Tag Archives: CupCake

MakerBot Is The New Duct Tape

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Google Sketchup Model of Broken Window Latch

Google Sketchup Model of Broken Window Latch

This summer I discovered that one of the window latches in my home was broken.  Since the windows are so old, I didn’t even bother checking for replacement parts at the hardware store.  My repair consisted of wrapping duct tape over the broken part and fitting back inside the latch mechanism.

It worked, but was a less than ideal fix.  The part had snapped in two places, making the entire part slightly unstable even when reinforced with duct tape.   Additionally, the extra thickness of the duct tape prevented the latch from sliding smoothly and eventually started to bunch up the duct tape.

Several months ago, figuring that it was only a matter of time before I bought a MakerBot CupCake CNC, I modeled the part in Google Sketchup.

After getting my MakerBot operational yesterday, this was my second print.  It was also my fourth print – another window was missing a latch entirely.  A little light sanding and a slight use of a hacksaw blade to separate the small divide underneath the part, and it was ready for installation.  Both latches installed without fuss and work far better than the duct tape version.

Window latches, top view

Window latches, top view

Window latches, underside

Window latches, underside

Unlike the duct tape fix, this repair permanently replaces the broken part with a functionally identical part that is also far more cosmetically appealing.  Best of all, I now live in a house that is partially built by a robot I made.  :)

Dear UPS – sorry about the server

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Dear UPS,

I’m terribly sorry about your server.  You see, it’s just that I’m particularly excited about this package.  So hopefully having me refresh the page every 15 milliseconds is forgivable, if not understandable.

Tell you what – once I get my CupCake CNC operational, I’ll see what I can do about printing you a new server.

Anyhow, now that it’s here your IT guys can relax.

Regards,

MakerBlock

Bummer – MakerBot order delayed

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The good folks over at MakerBot Industries just notified me that my CupCake CNC order has been delayed.  Unfortunately, the holiday season delayed their incoming shipments of electronics.  It was a very nice and apologetic e-mail – not their fault.  They expect to ship on December 11th.

I’ve waited this long, I can wait a few more days.  ;)

Looking forward

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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 kit
    • Right now I’ve only documented the unboxing
    • I’d like to document all the bits inside the various boxes/kits as well
  • Documenting each step (and misstep!) of taking a box of parts to a fully functional 3D printer
    • As I’m a total and complete novice, this should be educational for everyone involved
    • Since the guys at MakerBot suggest two people could assemble a CupCake CNC in leisurely weekend, I suspect it would probably take me about a week or two
  • Printing crazy plastic things for myself and others

Why did I name the website MakerBlock?  Well, if when I get this robot operational, I’d really like to design and print custom blocks that are compatible with various toy construction sets.

Frivolous?  Undoubtedly.  But, a man’s got to dream.