tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10444358826285846012024-03-13T09:38:40.032-06:00Joe's MakerbotAn ordinary guy with extraordinary technology.3dpprofessorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09302309534971264219noreply@blogger.comBlogger418125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1044435882628584601.post-77490200028684177672013-12-06T12:39:00.000-07:002013-12-06T13:05:19.015-07:00Joe's Makerbot will now be Joe's 3D Workbench<a href="http://joes3dworkbench.blogspot.com/">Joe's Makerbot is now Joe's 3D Workbench.</a> <a href="http://joes3dworkbench.blogspot.com/">http://joes3dworkbench.blogspot.com/</a><br />
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This has been a long time coming. I avoided it for many technical reasons, but I now feel it's time.<br />
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Joe's Makerbot (this blog) will remain with it's history and posts, but I will no longer be updating it. From now on all posts related to making, designing, and teaching will be on <a href="http://joes3dworkbench.blogspot.com/">Joes3dWorkbench.blogspot.com</a>. I hope you'll all visit me there. I will also occasionally post my more editorial thoughts on <a href="http://www.3dhacker.com/3dprinting/blog.php">3DHacker.com</a>'s blog.<br />
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<a href="http://joes3dworkbench.blogspot.com/">http://joes3dworkbench.blogspot.com/</a>3dpprofessorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09302309534971264219noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1044435882628584601.post-50141081589849333562013-12-04T13:35:00.003-07:002013-12-04T13:35:55.711-07:00Well that's new<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-dP5IaT940MM/Up-KltbejXI/AAAAAAAAJBU/7GM_e_l4czE/s1600/InfillGap.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="238" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-dP5IaT940MM/Up-KltbejXI/AAAAAAAAJBU/7GM_e_l4czE/s320/InfillGap.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
One of the great things about 3D printing is just when you think you've got a pretty good idea of what's going on it throws you a curve ball. I'm printing a model that is mostly infill in PLA and about 1/4 inch up it stops doing the infill for no apparent reason. I wasn't watching it at the time so I don't know if it was trying an none was coming out or if it just didn't think I would notice. But as soon as I started watching again it started trying to do the infill. However, without a solid base to stick to it just made these wispy little threads across the infill area.<br />
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The print is finishing out fine, so there was no lasting effects from this infill gap, but still I wonder what caused it.<br />
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I'm planning on playing with HIPS next. I've got some cool disolvable ideas to try out. I'd also still like more <a href="http://joesmakerbot.blogspot.com/2013/11/new-website-and-facebook-page-for-book.html">likes on my book's facebook page</a>. Sooner or later I need to get a contest together for that.<br />
<br />3dpprofessorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09302309534971264219noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1044435882628584601.post-47377113188375520872013-11-29T08:24:00.000-07:002013-11-29T08:24:08.874-07:00Store is open, Chessbots discounted<a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/cymonsgames?ref=si_shop">The etsy store is back in business</a>. And since this is Black Friday I've dropped the price of my<a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/109657227/robo-action-chessbot-toy-chess-set-hero"> chessbots from $25 to $15</a>. There are only 9 left and when they're gone they're gone.3dpprofessorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09302309534971264219noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1044435882628584601.post-6596719999798513612013-11-23T08:36:00.000-07:002013-11-23T08:36:00.063-07:00That is a great ideaI've got a couple loose spools that I don't know if they're ABS or PLA. <a href="http://toybuilderlabs.com/blog/2013/11/20/is-it-abs-or-is-it-pla">I wish I had thought of the idea Joseph did</a>. Acetone will stick to ABS, but not PLA, so it makes the perfect identifier.3dpprofessorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09302309534971264219noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1044435882628584601.post-32906904567119427652013-11-22T06:30:00.000-07:002013-11-22T06:30:02.976-07:00Printing again. Again.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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This will mark the 3rd time I've had to replace the ceramic tape on my extruder heads, and it was just as painful as the <a href="http://joesmakerbot.blogspot.com/2013/04/replacing-ceramic-tape-on-heater-block.html">first</a> <a href="http://joesmakerbot.blogspot.com/2013/07/fixing-ceramic-tape-again.html">two</a> times. But hopefully this time it'll be the last. Because this time I've used <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00004Z4DS/">high temp tape</a>.<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UsvXpKx2XOw/Uo51RTsQ2UI/AAAAAAAAJAg/9jV_M1IPwkM/s1600/IMG_20131120_223437.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UsvXpKx2XOw/Uo51RTsQ2UI/AAAAAAAAJAg/9jV_M1IPwkM/s320/IMG_20131120_223437.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<span id="goog_407237328"></span><span id="goog_407237329"></span>My theory is that the reason my tape keeps failing is because when a print fails the plastic touches the kapton tape and ABS plastic loves kapton tape which wrecks things. However now I'm concerned that the tape is going to transfer too much heat to the print. But initial prints are working, so we'll see how this metal tape works over time.<br />
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Had a bit of a scare while doing the repair. The washer that holds the thermocouple in place fell of. I always thought they were attached but checking the <a href="http://downloads.makerbot.com/support/pdf/Thing-O-Matic/Docs/Stepstruder%20MK7%20Assembly.pdf">assembly PDF</a> turns out they weren't. Good to know. So I've finally got my outstanding Etsy orders out the door before vacation. Huzzah!3dpprofessorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09302309534971264219noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1044435882628584601.post-75903815843729797232013-11-21T13:45:00.001-07:002013-11-21T13:45:20.170-07:00New website and facebook page for the bookBusy day. First thing to report is I finally got off my rump, registered <a href="http://learn3dprintingblueprints.com/">learn3dprintingblueprints.com</a>, which is a bit longer than I wanted but squatters these days, and made a web site for it including that video I made a while back.<br />
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Secondly, 3D Printing Blueprints also has a <a href="https://www.facebook.com/3DPrintingBlueprints">facebook page</a>. If you could go and like it that would be awesome. I plan to update the facebook page with cool things I've modeled and highlights from the blog that might be interesting to people who want to learn to do design. My wife is actually coaching me on this one. So if you can go and like that page, I'd be very happy.<br />
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<a href="https://www.facebook.com/3DPrintingBlueprints">https://www.facebook.com/3DPrintingBlueprints</a>3dpprofessorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09302309534971264219noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1044435882628584601.post-51392021553434883152013-11-18T09:45:00.001-07:002013-11-18T09:47:10.093-07:00Shutting down the shop for Thanksgiving breakI'm going to be out of town for Thanksgiving, and what with the problems and maintenance that I haven't had time to do on the 3D printer I've got to <a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/cymonsgames">shut the shop</a> until December. I wish there was a way I can do a soft shut-down so people can still see what I have to offer.<br />
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First thing when I get back I'm going to reopen the shop and do some repairs to my bot so hopefully it will be more reliable than ever. Hopefully I'll be able to do some modeling while I'm out.3dpprofessorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09302309534971264219noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1044435882628584601.post-23415255747585572322013-11-15T08:34:00.001-07:002013-11-15T08:36:11.813-07:00More forced down timeFound out what that <a href="http://joesmakerbot.blogspot.com/2013/10/whats-this-bolt-for.html">mystery bolt</a> was for. It was holding the X-Axis motor to the bracket. There was another on the other side, so no harm. But now I have another problem. Winter has brought failed prints and fail prints have once again it's <a href="http://joesmakerbot.blogspot.com/2013/04/replacing-ceramic-tape-on-heater-block.html">shredded the ceramic tape wrap</a>, which in turn is causing prints to fail. Vicious cycle. I've got some <a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/159376488/custom-soap-stamp-with-logo">stamps</a> and a MakeXYZ job that I need to print, so it looks like this weekend is going to be spent upgrading and fixing my makerbot. Darn it.3dpprofessorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09302309534971264219noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1044435882628584601.post-4643645978978391912013-11-13T09:55:00.001-07:002013-11-14T06:40:39.161-07:00Just file this under the "If I had $1000000"<a href="http://www.instructables.com/files/deriv/FT8/JE53/HNVBFOY9/FT8JE53HNVBFOY9.LARGE.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://www.instructables.com/files/deriv/FT8/JE53/HNVBFOY9/FT8JE53HNVBFOY9.LARGE.jpg" width="320" /></a>In my <a href="http://joesmakerbot.blogspot.com/2013/02/3d-scanning-pick-2-list.html">research of 3D scanners</a> I kinda decided that I'd like to have a bank of cameras that took simultaneous pictures from multiple angles. However, that's expensive and difficult to coordinate from a technical perspective. That is until Richard from the Netherlands thought to use a networked <a href="http://www.instructables.com/id/Multiple-Raspberry-PI-3D-Scanner/">bank of Raspberry pis</a> with camera modules. They receive a network message, snap a picture, and store it in dropbox for processing with your choice of processing software.<br />
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It's an amazing setup and only costs... well, $60 per pi/camera plus the rest of the hardware. So for 40 of them that's a cool $2400. I'd probably start with 16, so it would only cost me... hmm, carry the 1... youch... $1000 to get started. Plus there's the fact that there's a bank of fully functional computers there that aren't doing anything but take a picture. Seems a waste. I'd want to hook them up to do cryptography in their off time or something. Could a minecraft server be distributed?<br />
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Of course if I took it to fairs I could probably make back the cost of it in no time. So I just need to get me some angel capital... and free time. But it's encouraging to know what it'll take.3dpprofessorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09302309534971264219noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1044435882628584601.post-52594363423762435612013-11-11T08:15:00.000-07:002013-11-11T08:15:45.468-07:00Testing 3D Printed Dice Fairness - New Hollow Dice<a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-gfEGb45nkM4/UoADXnkmCCI/AAAAAAAAI_4/QwLtG50DKpQ/s1600/IMG_20131110_144345.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-gfEGb45nkM4/UoADXnkmCCI/AAAAAAAAI_4/QwLtG50DKpQ/s320/IMG_20131110_144345.jpg" width="320" /></a>Using the information gathered <a href="http://joesmakerbot.blogspot.com/2013/10/testing-3d-printed-dice-fairness-chi.html">last time</a> I modified a dice I made in tinkercad way back when and made a die that I figured would be sufficiently fair. Hollow like before this die has totally sharp edges. But because I can't leave well enough alone I made another that had flat corners, or "truncated" to use a geometric term.<br />
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After 30 rolls the chi-squared number for the totally square one was 14 placing it among the best of the last bunch. The chi-squared number for the truncated one was 30 placing it among the worst. Fine, I've learned my lesson. Don't mess with what works and go with the data.<br />
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You can download the <a href="http://www.thingiverse.com/thing:181351">square hollow dice on thingiverse</a>.<br />
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3dpprofessorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09302309534971264219noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1044435882628584601.post-34391605921293780612013-11-07T20:41:00.001-07:002013-11-08T09:17:34.046-07:00A solution without a problemThe pad on our GameCube controller fell off and was lost revealing a sharp edge that cut into my thumb while we played Wind Waker. So I had the great idea of covering it in <a href="http://www.instructables.com/id/How-To-Make-Your-Own-Sugru-Substitute/">Oogoo</a>, pressing a little mould in, and letting it set. There was going to be this whole post about it and I was all excited. I got as far as getting the clear silicon, modeling and printing the mold when suddenly the GameCube controller's analog stick went full broken and we had to just buy a new one.<br />
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So now I have this, a little negative mold that I won't be using. I kinda feel sad now. I mean I know a new controller is better, technically, but I was really looking forward to playing with oogoo for the first time. I guess I can still play with oogoo, but without a real project it's difficult to justify it. I guess I'll just wait for a new opportunity. Meanwhile, anyone know how to repair a GameCube controller who's analog stick won't go up or down?3dpprofessorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09302309534971264219noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1044435882628584601.post-65162521152549806262013-11-05T06:15:00.000-07:002013-11-05T06:15:00.528-07:002 new contest with a 3D printer prizeWanted to make everyone aware of 2 new contests with grand prizes of 3D printers. If you don't have a 3D printer now's the time to win one.<br />
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<a href="http://www.myminifactory.com/search/category/81/CHRISTMAS-DESIGN-CONTEST">MyMiniFactory is running another contest</a>. Create something with a <a href="http://www.myminifactory.com/object/view/518/Category-2">Christmas</a> or <a href="http://www.myminifactory.com/object/view/517/Category-1">Endangered Animals</a> theme, upload it, and hope you get the most downloads. Grand prize winner gets an Ultimaker. You have until November 20th.<br />
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If you're willing to learn a new modeling program and making something a little more pragmatic <a href="http://www.designspark.com/eng/nodes/view/type:page/slug:mechanical">download DesignSpark Mechanical</a> and enter the <a href="http://designshare.designspark.com/eng/partners/view/designspark-design-challenge">DesignSpark Mechanical challenge</a>. Grand Prize gets an experimental 3D printer and almost $8000 (£5,000), with two runners up getting $4000 (£2500). You have until November 22nd.<br />
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There you go. If you don't have a 3D printer yet you may have one for Christmas. Good luck.3dpprofessorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09302309534971264219noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1044435882628584601.post-33691430998723051312013-11-04T06:19:00.000-07:002013-11-04T06:19:00.661-07:00So many soap stamps<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-iQBVQVhsYWU/UnB4p1osPgI/AAAAAAAAI74/gm8HJJti5Hc/s1600/IMG_20131029_182701.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-iQBVQVhsYWU/UnB4p1osPgI/AAAAAAAAI74/gm8HJJti5Hc/s320/IMG_20131029_182701.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
Ever since I started offering custom <a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/156250558/custom-soap-stamp-basic-text">soap</a> <a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/159376488/custom-soap-stamp-with-logo">stamps</a> in my Etsy store I have been lousy with orders for them. Not that I mind. TARDIS ring sales have dropped off lately but these have picked up the slack nicely. Who knew there were so many people making home made soap?<br />
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So if things seem a bit slow around here, if it seems like I'm not updating as often or printing as cool a things as I used to, it's just because I've got my hands full, and it's good.3dpprofessorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09302309534971264219noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1044435882628584601.post-65557025921113808282013-11-02T14:23:00.004-06:002014-03-01T14:58:50.961-07:00MyMiniFactory Contest Afterward<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Thank you to everyone who voted for me in the <a href="http://joesmakerbot.blogspot.com/2013/09/help-me-win-myminifactory-contest-and.html">MyMiniFactory contest</a>. Unfortunately I did not win, however the <a href="http://www.myminifactory.com/object/view/432/Herb-Strategy">set that did win</a> is one that I voted for myself, so I don't feel back about losing. I am still planning on having the contest, unfortunately I won't be able to offer a 3D printer, but I can offer a copy of my book. More on that when it happens.</div>
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I held off sharing my honest opinion of MyMiniFactory until the end of this contest. now that it's over I can say I don't really like MyMiniFactory. They don't have an interface for uploading or editing designs so if you want to use MyMiniFactory you have to wait for them to do your uploading and editing for you. They aren't doing a very good job of attribution. And while they're talking about sales they're not there yet. I admire their team of designers creating intersting things, so i hope they'll fix these problems soon, but<a href="http://joesmakerbot.blogspot.com/2013/10/adventures-in-selling-designs-part-3.html"> I've made my choice</a>.<br />
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So now that the contest is over I plan to offer the Charles 'O Perry set for free download on <a href="http://www.thingiverse.com/thing:176156">Thingiverse</a> and <a href="http://www.ponoko.com/make-your-own/toys/charles-o-perry-inspired-chess-set-10784">Ponoko</a>, and the <a href="http://www.ponoko.com/make-your-own/toys/birdcage-chess-10782">Bird Chess</a> set for sale on Ponoko. Both of these are also available on <a href="https://www.shapeways.com/shops/cymon">Shapeways</a> if you can stand the sticker shock. Almost none of that purchase price goes towards me.3dpprofessorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09302309534971264219noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1044435882628584601.post-13682633877267171782013-10-30T06:11:00.000-06:002013-10-30T06:11:00.223-06:00What's this bolt for?No, really, I want to know. There is a short M3 bolt (that is the right name for the bolts that are all over the Makerbot, right) sitting at the bottom of my build area and... I have no idea where it came from. Everything I can see is still screwed in. Anyone know where this might have come from?<br />
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Sorry for the potato quality image. I'm concerned my bot is falling apart.3dpprofessorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09302309534971264219noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1044435882628584601.post-79799337654112683652013-10-29T15:24:00.000-06:002013-10-29T15:24:02.034-06:00Iconified Shogi set on Ponoko<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-fRux5w2ejf0/UnAk8oaktGI/AAAAAAAAI7U/-eApS0T_lZU/s1600/IMG_20131015_184649.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-fRux5w2ejf0/UnAk8oaktGI/AAAAAAAAI7U/-eApS0T_lZU/s320/IMG_20131015_184649.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shogi">Shogi</a> is a cool game that I've always admired. If you capture an opponent piece you can add it to your army on your turn. How cool is that! However the fact that traditional sets are written with Japanese characters make it hard for new players to be willing to climb the learning curve. So <a href="http://www.ponoko.com/make-your-own/toys/shogi-iconified-pieces-10773">I made this set</a> with little icons that describe the movement of the pieces.<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-DqMebxhGPIQ/UnAl_jNmoII/AAAAAAAAI7g/_yH_3a7oKAo/s1600/ShogiDetail.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="145" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-DqMebxhGPIQ/UnAl_jNmoII/AAAAAAAAI7g/_yH_3a7oKAo/s320/ShogiDetail.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
A blunt line from the sphere means that piece can move or capture one square in that direction. A pointed line from the sphere means that piece can move in as many unobstructed spaces as are available in that direction. The knight moves similar to it's counterpart in western Chess, except that it can only jump to the two spaces in front of it, and to one to the left and right, not the spaces sideways or backwards.<div>
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If you print the set at 80% size it makes a nice little travel set, tho the names of the pieces may become a bit difficult to read.</div>
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I decided to put the model for this set <a href="http://www.ponoko.com/make-your-own/toys/shogi-iconified-pieces-10773">for sale on Ponoko</a>. If you'd like to support me you can buy this model and print your own Shogi set and finally play this ancient chess variant.</div>
3dpprofessorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09302309534971264219noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1044435882628584601.post-61849693582870905282013-10-28T15:25:00.002-06:002013-10-28T15:26:06.873-06:00Bre mentions my TARDIS game in an interviewI knew that Bre Pettis (founder and CEO of Makerbot) got what I was doing with TARDIS Run. He's the <a href="http://www.thingiverse.com/thing:166725/#comments">only one who commented</a> on it when I finally posted it. But besides him and I it didn't seem like anyone else got it. The Thingiverse PTB didn't see fit to feature it and there's no other comments.<br />
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Thanks to Twitter I was alerted to the fact that Bre mentioned it again <a href="http://www.thetakeaway.org/story/when-big-technology-comes-home/">in his interview with Take Away</a> as an example of the Wacky uses of 3D printing. This isn't the first time Bre used my work as an example of cool things that can be done with 3D printing. Bre mentioned my <a href="http://www.thingiverse.com/thing:23222">SD card ring</a> in a <a href="http://www.makerbot.com/blog/2012/05/30/creativemornings-bre-talks-makerbot/">CreativeMornings presentation</a> (at 15:38). Hey, I don't mind. I'm kinda getting a reputation as being the quirky designer guy. Yeah, I can run with that.3dpprofessorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09302309534971264219noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1044435882628584601.post-1468347622990931902013-10-23T10:31:00.000-06:002013-10-23T10:31:51.943-06:00Watch me model 1A little while back I did a little experiment, live streaming on <a href="http://www.justin.tv/cymonsgames">Justin.tv</a> a modeling session so you can see me do my thing. . This one was a piece for Just Game. Find out more about them at <a href="https://www.facebook.com/justgamecompany">https://www.facebook.com/justgamecompany</a> or <a href="http://justgamehome.com/">http://justgamehome.com/</a>. I've held off sharing it here until I could offer a time-lapsed version in case you didn't want to listen to me babble for an hour an a half. Making that time-lapse had it's own challenges. But I've finally worked it all out so I can offer you a modeling session and a shorter time-lapse of the same:<br />
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At speed:</div>
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<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/OOkbnXoKz0o?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
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8 minute time-lapse with music:
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<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/BFK2T6UyYuw?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
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Let me know if you like this sort of thing and I'll try to do it more often. I'm willing to make this a regular thing if it has an audience.<br />
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If course if you'd like to learn to model like me, <a href="http://www.packtpub.com/3d-printing-blueprints/book">I've got a book for that</a>. <a href="http://www.packtpub.com/3d-printing-blueprints/book">http://www.packtpub.com/3d-printing-blueprints/book</a></div>
3dpprofessorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09302309534971264219noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1044435882628584601.post-24031479385212794582013-10-21T06:10:00.000-06:002014-03-01T14:51:19.665-07:00Finally Printing MetaChess<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6wct9hZHKw4/UmRZmz0DbeI/AAAAAAAAI5s/Rzcy767aRgg/s1600/IMG_20131020_102915.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6wct9hZHKw4/UmRZmz0DbeI/AAAAAAAAI5s/Rzcy767aRgg/s320/IMG_20131020_102915.jpg" height="239" width="320" /></a></div>
<a href="http://www.thingiverse.com/thing:20173">MetaChess</a> was one of my entries into the Makerbot/Tinkercad Chess challenge that won me my Makerbot and changed my life. Even figured out rules how this chess-on-chess game would play. However until now I've never tried printing it. (Funny thing is I love chess pieces, but I don't play the game very often. Well now I've printed it and... clearly it needs some work.<br />
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The biggest problem is one with MakerWare where if two polygons are exactly overlapping the result is a void. This ruined both versions, large and small, of the rooks. Most other slicers do not have this problem. Makerware likes it's models water tight. But beyond MakerWare's problems the models are too small for the chess board I have and the knights could use some work. So I guess it's time to iterate this design. Then, maybe I'll play a game. Maybe.<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4x2vix7lVxQ/UmRZmffafPI/AAAAAAAAI5o/6Zb-DrJmiJk/s1600/IMG_20131020_115827.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4x2vix7lVxQ/UmRZmffafPI/AAAAAAAAI5o/6Zb-DrJmiJk/s320/IMG_20131020_115827.jpg" height="239" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />3dpprofessorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09302309534971264219noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1044435882628584601.post-56972536995166831302013-10-18T06:52:00.002-06:002013-10-18T06:52:46.072-06:00Finished a video for the book.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/Nmb8U3gMiW0?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Nmb8U3gMiW0">New video for 3D Printing Blueprints</a>. I'll have a web site for the book soon and this'll be a major fixture. Apparently the book is also getting some reviews on <a href="http://www.amazon.com/dp/1849697086/?tag=packtpubli-20">Amazon</a> and <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/18384344-3d-printing-blueprints">GoodReads</a>. It's been a slow ball to get rolling, but hopefully this'll help.<br />
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Doing a video, even a really short one, isn't easy. It's actually a lot of work just gathering the elements and a lot more work editing it. This is why I don't do more videos. Bless <a href="http://www.3dhacker.com/3dprinting/entry.php/33-Printrbot-Simple-Unboxing-amp-Assembly">Andrew Mazzotta</a> for being willing to do it as much as he does. If I could find a way to get entertaining videos up without the laborious editing process I'd do it more often.3dpprofessorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09302309534971264219noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1044435882628584601.post-2187881027348649172013-10-17T06:03:00.000-06:002013-10-17T06:03:00.123-06:00TARDIS Run Complete<a href="http://www.thingiverse.com/thing:166725">TARDIS Run is complete</a>, and what a journey it's been.<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kIkDzz7B4YE/Ul7Ggbgjr2I/AAAAAAAAI18/TL5qSS4-9Dg/s1600/IMG_20131012_220833.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kIkDzz7B4YE/Ul7Ggbgjr2I/AAAAAAAAI18/TL5qSS4-9Dg/s320/IMG_20131012_220833.jpg" width="320" /></a>It started when I saw MakeALot's <a href="http://www.thingiverse.com/thing:132557">foldable TARDIS</a>. I didn't like the way he decorated the outside so I decided to do my own. Only I wanted to do something a little more, and that's when the idea of a board game came to mind. So I determined that I could put a 3x8 board inside the box and I started to play with those limits.<br />
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There's a game with a similar sized board. It's this ancient Egyptian game called <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Senet">Senet</a> which, aside from the board and some accessories we don't actually know how it was played. There were 4 paddles used that, best guess, were dropped and used to determine the moves. While I pondered on this I realized that paddles like that create an uneven distribution of moves, so what if instead of rolling, then choosing the piece that were reversed and you chose your piece and hoped that the roll would go in your favor. I'm not sure it's a satisfying mechanic, but it might have some possibility for those who like risk mitigation.<br />
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The game itself is somewhat abstract and could just as easily be made without the TARDIS theme that I started out with. But a version without the theme wouldn't get the same attention. On the other hand with the theme I pretty much lose the option of putting it up for sale on Etsy or Ponoko. Oh, it's still on <a href="http://www.ponoko.com/make-your-own/toys/tardis-run-board-game-for-home-3d-printers-10694">Ponoko</a>, but it's on <a href="http://www.thingiverse.com/thing:166725">Thingiverse</a> too and I made a full(er) color version for <a href="http://staples.myeasy3d.com/index.php?dispatch=products.view&product_id=1474">Staples</a>, tho dat sticker shock.... In fact the price seems to have gone up when I tried to make it more compact and use the space better, so apparently I have no idea what I'm doing when it comes to their full color paper 3D printers.<br />
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I would still like to make this available to those who don't have 3D printers, so if you'd like me to print one hit me up on <a href="http://www.makexyz.com/printer/cymon">MakeXYZ</a>. Or you could have someone else print it. But if you send me just the TARDISBoard.stl it looks like the price comes to a little under $30 which seems fair to me and I'll make sure everything else gets in there3dpprofessorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09302309534971264219noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1044435882628584601.post-20277949933118178902013-10-16T06:40:00.000-06:002013-10-16T09:28:15.842-06:00Troke UpdateHot of the heels of yesterday's announcement, I've taken the <a href="http://joesmakerbot.blogspot.com/2013/09/troke-old-is-new-again.html">Troke game</a> that I uploaded to Thingiverse and added a board that you can <a href="http://www.ponoko.com/make-your-own/toys/troke-game-and-board-10687">buy on Ponoko</a>.<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-hNzea0Rk-OA/Ul2o7Iy3lnI/AAAAAAAAI1Y/XmVdFx5nSME/s1600/IMG_20131015_135641.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-hNzea0Rk-OA/Ul2o7Iy3lnI/AAAAAAAAI1Y/XmVdFx5nSME/s320/IMG_20131015_135641.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
You don't need it to play, but it is super cool and it comes apart for easy storage.<br />
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I predict a number of these sorts of project populating <a href="http://www.ponoko.com/showroom/CymonsDesigns">Ponoko</a> in the near future. Out of print games made 3D printable.<br />
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I've also made this available to print for the <a href="http://www.cgtrader.com/3d-models/sport-hobby/board-game/troke-game-and-board">staples contest</a> as an experimental thing. Not really sure if the color thing will work, not sure how this sort of thing prints... not sure anything. I really need to try it out, but I don't know how committed I am to the idea, financially.<br />
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EDIT: Wow, €161.56 for a <a href="http://staples.myeasy3d.com/index.php?dispatch=products.view&product_id=1471">color 3D printed</a> version of this game on staples. Not sure anyone is going to pay that much for a board game of this type.3dpprofessorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09302309534971264219noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1044435882628584601.post-54268781041606592372013-10-15T18:38:00.000-06:002013-10-15T18:38:00.077-06:00Adventures in Selling Designs part 3, Ponoko and CGTraderMy to-do list is rather long at the moment. I'm making a promotional video and website for <a href="http://www.packtpub.com/3d-printing-blueprints/book">the book</a>, I'm going to create a web site for my 3D design work so I can take commissions, I've got some new materials to experiment with, an upgrade for the Makerbot, and a few other things. Lots of good things to look forward to.<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-K4obMDgG3EI/Ul19ctrVmPI/AAAAAAAAIz0/utmRiomkKvA/s1600/ponoko.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-K4obMDgG3EI/Ul19ctrVmPI/AAAAAAAAIz0/utmRiomkKvA/s320/ponoko.png" width="320" /></a></div>
In between I have still been hunting for a storefront where I can sell 3D models directly, <a href="http://www.3dhacker.com/3dprinting/entry.php/36-Another-one-is-lost-to-the-dark-side">no streaming, no DRM</a>. Ponoko is still a good option and I'm <a href="http://www.ponoko.com/showroom/CymonsDesigns">building a profile there</a>, however Alec at <a href="http://www.cgtrader.com/3d-designer-profile/cymon">CGTrader</a> has been doing a great job of making it easy for me to build a profile of 3D printables and even promises more help setting up for the <a href="http://staples.myeasy3d.com/">Staples store</a>, which isn't exactly what I'm looking for but it has the backing of a major Realtor. We'll where that goes. For now most of the models come from Thingiverse and are for free, but soon there will be more exclusives to these spaces.<br />
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Now I just need to fill 'em up with cool stuff.3dpprofessorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09302309534971264219noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1044435882628584601.post-4175031739547451652013-10-11T11:35:00.000-06:002013-10-15T15:44:07.867-06:00Testing 3D printed dice fairness - Chi-Square Data<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-MyyDclVGN4U/Uld47QKEn4I/AAAAAAAAIyE/W9TNgrVyGIQ/s1600/IMG_20131010_195418.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-MyyDclVGN4U/Uld47QKEn4I/AAAAAAAAIyE/W9TNgrVyGIQ/s320/IMG_20131010_195418.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
So last time I <a href="http://joesmakerbot.blogspot.com/2013/10/testing-3d-printed-dice-fairness.html">explored testing if 3D printed dice</a> can be considered balanced and the result was a resounding... oh, there's a <a href="http://deltasdnd.blogspot.com/2009/02/testing-balanced-die.html">proper way</a> of doing this. It's called the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chi-squared_test"><span id="goog_268956683"></span>Pearson's chi-square test<span id="goog_268956684"></span></a>. The basic idea is roll the dice 5 times the number of sides you have, tally up the number of times each side shows up, then subtract 5 (the expected value) from each tally, square the difference and add the squares up. If the number you get is over 55 then your dice is unbalanced. So I printed up a couple of dice, some with 2 shells and 20% infill, some solid, dumped them through the <a href="http://joesmakerbot.blogspot.com/2013/01/my-pringles-dice-tower-build.html">5 minute dice tower</a> over and over. Then I tallied the results and did some math. Here are the final results in no particular order:<br />
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<li><a href="http://www.thingiverse.com/thing:21842">Dual Extrusion Die</a> - Chi Square = 20</li>
<li><a href="http://www.thingiverse.com/thing:47814">Customized Die</a> 20% infill - Chi Square = 18</li>
<li>Customized Die solid - Chi Square = 28</li>
<li><a href="http://www.thingiverse.com/thing:11388">Cone Holes</a> 20% infill - Chi Square = 12</li>
<li>Cone Holes solid - Chi Square = 28</li>
<li><a href="http://www.thingiverse.com/thing:113451">Normal</a> 20% infill - Chi Square = 24</li>
<li>Normal solid - Chi Square = 40</li>
<li><a href="http://www.thingiverse.com/thing:147883">"Balanced" Die</a> 20% infill - Chi Square = 22</li>
<li>"Balanced Die solid - Chi Square = 32</li>
<li><a href="http://www.thingiverse.com/thing:7753">"Worthless" Die</a> 20% infill - Chi Square = 16</li>
<li>"Worthless" Die solid - Chi Square = 12</li>
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Which means according to the Pearson's chi-square test <i>any</i> of these 3D printed dice are sufficiently balanced to use. And this thing is supposed to have only a 5% failure rate, so there you go. 3D printed dice can be used as dice.</div>
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Do I believe it? It seems to me that to get a score of 55 a dice has to be severely imbalanced, so I look at this data as a scale of balance. Which of these dice are most balanced? Well according to my results the list in order, from most balanced to least, is: <b>Cone Holes Infill, Worthless Solid, Worthless Infill, Customized Infill, Dual Extrusion, Balanced Infill, Normal Infill, Cone Holes Solid, Customized Solid, Balanced Solid, Normal Solid.</b></div>
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It pleases me that the so called <a href="http://www.thingiverse.com/thing:7753">"Worthless" die</a> ranked so highly regardless of fill. But it bothers me that so many of the solid dice ended up ranked lower because I really like the way they feel. Perhaps the lighter weight allows them to bounce and explore the space better. Which, again, explains why the worthless dice is not so worthless as it has a forced empty center. Many of the highest ranking designs are sharp cornered, but so is the lowest ranked, so rounded or sharp corners don't seem to matter. That speaks well for the chances my <a href="http://www.thingiverse.com/thing:20950">hollow die</a> (which I didn't include in this test because I was expecting the rounded corners to be bad). The Customized dice also did fairly well with infill, so that opens up all sorts of options.<br />
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Now that these experiments are done I'll be <a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/123817468/makerbot-junk-3d-printed-dice">selling them if you're interested in having some</a>.</div>
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<b>Conclusion: </b>According to the Pearson's chi-square test a 3D printed dice is sufficiently balanced, but it seems that dice with low infill are more balanced. Who'd have thunk?</div>
3dpprofessorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09302309534971264219noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1044435882628584601.post-55038246819556873882013-10-11T07:00:00.000-06:002013-10-11T07:00:00.641-06:003DHacker Round Up 3In case you're not following me on 3D Hacker:<br />
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<li><a href="http://www.3dhacker.com/3dprinting/entry.php/23-quot-I-want-to-3D-print-something-quot">I break down how to get something 3D printed</a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.3dhacker.com/3dprinting/entry.php/24-Unboxing-the-Type-A-Machines-Series-1">Andrew unboxes a 3D printer and tries out a Type-A</a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.3dhacker.com/3dprinting/entry.php/25-At-first-glance-Makerbot-Digitizer-is-Overpriced-and-Underpowered">I rip on the Makerbot Digitizer for being overpriced</a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.3dhacker.com/3dprinting/entry.php/26-3D-Printing-Adventure-Printers-for-Peace-Albania">Andrew visits those changing the world for good in Albania</a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.3dhacker.com/3dprinting/entry.php/28-Here-s-another-Kickstarter-not-to-support">There's yet another kickstarter for making things no one needs</a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.3dhacker.com/3dprinting/entry.php/29-3D-Scanner-for-200-I-want-to-believe">There's a $200 3D scanner that... actually looks good</a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.3dhacker.com/3dprinting/entry.php/30-YouMagine-is-to-Ultimaker-as-Thingiverse-is-to-Makerbot">I introduce you to YouMagine, Ultimaker's Thingiverse</a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.3dhacker.com/3dprinting/entry.php/31-MakerGeeks-filament-contest">Makergeek is running a contest</a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.3dhacker.com/3dprinting/entry.php/32-How-to-3D-print-an-imperfect-sphere">Failed prints can be hilarious</a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.3dhacker.com/3dprinting/entry.php/33-Printrbot-Simple-Unboxing-amp-Assembly">Andrew unboxes and assembles a Printrbot Simple, and wow that box is small</a></li>
<li>And <a href="http://www.3dhacker.com/3dprinting/entry.php/36-Another-one-is-lost-to-the-dark-side">3DBurrito is lost to the dark side</a></li>
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I have also recently been introduced to <a href="http://3dprintboard.com/">3DPrintBoard.com</a>, a forum for many things 3D printing related. You know, in case you don't get enough conversation about the subject here or on <a href="http://www.reddit.com/r/3dprinting">Reddit</a>. Ah well, one more place to <a href="http://3dprintboard.com/showthread.php?171-A-plea-to-designers-You-re-not-making-things&p=581#post581">evangelize</a>.</div>
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3dpprofessorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09302309534971264219noreply@blogger.com0