WobbleStopper

78,87,63,0,B

clogged work flow...

Hit a production snag this morning.  After 4.5 years, it's time to replace the nozzle on my 3D printer.  I'm surprised it lasted this long.  Replacement nozzle kit will be here next Wednesday.  Back in my NYC days - this would have only meant a couple of subway rides to the appropriate stores, and I would be back in business within hours instead of days.  93,103,66,0,B

robot

new test coming up...

 

3D printed a property corner marker to cast in aluminum bronze.  66,75,47, .06",C

plaque for a friend

Broke out the 3D printer to make a master to try to cast in bronze.  

86,89,64,0,B

a little 3d printing job...

time marches on...

Today's project - 3D printing a gear so I can add a second hand to the wooden clock kit I assembled last year.  88,99,54,0,B

horology saturday...

58,65,44,0,B

a new clock

This one is a lot more involved.  5 parts of 30 printed so far.  70.81,53,0,B

more clockwork

Ran a test overnight with the Chupa Clock. Over the course of 8 hours, it was only 2 minutes fast. Funny thing is - it woke me up at 5:07 AM when it stopped ticking as the counter weight reached the floor. I suddenly came up with the brilliant idea to add a settable alarm feature to the clock using a sound module with a recording of Chupa crowing (parts ordered). I miss hearing him crow in the morning.  Since I was up early, I printed a new part to make rewinding easier and few other cosmetic enhancements.  Video when it's completed.  78,88,48.0.B

The Chupa Motto...

A little customizing for the clock...

70,79,44,0,B

there is always time...

Someone contacted me this morning who wanted to buy 4 coins ASAP even though I have sort of closed down the mint for now.  Decided I could squeeze some pours in today.  The 3D printer just paid for itself...  54,67,30,0,B

a pass and a fail

59,66,37, .01",B

a perfect cast...

51,56,43, .10",B

first cast...

First test cast from a 3D printed master - came out to be 36 grams of fine silver.  A little rough...but I think it's going to work.  I kinda rushed packing it in the casting sand (I mistakenly used Petrobond instead of Delft clay) just so I could get a pour done today and see what I need to refine.  To be honest, I really didn't think it would come out this good so I am pretty pleased with the results.  It has taken quite a bit of work just to get a master that I could successfully remove after packing it into the casting sand.  57,64,38,0,B

another revision...

56,66,41,0,B

more testing...

The number of configuration settings available for 3D printing is mind boggling.  Finding the right combination is a real challenge.  60,73,39,0,B

the first test...

Did the obligatory first test print today from the pre loaded file on the SD card that came with the new 3D printer.  Figured it would be a good idea to really put the printer through its paces for this first run.  Fortunately, everything worked fine and the print came out quite nice.  The vertical structures are support for overhangs and peel off easily.  It took 5 hours and 31 minutes to print out this silly object but at least I know there aren't any major issues with the printer or how I assembled it.  Good thing I bought a full spool of filament because the little sample they included with the printer isn't nearly enough to print this.  62,70,27,0,C  

you get what you pay for...

Giving up on the 3D printer model I ordered.  Too many issues and not enough support. Too many work arounds to get this thing to work properly - I spent all day fighting with it.  I am going to return it for refund on Monday.  Researching slightly more expensive models that have better plug and play options and less bullshit.  These would be much more accessible to the masses if they were more user friendly.  For now - they are just for mad hackers.  34,40,33,0,B

first test...

It actually works!  Did my first test on the 3D printer using the default settings to give me a baseline. I have some tweaking to do, but pleased with the results. It is mesmerizing to watch it work. This little print took 44 minutes.  51,62,44,0,B