After being inspired by this thread
http://www.largescalecentral.com/forums/topic/20952/maker-bot-at-the-local-library/view/page/1
I have begun the process of looking at using the local libraries equiptment to make some models.
My local library has available
Tools available to use in the Lab
3D Printing & Scanning:
- 1 Makerbot Thing-o-Matic 3D printer
- 1 Makerbot Replicator 2X 3D printer
- 4 Makerbot Replicator2 3D printers
- Makerbot Digitizer (3D scanner)
Laser Cutting, Vinyl Cutting & Paper Cutting:
- New Hobby Laser 5th Generation laser cutter
- Graphtec RoboPro Craft vinyl cutter
- Cricut machine and cartridges
Electronics:
- Soldering irons, wire cutters, strippers, vises, solder suckers, multimeters, etc.
- Arduino boards
the library provides training for free, you do have to pay for materials
- 3D Printer Plastic: 5 cents per gram (they weigh the piece after you print it)
- Adhesive vinyl: $0.75 for an 8.5"x11" piece; $1.50 for a 12"x24" piece
- Cardstock: $0.25 for a 6"x12" or 8.5"x11"sheet, or $0.50 for a 12"x12" sheet.
I was told we can bring in our own materials for the laser cutter, which will cut/engrave up to 1/4" thick plywood
Today after lunch I will be using the libraries 3d scanner to see what kind of detail I can get from various parts that I’m having problems scratch building. The Librarian has informed me that the scans will more then likely need a lot of touch up details
So later today I will be posting pictures of the lab and more importantly the equiptment.
Next Wednesday I have an appointment with my 13yr old son to learn how to use the 3d printers (he’s interested in making lego compatable pieces) the training takes about 45 minutes. From there you can begin using the equiptment right away
Makerbot has a website called thingiverse that shares projects that you can download and then print
You can go through existing drawings, add them to “Your Colection” and it saves each project to you profile page to use at a later date
One of the first projects I think I will print is this one
each piece is a seperate download
i’ll be using this bogie for a mine area that I plan on building this spring
