser for Tweeting this!
- [If I only knew then what I knew now](https://makerblock.com/2010/08/if-i-only-knew-then-what-i-knew-now/) - I'm going to warn you right now, this post has nothing to do with RepRap or MakerBot. Three years ago I was unemployed with a big fat mortgage payment. The year that followed my newfound unemployment was a roller coaster. I took contract work for others, I had a few small clients of my own,
- [Printable Sonic Screwdriver progress](https://makerblock.com/2010/08/printable-sonic-screwdriver-progress/) - Off to the left is a picture of what the finished sonic screwdriver should look like. Here's a picture of the parts I've designed so far. Assembled properly, these parts should be able to be assembled into the lower half of the sonic screwdriver. I've arranged the parts so that they have a less than
- [MakerBot Teacher Giveaway detailed lesson plan submission](https://makerblock.com/2010/08/makerbot-teacher-giveaway-detailed-lesson-plan-submission/) - Oh, my prior submission wasn't good enough? COME ON! My lesson plan included a mineshaft AND a tiger shark! Here's MakerBot's description of a minimally detailed lesson plan: Objectives: What do you expect the students to learn? Structured Lead In: How will you engage the students and connect the new learning to their life? Instructions:
- [MakerBot Calibration](https://makerblock.com/2010/08/makerbot-calibration/) - After my design-print failure I thought it was about time I recalibrated my 'bot: Starting from scratch, I'm using the 0.5mm test pieces from Spacexula's calibration set. Before starting I set Skeinforge->Carve->Layer Thickness (mm) to 0.4. Thus, I came to test piece 815.1. The piece came out well, but I noticed that where the Z
- [Design-print fail](https://makerblock.com/2010/08/design-print-fail/) - I've been slowly working on the design of a printable (and fully MakerBottable) sonic screwdriver. This model of the sonic screwdriver is built up of a number of concentric cylinders, has several significant overhangs well in excess of 45 degrees, and is larger than the MakerBot's built capacity. In order to deal with these design
- [Peer pressure](https://makerblock.com/2010/08/peer-pressure/) - I have the power to make other people blog. Don't mess with me or I'll make YOU blog about the time your... extruder failed. Oh, I think you KNOW what I'm talking about.
- [Electrical design help?](https://makerblock.com/2010/08/electrical-design-help/) - I recently bought the MAKE: Electronics: Learning Through Discovery book. Unfortunately, I haven't had a lot of time to really absorb it and certainly not enough time to figure out how to design things. Thus, I look to you kind reader. I would really like to have a circuit board design that incorporates a four-position
- [Make(rBlock)Shift #1: MakerBot, Mineshaft, Tiger Solution](https://makerblock.com/2010/08/makerblockshift-1-makerbot-mineshaft-tiger-solution/) - The recent Make(rBlock)Shift #1 posed this conundrum: You’ve got a MakerBot, a laptop, unlimited plastic and electricity. You are trapped in a mineshaft with a tiger. How do you get out? Dave's suggestion was close, but no cigar. The correct answer is: Design and print a second mineshaft. Throw tiger down second mineshaft. Design and
- [MakerBots for Teachers](https://makerblock.com/2010/08/makerbots-for-teachers/) - MakerBot Industries is giving away ten MakerBots to ten teachers at any educational level. Let's just consider this my entry: Your name Uh. I'll stick with "MakerBlock" for now. Your school’s name Sheesh. These are getting harder. Okay, how about "MakerBlock.com"? No? "MakerBlock U"? The address you’d like the MakerBot sent to if you are
- [Yay!!!](https://makerblock.com/2010/08/yay/) - I just placed my order for my own birthday presents on behalf of my technically challenged family. :) What it may lack in surprise, it will make up for in AWESOME. Q: What did you get for your birthday? A: A bunch of awesome robot parts.
- [3x2x1 Rubik's Cube Production File](https://makerblock.com/2010/08/3x2x1-rubiks-cube-production-file/) - My prior copy of this 3x2x1 Rubik's Cube was printed a few parts at a time - I'd print one part, test it, print up another, etc. Last night I was able to use my production file to generate all seven pieces in one go. It took 1 hour and 45 minutes to complete the
- [What's the cost of printing with a MakerBot?](https://makerblock.com/2010/08/whats-the-cost-of-printing-with-a-makerbot/) - I've wondered for a while about the cost of operating a MakerBot. Let's break it down and see what happens: Plastic. According to some calculations on the MakerBot Operators group, the cost of MakerBot ABS is around $0.03 - $0.04 per cubic centimeter based upon a price of $70 for 5 pounds (or 2268 grams)
- [3x2x1 totally printable puzzle cube proof of concept success!](https://makerblock.com/2010/08/3x2x1-totally-printable-puzzle-cube-proof-of-concept-success/) - I've printed up pieces uploaded this morning to Thingiverse, tried them together, broke two pieces, modified them, printed, and fit some together. I've just modified the STL for what I hope is the last time. However, I have the barbell fit snugly into the center cube. It rotates relatively freely and does not want to
- [Tyvek Sled Kite… from office supplies](https://makerblock.com/2010/08/tyvek-sled-kite-from-office-supplies/) - The picture to the right is of a kite that I built several weeks ago and only got around to actually flying this weekend. It's basically made out of office supplies. :) Originally I just wanted to make the Tyvek sled kite from the Howtoons shown in Craft Magazine, Volume 8. ((I found a copy
- [3x2x1 Rubik's Cube assembly pictures](https://makerblock.com/2010/08/3x2x1-rubiks-cube-assembly-pictures/) - The design should be pretty intuitive. However, I went ahead and took some pictures of the assembly anyhow. As I mentioned in an earlier post, I think this one came out really really well. :)
- [3x2x1 Rubik's Cube - done!](https://makerblock.com/2010/08/3x2x1-rubiks-cube-done/) - I'm so happy with the way this has turned out. I've made a bunch of changes since the last revision of this printable 3x2x1 Rubik's Cube puzzle: I've totally redesigned the center barbell connector. I simplified the design, removed the five support struts for each end and replaced it with a single support strut and
- [New 3x2x1 Rubik's cube design - totally printable!](https://makerblock.com/2010/08/new-3x2x1-rubiks-cube-design-totally-printable/) - This is easily my most intricate digital design for the MakerBot yet. It's a 3x2x1 variation on the Rubik's cube puzzle I had posted earlier. This version incorporates the prior improvements as well as designing a connector system inspired by R3bbeca's beco block connectors. This has enabled a totally printable toy. This just makes me
- [MakerBlock Repurpose Design Contest #1!](https://makerblock.com/2010/08/makerblock-repurpose-design-contest-1/) - I really like the Pilot G-2 gel pens. They're basically all I use at work. Although we buy refills, I still end up with a surplus of the pens. ((What it really boils down to is that I'm a pen thief. I walk into a room, pick up a pen, start writing something, put it
- [Working with MakerBot](https://makerblock.com/2010/08/working-with-makerbot/) - MakerBot is looking for a web code warrior. This is one of those things where I can think of a thousand reasons to NOT do something and only one reason to do it. In the "NOT" column would be the long commute (CA to NY), I'm not a professional programmer ((However, I do have some
- [Measurements of a pen](https://makerblock.com/2010/08/measurements-of-a-pen/) - Pictured are: The pen end and handle. 9.89mm in outer diameter. 8.06mm in inner diameter. 76.92mm in length, when the button is totally recessed. The pen front. 68.00mm in length. 8.25 in outer diameter at the middle. 7.91 in outer diameter at the screw threads. 6.35mm in inner diameter. The spring. It is 19.67mm tall,
- [Designing with a MakerBot](https://makerblock.com/2010/08/designing-with-a-makerbot/) - After playing with this puzzle for a few days I'm really happy with how it turned out and I think the above improvements will make the next version a little bit better. This reminds me of Forrest Higgs' recent commentary on engineering with a RepRap in the design cycle. It's so easy to test out
- [Improving on the 3x2x1 Rubik's Cube](https://makerblock.com/2010/08/improving-on-the-3x2x1-rubiks-cube/) - I've been fiddling with the designs for the 3x2x1 Rubik's Cube incorporating some of the changes I had considered: I've widened the holes for the nut and bolt. I've made all of the cubes solid. I think it will just work better with solid parts. I had left the four end cubes mostly hollow to:
- [Advice for MakerBot based businesses](https://makerblock.com/2010/08/advice-for-makerbot-based-businesses/) - Pete Hinzy left a comment asking: I am also attempting to start up a small business with the focus on providing low cost, custom parts. I have one customer now but have struggled trying to “reach the masses”. Any thoughts? Hi Pete! Well, you asked for it! First and foremost, absolutely, positively, get a copy
- [On Open Data](https://makerblock.com/2010/08/on-open-data/) - I saw this video the other day (I think as a result of someone's Tweet?) and just around to watching it now. The things people built using data that had been opened up from the government was pretty incredible. Interestingly, I have a totally different website that operates by only using data that is already
- [Thingiverse based business?](https://makerblock.com/2010/08/thingiverse-based-business/) - I just had an idea for a mini-business! I think there are enough interesting things on Thingiverse that a MakerBot/RepRap operator could make a little bit of money printing some Thingiverse models for a fee.
- [Do you want one of these?](https://makerblock.com/2010/08/do-you-want-one-of-these/) - I've printed up this 3x2x1 Rubik's puzzle cube, but I'm looking to improve it. The colored sides consist of little bits of nearly-square paper I colored with crayons and glued onto the cube surfaces. If you wanted to improve it you could just peel them off, sand them down a little, and apply better looking
- [More stolen content???](https://makerblock.com/2010/08/more-stolen-content/) - This time I blame DaveDurant. As you can plainly see from his opening blog post, he freely admits that he is TAKING the content that was being published HERE quite regularly and putting up on his OWN site!!! For shame, DaveDurant, for shame. Kidding aside, Dave just published some great stuff about his MakerBot high
- [Yes, I will fix your computer](https://makerblock.com/2010/08/yes-i-will-fix-your-computer/) - I have a rule for all of my friends. I will fix their computers for free, twice. :) It's a good rule and it has helped my friends and myself on many an occasion. Contrary to the impressions of those unfamiliar with the inner workings of their own computers, diagnosing and fixing a computer problem
- [Revising the 3x2x1 Rubik's "Cube"](https://makerblock.com/2010/08/revising-the-3x2x1-rubiks-cube/) - I finally found the time to print a copy of my 3x2x1 Rubik's Cube. Having printed it, I'd make a number of improvements in the next design iteration. I would: Make the circular slots in the center cubes smaller or the circular tabs in the four outside cubes larger. Enlargen the holes for the nut
- [MakerBot Toy Repair](https://makerblock.com/2010/08/makerbot-toy-repair/) - I had previously fixed a toy fire truck by modeling a broken swivel and printing a new one. Today I discovered a handle had broken off a magnetic drawing toy. The yellow handle is hollow and separate from the red plastic body. It is held in place by plastic tabs that slot into body and
- [Long week](https://makerblock.com/2010/07/long-week/) - It's been a long week and I've been very very glad of this weekend. Unfortunately, a big fat chunk of this Saturday was also devoted to work-like stuff. I didn't get a chance to design or print much this month. Once I get some time, I'd really like to get a MakerBot heated build platform.
- [Should I pace myself?](https://makerblock.com/2010/07/should-i-pace-myself/) - This blog is as much for me as it is for anyone else. ((Well, the ads for other people. I'm not allowed to click on them.)) When something occurs to me, I type it up and click "Publish." However, this means I'll go days without a single post and then have a flurry of half
- [A MakerBot Cart - like this!](https://makerblock.com/2010/07/a-makerbot-cart-like-this/) - This is a picture of Mattpr's setup. ((Dude - you've got an all rights reserved license on your Flickr page. If you wish, I'll take out the picture - just let me know.)) This is an incredibly great setup for a MakerBot Cart. Indeed, it's the sort of thing I dream about. FYI, Matt -
- [ADD and TLDR](https://makerblock.com/2010/07/add-and-tldr/) - This post could easily have been titled "inverse relationship." ((As in when you have ADD you won't read anything and everything is TLDR...)) I tend to think I've got a form of ADD. It's better than saying I'm impulsive, excitable, or impatient, right? In any case, I read and blogged about Capolight's post on creating
- [Creating models from photos](https://makerblock.com/2010/07/creating-models-from-photos/) - I thought this recent post from my new favorite materials science and RepRap/MakerBot blog, Capolight, was great. He summed up in one succinct post what I wanted to convey and probably didn't convey with my verbose diatribe about my process for approximating facsimiles of props by tracing photographs in Sketchup. ((You may officially now refer
- [I love the way these guys think](https://makerblock.com/2010/07/i-love-the-way-these-guys-think/) - Seriously, just read through some of their posts. You have to admire goals as grand as these.
- [Off topic](https://makerblock.com/2010/07/off-topic/) - Like just about everything else I write, this blog is about 70% on topic, 10% attempts at humor, 10% frivolity and nonsense, and about 10% completely wildly off topic. This mix is completely unintentional and yet ridiculously consistent. This is one such off topic post. I just finished watching the Doctor Who season finale. I
- [My favorite easter egg for robots](https://makerblock.com/2010/07/my-favorite-easter-egg-for-robots/) - Via Cathal Garvey, Jonty Wareing of Last.FM Tweeted: Time between committing my very favourite sci-fi easter egg and it's discovery? Five months. http://last.fm/robots.txt (@Muz found it) I case someone removes this later (like the source code for the Newsweek Konami Zombie attack story...), here it is: User-Agent: * Disallow: /music? Disallow: /widgets/radio? Disallow: /show_ads.php Disallow:
- [Pick a path](https://makerblock.com/2010/07/pick-a-path/) - I'm dating myself a little here, but do you remember those pick-a-path books from years ago? Basically, you get to the end of a chapter and you're given a few choices. Depending upon your choices you are sent to different areas of the book and can get drastically different endings. Yeah, this post really isn't
- [Zoom in and enhance](https://makerblock.com/2010/07/zoom-in-and-enhance/) - Well, it seems that flipping one of the motor leads will flip the axis of a print. This is good if you want to print up a mirror image of something without fiddling with software. However, this does bring up two of my favorite TV and movie cliche/pet peeves. These usually come in the form
- [Mirror, mirror](https://makerblock.com/2010/07/mirror-mirror/) - Forrest Higgs posted about a script he had written to flip an STL. Stupid question for anyone who owns a MakerBot - would flipping one of the X or Y stage motor cables (or perhaps flipping the axis in RepG) serve to flip the STL without the need for writing new scripts? Edit: Well, there
- [The pie was a lie](https://makerblock.com/2010/07/the-pie-was-a-lie/) - Seriously, how much better would Portal have been if they substituted Pie for Cake??? "The pie was a lie" just sounds sooo much better. In any case, DaveD asked what the heck happened to the pie I promised. Let me explain this with use of a pie chart. [pdrpiechart data="Time I spent fixing up my
- [MakerBot poll take away](https://makerblock.com/2010/07/makerbot-poll-take-away/) - Here's what I take away from this small poll: People initially get interested in MakerBots because of a general interest in technology, the thought of making their ideas real on their own desktop, and because they just find MakerBots cool. While far and away the most common anticipated use of Thingiverse is for toys, games,
- [What I learned from my MakerBot poll](https://makerblock.com/2010/07/what-i-learned-from-my-makerbot-poll/) - Here's what I learned from the various questions: Why are you interested in MakerBot? About 2/3 of people answered with some variation of "General interest in technology, robots, and stuff", "Making ideas real, inventing, and prototyping", or "MakerBots are awesome". Have you heard or read about RepRap or RepRap.org? Just about everyone polled (93%) who
- [MakerBot Poll Results Revealed!](https://makerblock.com/2010/07/makerbot-poll-results-revealed/) - Thank you for participating in my totally informal unofficial unsanctioned and highly illegal MakerBot poll. ((Your IP address has been provided to the NSA. They've got a couple of questions for you.)) Here's how the answers broke down: Why are you interested in MakerBot? 21% "MakerBot is the next big thing / Living in the
- [100% Chance of AWESOME](https://makerblock.com/2010/07/100-chance-of-awesome/) - I rather enjoy writing WordPress plugins. It started writing them out of necessity, but I've ended up writing several for frivolous reasons and fun. One of my favorites is based upon the hard work of Rasmus. Basically, it turns "[wordpress_shortcode data='Totally awesome=99|Merely awesome=1']" into [pdrpiechart data="Totally awesome=99|Merely awesome=1"] Which translates, as the title would suggest,
- [This is a lot more work than I thought...](https://makerblock.com/2010/07/this-is-a-lot-more-work-than-i-thought/) - I'm working on sorting through the answers for my MakerBot poll. With all the open ended questions, it's a lot more work to summarize the results. However, I'm looking forward to seeing what they reveal...
- [MakerBot Cart](https://makerblock.com/2010/07/makerbot-cart/) - I had a dream last night which featured my MakerBot. ((This post was brought to you by insomnia and the Butthole Surfers.)) ((Maybe it was this morning - in which case it was just a few hours ago.)) ((I really shouldn't be awake right now. Anyhow.)) I had a dream I was working on my
- [Christmas in July!!!](https://makerblock.com/2010/07/christmas-in-july/) - A little while ago I posted my plastic wishlist. Glow in the dark plastic was the only thing on that list. Well, Vik Oliver managed to score some glow in the dark PLA. Apparently it's pretty expensive - but I don't know how to convert 100m of 3mm plastic at NZ$60 to something I would
- [Closing the MakerBot poll!](https://makerblock.com/2010/07/closing-the-makerbot-poll/) - A great big thank you to everyone who took my MakerBot poll! I think I've got enough responses at this point to show some interesting results. I'm going to close the poll tonight - so if you want to make your voice heard, toss in your two cents, or try to skew the results -
- [Closed!](https://makerblock.com/2010/07/closed/) - Thanks to MakerBot for retweeting my MakerBot poll. The number of responses basically doubled in a single day. It's been a busy day so I'll go into more detail this upcoming weekend. For now, I'm going to close the poll and show the questions: Why are you interested in MakerBot Have you heard or read
- [Spacexula to the rescue!](https://makerblock.com/2010/07/spacexula-to-the-rescue/) - This poor guy gal known as "noobcake" had gotten so frustrated with his her MakerBot CupCake CNC that he she was getting ready to either strip it for parts to start work on a RepRap or just sell the entire thing on eBay at a loss. It read like most of his her problems were
- [Long winded ramblings and the iPhone](https://makerblock.com/2010/07/long-winded-ramblings-and-the-iphone/) - I don't own an iPhone but I have coveted them for years. ((That's right covet. Gettin' biblical, baby.)) I got a new phone back in March and I'm very happy with it. However, I had kept my old flip phone for about five years. That's long enough that old people were holding up their touch
- [MakerBot Poll!](https://makerblock.com/2010/07/makerbot-poll/) - Hey! You like MakerBots, right? Well, why not set aside 30 seconds for a MakerBot poll! (Even if you don't own one!)
- [Hi Rez Printing Problems](https://makerblock.com/2010/07/hi-rez-printing-problems/) - Earlier I had wondered about some of the challenges facing high resolution printing. Specifically, I had suggested that a lower resolution would be better for overhangs, speed, and (after the suggestion of Erik) interlayer adhesion. It looks like Dave Durant has a proof of concept with 1/4 of Disney's head. ((Dave - your Flickr account
- [Clothbot's distillation of OSHW](https://makerblock.com/2010/07/clothbots-distillation-of-oshw/) - I really like Andrew Plumb's distillation of the Open Source Hardware (OSHW) Draft Definition version 0.3. I'd hate to see it get lost in Twitter history, so here it is: Documentation: Establish & facilitate the right to repair. Necessary Software: Operates using Free Open Source Software. Derived Works: The right to fork the project. Free
- [I <3 UV LED](https://makerblock.com/2010/07/i-less-than-3-uv-led/) - Making a sonic screwdriver is all well and good. I own a commercially produced version of the 10th Doctor's blue LED screwdriver. But, as a screwdriver it's just crap. As a flashlight, it is underwhelming. Also, it's not red, so it will kill your night vision. There's just no really good use or call for
- [MakerBot Hi Rez Printing Secrets revealed!](https://makerblock.com/2010/07/makerbot-hi-rez-printing-secrets-revealed/) - Warning: All responses from Dave are real, in the correct order, and unchanged. I may have embellished my questions and responses. MakerBlock: Dave! How do you spell your last name? Dave: dduranT.. T!!!! MakerBlock: How exotic! I'm having trouble pronouncing the last bit, so I hope you don't mind me just calling you "Dave." Well,
- [I don't know what I'm doing](https://makerblock.com/2010/07/i-dont-know-what-im-doing/) - Not that this has ever stopped me from doing stuff before. My MakerBot kit was my first foray into robotics. Or electronics, for that matter. Frankly, if I can do it you can too. Even so, talk about blowing out a MOFSET ((Whatever that is!)) is enough to make me very cautious about how I
- [Why do I care what you think about awesome robots?](https://makerblock.com/2010/07/why-do-i-care-what-you-think-about-awesome-robots/) - Actually, it's pretty simple. I really enjoy blogging about my MakerBot, stuff I make, how I make it, what I see other people do with their Makerbots, and awesome robots in general. It helps me get ideas for things to write, things to design, and things to make - and hopefully things you like to
- [Totally unofficial unsanctioned and unauthorized MakerBot survey](https://makerblock.com/2010/07/totally-unofficial-unsanctioned-and-unauthorized-makerbot-survey/) - If the recent MakerBot competition and media coverage ((ABC news story, NBC bit, PopSci, and repeated mentions on the wildly popular runaway hit MakerBlock blog...)) and showed us anything, it's that there's a lot of people who are interested in getting a MakerBot. I've noticed that all the RepRap and MakerBot polls thus far are
- [Mysteries of the tall print](https://makerblock.com/2010/07/mysteries-of-the-tall-print/) - There's a new Tall Print record holder in town. Brian J. Pierce aka Chooch printed a 154mm tall Chicago's Willis Tower. Brian reveals the secret: "My bot is hacked, but using mostly original parts that came with the kit and printed parts to achieve the new record." What's the hack? Well, Brian says in the
- [Uh, that's it for now](https://makerblock.com/2010/07/uh-thats-it-for-now/) - I've exhausted my cookie cutter ideas for the moment. With 10cm x 10cm square being about the proper size for a cookie,I would point out that cookie cutters are a really fantastic implementation of a MakerBot print. So much so that I looked into purchasing "CustomCookieCutters.com." Don't bother - it's taken. However, it certainly seems
- [New Design: TARDIS cookie cutter](https://makerblock.com/2010/07/new-design-tardis-cookie-cutter/) - Now that I've got the process for creating a cookie cutter design file, it goes pretty quickly. Unlike several of recent designs (Dalek, sonic screwdriver, etc), this design is fairly simple. The STL output from the Sketchup plugin didn't even need any cleaning up/repairing. In any case, share and enjoy this TARDIS cookie cutter.
- [A MakerBot printed 3x2x1 Rubik's Cube!](https://makerblock.com/2010/07/a-makerbot-printed-3x2x1-rubiks-cube/) - SWEET. I've been so busy of late ((Mostly writing nonsense.)) ((Which is particularly funny since my day job consists almost entirely of writing.)) ((Which is even funnier when you consider that you can tell I'm doing a particularly good job when my writing is completely incomprehensible.)) that I haven't even been able to print several
- [Did you think this too? ](https://makerblock.com/2010/07/did-you-think-this-too/) - I just read Nophead's post about his Mendel making its 18th child. First off, that's an incredible feat. Even under the best circumstances, the print time and amount of human intervention required of a Mendel as it builds the parts for replication is still considerable. Eighteen more RepRaps in the world because of his hard
- [New Design:  Dalek Cookie Cutter](https://makerblock.com/2010/07/new-design-dalek-cookie-cutter/) - I've uploaded my designs for a Dalek cookie cutter to Thingiverse. I don't even eat that many cookies. It's just that these are just fun to design. I realize there's an SCAD Thing on Thingiverse for creating cookie cutters. However, I'm just not familiar with SCAD and Sketchup with a few key STL plugins is
- [Save the Stoat!  Eat a goat!](https://makerblock.com/2010/07/save-the-stoat-eat-a-goat/) - I must admit, until very recently I was completely unaware of the plight of the soft-pawed albino stoat of Southern Wales. The story of these gentle weasels is a sad one indeed. Once these stoats roamed the great plains of the Serengeti in herds so vast the sound of their collective padded footsteps was deafening.
- [First Annual MakerBotted Llama Cookie Cutter Prize goes to...](https://makerblock.com/2010/07/first-annual-makerbotted-llama-cookie-cutter-prize-goes-to/) - DaveD for his copy of my llama cookie cutter! Hooray! Two days ago the universe was llama cookie cutter-less. Today there are two in existence! (Well, three if you count my sub-par first attempt. It's okay, but the walls are too thin and the cookie cutter is twice as tall).
- [Spare parts](https://makerblock.com/2010/07/spare-parts/) - The last week has been a fruitful one for me, at least as far as printing things on my MakerBot is concerned. I've designed, created derivatives, printed upgrades, updated the firmware, installed the latest (super sweet!) RepG, and even performed some maintenance. One amusing and useful experiment was the serial production of the Z Axis
- [RepG - the best one of them all](https://makerblock.com/2010/07/repg-the-best-one-of-them-all/) - Adam, if you read this - the latest RepG is AMAZING. Getting to preview an STL, convert to GCode, and then to an S3G file all from the comfort of the friendly RepG UI is fantastic! It's not that I'm scared of the Skeinforge UI or anything. It's just that it stalks me while I
- [Show me your llamas!](https://makerblock.com/2010/07/show-me-your-llamas/) - This llama cookie cutter doesn't take much plastic to print, especially if you've got a heated build platform or are printing in PLA. The surface area of the part that touches the build platform is so small you might be able to get away with no raft at all. A few days ago I was
- [The price of early adoption](https://makerblock.com/2010/06/the-price-of-early-adoption/) - I'm a huge fan of WordPress. I've enjoyed rolling my own plugins and helping people with theirs. I've also been following the WordPress development blog - and anxiously awaiting version 3.0. Unlike a lot of other programs, WordPress just assigns the next version number by incrementing by 0.1. This is, in part, to avoid version
- [New design:  Rubik's Cube (sorta)](https://makerblock.com/2010/07/new-design-rubiks-cube-sorta/) - I've already posted about how much I like TomZ's simplified version of a Rubik's cube. Only problem is that I wasn't able to encourage my MakerBot to print it. Taking into account some of my ideas, I've designed a derivative. It's 4:45am at the moment - not a good time to have my MakerBot tooting
- [Llamas - the other white meat](https://makerblock.com/2010/07/llamas-the-other-white-meat/) - Ever notice how delicious llamas look? Yeah, me too. Given the current scarcity of llama meat, I have to make do with llama in cookie form.
- [Rubik's Cube Fail](https://makerblock.com/2010/07/rubiks-cube-fail/) - I just tried to print up the 1x2x3 Rubik's cube puzzle from TomZ. I really like the idea of it. Unfortunately, it's just not working for me. I had to rotate all of the STL's 90 degrees to make them printable. Once most of the parts were printed I discovered it's not going to fit
- [Botmill.com - NOT COOL](https://makerblock.com/2010/07/botmill-com-not-cool/) - Okay, you had a robo-blog. That's fine. Nothing wrong with that. In fact, I'm appreciative for some of those posts and blogs you pointed out to me. You apologized profusely, though I don't there's a need to apologize for a robo-blog per se. However, since then your robo-blogs have gotten worse. The one associated with
- [Plastic wishlist](https://makerblock.com/2010/07/plastic-wishlist/) - Glow in the dark plastic. Don't get me wrong, I like the idea of fluorescing red ABS. ((Is it just me or was this a stealth launch? I didn't hear about it anywhere and just happened upon this new ABS plastic while checking on the availability of the new Heated Build Platform.)) But, how sweet
- [Uncle Ben had it right](https://makerblock.com/2010/06/uncle-ben-had-it-right/) - With great power comes great responsibility The guys at i.materialize turned down a request to print what appeared to be an ATM skimming device cover plate. ((Thanks to Clothbot)) Like the power of a high quality full color photocopier and a stack of twenties, owning a MakerBot is a serious responsibility. Edit: Be sure and
- [Unibody Mendel?](https://makerblock.com/2010/06/unibody-mendel/) - There must be something wrong with me. The idea of a "unibody" Mendel cast as several large chunks of polyurethane with nylon fasteners, is a pretty cool concept. Then I thought of a Mendel wearing a unitard - which is just weird.
- [You know, assuming everything goes according to plan...](https://makerblock.com/2010/06/you-know-assuming-everything-goes-according-to-plan/) - Which never ever happens. Right after posting about this fantastic large MySQL file upload script... it stalled out around insert #2,650,000. Thus, much fiddling with file offsets and start positions ensued. So, fair warning - the script has zero upload recovery modes. That said, it's still significantly easier than using any of the methods I
- [Sweet PHP script, tragically terrible name](https://makerblock.com/2010/06/sweet-php-script-tragically-terrible-name/) - I've probably mentioned before how much of a PHP/MySQL/WordPress nerd I am. If I haven't so far, I've said so now. One of the sites I operate requires numerous tables with about five million rows all together. Automated backups are easy with any number of WordPress plugins. But, what to do when you've got a
- [Skeinforge UI suggestions](https://makerblock.com/2010/06/skeinforge-ui-suggestions/) - I rather enjoy building the easy-to-use user interfaces for another website of mine. I'm always tweaking it and trying to make it better. Small change, test, ask for input, LRR. ((Lather, rinse, repeat.)) My last post gave me a great idea. A large physical console with actual knobs, switches, and dials that all operate Skeinforge.
- [Patience](https://makerblock.com/2010/06/patience/) - As MakerBots and RepRaps proliferate, so do the websites and content concerning them. Gian Pablo Villamil had a really great post about his adventures with Skeinforge. As with BotHacker's excellent post about the Skeinforge Cool setting and analysis about the benefits of cooling fans, Gian's post takes us through each of his Skeinforge changes as
- [What's so special about printed business cards?](https://makerblock.com/2010/06/whats-so-special-about-printed-business-cards/) - If you're thinking of the normal run-of-the-mill business cards and you're thinking too flatland. This is a 3D printed business card printed using two extruder heads, clear PLA, black ABS, and some special GCode to essentially laminate black text within layers of clear PLA. I'm not even sure what I would build with this kind
- [Chip off the old 'bot](https://makerblock.com/2010/06/chip-off-the-old-bot/) - Okay, I'm liking the MakerBot and it's RepRap child. But, check out that work area! (I have the same 3-in-1 oil for my MakerBot. :) )
- [I covet thee](https://makerblock.com/2010/06/i-covet-thee/) - An actual honest-to-goodness Time And Relative Dimensions In Space machine? (Thx Tony!)
- [Got my groove back](https://makerblock.com/2010/06/got-my-groove-back/) - It just wasn't the same without my old theme. Of the several WordPress websites I have, this was the first one I moved to WordPress 3.0 when it came out. Unfortunately, 3.0 totally broke the hell out of my theme. I suspect it happened when the database was upgraded and it nuked the theme options.
- [Documenting Skeinforge settings](https://makerblock.com/2010/06/documenting-skeinforge-settings/) - BotHacker recently documented his adventures in cooling fans and Skeinforge options - to amazing effect. ((BotHacker - your photo to the right on Flickr says "all rights reserved" but I thought you might not mind me discussing your post and photos favorably. If you don't want me to link or post a copy of your
- [MakerBot Upgrades](https://makerblock.com/2010/06/makerbot-upgrades/) - I just noticed that two parts I designed (an X-axis tensioner and Y-axis tensioner) are suggested prints on the MakerBot wiki. (Yes, I know it's an open wiki - but I swear I didn't add these things myself). It's pretty cool that generations of MakerBots may be using upgrades I designed. Internet fame and fortune
- [MakerBot Maintenance](https://makerblock.com/2010/06/makerbot-maintenance/) - In terms of maintenance, there's not much a MakerBot needs to stay happy: Check/floss the extruder (may need to disassemble) Check/oil 2X, 2Y, and 4Z axis rods Check/tighten nuts/bolts Check/replace build platform Check/tighten belts What did I miss? How often do you do these things?
- [So you want to learn about the thermal properties of plastic...](https://makerblock.com/2010/06/so-you-want-to-learn-about-the-thermal-properties-of-plastic/) - Okay, I need to bookmark this site and add it to my RSS feed. After having read this blog on materials science as it relates to plastics, polymers with a specific focus on RepRap tech, I feel smarter! Or, at least, more informed about why my fussy robot gnome can be so fussy. A few
- [Sketchup STL Importer Plugins](https://makerblock.com/2010/06/sketchup-stl-importer-plugins/) - As I've mentioned before, I do all of my 3D modeling in Sketchup. It's not open source, but it is free. ((I suppose it's really a "freemium" business model...)) Well, I've been monitoring the Capolight Electronics Blog lately - and it's a good thing too. Besides having some seriously amazing information about the thermal properties
- [When good-robo-blogs go bad](https://makerblock.com/2010/06/when-good-robo-blogs-go-bad/) - I've played with the idea of a "robo-blog" before. Basically it is a WordPress blog with a plugin that searches for content, truncates it, and includes it as a very short link/post. It can be useful as long as it isn't overused. The moment people think they're reading a bunch of posts collated by a
- [Plastic Science!](https://makerblock.com/2010/06/plastic-science/) - The science of melty plastic stuff explained by a materials science guy! I learned things! Perhaps you will too!
- [What can open source hardware do?](https://makerblock.com/2010/06/what-can-open-source-hardware-do/) - Apparently WordPress can guide missiles. Make me wonder, though - if PHP, MySQL, and javascript can handle missiles... what can a MakerBot do?
- [Checking for lint](https://makerblock.com/2010/06/checking-for-lint/) - The other day I pointed out the crazy build quality achieved on a RepMan. This is all good and well for RepMan owners - but can your MakerBot get this kind of resolution and build quality? In a word, YES. ((Well, in theory, right?)) A MakerBot is capable of moving the Z axis in increments
- [Another Skeinforge guide](https://makerblock.com/2010/06/another-skeinforge-guide/) - There are a lot of guides for calibrating Skeinforge to work with a RepRap/RepStrap/MakerBot out there. There are numerous guides on the Thingiverse blog (1, 2, 3, 4, 5), one on the MakerBot wiki, numerous suggestions throughout the MakerBot operators group, the BitsFromBytes wiki, and my own compilation of others' hard work on Skeinforge tutorials
- [Benefits of a printed MakerBot](https://makerblock.com/2010/06/benefits-of-a-printed-makerbot/) - There's a couple of reasons that come to mind. Bragging rights Spare parts LED lit PLA MakerBot Removing the fiddly bits I really like Webca's faithfulness to the MakerBot Cupcake design. However, once you are free of the constraints of trying to build a 3D object out of lasercut pieces - the possibilities are endless.
- [There's got to be more...](https://makerblock.com/2010/06/theres-got-to-be-more/) - The recent Bre/MakerBot MakerFaire video mentioned that there were about 10 people running their MakerBots at this year's MakerFaire. According to the MakerBot Map, there's only 10 MakerBots in the larger Bay Area... Since I'm on that map and I know I didn't go, there must be SO many more people who have MakerBots in
- [On cleverness](https://makerblock.com/2010/06/on-cleverness/) - It's a dream of mine to kinda live off the grid. I say this is a dream, but really, it's probably more about a vague goal and ideal. Being a 21st century digital boy, I'd want some nearby cell towers and a satellite internet dish next to my solar panels and windmill powering my green
- [Favorite MakerBot quote of the day](https://makerblock.com/2010/06/favorite-makerbot-quote-of-the-day/) - I suppose it would technically be my favorite MakerBot quote from the last month, but I only saw the video today. The internet has made time such a squishy thing... Bre: "You can't get a whistle from Germany to Brooklyn in half an hour unless you use a missile. That's a bad idea." In a
- [Speed Build](https://makerblock.com/2010/06/speed-build/) - How quick could you build a MakerBot? I assembled mine over the course of about a week - but that includes priming, painting, getting a few miscellaneous parts, and a fair amount of hesitation as I fretted over an unfamiliar building process outside of my expertise. If I were to start over again, and I
- [How I avoid e-mail spam](https://makerblock.com/2010/06/how-i-avoid-e-mail-spam/) - It's actually pretty easy. Since I own my own domain, in this case MakerBlock.com, all I have to do is tell my server that I want all mail that would normally bounce to be redirected to a default address. The upshot is that I can make up ANY e-mail address I want, and be assured
- [364 days to go](https://makerblock.com/2010/05/364-days-to-go/) - I completely missed the Bay Area Maker Faire. ((Sorry for the self-pitying whiny post. I'm sick and it's my prerogative.)) I did everything I could to make sure I would be there. I bought an advance two-day family pass. Even though I live in the Bay Area I booked a local hotel just so we
- [I CAN'T WAIT!!!](https://makerblock.com/2010/05/i-cant-wait/) - I've been really looking forward to the MakerFaire (Bay Area) for - oooooh - probably about a year now. Last year was the first time I had attended and I got to see a giant bronze snail car, a Victorian house car, the steampunk area, a giant set of rotating metal wings, pneumatic rockets, LCD
- [Circle packing, Origami, and RepRap](https://makerblock.com/2010/05/circle-packing-origami-and-reprap-2/) - One of my interests outside MakerBot/RepRap is origami, the Japanese art of paper folding. At it's inception it was really only a hobby for the rich - the only ones who had access to such a luxury as paper. Modern technical origami restricts one to only a single sheet of square paper transformed only through
- [New MakerBot upgrade!](https://makerblock.com/2010/05/new-makerbot-upgrade/) - This most recent Z-Woggle arrester/eliminator is one of the most interesting. Unlike the super-fantastic Z axis crank, this part does more than just make the MakerBot easier to use - it will almost certainly improve the quality of your prints. Also, unlike it's predecessors it does not require the installation of a second set of
- [An unforgiveable analogy](https://makerblock.com/2010/05/an-unforgiveable-analogy/) - I don't know if this thing was added as a joke or not, but it makes me sad. The author posted this description, "Apparently there is still a competition who can post the least printable object in obscure formats or preferable entirely without file and instructions." This is like having a contest over who can
- [Internet Famous! (Again! And other musings on my amazing trip to celebrity)](https://makerblock.com/2010/05/internet-famous-again/) - It seems like only three short months ago I was internet famous. Oh, how fickle the internet gods! The ball joint I designed a little while ago just hit the featured things page. I think it is the only thing I have designed for which someone else created a derivative. Just after I posted the
- [Dollar Stores](https://makerblock.com/2010/05/dollar-stores/) - Have you ever browsed a dollar store, store going out of business, or garage sale? The senses are overwhelmed with the sheer number and variety of things you'd never ever want to take home with you. It boggles the mind to even conceive of how or why such things were created in the first place.
- [Thing idea: Crayon mold](https://makerblock.com/2010/05/thing-idea-crayon-mold/) - Problem: Broken crayons, useless crayon bits, or crayon shavings. Crayola has their own crayon making system - a cross between an easy-bake-oven and little molds. However, I don't think it is quite versatile enough. Plus, why pay $20 for what could be accomplished easily for $0.20 worth of plastic parts? Solution: A printed crayon mold!
- [SF WordCamp?](https://makerblock.com/2010/04/sf-wordcamp/) - I really like WordPress and was kinda hoping I'd make it to SF WordCamp this year. Unfortunately, it is not to be. If you're going, I've got a silly frivolous request - If you spot one of those WordPress "W" stickers, would you snag one for me? I'm getting a new laptop (actually, I'm getting
- [Chuck Playlist](https://makerblock.com/2010/04/chuck-playlist/) - I can't help liking the NBC show Chuck. A show about a nerd getting the girl? Sign me up. After the last episode NBC put up a "playlist" from the show. The music from the show has been really good and I rather like several of the songs from the playlist. In any case, here
- [Hareware isn't everything](https://makerblock.com/2010/04/hareware-isnt-everything/) - With Charles Pax's recent proof-of-concept of a motorized conveyor belt print platform, we're going to need some software/firmware changes to make full use of these improvements: Queuing print tasks Removal/auto-wiping of the test extrusion Moving the print platform to the front/back/side of the MakerBot for ejecting the finished print Ejecting the printed part Returning the
- [MakerBot Conveyor Belt!](https://makerblock.com/2010/04/makerbot-conveyor-belt/) - Charles Pax has developed a working MakerBot motorized conveyor belt print bed. (Is it heated?) There's a lot of reasons why this is a big deal: This is the fourth MakerBot "milestone." We've reached milestone #1. Milestone #2 (different threaded rods and internal electronics) and #3 (Gen 4 electronics) are noble, but not really transformative
- [Makers by Cory Doctorow SOLD!](https://makerblock.com/2010/04/makers-by-cory-doctorow-sold/) - That title is a little misleading. I suppose it would be more accurate to say I bought a copy of it. :)
- [Makers by Cory Doctorow](https://makerblock.com/2010/04/makers-by-cory-doctorow/) - I just started reading Makers by Cory Doctorow and I'm really impressed. He's managed to capture the giddiness of the dot-com era in a very plausible-near-future sort of way. I'm reading the HTML version on my 'Droid right now, but reading the first few chapters has convinced me to go old skool and pick up
- [Who wants a mini-Mendel?](https://makerblock.com/2010/04/who-wants-a-mini-mendel/) - I like the mini-Mendel, don't get me wrong, but there isn't nearly the kind of documentation for it as you would find for the full fledged Mendel. Sure, it's a little cheaper, but a Mendel gives you nearly four times the build area. Since the price barrier to entry into the RepRap project just isn't
- [How do upgrade your extruder firmware](https://makerblock.com/2010/04/how-do-upgrade-your-extruder-firmware/) - Just as an FYI for anyone who's having trouble upgrading your MakerBot Cupcake CNC plastruder firmware, the instructions built into ReplicatorG don't tell you to unplug the TTL cable from the motherboard and plug it into the extruder board. So, save yourself 5 minutes of frustration and googling for the answer... and just plug the
- [ReplicatorG won't recognize the SD card after a firmware upgrade](https://makerblock.com/2010/04/replicatorg-wont-recognize-the-sd-card-after-a-firmware-upgrade/) - Yeah, well, that's what happened to me. Thanks to Steven, this problem was fixed in all of 30 seconds as I reformatted the SD card as a FAT 16!
- [A new design and an old problem](https://makerblock.com/2010/04/a-new-design-and-an-old-problem/) - I don't have killer 3D modeling skills - but am able to build a reasonable model using Sketchup. It may be closed-source, but it's got a fantastic UI. (Heck, Apple has made an entire business model out of this proposition). I'm trying to design a printable nut and bolt - and have a pretty good
- [This is what it's all about](https://makerblock.com/2010/04/this-is-what-its-all-about/) - Custom bricks. Lego fanatics have apparently been designing and uploading their pictures/diagrams and schematics to Flickr! If you want to design something to upload to Thingiverse, this is a one stop shop of ideas. Thanks to Makezine.com for the link.
- [Open Source Monopolies, Unicorns, and Perpetual Motion Machines](https://makerblock.com/2010/04/open-source-monopolies-unicorns-and-perpetual-motion-machines/) - Want a hint? They're all imaginary. There's no such thing as a monopoly on a truly open source hardware project. So what if someone cornered the market on some critical widget? The plans are open source and your options are infinite: Build your own widget. Hire someone to make it for you. Design an alternate
- [A totally imaginary interview](https://makerblock.com/2010/04/a-totally-imaginary-interview/) - It's been an interesting year for RepRap/MakerBot. We've seen demand for parts and electronics increase. The MakerBot crew reported that for certain components they've actually cleaned out every source in the world. I'm not sure which component they're referring to, but I suspect it's the toothed extruder pulley. I love the idea that MakerBot has
- [Homemade PLA](https://makerblock.com/2010/04/homemade-pla/) - Ricardo Santos managed to create PLA in his home. My Portuguese is pretty rusty. Well, to be exact, non-existent. However, that's what Google is for! Thanks Ricardo!
- [New design!  Sweetener Holder](https://makerblock.com/2010/04/new-design-sweetener-holder/) - I've been using Splenda instead of sugar lately. For single serving doses Splenda comes in little paper packets - like you see at restaurants. In order to keep them in line and at hand I designed and printed a sweetener holder. It's the little things in life, no?
- [A bargain](https://makerblock.com/2010/04/a-bargain/) - The cheapest commercially available 3d printer on the market is the Dimension uPrint Personal 3D Printer, clocking in at $14,900. The media cartridges run $250 - and consist of coiled ABS in a plastic box. I can't tell from their website how much plastic is in each cartridge, so I don't know how cost effective
- [Backing out the filament](https://makerblock.com/2010/04/backing-out-the-filament/) - I've found that backing out the filament after each print, while a pain, has been helpful in avoiding extruder jams. Or, rather, I have found fewer extruder jams while doing this. ((Not to confuse coincidence, correlation and causation, but I have also found fewer extruder jams when wearing my underwear inside out...)) I suspect the
- [Ideas for Cupcake CNC upgrades](https://makerblock.com/2010/04/ideas-for-cupcake-cnc-upgrades/) - Sometimes when using the ReplicatorG control panel I accidentally hit Z- instead of Z+ to adjust the stage height. As you might imagine, this causes problems. At best, I end up with the Z stage out of whack. At worst, the hot and extruding print head slams into the build platform or model and knocks
- [A complete-ish RepRap sold](https://makerblock.com/2010/04/a-complete-ish-reprap-sold/) - A few days ago I posted about a RepRap Mendel for sale on eBay with all electronics, motors, belts, etc fully assembled. ((To be fair, the seller mentioned it would require some adjustment to start printing.)) The auction (for a set sold in Ireland) settled at 760.00 Euros or about $1,017.18 USD. Frankly, I would
- [MakerBot starter kit](https://makerblock.com/2010/04/makerbot-starter-kit/) - A little while ago someone posted on the MakerBot Operators group that they were looking for printed pulleys. Apparently he had managed to scavenge or hack together everything else. This got me wondering - what printed parts would someone need to get a MakerBot rolling? There's the obvious printed pulleys. If I had a friend
- [Google Sketchup STL Import Plugin](https://makerblock.com/2010/04/google-sketchup-stl-import-plugin/) - I'm a big fan of Google Sketchup. I know it's not open source, but damn it sure is easy to use. The other day I noticed this blog post about a new Sketchup STL Importer plugin. Earlier I had posted about other useful Sketchup plugins, and this one will probably make my list too. I've
- [Two copies of Tetris and Achtung Baby](https://makerblock.com/2010/04/two-copies-of-tetris-and-achtung-baby/) - I just bought a Motorola Droid and was faced with a problem I always forget about when I get a new phone. If I want Tetris on the phone, I need to purchase it all over again. This makes me think back to the Actung Baby album by U2. I'm fine with copyrights, even if
- [How MakerBot Industries can help RepRap even more](https://makerblock.com/2010/04/how-makerbot-industries-can-help-reprap-even-more/) - Some people have suggested MakerBot is somehow stealing thunder from the RepRap project. ((I totally disagree, but there you go.)) Here's a super simple way every MakerBot sold could, in a very small way, help the RepRap project. Why not put a copy of every Mendel part as an STL on the SD card that
- [How to Raise Your MakerBot from the Dead](https://makerblock.com/2010/04/how-to-raise-your-makerbot-from-the-dead/) - ... or Happy Zombie Day! My extruder is back online! Huzzah! Since I had it disassembled I made a few minor modifications. I've added binder clips to the front and back edges of the build platform. I found that my acrylic build base is slightly deformed and probably getting more so with each build. This
- [He's saying the things I think!](https://makerblock.com/2010/04/hes-saying-the-things-i-think/) - ...only in a way that is far less wordy and verbose than the manner in which I would typically attempt to describe the sorts of things I am thinking about. Thank you, Cory Doctorow. ""The way you improve your iPad isn't to figure out how it works and making it better. The way you improve
- [I don't think I'm THIS enthusastic about anything](https://makerblock.com/2010/04/i-dont-think-im-this-enthusastic-about-anything/) - Which means, depending on how you look at things, this is either a commentary on how nutty some people can be or how empty my life is. ((And, I don't think I lead an empty life. I've got a MakerBot, you know.)) Here's a comment from a woman who purchased an iPad: ((Thanks to Tony
- [Have we reached the bottom already?](https://makerblock.com/2010/04/have-we-reached-the-bottom-already/) - Having reached the bottom of a market can actually be a very good thing. It means anyone who wants a set of RepRap parts can have them for as little as the market will bear. Right now there are lots of options for someone who wants to get involved in building a RepRap/RepStrap. You can
- [A RepRap business model](https://makerblock.com/2010/04/a-reprap-business-model/) - So, here's an idea - much like the distributed manufacturing system for printed pulleys, why doesn't someone set up a website business for RepRap parts? Here's the outline of the business plan: A price could be set for a particular RepRap plastic part, depending upon size, complexity, scarcity, how many more are needed to make
- [Best quote of the month](https://makerblock.com/2010/02/best-quote-of-the-month/) - "There's really no middle ground with you, is there? You either don't care at all or you care 100 and crazy percent." "Time for this fawn to strap on a machine gun, spread its wings and fly!"
- [So what are you going to make?](https://makerblock.com/2010/04/so-what-are-you-going-to-make/) - I remember the first time I heard this question. I was babbling to a friend of mine about how I wanted a MakerBot. His response was to ask: What is it you need that you want to spend $1,000 getting? My first inclination when I hear this question to say, "Anything." ((Sometimes I'm tempted to
- [I actually felt sorry for that bastard](https://makerblock.com/2010/04/i-actually-felt-sorry-for-that-bastard/) - Edit: Jeff - Just in case you read this - I do not really think you are a bastard. I follow your blog and am very appreciative of your in depth posts and analysis on all things MakerBot/RepRap. The title is more about me feeling like a sucker than a commentary about you. Jeff posted
- [$100 CNC mill?](https://makerblock.com/2010/04/100-dollar-cnc-mill/) - I caught sight of this through Spacexula's RepRap Aggregator Feed - a $100 open source CNC mill. I was just thinking the other day how cool it would be to have an additive and subtractive CNC machine sitting next to one another. But, $100?! It's like someone would be paying me to build the thing.
- [Full RepRap for sale](https://makerblock.com/2010/04/full-reprap-for-sale/) - A complete ((ish)) Mendel for sale? That's incredible! There has been a truly amazing progression ((transmission??)) in RepRap parts lately. While I'm not crazy about eBay as a way of selling ((having sold things on eBay myself)) , it's a very democratic ((fair? capitalistic?)) way of disseminating RepRap parts. The first few parts and sets
- [New cell phone!](https://makerblock.com/2010/04/new-cell-phone/) - So, I finally got over my fear of commitment and bought a new cell phone. I had my prior cell for about 4 years, my cell before that for 3 years, and my cell before that for 3 years. I keep them well beyond the point where people make fun of my old beat up
- [Winner:  BEST RepRap Quote of the Day](https://makerblock.com/2010/03/winner-best-reprap-quote-of-the-day/) - A shout-out to Professor Phunk's Tri-Dimensional Printarium for the best damn RepRap quote of the day: This will probably drive the price of my Mendel up into "WTF territory" but I am past caring. I am having too much fun. Professor Phunk's Tri-Dimensional Printarium
- [Christmas, Birthday, etc](https://makerblock.com/2010/03/christmas-birthday-etc/) - It's not that I'm not materialistic or a complete stoic. It's just that my interests are so simple, narrow, and specific there just isn't a whole lot I require out of life. But for other happy and fortunate life complications ((aka family)) I'd live in a studio apartment almost completely devoid of furniture except for
- [PTFE versus PEEK thermal insulating barrier](https://makerblock.com/2010/03/ptfe-versus-peek-thermal-insulating-barrier/) - How do you choose whether to use a PEEK or PTFE barrier? Well, I asked the benefits of using PEEK over PTFE thermal insulating barriers in an extruder assembly and Nate True gave a fantastic summary: PEEK is more rigid and won’t bow out and leak everywhere with ABS. It would be better for PLA
- [Well, there's your problem](https://makerblock.com/2010/03/well-theres-your-problem/) - I've been fiddling with settings on my MakerBot for the last week or so trying to improve print quality. Skeinforge setting this, Skeinforge setting that. Up, down, left, right, set it to pi, increase the print temperature, decrease the raft radius, adjust the feedrate speed. Unfortunately, all I managed to do was decrease print quality.
- [Significantly less disgusting than friendship bread](https://makerblock.com/2010/03/significantly-less-disgusting-than-friendship-bread/) - So-called "friendship bread" is a ball of dough you cultivate, add ingredients, split off some of the dough, give away some of the dough, make bread, and keep a little bit around to cultivate for the next batch. Whoever gets some of the dough then does the same. I guess the idea is there is
- [RepRap - The Movie](https://makerblock.com/2010/03/reprap-movie/) - I can just see the movie trailer now... Picture a team of scientists in full body biohazard suits commenting on the development of the Mendel after the Darwin. Dr. Buxom: "But, professor... it's mutated. I've never seen anything like it." Professor McSternly: "I have." Dr. Buxom: "Professor! This is amazing! Where?!" Professor
- [Take two of these and call me in the morning](https://makerblock.com/2010/03/take-two-of-these-and-call-me-in-the-morning/) - There's now both a RepRapMap and a MakerBot Map. In a very small way the MakerBot Map is slightly more interesting. Since each MakerBot is numbered and we can check the numbers against the batch numbers, it's possible to get a rough idea of the growth of this type of RepStrap. Now, if both maps
- [If wishes were fishes...](https://makerblock.com/2010/03/if-wishes-were-fishes/) - ...we'd all cast nets. There certainly seems to be enough people wishing for RepRap/RepStrap parts. RepRap forums, MakerBot Facebook page, and various other forums/pages have a lot of posts from people asking for RepRap parts or expressing a desire for the fundage for parts or kits or promising some sort of exchange of goods (at
- [Seems like only yesterday](https://makerblock.com/2010/03/seems-like-only-yesterday/) - While searching up a link to the eD's first sketch for the Mendel I realized that post is about a year and a half old. That made me wonder how long I've been interested in the RepRap projected. I first read about it in a SlashDot article back in April 2008. I remember thinking that
- [RepRaps in the wild](https://makerblock.com/2010/03/repraps-in-the-wild/) - When I hear about Darwins, Mendels, and Makerbots "in the wild," I always picture these robots as if they were deer roaming about on the plains, carefree, feeding and migrating with the changes in seasons. Frolicking in the sun, relaxing next to a lagoon, and hunting for roots and grubs. Then I think about them
- [Enney Meaney](https://makerblock.com/2010/03/enney-meaney/) - It occurred to me today that a lot of people are using their RepStraps to build Mendel parts. Then I wondered, "How many Mendels are in operation now, anyhow?" I would guess a dozen or so - with far more on the way. What I find interesting is the seemingly large proliferation of Mendels (or,
- [RepRap Rap](https://makerblock.com/2010/03/reprap-rap/) - When I'm driving I like to listen to rap. One of my favorite rap songs is Quiet Storm by Mobb Deep. There's a line in the song that goes: ...Sit down and sup with top rap reps... Whenever I hear this song I think "RapRep" and then I think "RepRap."
- [Time lapse making](https://makerblock.com/2010/03/time-lapse-making/) - I can't help it. I just love time lapse videos of MakerBot builds. I loved watching them before I got my MakerBot and I still love watching them. Before they made me feel very... anticipatory. Now they make me feel slightly nostalgic.
- [Fair wages for Robots!](https://makerblock.com/2010/03/fair-wages-for-robots/) - Several hours ago I posted about two eBay auctions for full sets of Mendel printed parts. I just checked on them to check out where the two auctions ended. One ended at $446 (actually, at 330 Euros, for a seller located in Ireland) and the other at $455 (seller located in Ohio). Why, then, would
- [Optimal RepRap sizes](https://makerblock.com/2010/03/optimal-reprap-sizes/) - To my thinking there's basically two optimal RepRap sizes (in terms of build area): A small RepRap with a build area just large enough to replicate it's largest part, one at a time A large RepRap with a build area large enough to print all of it's own parts in a single print job Random
- [Printing a MakerBot](https://makerblock.com/2010/03/printing-a-makerbot/) - I've already pontificated on the idea that if you've purchased a MakerBot Cupcake CNC Deluxe kit, you basically get a second MakerBot for half off. (Spoiler: it's because you can print a ton of the most expensive parts that go into building a new one). I don't know why, but the idea of replacing wooden
- [Mendel FAIL](https://makerblock.com/2010/03/mendel-fail/) - I can't find my camera, so my camera phone will have to do. Here was my second attempt at printing Spacexula's Mendel production STL files. Don't even ask about the first attempt. Spacexula offered some advice on how to fix this. I have the Stretch feature turned on so that I can (hopefully) print better
- [My own plastic gnome](https://makerblock.com/2010/03/my-own-plastic-gnome/) - ...or Minimum Wage Rights for Robots! MakerBot posted a screenshot of a RepRap Printed Mendel Parts auction that sold for 420 pounds - roughly $630.84. ((According to Google and at the time of this post.)) ((I couldn't find a link to the actual auction at first, but then figured it must be a private
- [Help with a RepStrap alternative list](https://makerblock.com/2010/03/help-with-a-repstrap-alternative-list/) - I'm trying to put together a list of all of the RepRap/RepStrap alternatives out there. ((Mind, this is just a list of those open source 3d plastic FDM printers, where the plans and instructions are available. It's not meant to include those machines people are building on their own or converting existing 3axis CNC's into
- [Replicating without a RepRap](https://makerblock.com/2010/03/replicating-without-a-reprap/) - I've read others writing about creating molds for pulleys and molded RepRap parts. Is this something you do? Several of the Mendel sets on ebay appear to be parts cast from molds. This would seem to be a very cost effective and relatively quick way to replicate parts. At the same time, I'm not sure
- [Beco Block limitations](https://makerblock.com/2010/03/beco-block-limitations/) - Having printed up and played with a big pile of Beco Blocks, I have come to the conclusion they are only about half of what I was looking for. Mind, they are probably the more difficult half. The articulated joints you get with Beco Blocks are absolutely fantastic. The connect well, disconnect well, are very
- [Skeinforge Multiply](https://makerblock.com/2010/03/skeinforge-multiply/) - In order to step up production of my Beco Block collection (up to 30 pieces now) I 've been using the Skeinforge multiply feature. Basically you feed it the number of columns and rows and it will make that many of your object in the final Gcode. For my own reference, and hopefully to help
- [Block Production](https://makerblock.com/2010/03/block-production/) - I'm churning out Beco Blocks. I've got 5 sitting in front of me with another 6 printing up right now. This makes me happy.
- [Beco Block Connections](https://makerblock.com/2010/03/beco-block-connections/) - I really like the connection mechanism behind the Beco Blocks. ((Having only printed one block, I suppose I can't really speak about it intelligently. Then again, ignorance has never really been an impediment to me talking/typing before...)) It appears to allow a wide range of movement and rotation in the joint. There's a lot of
- [New print:  Beco Block!](https://makerblock.com/2010/03/new-print-beco-block/) - I printed up my first Beco Block today - and I can't wait to print up more. Nate True was kind enough to download the STL files, center, align, save, and zip all of the various pieces. ((Nate, if you're listening - thank you!)) I'd like to see a new STL file out there that
- [Open Source Printable Building Blocks FTW!](https://makerblock.com/2010/03/open-source-printable-building-blocks-ftw/) - A few weeks ago I posted my criteria for an interlocking building block system: The interlocking system should allow interconnections in three dimensions. The pieces should snap/interlock together reasonably well/easily. The pieces should stay assembled reasonably well. The pieces should snap apart reasonably well/easily. The pieces should not require additional tools to be assembled and
- [Making Blocks](https://makerblock.com/2010/02/making-blocks/) - The design question I keep coming back to is "How do I create a reliable interlocking system for blocks?" My criteria for a robust and useful system are: The interlocking system should allow interconnections in three dimensions. The pieces should snap/interlock together reasonably well/easily. The pieces should stay assembled reasonably well. The pieces should snap
- [Making passion](https://makerblock.com/2010/03/making-passion/) - ManDrake responded to my last post about MakerBot being a victim of their own success: Do you think the expectations difference could be at all connected to Bre’s constant overselling of the product to anyone that will listen? He’s completely disconnected from reality in the way he talks about the Makerbot and what it can
- [Victims of Success?](https://makerblock.com/2010/03/victims-of-success/) - Devlin posted a comment in response to my last post which really deserves it's own space: Thank you! I share your sentiments. However, one would argue that we already have our MakerBots and have some kind of bias. I got mine about a month after I ordered and I was pretty excited the whole time
- [Winning for losing](https://makerblock.com/2010/03/winning-for-losing/) - The poor guys over at MakerBot just can't win for losing. People just begged for pre-orders. Now people are upset they have to wait because of pre-orders! Without pre-orders everyone would be guaranteed a longer wait time. When you place a pre-order you get a place in line. Otherwise you just have to be the
- [Blender help?](https://makerblock.com/2010/03/blender-help/) - I've designed a new part for printing on Bender ((If you're just tuning in, that's the name of my MakerBot)) . Here's a picture of the part. I'm trying to see if I can print a working ball joint. Obviously, it needs to consist of breakaway multi-parts. If this works I'd like to try using
- [What's so great about a RepRap anyhow?](https://makerblock.com/2010/03/whats-so-great-about-a-reprap-anyhow/) - When I read the RepRap blog or the RepRap builder's blog I see people printing incredible things in PLA. And I never hear about their troubles with PLA. Nothing about it jamming or being fussy about temperatures. What am I missing? What are Darwins and Mendels doing that my little MakerBot isn't?
- [RepRap interim challenge obstacles](https://makerblock.com/2010/03/reprap-interim-challenge-obstacles/) - The RepRap challenge has a number of obstacles for the interim award. There are two in particular that seem insurmountable. Maintain a total materials and parts cost under $200 and that 90% of the volume of the printer parts be printed. The ability to print autonomously without a PC attached. I have to imagine something
- [The RepRap Prize](https://makerblock.com/2010/03/the-reprap-prize/) - A commentator suggested that the RepRap Challenge prize is set up to avoid paying out. This seems like a silly and vacuous charge to me. The $20,000 and $80,000 prize payouts have firm award dates of 12/31/2012 and 12/31/2015, respectively. If someone hasn't achieved the specific milestones by those dates, by the terms of their
- [Wait a second... that's not a trap at all!](https://makerblock.com/2010/03/wait-a-second-thats-not-a-trap-at-all/) - I just realized that the second variation of my funnel/one-way-door mousetrap doesn't really trap mice at all! Since it is specifically designed to provide an avenue of escape to the mouse, there's no trapping being done, and I may have just miserably failed the design challenge. The challenge specifically states that the winning design is
- [How to test a ridiculous idea](https://makerblock.com/2010/03/how-to-test-a-ridiculous-idea/) - Cathal Garvey posted his recommendations as to how those without mice can test their designs. He suggests: *Think* like the mouse, *be* the mouse! Alternatively, leave one outside in the country or garden, and await your furry, diseased reward! But how do you test a one way door/mouse funnel mousetrap if you don't want to

## Pages

- [Dexter](https://makerblock.com/projects/dexter/) - Blog posts on my ED-E companion robot project: ED-E Companion Bot Project ED-E Project: Origins Beep Boop: Emotions for ED-E
- [Projects](https://makerblock.com/projects/) - I write about a lot of my projects, but I've devoted a lot more time and energy to these particular ones. Eraser stamp carving Heat Transfer Vinyl T-Shirts Without a Craft Cutter Build a Vacuum Former (including a DIY Arc Reactor from a box of scraps) Build a Travel Ukulele Build a Plotting Robot Game
- [Store](https://makerblock.com/store/) - 7/27/2023 This page is a work in progress. For now, please DM me @makerblock1 on Instagram if interested in any items. Stamp Eraser Carving Grip - $15 My original design to help hold a pink eraser firmly using the ridges, keeping fingers away from the carving blades. This version was designed so these particular pink
- [TinkerGirl](https://makerblock.com/projects/tinkergirl/) - MakerBlock: These are the webpages for my daughter, "TinkerGirl" Maker Faire 2018: Wandering Artists - 15 Second Drawings! Maker Faire 2017: 15 Second Drawings! Maker Faire 2016: Presentation on "How to Make a Great Science Fair Project" Maker Faire 2015: Make Your Own Awesome Puppets Maker Faire 2013: Spinning Drawing Robots
- [Contact](https://makerblock.com/contact/) - Stuff I say: MakerBlock blog Mastodon Twitter Stuff I make: Designs on Thingiverse WordPress Plugin Development PlotterBot - drawing robot website GitHub MakerShare Hackaday.io Instructables Comment or question? Drop me a line! If you don't already have my email address, the best way to leave a comment or reach me on Mastodon. You can give
- [About](https://makerblock.com/about/) - 2013 - A lot has happened since 2012. I last blogged for MakerBot in March of 2013, no longer do print on demand, have taken down my ProfileMaker page, and have been using this website as my general purposes 3D printing and "making" website. These days I do the vast majority of my printing on
- [UNPUBLISHED](https://makerblock.com/unpublished/)
- [Legal Stuff](https://makerblock.com/about/legal/) - All rights reserved, copyrighted, etc. Except, you know, the stuff I didn't create - obviously I don't own that stuff. I try to attribute the original authors of works, when possible. If I haven't and if you think you own something I've put up here, let me know and I'll provide attribution. With the new
- [Robot](https://makerblock.com/about/robot/) - Meet "Bender," MakerBot Industries CupCake CNC #465. (The name "Flexo" was a close second). It is an open source robot for printing objects in 3D. The MakerBot wiki is a great resource for learning more about open source projects, hacking (the good kind!!!), and replicating rapid-prototyping robots. Right now #465 is waiting to be assembled.
- [15 Second Drawings!](https://makerblock.com/projects/tinkergirl/15-second-drawings/) - My project for Maker Faire this year is "15 Second Drawings!" You can see me at Benicia Mini Maker Faire on Sunday April 2, 2017 and at the Bay Area Maker Faire in San Mateo from April 19, 20, and 21, 2017. About My Project I can draw things in 15 seconds. Participants tell me
- [How to Make a Great Science Fair Project](https://makerblock.com/projects/tinkergirl/how-to-make-a-great-science-fair-project/) - MakerBlock: My daughter, “TinkerGirl”, has submitted an application to present on science fair projects at Maker Faire 2016. Here's a short description of her presentation: "This presentation shows the steps to making a great science fair project. Learn the best ways to choose a topic, perform research, create a display, and prepare your presentation."
- [Make Your Own Awesome Puppets](https://makerblock.com/projects/tinkergirl/make-your-own-awesome-puppets/) - MakerBlock: My daughter, "TinkerGirl", has submitted an application to exhibit her puppet making skills at Maker Faire 2015. Hopefully, we'll be sharing a booth and you can check out drawing robots and little puppets.
- [Spinning Drawing Robots](https://makerblock.com/projects/tinkergirl/spinning-drawing-robots/) - Small spinning drawing robots made with motors and markers, shown at Maker Faire Bay Area 2013
- [MakerBlock Contact Page](https://makerblock.com/contact/makerblock-contact-page/) - Stuff I say: MakerBot professional blog MakerBlock personal blog Twitter feed Stuff I make: Thingiverse page WordPress page DrawBot Or, just talk to me: [TINY-CONTACT-FORM]

## Landing Pages by MailMunch

- [Free DIY Vacuum Former Ebook](https://makerblock.com/free-diy-vacuum-former-ebook/)

## Downloads

- [Screenshot-2025-07-21-173516.png](https://makerblock.com/download/9056/?tmstv=1779897882)
- [Four of the designs, plus rulers, on a sheet of paper](https://makerblock.com/download/8780/?tmstv=1779897882)
- [Initial design, sized to fit in a small card lamination pouch](https://makerblock.com/download/8778/?tmstv=1779897882)
- [Just four notebooks](https://makerblock.com/download/8774/?tmstv=1779897882)
- [Print-soprano-travel-ukulele-template1_013_overlap.pdf](https://makerblock.com/download/8001/?tmstv=1779897882)
- [Soprano-travel-ukulele-template_013_v2.pdf](https://makerblock.com/download/7755/?tmstv=1779897882)
- [cygwin1.dll](https://makerblock.com/download/7030/?tmstv=1779897882)
- [Curviloft-1.0c-and-LibFredo6-3.5c.zip](https://makerblock.com/download/7028/?tmstv=1779897882)
- [FredoScale-User-Manual-English-v2.0-28-Mar-09.pdf](https://makerblock.com/download/7026/?tmstv=1779897882)
- [tt_solid_inspector.zip](https://makerblock.com/download/7024/?tmstv=1779897882)
- [LibFredo6-User-Manual-English-v3.4-14-Sep-09.pdf](https://makerblock.com/download/7022/?tmstv=1779897882)
- [LibFredo6-3.4c.zip](https://makerblock.com/download/7020/?tmstv=1779897882)
- [Quickcard-RoundCorner-English-v2.1.pdf](https://makerblock.com/download/7018/?tmstv=1779897882)
- [FredoScale-2.0i.zip](https://makerblock.com/download/7016/?tmstv=1779897882)
- [RoundCorner-2.1c.zip](https://makerblock.com/download/7014/?tmstv=1779897882)
- [jf_stl_importer.zip](https://makerblock.com/download/7012/?tmstv=1779897882)
- [manifold.zip](https://makerblock.com/download/7010/?tmstv=1779897882)
- [drawhelix13.zip](https://makerblock.com/download/7008/?tmstv=1779897882)
- [polyreduce.zip](https://makerblock.com/download/7006/?tmstv=1779897882)
- [su2stl.zip](https://makerblock.com/download/7004/?tmstv=1779897882)
- [skp_to_dxf.zip](https://makerblock.com/download/7002/?tmstv=1779897882)
- [polargraph_server_a1.ino](https://makerblock.com/download/7000/?tmstv=1779897882) - Polargraph source code, version a1. The latest version can be found here: http://polargraph.googlecode.com/svn/embedded/trunk/polargraph_server_a1.ino
- [wafer.rb](https://makerblock.com/download/6998/?tmstv=1779897882) - wafer.rb

## Categories

- [MakerBlock](https://makerblock.com/category/makerblock/) - All things MakerBlock: RepRap, MakerBot, Cupcake CNC, open source, and plastic building toys!
- [RepRap](https://makerblock.com/category/makerbot/reprap/) - RepRap – as in Self-Replicating Rapid Prototyping robots! The grandfather of all MakerBots!
- [MakerBot](https://makerblock.com/category/makerbot/) - All things MakerBot! MakerBots, RepRap, and robots!
- [Open Source](https://makerblock.com/category/open-source/) - Free, lots of support, helpful community, and innovative. Open source software and hardware for the win!
- [Building](https://makerblock.com/category/tips-building-makerbot/building/) - Notes, documentation, thoughts, and tips from my own experience building a MakerBot
- [Tips](https://makerblock.com/category/tips-building-makerbot/) - Tips learned from experience building a MakerBot
- [Troubleshooting](https://makerblock.com/category/tips-building-makerbot/troubleshooting/) - Troubleshooting, diagnosing, and figuring out why your MakerBot isn’t working the way you want.
- [Design](https://makerblock.com/category/tips-building-makerbot/design/) - Design tips for creating 3D digital models for printing on a MakerBot
- [Prints](https://makerblock.com/category/makerblock/prints/) - Some of the stuff printed and designed on Bender the amazing MakerBot
- [Solutions](https://makerblock.com/category/makerblock/solutions/) - Custom solutions for novel problems using a MakerBot
- [How To](https://makerblock.com/category/tips-building-makerbot/how-to/) - Various how to’s with information about how to avoid, fix, and solve problems with your MakerBot
- [Plastic](https://makerblock.com/category/makerbot/plastic-makerbot/) - A MakerBot Cupcake CNC can print in PLA, ABS, and HDPE.
- [Things I Learned](https://makerblock.com/category/tips-building-makerbot/things-i-learned-tips-building-makerbot/) - Things I learned, usually the hard way, so you don’t have to!
- [Random Nonsense](https://makerblock.com/category/makerblock/random-nonsense/) - Sometimes I just feel compelled to share nonsense, random thoughts, and sometimes just stuff I want to save
- [Upgrades](https://makerblock.com/category/makerbot/upgrades-makerbot/)
- [For Sale](https://makerblock.com/category/makerblock/for-sale/)
- [ProfileMaker](https://makerblock.com/category/makerblock/profilemaker-makerblock/)
- [DrawBot](https://makerblock.com/category/makerblock/drawbot-makerbot/) - My attempt to build a drawing robot
- [WordPress](https://makerblock.com/category/makerblock/wordpress-makerblock/) - All things WordPress. Plugins, themes, code snippets, and whatnot. My second favorite open source project of all time!
- [Arduino](https://makerblock.com/category/open-source/arduino-open-source/)
- [DIY Prosthetics](https://makerblock.com/category/open-source/diy-prosthetics-open-source/)
- [Maker Faire](https://makerblock.com/category/makerblock/maker-faire/) - Maker Faire!!! Usually, Maker Faire Bay Area, but sometimes mini Maker Faires too!!!
- [Art Docent](https://makerblock.com/category/art-docent/) - Art docent volunteer program
- [Vacuum Former](https://makerblock.com/category/makerblock/vacuum-former/) - All things vacuum forming
- [ESP8266](https://makerblock.com/category/makerblock/esp8266/)
- [Companion Robot](https://makerblock.com/category/makerblock/companion-robot/)
- [QMK](https://makerblock.com/category/qmk/)
- [Minecraft](https://makerblock.com/category/minecraft/)
- [Ukulele](https://makerblock.com/category/ukulele/)
- [Eraser Stamp Carving](https://makerblock.com/category/makerblock/eraser-stamp-carving/)
- [EDC Bag](https://makerblock.com/category/edc-bag/)
- [LLMs](https://makerblock.com/category/llms/)

## Tags

- [makerbot industries](https://makerblock.com/tag/makerbot-industries/)
- [cupcake cnc](https://makerblock.com/tag/cupcake-cnc/)
- [makerfaire](https://makerblock.com/tag/makerfaire/)
- [maker faire](https://makerblock.com/tag/maker-faire/)
- [lego](https://makerblock.com/tag/lego/)
- [sorry](https://makerblock.com/tag/sorry/)
- [unboxing](https://makerblock.com/tag/unboxing/)
- [azimov](https://makerblock.com/tag/azimov/)
- [three rules of robotics](https://makerblock.com/tag/three-rules-of-robotics/)
- [second rule](https://makerblock.com/tag/second-rule/)
- [wordpress](https://makerblock.com/tag/wordpress/)
- [sanding](https://makerblock.com/tag/sanding/)
- [painting](https://makerblock.com/tag/painting/)
- [tips](https://makerblock.com/tag/tips/)
- [pictures](https://makerblock.com/tag/pictures/)
- [additional tools](https://makerblock.com/tag/additional-tools/)
- [additional parts](https://makerblock.com/tag/additional-parts/)
- [things I learned](https://makerblock.com/tag/things-i-learned/)
- [shopping list](https://makerblock.com/tag/shopping-list/)
- [building a robot](https://makerblock.com/tag/building-a-robot/)
- [weekend plans](https://makerblock.com/tag/weekend-plans/)
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- [notches](https://makerblock.com/tag/notches/)
- [printer](https://makerblock.com/tag/printer/)
- [CupCake](https://makerblock.com/tag/cupcake/)
- [website](https://makerblock.com/tag/website/)
- [CNC](https://makerblock.com/tag/cnc/)
- [cnc kit](https://makerblock.com/tag/cnc-kit/)
- [building robots](https://makerblock.com/tag/building-robots/)
- [leisurely weekend](https://makerblock.com/tag/leisurely-weekend/)
- [3d printer](https://makerblock.com/tag/3d-printer/)
- [custom blocks](https://makerblock.com/tag/custom-blocks/)
- [Sketchup](https://makerblock.com/tag/sketchup/)
- [source](https://makerblock.com/tag/source/)
- [software](https://makerblock.com/tag/software/)
- [Linux](https://makerblock.com/tag/linux/)
- [Windows](https://makerblock.com/tag/windows/)
- [leap of faith](https://makerblock.com/tag/leap-of-faith/)
- [open source hardware](https://makerblock.com/tag/open-source-hardware/)
- [open source software](https://makerblock.com/tag/open-source-software/)
- [pigin](https://makerblock.com/tag/pigin/)
- [intuitive nature](https://makerblock.com/tag/intuitive-nature/)
- [screw anchor](https://makerblock.com/tag/screw-anchor/)
- [plastic anchors](https://makerblock.com/tag/plastic-anchors/)
- [plastic screw](https://makerblock.com/tag/plastic-screw/)
- [google](https://makerblock.com/tag/google/)
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- [mini](https://makerblock.com/tag/mini/)
- [blog](https://makerblock.com/tag/blog/)
- [link](https://makerblock.com/tag/link/)
- [picture](https://makerblock.com/tag/picture/)
- [mendel](https://makerblock.com/tag/mendel/)
- [zip](https://makerblock.com/tag/zip/)
- [modem](https://makerblock.com/tag/modem/)
- [modem a modem](https://makerblock.com/tag/modem-a-modem/)
- [zip files](https://makerblock.com/tag/zip-files/)
- [place](https://makerblock.com/tag/place/)
- [gray goo problem](https://makerblock.com/tag/gray-goo-problem/)
- [stargate sg 1](https://makerblock.com/tag/stargate-sg-1/)
- [version](https://makerblock.com/tag/version/)
- [Stargate](https://makerblock.com/tag/stargate/)
- [Replicator](https://makerblock.com/tag/replicator/)
- [shirt](https://makerblock.com/tag/shirt/)
- [t shirt](https://makerblock.com/tag/t-shirt/)
- [Tommelise](https://makerblock.com/tag/tommelise/)
- [nothing](https://makerblock.com/tag/nothing/)
- [electrical components](https://makerblock.com/tag/electrical-components/)
- [thing](https://makerblock.com/tag/thing/)
- [work](https://makerblock.com/tag/work/)
- [hole components](https://makerblock.com/tag/hole-components/)
- [hot plate](https://makerblock.com/tag/hot-plate/)
- [Forrest](https://makerblock.com/tag/forrest/)
- [Forrest Higgs](https://makerblock.com/tag/forrest-higgs/)
- [higgs](https://makerblock.com/tag/higgs/)
- [Darwin](https://makerblock.com/tag/darwin/)
- [surface](https://makerblock.com/tag/surface/)
- [stepper motors](https://makerblock.com/tag/stepper-motors/)
- [group](https://makerblock.com/tag/group/)
- [list](https://makerblock.com/tag/list/)
- [Operators](https://makerblock.com/tag/operators/)
- [Cliff Biffle](https://makerblock.com/tag/cliff-biffle/)
- [calibration procedure](https://makerblock.com/tag/calibration-procedure/)
- [calibration](https://makerblock.com/tag/calibration/)
- [Cliff](https://makerblock.com/tag/cliff/)
- [Skeinforge](https://makerblock.com/tag/skeinforge/)
- [lab notebook](https://makerblock.com/tag/lab-notebook/)
- [lego pieces](https://makerblock.com/tag/lego-pieces/)
- [Thickness](https://makerblock.com/tag/thickness/)
- [extrusion](https://makerblock.com/tag/extrusion/)
- [Layer](https://makerblock.com/tag/layer/)
- [D Go](https://makerblock.com/tag/d-go/)
- [T Print](https://makerblock.com/tag/t-print/)
- [PWM](https://makerblock.com/tag/pwm/)
- [grid corners](https://makerblock.com/tag/grid-corners/)
- [Zach](https://makerblock.com/tag/zach/)
- [layer thickness](https://makerblock.com/tag/layer-thickness/)
- [Feedrate](https://makerblock.com/tag/feedrate/)
- [Rick Pollack](https://makerblock.com/tag/rick-pollack/)
- [temperature table](https://makerblock.com/tag/temperature-table/)
- [T Set](https://makerblock.com/tag/t-set/)
- [T Cliff](https://makerblock.com/tag/t-cliff/)
- [Nick Ames](https://makerblock.com/tag/nick-ames/)
- [Width](https://makerblock.com/tag/width/)
- [Carve](https://makerblock.com/tag/carve/)
- [aligncenter](https://makerblock.com/tag/aligncenter/)
- [attachment](https://makerblock.com/tag/attachment/)
- [caption](https://makerblock.com/tag/caption/)
- [Test](https://makerblock.com/tag/test/)
- [test piece](https://makerblock.com/tag/test-piece/)
- [thickness ratio](https://makerblock.com/tag/thickness-ratio/)
- [piece](https://makerblock.com/tag/piece/)
- [wall thickness](https://makerblock.com/tag/wall-thickness/)
- [slacker](https://makerblock.com/tag/slacker/)
- [Part](https://makerblock.com/tag/part/)
- [lot](https://makerblock.com/tag/lot/)
- [reason](https://makerblock.com/tag/reason/)
- [PLA](https://makerblock.com/tag/pla/)
- [jams](https://makerblock.com/tag/jams/)
- [warpage](https://makerblock.com/tag/warpage/)
- [chess board](https://makerblock.com/tag/chess-board/)
- [chess](https://makerblock.com/tag/chess/)
- [guide](https://makerblock.com/tag/guide/)
- [ames](https://makerblock.com/tag/ames/)
- [extruder](https://makerblock.com/tag/extruder/)
- [speed](https://makerblock.com/tag/speed/)
- [platform](https://makerblock.com/tag/platform/)
- [Quicker](https://makerblock.com/tag/quicker/)
- [plastic](https://makerblock.com/tag/plastic/)
- [voting](https://makerblock.com/tag/voting/)
- [area](https://makerblock.com/tag/area/)
- [something](https://makerblock.com/tag/something/)
- [someone](https://makerblock.com/tag/someone/)
- [cubic centimeters](https://makerblock.com/tag/cubic-centimeters/)
- [disney head](https://makerblock.com/tag/disney-head/)
- [continuous hours](https://makerblock.com/tag/continuous-hours/)
- [disney](https://makerblock.com/tag/disney/)
- [volume](https://makerblock.com/tag/volume/)
- [filling out an application](https://makerblock.com/tag/filling-out-an-application/)
- [Heck](https://makerblock.com/tag/heck/)
- [half a day](https://makerblock.com/tag/half-a-day/)
- [right](https://makerblock.com/tag/right/)
- [repair](https://makerblock.com/tag/repair/)
- [hell](https://makerblock.com/tag/hell/)
- [ABS](https://makerblock.com/tag/abs/)
- [exact settings](https://makerblock.com/tag/exact-settings/)
- [sake](https://makerblock.com/tag/sake/)
- [problem](https://makerblock.com/tag/problem/)
- [printing](https://makerblock.com/tag/printing/)
- [teapot](https://makerblock.com/tag/teapot/)
- [black streaks](https://makerblock.com/tag/black-streaks/)
- [way](https://makerblock.com/tag/way/)
- [streak](https://makerblock.com/tag/streak/)
- [kinda](https://makerblock.com/tag/kinda/)
- [Tea](https://makerblock.com/tag/tea/)
- [quot](https://makerblock.com/tag/quot/)
- [avail](https://makerblock.com/tag/avail/)
- [derivative](https://makerblock.com/tag/derivative/)
- [kind consideration](https://makerblock.com/tag/kind-consideration/)
- [raft](https://makerblock.com/tag/raft/)
- [Infill](https://makerblock.com/tag/infill/)
- [gt 90](https://makerblock.com/tag/gt-90/)
- [extrude](https://makerblock.com/tag/extrude/)
- [noticeable problems](https://makerblock.com/tag/noticeable-problems/)
- [Darth](https://makerblock.com/tag/darth/)
- [crystal](https://makerblock.com/tag/crystal/)
- [dalek](https://makerblock.com/tag/dalek/)
- [TARDIS](https://makerblock.com/tag/tardis/)
- [Vader](https://makerblock.com/tag/vader/)
- [darth vader](https://makerblock.com/tag/darth-vader/)
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- [corn](https://makerblock.com/tag/corn/)
- [Syrup](https://makerblock.com/tag/syrup/)
- [corn syrup](https://makerblock.com/tag/corn-syrup/)
- [butter](https://makerblock.com/tag/butter/)
- [whiff](https://makerblock.com/tag/whiff/)
- [butter flavor](https://makerblock.com/tag/butter-flavor/)
- [Garvey](https://makerblock.com/tag/garvey/)
- [Cathal](https://makerblock.com/tag/cathal/)
- [mini lathe](https://makerblock.com/tag/mini-lathe/)
- [ball bearings](https://makerblock.com/tag/ball-bearings/)
- [dremmel](https://makerblock.com/tag/dremmel/)
- [drill](https://makerblock.com/tag/drill/)
- [screwdriver](https://makerblock.com/tag/screwdriver/)
- [bearings](https://makerblock.com/tag/bearings/)
- [axis](https://makerblock.com/tag/axis/)
- [bearing](https://makerblock.com/tag/bearing/)
- [pulley](https://makerblock.com/tag/pulley/)
- [cool things](https://makerblock.com/tag/cool-things/)
- [cool](https://makerblock.com/tag/cool/)
- [hobby shop](https://makerblock.com/tag/hobby-shop/)
- [cheap skates](https://makerblock.com/tag/cheap-skates/)
- [sporting goods store](https://makerblock.com/tag/sporting-goods-store/)
- [core](https://makerblock.com/tag/core/)
- [Foam](https://makerblock.com/tag/foam/)
- [foam core](https://makerblock.com/tag/foam-core/)
- [blue painters tape](https://makerblock.com/tag/blue-painters-tape/)
- [wooden platform](https://makerblock.com/tag/wooden-platform/)
- [little bit](https://makerblock.com/tag/little-bit/)
- [question](https://makerblock.com/tag/question/)
- [robot](https://makerblock.com/tag/robot/)
- [rubber band](https://makerblock.com/tag/rubber-band/)
- [noise reduction](https://makerblock.com/tag/noise-reduction/)
- [stepper](https://makerblock.com/tag/stepper/)
- [central heating](https://makerblock.com/tag/central-heating/)
- [noise](https://makerblock.com/tag/noise/)
- [reduction](https://makerblock.com/tag/reduction/)
- [Rubber](https://makerblock.com/tag/rubber/)
- [band](https://makerblock.com/tag/band/)
- [thick rubber band](https://makerblock.com/tag/thick-rubber-band/)
- [bolts](https://makerblock.com/tag/bolts/)
- [specks](https://makerblock.com/tag/specks/)
- [pressure](https://makerblock.com/tag/pressure/)
- [rafts](https://makerblock.com/tag/rafts/)
- [fire truck](https://makerblock.com/tag/fire-truck/)
- [swivel](https://makerblock.com/tag/swivel/)
- [thin layer](https://makerblock.com/tag/thin-layer/)
- [Polylactic](https://makerblock.com/tag/polylactic/)
- [Acid](https://makerblock.com/tag/acid/)
- [heart](https://makerblock.com/tag/heart/)
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- [heater assembly](https://makerblock.com/tag/heater-assembly/)
- [drill bit](https://makerblock.com/tag/drill-bit/)
- [heartbreak](https://makerblock.com/tag/heartbreak/)
- [precision screwdrivers](https://makerblock.com/tag/precision-screwdrivers/)
- [assembly](https://makerblock.com/tag/assembly/)
- [Acrylonitrile](https://makerblock.com/tag/acrylonitrile/)
- [butadiene styrene](https://makerblock.com/tag/butadiene-styrene/)
- [mind](https://makerblock.com/tag/mind/)
- [must have lost my mind](https://makerblock.com/tag/must-have-lost-my-mind/)
- [rough patches](https://makerblock.com/tag/rough-patches/)
- [abby](https://makerblock.com/tag/abby/)
- [faithful](https://makerblock.com/tag/faithful/)
- [heat](https://makerblock.com/tag/heat/)
- [PTFE](https://makerblock.com/tag/ptfe/)
- [bit](https://makerblock.com/tag/bit/)
- [flathead screwdriver](https://makerblock.com/tag/flathead-screwdriver/)
- [plyers](https://makerblock.com/tag/plyers/)
- [precision](https://makerblock.com/tag/precision/)
- [precision screwdriver](https://makerblock.com/tag/precision-screwdriver/)
- [Rick](https://makerblock.com/tag/rick/)
- [Spacexula](https://makerblock.com/tag/spacexula/)
- [proper safety equipment](https://makerblock.com/tag/proper-safety-equipment/)
- [backup plan](https://makerblock.com/tag/backup-plan/)
- [temperature](https://makerblock.com/tag/temperature/)
- [table](https://makerblock.com/tag/table/)
- [Tim](https://makerblock.com/tag/tim/)
- [thermistor](https://makerblock.com/tag/thermistor/)
- [Leonardo Robot](https://makerblock.com/tag/leonardo-robot/)
- [leonardo](https://makerblock.com/tag/leonardo/)
- [Leonardo DaVinci](https://makerblock.com/tag/leonardo-davinci/)
- [virtuvian man](https://makerblock.com/tag/virtuvian-man/)
- [ratios](https://makerblock.com/tag/ratios/)
- [lego set](https://makerblock.com/tag/lego-set/)
- [proportions](https://makerblock.com/tag/proportions/)
- [lego robot](https://makerblock.com/tag/lego-robot/)
- [alignright](https://makerblock.com/tag/alignright/)
- [resolution](https://makerblock.com/tag/resolution/)
- [facets](https://makerblock.com/tag/facets/)
- [material](https://makerblock.com/tag/material/)
- [print](https://makerblock.com/tag/print/)
- [height](https://makerblock.com/tag/height/)
- [33mm](https://makerblock.com/tag/33mm/)
- [5mm](https://makerblock.com/tag/5mm/)
- [experiment](https://makerblock.com/tag/experiment/)
- [news](https://makerblock.com/tag/news/)
- [spare parts](https://makerblock.com/tag/spare-parts/)
- [ceramic tiles](https://makerblock.com/tag/ceramic-tiles/)
- [barrel assembly](https://makerblock.com/tag/barrel-assembly/)
- [google sketchup](https://makerblock.com/tag/google-sketchup/)
- [entry](https://makerblock.com/tag/entry/)
- [melting point](https://makerblock.com/tag/melting-point/)
- [chance](https://makerblock.com/tag/chance/)
- [relationship](https://makerblock.com/tag/relationship/)
- [Heaven](https://makerblock.com/tag/heaven/)
- [everything](https://makerblock.com/tag/everything/)
- [roses](https://makerblock.com/tag/roses/)
- [ferris bueller](https://makerblock.com/tag/ferris-bueller/)
- [anyone](https://makerblock.com/tag/anyone/)
- [Ferris](https://makerblock.com/tag/ferris/)
- [creepy](https://makerblock.com/tag/creepy/)
- [joke](https://makerblock.com/tag/joke/)
- [Seriously](https://makerblock.com/tag/seriously/)
- [bot](https://makerblock.com/tag/bot/)
- [downtime](https://makerblock.com/tag/downtime/)
- [dinos](https://makerblock.com/tag/dinos/)
- [m4](https://makerblock.com/tag/m4/)
- [plastruder](https://makerblock.com/tag/plastruder/)
- [stock](https://makerblock.com/tag/stock/)
- [retainer](https://makerblock.com/tag/retainer/)
- [pulleys](https://makerblock.com/tag/pulleys/)
- [drop me a line](https://makerblock.com/tag/drop-me-a-line/)
- [deluxe kit](https://makerblock.com/tag/deluxe-kit/)
- [dino](https://makerblock.com/tag/dino/)
- [extruder barrel](https://makerblock.com/tag/extruder-barrel/)
- [loop](https://makerblock.com/tag/loop/)
- [post](https://makerblock.com/tag/post/)
- [Hmm](https://makerblock.com/tag/hmm/)
- [withdrawals](https://makerblock.com/tag/withdrawals/)
- [STL](https://makerblock.com/tag/stl/)
- [bolt](https://makerblock.com/tag/bolt/)
- [system](https://makerblock.com/tag/system/)
- [Dude](https://makerblock.com/tag/dude/)
- [stl file](https://makerblock.com/tag/stl-file/)
- [resolution quality](https://makerblock.com/tag/resolution-quality/)
- [play system](https://makerblock.com/tag/play-system/)
- [usb plug](https://makerblock.com/tag/usb-plug/)
- [hell of a time](https://makerblock.com/tag/hell-of-a-time/)
- [job](https://makerblock.com/tag/job/)
- [MakerBots](https://makerblock.com/tag/makerbots/)
- [product](https://makerblock.com/tag/product/)
- [god](https://makerblock.com/tag/god/)
- [those poor bastards](https://makerblock.com/tag/those-poor-bastards/)
- [ramen noodles](https://makerblock.com/tag/ramen-noodles/)
- [poster child](https://makerblock.com/tag/poster-child/)
- [anchor](https://makerblock.com/tag/anchor/)
- [wall](https://makerblock.com/tag/wall/)
- [case](https://makerblock.com/tag/case/)
- [thought](https://makerblock.com/tag/thought/)
- [wall anchor](https://makerblock.com/tag/wall-anchor/)
- [zip tie](https://makerblock.com/tag/zip-tie/)
- [diamond age](https://makerblock.com/tag/diamond-age/)
- [compilers](https://makerblock.com/tag/compilers/)
- [Neal Stephenson](https://makerblock.com/tag/neal-stephenson/)
- [day](https://makerblock.com/tag/day/)
- [traumedy](https://makerblock.com/tag/traumedy/)
- [comma](https://makerblock.com/tag/comma/)
- [half](https://makerblock.com/tag/half/)
- [course](https://makerblock.com/tag/course/)
- [two and a half years](https://makerblock.com/tag/two-and-a-half-years/)
- [site](https://makerblock.com/tag/site/)
- [followers](https://makerblock.com/tag/followers/)
- [traffic](https://makerblock.com/tag/traffic/)
- [amber](https://makerblock.com/tag/amber/)
- [stuff](https://makerblock.com/tag/stuff/)
- [left](https://makerblock.com/tag/left/)
- [model](https://makerblock.com/tag/model/)
- [spout](https://makerblock.com/tag/spout/)
- [glue](https://makerblock.com/tag/glue/)
- [abs glue](https://makerblock.com/tag/abs-glue/)
- [tiny teapot](https://makerblock.com/tag/tiny-teapot/)
- [tea cups](https://makerblock.com/tag/tea-cups/)
- [models](https://makerblock.com/tag/models/)
- [Twitter](https://makerblock.com/tag/twitter/)
- [feed](https://makerblock.com/tag/feed/)
- [referential](https://makerblock.com/tag/referential/)
- [poll](https://makerblock.com/tag/poll/)
- [information](https://makerblock.com/tag/information/)
- [wiki](https://makerblock.com/tag/wiki/)
- [printer resolution](https://makerblock.com/tag/printer-resolution/)
- [three dimensions](https://makerblock.com/tag/three-dimensions/)
- [axes](https://makerblock.com/tag/axes/)
- [commercial printer](https://makerblock.com/tag/commercial-printer/)
- [printing resolution](https://makerblock.com/tag/printing-resolution/)
- [Batch](https://makerblock.com/tag/batch/)
- [ikea](https://makerblock.com/tag/ikea/)
- [stage](https://makerblock.com/tag/stage/)
- [millimeters](https://makerblock.com/tag/millimeters/)
- [guess](https://makerblock.com/tag/guess/)
- [Different](https://makerblock.com/tag/different/)
- [idler pulley](https://makerblock.com/tag/idler-pulley/)
- [idea](https://makerblock.com/tag/idea/)
- [xy stage](https://makerblock.com/tag/xy-stage/)
- [selection](https://makerblock.com/tag/selection/)
- [clue](https://makerblock.com/tag/clue/)
- [sporting goods](https://makerblock.com/tag/sporting-goods/)
- [Operator](https://makerblock.com/tag/operator/)
- [rod](https://makerblock.com/tag/rod/)
- [wobble](https://makerblock.com/tag/wobble/)
- [warp](https://makerblock.com/tag/warp/)
- [process](https://makerblock.com/tag/process/)
- [Dave](https://makerblock.com/tag/dave/)
- [nut](https://makerblock.com/tag/nut/)
- [screw](https://makerblock.com/tag/screw/)
- [vice](https://makerblock.com/tag/vice/)
- [threads](https://makerblock.com/tag/threads/)
- [washer](https://makerblock.com/tag/washer/)
- [muscles](https://makerblock.com/tag/muscles/)
- [RepStrap](https://makerblock.com/tag/repstrap/)
- [blogs](https://makerblock.com/tag/blogs/)
- [Working](https://makerblock.com/tag/working/)
- [work space](https://makerblock.com/tag/work-space/)
- [bender](https://makerblock.com/tag/bender/)
- [a4 paper](https://makerblock.com/tag/a4-paper/)
- [space](https://makerblock.com/tag/space/)
- [library card catalog](https://makerblock.com/tag/library-card-catalog/)
- [large library](https://makerblock.com/tag/large-library/)
- [work surface](https://makerblock.com/tag/work-surface/)
- [solution](https://makerblock.com/tag/solution/)
- [window latch](https://makerblock.com/tag/window-latch/)
- [blow](https://makerblock.com/tag/blow/)
- [Doctor Who](https://makerblock.com/tag/doctor-who/)
- [blow torch](https://makerblock.com/tag/blow-torch/)
- [bbc](https://makerblock.com/tag/bbc/)
- [flamable](https://makerblock.com/tag/flamable/)
- [fire extinguisher](https://makerblock.com/tag/fire-extinguisher/)
- [torch](https://makerblock.com/tag/torch/)
- [guide to the galaxy](https://makerblock.com/tag/guide-to-the-galaxy/)
- [friend](https://makerblock.com/tag/friend/)
- [kit](https://makerblock.com/tag/kit/)
- [set](https://makerblock.com/tag/set/)
- [Don](https://makerblock.com/tag/don/)
- [bolt holes](https://makerblock.com/tag/bolt-holes/)
- [Big](https://makerblock.com/tag/big/)
- [bunnies](https://makerblock.com/tag/bunnies/)
- [NOT](https://makerblock.com/tag/not/)
- [READ LATEST](https://makerblock.com/tag/read-latest/)
- [morning](https://makerblock.com/tag/morning/)
- [leftover](https://makerblock.com/tag/leftover/)
- [kitchen](https://makerblock.com/tag/kitchen/)
- [kitchen tiles](https://makerblock.com/tag/kitchen-tiles/)
- [fly](https://makerblock.com/tag/fly/)
- [safety feature](https://makerblock.com/tag/safety-feature/)
- [garden hose](https://makerblock.com/tag/garden-hose/)
- [brilliant idea](https://makerblock.com/tag/brilliant-idea/)
- [flame heat](https://makerblock.com/tag/flame-heat/)
- [setup](https://makerblock.com/tag/setup/)
- [precision screw](https://makerblock.com/tag/precision-screw/)
- [ceramic tape](https://makerblock.com/tag/ceramic-tape/)
- [nichrome](https://makerblock.com/tag/nichrome/)
- [proper safety measures](https://makerblock.com/tag/proper-safety-measures/)
- [iron hook](https://makerblock.com/tag/iron-hook/)
- [hook wrench](https://makerblock.com/tag/hook-wrench/)
- [Cogsworth](https://makerblock.com/tag/cogsworth/)
- [Skienforged](https://makerblock.com/tag/skienforged/)
- [gcode](https://makerblock.com/tag/gcode/)
- [pendulum](https://makerblock.com/tag/pendulum/)
- [alignleft](https://makerblock.com/tag/alignleft/)
- [barrier](https://makerblock.com/tag/barrier/)
- [ooze](https://makerblock.com/tag/ooze/)
- [story](https://makerblock.com/tag/story/)
- [Jrombousky](https://makerblock.com/tag/jrombousky/)
- [Vitruvian](https://makerblock.com/tag/vitruvian/)
- [Man](https://makerblock.com/tag/man/)
- [papercraft](https://makerblock.com/tag/papercraft/)
- [Mr. Roboto](https://makerblock.com/tag/mr-roboto/)
- [belief that](https://makerblock.com/tag/belief-that/)
- [copy](https://makerblock.com/tag/copy/)
- [Zaggo](https://makerblock.com/tag/zaggo/)
- [hiccup](https://makerblock.com/tag/hiccup/)
- [order](https://makerblock.com/tag/order/)
- [holiday](https://makerblock.com/tag/holiday/)
- [incoming shipments](https://makerblock.com/tag/incoming-shipments/)
- [good folks](https://makerblock.com/tag/good-folks/)
- [e mail](https://makerblock.com/tag/e-mail/)
- [holiday season](https://makerblock.com/tag/holiday-season/)
- [BROOKLYN](https://makerblock.com/tag/brooklyn/)
- [Scan](https://makerblock.com/tag/scan/)
- [DEPARTURE](https://makerblock.com/tag/departure/)
- [US](https://makerblock.com/tag/us/)
- [UPS](https://makerblock.com/tag/ups/)
- [ZOMG](https://makerblock.com/tag/zomg/)
- [wind](https://makerblock.com/tag/wind/)
- [Philadelphia](https://makerblock.com/tag/philadelphia/)
- [philadelphia pa](https://makerblock.com/tag/philadelphia-pa/)
- [ARRIVAL](https://makerblock.com/tag/arrival/)
- [Jose](https://makerblock.com/tag/jose/)
- [SAN](https://makerblock.com/tag/san/)
- [san jose ca](https://makerblock.com/tag/san-jose-ca/)
- [SECAUCUS](https://makerblock.com/tag/secaucus/)
- [SAN JOSE](https://makerblock.com/tag/san-jose/)
- [OAKLAND](https://makerblock.com/tag/oakland/)
- [oakland ca](https://makerblock.com/tag/oakland-ca/)
- [DELIVERY](https://makerblock.com/tag/delivery/)
- [refresh](https://makerblock.com/tag/refresh/)
- [server](https://makerblock.com/tag/server/)
- [package](https://makerblock.com/tag/package/)
- [page](https://makerblock.com/tag/page/)
- [milliseconds](https://makerblock.com/tag/milliseconds/)
- [OUT](https://makerblock.com/tag/out/)
- [FOR](https://makerblock.com/tag/for/)
- [kittens](https://makerblock.com/tag/kittens/)
- [c degrees](https://makerblock.com/tag/c-degrees/)
- [c degree](https://makerblock.com/tag/c-degree/)
- [degree temperature](https://makerblock.com/tag/degree-temperature/)
- [Nick McCoy](https://makerblock.com/tag/nick-mccoy/)
- [Nick](https://makerblock.com/tag/nick/)
- [oil](https://makerblock.com/tag/oil/)
- [method](https://makerblock.com/tag/method/)
- [weekend](https://makerblock.com/tag/weekend/)
- [blowtorch](https://makerblock.com/tag/blowtorch/)
- [consistent readings](https://makerblock.com/tag/consistent-readings/)
- [RepG](https://makerblock.com/tag/repg/)
- [clog](https://makerblock.com/tag/clog/)
- [drip](https://makerblock.com/tag/drip/)
- [pain in the ass](https://makerblock.com/tag/pain-in-the-ass/)
- [royal pain](https://makerblock.com/tag/royal-pain/)
- [Nophead](https://makerblock.com/tag/nophead/)
- [temperatures](https://makerblock.com/tag/temperatures/)
- [success](https://makerblock.com/tag/success/)
- [Rick Pollock](https://makerblock.com/tag/rick-pollock/)
- [critical factor](https://makerblock.com/tag/critical-factor/)
- [heater cores](https://makerblock.com/tag/heater-cores/)
- [limited printing](https://makerblock.com/tag/limited-printing/)
- [yeah](https://makerblock.com/tag/yeah/)
- [dent](https://makerblock.com/tag/dent/)
- [Hells](https://makerblock.com/tag/hells/)
- [shipping](https://makerblock.com/tag/shipping/)
- [excuse](https://makerblock.com/tag/excuse/)
- [Yellow](https://makerblock.com/tag/yellow/)
- [Green](https://makerblock.com/tag/green/)
- [Red](https://makerblock.com/tag/red/)
- [smurfs](https://makerblock.com/tag/smurfs/)
- [safety whistles](https://makerblock.com/tag/safety-whistles/)
- [clown noses](https://makerblock.com/tag/clown-noses/)
- [red dice](https://makerblock.com/tag/red-dice/)
- [monopoly](https://makerblock.com/tag/monopoly/)
- [poker chips](https://makerblock.com/tag/poker-chips/)
- [legos](https://makerblock.com/tag/legos/)
- [army men](https://makerblock.com/tag/army-men/)
- [VOLTRON](https://makerblock.com/tag/voltron/)
- [Poker](https://makerblock.com/tag/poker/)
- [board game pieces](https://makerblock.com/tag/board-game-pieces/)
- [checkers](https://makerblock.com/tag/checkers/)
- [green lantern ring](https://makerblock.com/tag/green-lantern-ring/)
- [lantern](https://makerblock.com/tag/lantern/)
- [ring](https://makerblock.com/tag/ring/)
- [Sanguino](https://makerblock.com/tag/sanguino/)
- [IDE](https://makerblock.com/tag/ide/)
- [atmega](https://makerblock.com/tag/atmega/)
- [hardware](https://makerblock.com/tag/hardware/)
- [Nano](https://makerblock.com/tag/nano/)
- [Verify](https://makerblock.com/tag/verify/)
- [protocol error](https://makerblock.com/tag/protocol-error/)
- [avrdude](https://makerblock.com/tag/avrdude/)
- [hardware boards](https://makerblock.com/tag/hardware-boards/)
- [gen3](https://makerblock.com/tag/gen3/)
- [account](https://makerblock.com/tag/account/)
- [plugin](https://makerblock.com/tag/plugin/)
- [overhang](https://makerblock.com/tag/overhang/)
- [building blocks](https://makerblock.com/tag/building-blocks/)
- [objection](https://makerblock.com/tag/objection/)
- [snap](https://makerblock.com/tag/snap/)
- [design question](https://makerblock.com/tag/design-question/)
- [useful system](https://makerblock.com/tag/useful-system/)
- [interlock](https://makerblock.com/tag/interlock/)
- [texture](https://makerblock.com/tag/texture/)
- [nubs](https://makerblock.com/tag/nubs/)
- [nub](https://makerblock.com/tag/nub/)
- [exacting tolerances](https://makerblock.com/tag/exacting-tolerances/)
- [optimal mix](https://makerblock.com/tag/optimal-mix/)
- [square holes](https://makerblock.com/tag/square-holes/)
- [circular holes](https://makerblock.com/tag/circular-holes/)
- [line](https://makerblock.com/tag/line/)
- [drop](https://makerblock.com/tag/drop/)
- [roll](https://makerblock.com/tag/roll/)
- [color](https://makerblock.com/tag/color/)
- [black lions](https://makerblock.com/tag/black-lions/)
- [tag](https://makerblock.com/tag/tag/)
- [price](https://makerblock.com/tag/price/)
- [market](https://makerblock.com/tag/market/)
- [uPrint](https://makerblock.com/tag/uprint/)
- [Dimension](https://makerblock.com/tag/dimension/)
- [D Printer](https://makerblock.com/tag/d-printer/)
- [media cartridges](https://makerblock.com/tag/media-cartridges/)
- [chips](https://makerblock.com/tag/chips/)
- [inkjets](https://makerblock.com/tag/inkjets/)
- [engineering](https://makerblock.com/tag/engineering/)
- [decisions](https://makerblock.com/tag/decisions/)
- [holes](https://makerblock.com/tag/holes/)
- [sd card](https://makerblock.com/tag/sd-card/)
- [motherboard](https://makerblock.com/tag/motherboard/)
- [kid](https://makerblock.com/tag/kid/)
- [toy](https://makerblock.com/tag/toy/)
- [lion](https://makerblock.com/tag/lion/)
- [toy robot](https://makerblock.com/tag/toy-robot/)
- [mittens](https://makerblock.com/tag/mittens/)
- [slippers](https://makerblock.com/tag/slippers/)
- [Tony Buser](https://makerblock.com/tag/tony-buser/)
- [buser](https://makerblock.com/tag/buser/)
- [yesterday](https://makerblock.com/tag/yesterday/)
- [MakerBotters](https://makerblock.com/tag/makerbotters/)
- [Polo](https://makerblock.com/tag/polo/)
- [RepRapMap](https://makerblock.com/tag/reprapmap/)
- [alliteration](https://makerblock.com/tag/alliteration/)
- [Gotta](https://makerblock.com/tag/gotta/)
- [love](https://makerblock.com/tag/love/)
- [homebrew](https://makerblock.com/tag/homebrew/)
- [Hitchhiker](https://makerblock.com/tag/hitchhiker/)
- [wave](https://makerblock.com/tag/wave/)
- [gaping maw](https://makerblock.com/tag/gaping-maw/)
- [Noisebridge](https://makerblock.com/tag/noisebridge/)
- [year](https://makerblock.com/tag/year/)
- [San Francisco](https://makerblock.com/tag/san-francisco/)
- [year anniversary](https://makerblock.com/tag/year-anniversary/)
- [five minutes](https://makerblock.com/tag/five-minutes/)
- [fame](https://makerblock.com/tag/fame/)
- [Thingiverse](https://makerblock.com/tag/thingiverse/)
- [Vegas](https://makerblock.com/tag/vegas/)
- [variants](https://makerblock.com/tag/variants/)
- [Map](https://makerblock.com/tag/map/)
- [two continents](https://makerblock.com/tag/two-continents/)
- [care](https://makerblock.com/tag/care/)
- [ground](https://makerblock.com/tag/ground/)
- [percent](https://makerblock.com/tag/percent/)
- [middle ground](https://makerblock.com/tag/middle-ground/)
- [Africa](https://makerblock.com/tag/africa/)
- [Antarctica](https://makerblock.com/tag/antarctica/)
- [title](https://makerblock.com/tag/title/)
- [Greenland](https://makerblock.com/tag/greenland/)
- [lobbyist](https://makerblock.com/tag/lobbyist/)
- [those guys](https://makerblock.com/tag/those-guys/)
- [continent](https://makerblock.com/tag/continent/)
- [sense](https://makerblock.com/tag/sense/)
- [fawn](https://makerblock.com/tag/fawn/)
- [machine gun](https://makerblock.com/tag/machine-gun/)
- [wings](https://makerblock.com/tag/wings/)
- [pound rolls](https://makerblock.com/tag/pound-rolls/)
- [pound](https://makerblock.com/tag/pound/)
- [HDPE](https://makerblock.com/tag/hdpe/)
- [aka](https://makerblock.com/tag/aka/)
- [high density polyethylene](https://makerblock.com/tag/high-density-polyethylene/)
- [shrinkage factor](https://makerblock.com/tag/shrinkage-factor/)
- [milk jug](https://makerblock.com/tag/milk-jug/)
- [coefficient of friction](https://makerblock.com/tag/coefficient-of-friction/)
- [Foldable](https://makerblock.com/tag/foldable/)
- [Heated](https://makerblock.com/tag/heated/)
- [plastic bits](https://makerblock.com/tag/plastic-bits/)
- [construction toy](https://makerblock.com/tag/construction-toy/)
- [custom construction](https://makerblock.com/tag/custom-construction/)
- [death star](https://makerblock.com/tag/death-star/)
- [endstop](https://makerblock.com/tag/endstop/)
- [switch](https://makerblock.com/tag/switch/)
- [optical switches](https://makerblock.com/tag/optical-switches/)
- [maximum position](https://makerblock.com/tag/maximum-position/)
- [optical switch](https://makerblock.com/tag/optical-switch/)
- [light beam](https://makerblock.com/tag/light-beam/)
- [everyone](https://makerblock.com/tag/everyone/)
- [Christmas](https://makerblock.com/tag/christmas/)
- [christmas miracles](https://makerblock.com/tag/christmas-miracles/)
- [youtube video](https://makerblock.com/tag/youtube-video/)
- [snowflakes](https://makerblock.com/tag/snowflakes/)
- [cards](https://makerblock.com/tag/cards/)
- [door](https://makerblock.com/tag/door/)
- [haste](https://makerblock.com/tag/haste/)
- [failsafe](https://makerblock.com/tag/failsafe/)
- [robotics](https://makerblock.com/tag/robotics/)
- [step](https://makerblock.com/tag/step/)
- [point](https://makerblock.com/tag/point/)
- [silver](https://makerblock.com/tag/silver/)
- [body](https://makerblock.com/tag/body/)
- [paint color schemes](https://makerblock.com/tag/paint-color-schemes/)
- [robot body](https://makerblock.com/tag/robot-body/)
- [shiny metal](https://makerblock.com/tag/shiny-metal/)
- [full effect](https://makerblock.com/tag/full-effect/)
- [domain](https://makerblock.com/tag/domain/)
- [com](https://makerblock.com/tag/com/)
- [mysql tables](https://makerblock.com/tag/mysql-tables/)
- [subdomain](https://makerblock.com/tag/subdomain/)
- [preference](https://makerblock.com/tag/preference/)
- [domain name](https://makerblock.com/tag/domain-name/)
- [paint](https://makerblock.com/tag/paint/)
- [duct](https://makerblock.com/tag/duct/)
- [sandpaper](https://makerblock.com/tag/sandpaper/)
- [duct tape](https://makerblock.com/tag/duct-tape/)
- [masks](https://makerblock.com/tag/masks/)
- [lasercut](https://makerblock.com/tag/lasercut/)
- [exterior](https://makerblock.com/tag/exterior/)
- [side](https://makerblock.com/tag/side/)
- [different color](https://makerblock.com/tag/different-color/)
- [painting cupcake](https://makerblock.com/tag/painting-cupcake/)
- [painting makerbot](https://makerblock.com/tag/painting-makerbot/)
- [paint makerbot](https://makerblock.com/tag/paint-makerbot/)
- [paint cupcake](https://makerblock.com/tag/paint-cupcake/)
- [Bought](https://makerblock.com/tag/bought/)
- [primer](https://makerblock.com/tag/primer/)
- [cardboard](https://makerblock.com/tag/cardboard/)
- [Opened](https://makerblock.com/tag/opened/)
- [cardboard boxes](https://makerblock.com/tag/cardboard-boxes/)
- [dark gray](https://makerblock.com/tag/dark-gray/)
- [ventilation](https://makerblock.com/tag/ventilation/)
- [clothes](https://makerblock.com/tag/clothes/)
- [wood](https://makerblock.com/tag/wood/)
- [veneer](https://makerblock.com/tag/veneer/)
- [tabs](https://makerblock.com/tag/tabs/)
- [cardboard sheets](https://makerblock.com/tag/cardboard-sheets/)
- [different colors](https://makerblock.com/tag/different-colors/)
- [garage floor](https://makerblock.com/tag/garage-floor/)
- [Sand](https://makerblock.com/tag/sand/)
- [spray paint cans](https://makerblock.com/tag/spray-paint-cans/)
- [cross ventilation](https://makerblock.com/tag/cross-ventilation/)
- [coat of paint](https://makerblock.com/tag/coat-of-paint/)
- [unnecessary work](https://makerblock.com/tag/unnecessary-work/)
- [hex nut](https://makerblock.com/tag/hex-nut/)
- [smooth rotation](https://makerblock.com/tag/smooth-rotation/)
- [body panels](https://makerblock.com/tag/body-panels/)
- [top bottom](https://makerblock.com/tag/top-bottom/)
- [popsicle](https://makerblock.com/tag/popsicle/)
- [giant chunks](https://makerblock.com/tag/giant-chunks/)
- [captive nut](https://makerblock.com/tag/captive-nut/)
- [fitting pieces](https://makerblock.com/tag/fitting-pieces/)
- [popsicle sticks](https://makerblock.com/tag/popsicle-sticks/)
- [pack](https://makerblock.com/tag/pack/)
- [hot glue sticks](https://makerblock.com/tag/hot-glue-sticks/)
- [hot glue gun](https://makerblock.com/tag/hot-glue-gun/)
- [medium course](https://makerblock.com/tag/medium-course/)
- [paper towels](https://makerblock.com/tag/paper-towels/)
- [black paint](https://makerblock.com/tag/black-paint/)
- [gear](https://makerblock.com/tag/gear/)
- [slider](https://makerblock.com/tag/slider/)
- [wiggle room](https://makerblock.com/tag/wiggle-room/)
- [smidge](https://makerblock.com/tag/smidge/)
- [stepper motor](https://makerblock.com/tag/stepper-motor/)
- [Superglue](https://makerblock.com/tag/superglue/)
- [in](https://makerblock.com/tag/in/)
- [idler](https://makerblock.com/tag/idler/)
- [robot work](https://makerblock.com/tag/robot-work/)
- [daft punk](https://makerblock.com/tag/daft-punk/)
- [iron](https://makerblock.com/tag/iron/)
- [board](https://makerblock.com/tag/board/)
- [electronics kit](https://makerblock.com/tag/electronics-kit/)
- [aluminum foil](https://makerblock.com/tag/aluminum-foil/)
- [little bits](https://makerblock.com/tag/little-bits/)
- [Huzzah](https://makerblock.com/tag/huzzah/)
- [movie](https://makerblock.com/tag/movie/)
- [hand](https://makerblock.com/tag/hand/)
- [soldering kit](https://makerblock.com/tag/soldering-kit/)
- [Hung](https://makerblock.com/tag/hung/)
- [oh sister](https://makerblock.com/tag/oh-sister/)
- [steady hand](https://makerblock.com/tag/steady-hand/)
- [makerbot primer](https://makerblock.com/tag/makerbot-primer/)
- [cupcake primer](https://makerblock.com/tag/cupcake-primer/)
- [motor](https://makerblock.com/tag/motor/)
- [ribbon cables](https://makerblock.com/tag/ribbon-cables/)
- [generators](https://makerblock.com/tag/generators/)
- [size](https://makerblock.com/tag/size/)
- [hex](https://makerblock.com/tag/hex/)
- [hex key](https://makerblock.com/tag/hex-key/)
- [ethernet cables](https://makerblock.com/tag/ethernet-cables/)
- [ribbon cable](https://makerblock.com/tag/ribbon-cable/)
- [spacers](https://makerblock.com/tag/spacers/)
- [shopping](https://makerblock.com/tag/shopping/)
- [today](https://makerblock.com/tag/today/)
- [store](https://makerblock.com/tag/store/)
- [flexible magnet](https://makerblock.com/tag/flexible-magnet/)
- [fridge magnets](https://makerblock.com/tag/fridge-magnets/)
- [work gloves](https://makerblock.com/tag/work-gloves/)
- [bargain basement](https://makerblock.com/tag/bargain-basement/)
- [house brand](https://makerblock.com/tag/house-brand/)
- [sanding cupcake](https://makerblock.com/tag/sanding-cupcake/)
- [sanding makerbot](https://makerblock.com/tag/sanding-makerbot/)
- [end](https://makerblock.com/tag/end/)
- [adjustable wrench](https://makerblock.com/tag/adjustable-wrench/)
- [electrical tape](https://makerblock.com/tag/electrical-tape/)
- [paper towel](https://makerblock.com/tag/paper-towel/)
- [Kieth](https://makerblock.com/tag/kieth/)
- [answer](https://makerblock.com/tag/answer/)
- [max](https://makerblock.com/tag/max/)
- [min](https://makerblock.com/tag/min/)
- [way over my head](https://makerblock.com/tag/way-over-my-head/)
- [googling](https://makerblock.com/tag/googling/)
- [cables](https://makerblock.com/tag/cables/)
- [acrylic sheet](https://makerblock.com/tag/acrylic-sheet/)
- [clear acrylic](https://makerblock.com/tag/clear-acrylic/)
- [heater](https://makerblock.com/tag/heater/)
- [computer](https://makerblock.com/tag/computer/)
- [anything](https://makerblock.com/tag/anything/)
- [Mark IV](https://makerblock.com/tag/mark-iv/)
- [edge](https://makerblock.com/tag/edge/)
- [test prints](https://makerblock.com/tag/test-prints/)
- [two ways](https://makerblock.com/tag/two-ways/)
- [orientation](https://makerblock.com/tag/orientation/)
- [stepper board](https://makerblock.com/tag/stepper-board/)
- [kind folks](https://makerblock.com/tag/kind-folks/)
- [four holes](https://makerblock.com/tag/four-holes/)
- [nichrome wire](https://makerblock.com/tag/nichrome-wire/)
- [thin material](https://makerblock.com/tag/thin-material/)
- [concern](https://makerblock.com/tag/concern/)
- [Tomorrow](https://makerblock.com/tag/tomorrow/)
- [gloppy](https://makerblock.com/tag/gloppy/)
- [Dangit](https://makerblock.com/tag/dangit/)
- [sure what this means](https://makerblock.com/tag/sure-what-this-means/)
- [what this means](https://makerblock.com/tag/what-this-means/)
- [power](https://makerblock.com/tag/power/)
- [Dial](https://makerblock.com/tag/dial/)
- [operational noise](https://makerblock.com/tag/operational-noise/)
- [potentiometer](https://makerblock.com/tag/potentiometer/)
- [Switched](https://makerblock.com/tag/switched/)
- [base](https://makerblock.com/tag/base/)
- [trouble](https://makerblock.com/tag/trouble/)
- [blobby](https://makerblock.com/tag/blobby/)
- [crank](https://makerblock.com/tag/crank/)
- [fire](https://makerblock.com/tag/fire/)
- [toy fire trucks](https://makerblock.com/tag/toy-fire-trucks/)
- [fire ladder](https://makerblock.com/tag/fire-ladder/)
- [Window](https://makerblock.com/tag/window/)
- [hacksaw blade](https://makerblock.com/tag/hacksaw-blade/)
- [Card](https://makerblock.com/tag/card/)
- [dummy](https://makerblock.com/tag/dummy/)
- [Tile](https://makerblock.com/tag/tile/)
- [Replacement](https://makerblock.com/tag/replacement/)
- [letter answer](https://makerblock.com/tag/letter-answer/)
- [answer print](https://makerblock.com/tag/answer-print/)
- [scrabble](https://makerblock.com/tag/scrabble/)
- [finery](https://makerblock.com/tag/finery/)
- [cannot](https://makerblock.com/tag/cannot/)
- [script](https://makerblock.com/tag/script/)
- [take](https://makerblock.com/tag/take/)
- [dxf](https://makerblock.com/tag/dxf/)
- [screw threads](https://makerblock.com/tag/screw-threads/)
- [good success](https://makerblock.com/tag/good-success/)
- [fair warning](https://makerblock.com/tag/fair-warning/)
- [polygons](https://makerblock.com/tag/polygons/)
- [InnovationByLayers](https://makerblock.com/tag/innovationbylayers/)
- [variation](https://makerblock.com/tag/variation/)
- [vertical variation](https://makerblock.com/tag/vertical-variation/)
- [time effort](https://makerblock.com/tag/time-effort/)
- [retainer ring](https://makerblock.com/tag/retainer-ring/)
- [brass](https://makerblock.com/tag/brass/)
- [brass nozzle](https://makerblock.com/tag/brass-nozzle/)
- [brass barrel](https://makerblock.com/tag/brass-barrel/)
- [difference](https://makerblock.com/tag/difference/)
- [screw holes](https://makerblock.com/tag/screw-holes/)
- [dramatic difference](https://makerblock.com/tag/dramatic-difference/)
- [upload](https://makerblock.com/tag/upload/)
- [construx](https://makerblock.com/tag/construx/)
- [file](https://makerblock.com/tag/file/)
- [chip](https://makerblock.com/tag/chip/)
- [card option](https://makerblock.com/tag/card-option/)
- [200k](https://makerblock.com/tag/200k/)
- [usb cable](https://makerblock.com/tag/usb-cable/)
- [Rock](https://makerblock.com/tag/rock/)
- [nozzle area](https://makerblock.com/tag/nozzle-area/)
- [flash of fire](https://makerblock.com/tag/flash-of-fire/)
- [failed attempts](https://makerblock.com/tag/failed-attempts/)
- [box](https://makerblock.com/tag/box/)
- [high school graduation](https://makerblock.com/tag/high-school-graduation/)
- [amazing things](https://makerblock.com/tag/amazing-things/)
- [Deluxe](https://makerblock.com/tag/deluxe/)
- [frustrations](https://makerblock.com/tag/frustrations/)
- [robot kits](https://makerblock.com/tag/robot-kits/)
- [show](https://makerblock.com/tag/show/)
- [replacement parts](https://makerblock.com/tag/replacement-parts/)
- [piece of advice](https://makerblock.com/tag/piece-of-advice/)
- [cable power](https://makerblock.com/tag/cable-power/)
- [hex keys](https://makerblock.com/tag/hex-keys/)
- [persistent person](https://makerblock.com/tag/persistent-person/)
- [plastic spacers](https://makerblock.com/tag/plastic-spacers/)
- [cost](https://makerblock.com/tag/cost/)
- [body parts](https://makerblock.com/tag/body-parts/)
- [clock](https://makerblock.com/tag/clock/)
- [Patience](https://makerblock.com/tag/patience/)
- [patience grasshopper](https://makerblock.com/tag/patience-grasshopper/)
- [grasshopper](https://makerblock.com/tag/grasshopper/)
- [company photo](https://makerblock.com/tag/company-photo/)
- [Bloom](https://makerblock.com/tag/bloom/)
- [grid](https://makerblock.com/tag/grid/)
- [bloom energy](https://makerblock.com/tag/bloom-energy/)
- [change](https://makerblock.com/tag/change/)
- [precision rods](https://makerblock.com/tag/precision-rods/)
- [bottleneck](https://makerblock.com/tag/bottleneck/)
- [client](https://makerblock.com/tag/client/)
- [design files](https://makerblock.com/tag/design-files/)
- [constraints](https://makerblock.com/tag/constraints/)
- [iterations](https://makerblock.com/tag/iterations/)
- [robwinton](https://makerblock.com/tag/robwinton/)
- [bay](https://makerblock.com/tag/bay/)
- [sf bay area](https://makerblock.com/tag/sf-bay-area/)
- [purpose](https://makerblock.com/tag/purpose/)
- [HUGE](https://makerblock.com/tag/huge/)
- [return](https://makerblock.com/tag/return/)
- [rhetorical questions](https://makerblock.com/tag/rhetorical-questions/)
- [dozen friends](https://makerblock.com/tag/dozen-friends/)
- [day job](https://makerblock.com/tag/day-job/)
- [online](https://makerblock.com/tag/online/)
- [kung](https://makerblock.com/tag/kung/)
- [kung fu](https://makerblock.com/tag/kung-fu/)
- [neener](https://makerblock.com/tag/neener/)
- [pizza](https://makerblock.com/tag/pizza/)
- [breakfast](https://makerblock.com/tag/breakfast/)
- [candy](https://makerblock.com/tag/candy/)
- [Controller Mounting](https://makerblock.com/tag/controller-mounting/)
- [sd card slot](https://makerblock.com/tag/sd-card-slot/)
- [Tony](https://makerblock.com/tag/tony/)
- [controller board](https://makerblock.com/tag/controller-board/)
- [ethernet cable](https://makerblock.com/tag/ethernet-cable/)
- [emi noise](https://makerblock.com/tag/emi-noise/)
- [logical place](https://makerblock.com/tag/logical-place/)
- [controller](https://makerblock.com/tag/controller/)
- [ethernet](https://makerblock.com/tag/ethernet/)
- [Counterpoint](https://makerblock.com/tag/counterpoint/)
- [MicroSoft](https://makerblock.com/tag/microsoft/)
- [Eudora](https://makerblock.com/tag/eudora/)
- [using microsoft office](https://makerblock.com/tag/using-microsoft-office/)
- [administrative address](https://makerblock.com/tag/administrative-address/)
- [Office](https://makerblock.com/tag/office/)
- [windows box](https://makerblock.com/tag/windows-box/)
- [twenty four hours](https://makerblock.com/tag/twenty-four-hours/)
- [Justin](https://makerblock.com/tag/justin/)
- [Forrest Higg](https://makerblock.com/tag/forrest-higg/)
- [higg](https://makerblock.com/tag/higg/)
- [s vision](https://makerblock.com/tag/s-vision/)
- [several times](https://makerblock.com/tag/several-times/)
- [place thanks](https://makerblock.com/tag/place-thanks/)
- [Clothbot](https://makerblock.com/tag/clothbot/)
- [dremel](https://makerblock.com/tag/dremel/)
- [Andrew Plumb](https://makerblock.com/tag/andrew-plumb/)
- [Flex](https://makerblock.com/tag/flex/)
- [flex shaft](https://makerblock.com/tag/flex-shaft/)
- [mini drill](https://makerblock.com/tag/mini-drill/)
- [cnc mill](https://makerblock.com/tag/cnc-mill/)
- [drill press](https://makerblock.com/tag/drill-press/)
- [intern](https://makerblock.com/tag/intern/)
- [tool](https://makerblock.com/tag/tool/)
- [toys](https://makerblock.com/tag/toys/)
- [broken tools](https://makerblock.com/tag/broken-tools/)
- [head](https://makerblock.com/tag/head/)
- [object](https://makerblock.com/tag/object/)
- [gun](https://makerblock.com/tag/gun/)
- [eyestalk](https://makerblock.com/tag/eyestalk/)
- [ray gun](https://makerblock.com/tag/ray-gun/)
- [suction cup](https://makerblock.com/tag/suction-cup/)
- [arm](https://makerblock.com/tag/arm/)
- [challenges](https://makerblock.com/tag/challenges/)
- [Phase](https://makerblock.com/tag/phase/)
- [Log](https://makerblock.com/tag/log/)
- [log phase](https://makerblock.com/tag/log-phase/)
- [great deals](https://makerblock.com/tag/great-deals/)
- [plastic metal](https://makerblock.com/tag/plastic-metal/)
- [haiku](https://makerblock.com/tag/haiku/)
- [alone](https://makerblock.com/tag/alone/)
- [Clear](https://makerblock.com/tag/clear/)
- [IBM](https://makerblock.com/tag/ibm/)
- [guy](https://makerblock.com/tag/guy/)
- [hard drive](https://makerblock.com/tag/hard-drive/)
- [macs](https://makerblock.com/tag/macs/)
- [Mac](https://makerblock.com/tag/mac/)
- [blender](https://makerblock.com/tag/blender/)
- [Printable](https://makerblock.com/tag/printable/)
- [elegant design](https://makerblock.com/tag/elegant-design/)
- [acrylic pieces](https://makerblock.com/tag/acrylic-pieces/)
- [laser cutter](https://makerblock.com/tag/laser-cutter/)
- [tight fit](https://makerblock.com/tag/tight-fit/)
- [printruder](https://makerblock.com/tag/printruder/)
- [jar](https://makerblock.com/tag/jar/)
- [peanut](https://makerblock.com/tag/peanut/)
- [peanut butter](https://makerblock.com/tag/peanut-butter/)
- [mice](https://makerblock.com/tag/mice/)
- [peanut butter jar](https://makerblock.com/tag/peanut-butter-jar/)
- [mousetrap](https://makerblock.com/tag/mousetrap/)
- [mouse](https://makerblock.com/tag/mouse/)
- [mouse trap](https://makerblock.com/tag/mouse-trap/)
- [trap](https://makerblock.com/tag/trap/)
- [Insert](https://makerblock.com/tag/insert/)
- [George Bernard Shaw](https://makerblock.com/tag/george-bernard-shaw/)
- [Winston Churchill](https://makerblock.com/tag/winston-churchill/)
- [old joke](https://makerblock.com/tag/old-joke/)
- [cheating](https://makerblock.com/tag/cheating/)
- [slippery slope arguments](https://makerblock.com/tag/slippery-slope-arguments/)
- [cookie book](https://makerblock.com/tag/cookie-book/)
- [rationalizing](https://makerblock.com/tag/rationalizing/)
- [pumpkin eating](https://makerblock.com/tag/pumpkin-eating/)
- [life](https://makerblock.com/tag/life/)
- [challenge](https://makerblock.com/tag/challenge/)
- [home](https://makerblock.com/tag/home/)
- [rationalization](https://makerblock.com/tag/rationalization/)
- [save mouse lives](https://makerblock.com/tag/save-mouse-lives/)
- [notebook](https://makerblock.com/tag/notebook/)
- [minimal design](https://makerblock.com/tag/minimal-design/)
- [plastic printing](https://makerblock.com/tag/plastic-printing/)
- [machine time](https://makerblock.com/tag/machine-time/)
- [parametric design](https://makerblock.com/tag/parametric-design/)
- [nuts](https://makerblock.com/tag/nuts/)
- [funnel](https://makerblock.com/tag/funnel/)
- [mousetraps](https://makerblock.com/tag/mousetraps/)
- [3mm](https://makerblock.com/tag/3mm/)
- [tube](https://makerblock.com/tag/tube/)
- [series](https://makerblock.com/tag/series/)
- [bristles](https://makerblock.com/tag/bristles/)
- [direction](https://makerblock.com/tag/direction/)
- [freedom](https://makerblock.com/tag/freedom/)
- [splinters](https://makerblock.com/tag/splinters/)
- [hip](https://makerblock.com/tag/hip/)
- [hinge](https://makerblock.com/tag/hinge/)
- [broken hip](https://makerblock.com/tag/broken-hip/)
- [funnels](https://makerblock.com/tag/funnels/)

## Download Categories

- [Google SketchUp Plugin](https://makerblock.com/?dlm_download_category=google-sketchup-plugin)
- [DrawBot](https://makerblock.com/?dlm_download_category=drawbot)