X-axis carriage

                  An extra LM8uu Linear bearing significantly reduces x-axis wobble

Printrbot

                                         My self sourced Printrbot, nearing completion!

Y-Axis Completed

RepRap Freenode

Freenode has been an indispensable tool for me during  the build process. The people here can help you out with almost any problem. Check it out, and say hi!

Extruder Test Run

Hot End/Extruder Completed.

I finished the assembly of my extruder and hot end today. I decided to go with Wade's Geared Extruder and a J-Head hot end.  

Right View

 Left View

 Top View

 Front View

Back View

ScanStrap:Drawing Board

With a little inspiration from the scanner I am using to bootstrap my Rap, I think I will add a mount to hold a Xbox Kinect. This would be accompanied with 3D scanning ability, of course, and maybe some A.R. action as well. ;) This will all come after the initial build if finished, however. 

 I will post a fresh video of my progress as soon as my lm8uu linear bearings come in, which is the only thing holding my build progress back. 

Hot End is In!!

Just received my J-Head hot end from makerfarm.com

Repstrap Mockup: ScanStrap?

RepRap Electronics Are In!

A lot of progress was made today! I got the majority of my wiring and soldering done today, testing the R.A.M.P.S. boards and  NEMA 17 motors, everything seems to be running smoothly, no kinks yet. 

I'm thinking about using some old scanners I found for the structure and y-axis build path. Their design is relevant to 3D printing...I just need to add two extra dimensions ....w'ell see how that goes.

I'm Still Here!

Hello All-

      I am back from an extended vacancy from this site due to travel,work,...etc. I have not been idle, however, I have spent the last month sourcing parts for my very own 3D printer!!! This is an exciting summer project, and I will cover it all as it unfolds on this site! I am building a variant of a RepRap machine, a 3D printer that can build almost 60% percent of it's own parts. I am technically building a RepStrap first, then printing the RepRap parts, and building the actual machine.Getting late, I'll start bright and early tomorrow, and finish with video or post with my progress in the evening. See ya tomorrow!

FreeCAD:Part 2

Importing Files Into FreeCAD

Today I will explain how to import a file from almost any CAD program into FreeCAD.

I will start with a simple cube I created in Autodesk Inventor.

Then choose the "Save Copy As" function under the file menu

Save the file as a .stl file

(This file type can be used for 3D printing and a variety of other applications, which I will describe in later posts.)








Finally, open a new file in FreeCAD, and select "Import" from the File menu, and select the .stl file you just saved.

Voila :) Check back later this week for further applications of the topics we've discussed!

FreeCAD

Today I will start a basic tutorial on FreeCAD, the most comprehensive free open source CAD program on the market.  

                       It is similar to most CAD programs; all you need to start is in the tool menu.                        
 
The BLUE circle is where most projects start. Select a set of tools from the drop down menu. You should see a different sets of tools appear in the BLACK circle. The squares in the RED circle represent different views; the one without any shading it the standard isometric view. 

  The drop down menu should look like this.

Select the DRAFT tool to begin drawing. 


**I've noticed that starting from the "part" tool allows for faster, but less custom design.**

Once you have a closed shape, go to the isometric or "axometric" view

After use of the "Part" and "Part Design" tool sets, I managed to make a simple structure like this. 

Intro to Ubuntu

       Since this series is centered around open source software, I believe that it is only appropriate to start with one the the most popular distros of Linux: Ubuntu. The average college student will pay at least $400.00 USD in software his freshman year. This includes general software such as Microsoft Office, and specialized software such as Adobe Photoshop,MATLAB, Solidworks,...etc. This is where the open source community can come to aid; much of this software has an open source equivalent!
       Outside of the open source community, Ubuntu is the most well known distribution of Linux. As far as operating systems go, Ubuntu requires the least technical knowledge about computing to run and use it. Perhaps that is why is so popular. It is a good "foot in the door" to open source software and its community. Ubuntu is a beautiful equilibrium between the power of linux, and an aesthetic and ease-of-use comparable to Apple and Microsoft.

                                           Ubuntu's sleek appearance is comparable to Mac O.S.X.

 How do I set it up?
    The best way to try Ubuntu is to create a .iso image on a jump drive, so you can boot to Ubuntu without changing your current system setup.  

You can find everything you need to make your jump drive a boot drive:
http://www.ubuntu.com/download/ubuntu/download

     When your jump drive is ready, restart your computer, insert your jump drive, and press F8 as the system boots (It may be a different key, depending on the brand and age of your computer).
You should see a menu offering the option to boot from your jump drive. If you don't see anything, shut down your computer, reinsert your jump drive, and try again.

After a brief loading period, the Ubuntu home screen should appear.

Okay, now what?
    You will notice a tool bar on your left. Ubuntu comes pre-loaded with the Libre Office suit (I'll discuss this in more detail in a later post), Mozilla Firefox, and basic drivers. Ubuntu offers complete customization through  their online community. If you like it enough, you can install it on your computer by clicking the "Install Ubuntu" and completing the instructions that follow.

Coming Up:
-Advanced features and customization in Ubuntu
-Libre Office walk through
-Optimization in Ubuntu

Welcome!

      If you have a love for physics,engineering,computing, or anything of the like, you are in the right place! This is my second blog. Due to built in restrictions on the college email I was using on my account, I was unable to access key features to further the site. So here I am now, and here I will stay! This week I will begin a series on Open Source software, including several distros of Linux, CAD programs, and Media Editing Software.

                                                                                 Happy Hacking,

                                                                                        Tucker