More crazy updates!

Okay, so, first things first, I have to say, I can never finish a proper mechanical drawing. I have a love hate relationship with them. I love mechanical drawing and surveying (God only knows why) in an archaeological setting. Not so much with the engineering. Why, you ask? I can't draw mechanical parts to save my life. Fashion drawing? Fine. Biological drawings? Pretty passable if given enough time. Anything math or engineering related and I will make your pre-schooler look like Picasso. Ask any of my grad professors who have had to deal with my intensely poor perspective drawings and freehand graphing. It's pretty frightening. My solution? 2D Mechanical drawing software! I'm still trying to get a grip on it and it's features but it has to be better than my poor attempt at sketching out the axis rods for the printer. Hell, I can't even figure out what I meant to draw last night by the picture alone. Thank God for my scribbled notes that weren't smeared with spilled cabernet. I'll be posting the first draft of the framework tonight and possibly the draft of the rod. Why is it taking so long? I can't decide if I should leave the rods unadorned, a la Rostock, ou give them some kind of subtle embellishment.

Also, I haven't been able to start printing because of an issue with my motors. I'll be giving it another shot tonight and if I still am not getting any results, I'll be returning my motors and it'll be another week or so before I can start printing. Disheartening, I know. Either way, at least I'm getting work on this project done.

For anyone that read my previous posts, the sweet little homeless stranger that was brought into my home is still here. She went to the vet on Saturday and everything checked out just fine except that she was still lactating from a litter of kittens she had had fairly recently. She's cranky but a sweet little darling that has been sitting with me while I work on drawings today. However, she seems to think that the cables on the Mendel are for chewing and pouncing. Oh well.

Here's the new software I've been using:
Solid Edge 2D Drafting

Day 17: Software Issues, Educational packets and Cat Toys

After attempting to install the RepRap Host software with no success, I've gone with ReplicatorG. As not everything is wired and connected yet, I haven't been able to test the printing capabilities of this programme. No biggie, just another delay. Cue the throwing of high heels around my work space. Joy. I've been fiddling around with the software and I've pretty much decided that this will be the software I will include with the kits. Of course, you don't have to use it but until I come across something I like more, I'll be using ReplicatorG.

I've begun outlining what will be included in the educational packs that come with the classroom kits. Besides the obvious assembly manual, I will also include a list of recent articles about 3D printing and what it's being used for (Legally I cannot distribute the actual articles without permission from the author(s). If I manage to get their permission, I will include the acutal article and not just a link.), worksheets on electrical componenets and how they are being used in the machine, ideas on how the printer can be used to supplement traditional learning, and some other items. I will also be giving you the option of having the materials on a thumbdrive or in print. The default, for environmental reasons, will be a digital copy.

On a completely, although still slightly related note, my cats, Jack and Peanut, have decided that the print bed is a delightful place to lay their heads and that timing belts make excellent chew toys.