Sometimes, I wish I was a drawing machine. There’s something special about grabbing a pen and transferring the visions from inside your head onto paper for all the world to see.
I’m not actually all that reliable though. My own results tend to be a bit hit-and-miss… however, thanks to the machinations of Sandy Noble, there is another type of drawing machine that gets results every time. It’s the Polargraph; an elegantly simple Arduino powered wonder that steadily plots its way along with robotic precision.
Draftsmen will recognise this as a primitive, gravity assisted pen plotter.
An awesome one.
Click through to see a video of Sandy’s awesome Polargraph in action. (more…)
If you were stuck in the desert & only had one provision to choose from, what would it be?
Well if your name is Markus Kayser you’d likely take your solar sintering 3D printer of course! The abundance of sand and sunlight in this environment provides both raw materials and energy. Allowing any failed mutineer or downed pilot to make nearly any provisions they could ever dream of!
“By using the sun’s rays instead of a laser and sand instead of resins, I had the basis of an entirely new solar-powered machine and production process for making glass objects that taps into the abundant supplies of sun and sand to be found in the deserts of the world.” – Kayser
The chickens may be indifferent to the details, but for hipster urban farmers setting out to become personal-use egg producers, there are some fancy options available when it comes to choosing your city slicker chicken coop.
Design duo 100xBTR have incorporated panels from their CNC milled screen collection into this hen house recently spotted at Dwell on Design.
Pre-fabricated chicken estates are not where we would usually expect to see digital manufacturing being applied. It does make sense though – why shouldn’t their houses look nice, too?
Click through to see another screen example from 100xBTR, this time in a more traditional format. (more…)
Rich Decibels teams up with Bleep Labs to present a series of DIY electronic audio workshops
For some time now I’ve had an interest in teaching people about electronics, recruiting for the maker army. I’ve found audio projects a great place for people to start learning.
I’ve just announced over on my website that I’m running another series of DIY synth making workshops in Wellington. If you’re interested pop over and have a look at the details.
If you’re interested in this stuff but not a Wellington local, check out the amazing gear available over at Bleep Labs or enjoy this tantalising video demonstration.
Grace Hawthorne is no stranger to fueling creativity and firing up the imagination. She may already be familiar to fans of ReadyMade, and thanks to her latest Kickstarter campaign, a whole new playful and creative juggernaut is about to be unleashed.
Paper Punk is a system of patterns that are supplied pre-cut from cool retro-futuristic printed stock, and after a few simple folds they become building blocks that can be used to create toys, art objects and more.
Each set comes with patterns in gorgeous complementary colours, posters and instructions, and a plethora of quirky stickers to add character and individuality to your constructions.
Consider Paper Punk as building blocks for your imagination…
it is a creativity tool that’s as much of and art form as it is a toy;
What I love most about Paper Punk is that it’s beautiful and fun!
Follow the link for a short clip where Grace runs us through what it’s all about. (more…)
We wanted to make a rubber-band gun, but not like a normal plain one. This one added a little flair in a special way. These are a pair of rubber-band guns designed after a Beretta 87T hand gun.
WARNING: People might not know this is a rubber-band gun, so don’t go running around waving it in the air…
A couple of weeks ago I wrote about upgrades for the MakerBot that you can print using the MakerBot. My favourite upgrade of the bunch, Zydac’s Z-axis extender kit, is now complete on my own MakerBot so it’s time to show how it’s done.
Reed tools and miniature weaving looms with Spoonflower and Ponoko
Andy and Becka Rahn have been dabbling with Ponoko service since 2008. Becka was curious about designing puzzles, and Andy who is a software engineer couldn’t pass the geek aspect of laser cutting his own designs. The day Ponoko crossed his computer screen, he started designing his first project.
An art and fiber teacher, Becka decided to make tiny textile tools as holiday ornaments. She knew of plenty of people who would find miniature weaving looms irresistible. Andy started with designing reed tools for his oboe, as he found that he was in need of a gizmo to help with the meticulous job of creating reeds for the instrument. The couple are currently working together on a DIY mini frame loom for weaving enthusiasts.
Both Andy and Becka love working with bamboo and acrylic. The bamboo is a favourite for its natural finish and feel as well as strength, and the acrylic colors are always an inspiration for fun, vibrant projects. Becka combines the lasercut pieces with Spoonflower printed fabrics that she also designs. This means that she has ultimate control over every step of the design process, enabling her to create highly individualised ornaments.
In the past, these handmade fans approached making very differently, sticking to their traditional hobby tools and techniques. Andy found the transition to digifabbing especially natural, as he was already familiar with digital design tools. Becka found the new design possibilities exciting and inspirational, and she loves the “whole new level of cool to the materials” that she now has available to her
You can ask questions and chat with other makers all over the world, or just kick back and watch.
Here are the rest of our training sessions for the month. Register now:
• The basics of laser cutting — Thursday June 23 at 2pm pacific
Get an introduction to laser cutting and using 2D design software with a 30 minute, live online training session. REGISTER NOW
• The basics of 3D printing — Wednesday June 29 at 3pm pacific
Get an introduction to 3D printing and using 3D design software with a 30 minute, live online training session. REGISTER NOW
• The basics of CNC routing — Thursday June 30 at 2pm pacific
Get an introduction to CNC routing and using 2D design software with a 30 minute, live online training session. REGISTER NOW
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