n_maher

Actually had a reminder in my fricken calendar and still boned starting this on time. Will plan a trip to the liquor store tomorrow.

Good luck!

This. Stay safe.

I'll certainly share them. I can't quite tell if I've got a persistent z-axis issue or not. It seems to do some weird things every once in a while where it plunges to a different depth than it finishes but I haven't really taken the proper time to troubleshoot it. It's essentially doing what I ask if it right now but there's no freakin' way that it could do metal as-configured. The z-axis is not rigid enough and can't develop enough down pressure to hold position. I think the first upgrade I'm likely to make is the HDZ option. Today's handiwork, which Andrew requested so that we could have a gravestone outside for Thursday. It's pretty fun to be able to whip something up like this and have it cut out in less than an hour.

Yes, there were definitely reasons. 1. The Shapeoko is, in many ways, an evolutionary step forward from the X-carve. They started as the same company and split somewhere after their initial few designs. Its chassis is supposed to be more rigid and with add ons like the HDZ it can be even more capable. 2. I don't like that the X-carve software requires a network connection. That said, I think their software might be slightly more capable than Carbide's but you can use the X-carve software to generate g-code that the Shapeoko can read so if push comes to shove I'll do that. It's mostly related to inlay work, which I'd like to try at some point but I'm not there yet. 3. I was lucky enough to find a new in box Shapeoko XXL for sale locally for about 40% off, basically the cost of the smallest one. It was too good a deal to pass up. The main board toasted itself within the first few weeks and while Carbide wouldn't warranty it, they did sell me one at cost which was nice of them. I don't think there's a bad choice as both are really capable when used within their limits. Both can be significantly upgraded and appear to have similar community and commercial support. If I continue to have as much fun as I am I can see myself building my own machine at some point. I don't need the entire size of the XXL and think a ball screw or linear bearing based machine with way more rigidity would be sweet with a cutting area of maybe 20" x 20" or so. Trying not to give that much thought at this point...

It was just a cheap strip brush I found on Amazon. It's 3' long and I figure I might need 12" so I can just send you the rest when I'm done if you want to try it. I'm going to try to get it all put together this weekend. I'd hope to get the laser at least partially hooked up and aligned today but actual work was working against me. Goddamnit I hate it when it does that.

Gained access to a decent 3D printer and may be going down a rabbit hole. First project, parts for the Shapeoko to help manage dust. I've already printed the lower section as well and have the brush section arriving from Amazon tomorrow.

Happy Birthday!

This.

Yeah it is. I think I had the machine running for 6 hours or so today. Thank god I don't have the rigidity to really consider cutting metal. Yet.

Decided to have a little fun this weekend, work on the sign project, and cheer up a coworker who was having a rough time last week. Zero Fox coaster Trash Can trail sign I guess the next logical thing to do is work on a d-_-b coaster, right?

Happy Birthday!

Happy Birthday!!

Happy Birthday!

Happy belated birthday!

It's possible for 13 months to span three years, if you get creative. Sweet watch!

Homemade pork chili verde. God I love this stuff.

Thanks Kerry, it took way too long but I got there eventually. Should be fun to tinker with now and see what sort of fun/trouble I can get into. Somehow I have to avoid the immediate temptation to upgrade it.

Not today but over the course of the last week, finally got to use the Shapeoko to actually make something. A coworker from the central office is retiring after 46 years of Government service. I decided to make her a custom plaque. First prototype It's basically a relief of the island that the Shipyard is on. Prototype #2 Figured out that I was having some issues zeroing the Z axis, which were entirely user error. ?‍♂️ Final version: I got the shipyard to engrave the small brass tag, I haven't gotten to the point where I can do that yet. Next up, some signs for the local MTB trail network.

Presumably the Emperor is still wearing clothes?

^^^ Nice, glad to know that he got humpty dumpty all back together again. I recently got the change to drive a P90D or something like that, can't remember the exact model but it was a Model S, dual motor, long range. Even on a short drive it was easy to appreciate. Made me really want to try a Model 3. And I doubly agree on the regen braking front. It was almost immediately intuitive.

Happy Birthday!

Happy Birthday! ?

#nobrettsallowed

Happy Birthday, Jim!