Eric’s Blog

Ahem. Sorry about that. My evil genius was showing.

I made a few things this past week. They’re nothing too special, but I think it’s cool because I’m finally putting some of the self-taught 3D modeling skills together to make things that are functional and not just fun.

Going on the internet and finding designs that you can download and print is great. There’s not much you can’t find out there. But, being able to design a thing to your specifications, then printing it out, is an act of sheer will. I sort of feel like and sound like Victor Frankenstein.

The first thing I designed and printed was a maker’s coin. This is something that a lot of makers create as sort of a calling card to share with other makers. It’s one of the easiest and first things most makers make. It is the culmination of learning 3D design software. My maker’s coin isn’t fancy, it’s quite simple, but I made it all on my own, so it’s special to me.

The second thing I made on the printer this weekend isn’t finished yet. I’m waiting on a few parts to come in, and then it will be ready, but I can at least show you the parts I’ve designed, and printed.

This simple device will bring another dimension to my 3D printer. I’ve ordered some metric screws and some bearings that will sit on the bed of the 3D printer/laser engraver/CnC machine. As the bed moves back and forth on the Y-axis, the bearings will turn, allowing any round object sitting on top of the bearings to be carved or engraved. Simply put, this will allow me to carve or engrave round or cylindrical objects such as pen barrels, coffee cups, glassware (that will require safety glasses) or any other things you can think of.

One of the main reasons I bought a Snapmaker 2.0 was to be able to laser engrave and personalize the pens I make. With this 3D printed base, height adjuster, and arms, along with the bearings, I should be able to do just that.

It’s quite clever when you think about it. I used the 3D printer to print parts to give my 3D printer more functionality. Machines making machines. What will I think of next?

By the way, you can all sleep soundly. I would never create a monster. If I was going to bring anything to life, it would be more like Lisa from Weird Science, rather than The Monster from Frankenstein. Most of my plans to take over the world are all based on episodes of Pinky and The Brain and have high failure rates. You’re safe…for the moment.