Continuing to progress on the CEIA Magnetometer Storage Dollies
The slow part to the whole process is the cutting of the yokes…
Only 5 more stacking pallets to construct…
While waiting for the Shapeoko to finish its cutting job, I worked on the Loading Dock Video Patch Panel, cutting out the inner mounting plate on the Muse Laser Cutter and Engraver.
The finished product looks promising.
Last visit, I finished the installation of dust collection system on the X-Carve CNC Router.
During my reconfiguration of the X-Carve in Easel, to accept the dust shoe, I found myself stuck on setting up the Z-Axis Probe. Easel takes you through the setup process step-by-step, not allowing you to continue on until you complete the current task. The first step was to plug in the Z-Axis Probe, which I did and immediately instructed me to attach the clamp to the spindle collet. This is where I got confused, because the next grayed out instruction was touch the touch plate to the collet. However, when I touched the collet with the touch plate, nothing happened. I rebooted the computer, I reinstalled the X-Controller firmware and Easel driver software, I checked the continuity of the circuit, and I still could not move forward. Then I finally realized that the “attach the clamp to the collet” was a button that had to be pressed after clamping the collet. Idiot.
The Shapeoko was put to work cutting out foam mount backers for Amphitheater Concession TV mounts. The mounts are being hung on a split-faced block wall, which is rough and uneven. The foam backer is to “even” out the mounting surface.
The Stacker 3D Printer was working on printing out some more spray can rack mounts, to get MakerCave better organized.
I worked on setting up operating systems on SD cards for two new Raspberry Pi Security Camera.
I flipped on the Muse Laser Cutter nd Engraver for a pushed software update. It hasn’t come through yet.
Tomorrow is McKenzie’s birthday, and we are holding a Star Wars: The Last Jedi movie party. Using the Muse Laser Engraver and Cutter, I made some birthday swag.
Of course, all the machines had to be in use. The Shapeoko cut two more set of CEIA Magnetometer Storage Dolly Yokes while I worked on the birthday swag project.
The Stacker 3D Printer was put to the task of printing up some spray can holders as I work at organizing the shop.
Jill asked for some stickers for the bags of the girls McKenzie invited over for a sleepover tomorrow night, so I obliged. For awhile, I was struggling to get my cutting software (Easy Cut Studio) to connect to my GCC Expert 24LX Vinyl Cutter. Then I discovered that it helps to reference the correct machine in the settings – GCC Expert 24LX, not GCC Expert II 24LX.
I also worked on setting up an old Raspberry Pi Model B to run xcarve-server, and my iMac to run xcarve-proxy. It allows me to communicate to the X-Carve wirelessly through the Raspberry Pi rather than a computer wired directly to the X-Controller. Courtesy of Adafruit.
It has been a while since I have been able to putter in the shop.
I worked on aligning the mirrors in the K40 Laser Engraver and Cutter. I found an alignment tool on Thingiverse and 3D-printed it out awhile back.
I also ordered some 2mm balsa wood for targets, which I cut out on the Muse.
After aligning the mirrors, I performed a test engraving of Spider-Kid. The Harbor Freight dust collection blower I am using vibrates the K40, which moves the work piece. I had to hot-glue it to the bed. I will need to rethink exhaust venting.
In order to improve prints on the Stacker 3D Printer, I made an enclosure from PVC pipe and moving blankets.
