Example Screws and Bits

Last time we did Tech Tear Apart at HeatSync Labs I had Kyle help me make this 3d printed example of different plus shaped screws and bits. While the models we found were not exact it does help people understand that there are differences between Phillips, JIS, and Pozidriv.

The scale of this model is confusing it's a lot bigger than you'd think. Probably about 8-10 inches wide I think. We scaled everything by 4 times.

R&D on some workshops

I've designed a laser cut version of the cardboard electronic pinball program I've done in the past. I've got more testing to do on the process. Previously the class was multiple days and still felt rushed to get it all done. With an easier build process I can get to the electronics and programming sooner.

Often I have people at HeatSync Labs helping me to test and prototype things. I've decided I should make the invitation to help with that more broadly shared. Look for events where I invite from just a few people to a small group to trial ideas. Sign up if you are interested. Share if you know others who would like it.

Cardboard Pinball Prototyping ($30).

2 Wednesdays 08/07 and 08/14 from 6pm - 8pm. (register here)

LEGO Boats Prototyping on Saturday 08/10. From 3pm - 5pm
(register here)

Felt feet project for HeatSync Labs

I've been working putting felt feet on the tables and chairs at HeatSync Labs. This is something to help reduce scratching on the floors. We had a lot of hard working volunteers install the floor and since then clean, buff, and treat the floors.

It's a small thing to show appreciation to the volunteers who installed it and clean the floor. As a bonus I was able to practice my Blender 3d design skills.

The first try didn't work because the stickiness of the felt pads (even the name brand ones) did not hold. Bob suggested a recessed spot for the felt which worked like a charm.

For the tables I opted to laser cut 3 pieces of wood and glue them together for a similar result. More work, but it was done in a single evening.

Yay for quieter chairs and tables that can more easily be moved without damaging the floor!

Fun and Games Day - Saturday 03-09

Yesterday I had a pretty productive day preparing some things for Fun and Games Day which will be at HeatSync Labs on Saturday March 9th from 11am -5pm.

The hexagonal game is called Iso-Path. The tile game is called leaves. Also a simple balance game, and spinner upgraded with LED's.

Halloween Earring experiments

My sister's been asking me to make various earrings for Halloween season. The initial earrings turned out great but we don't have a lot of colored acrylic.

Several attempts that designing this cat failed. Designing a mouse skeleton turned out to be challenging. Not enough space for the detail I needed and also it just made the cat look pregnant.

Switching to a computer mouse was the perfect choice.

Mylar kaleidoscope attempt

I had an idea to repurpose some mylar for making a kaleidoscope. The results are less than I hoped for. I may tinker a bit more with this another time.

Tiny robots

Just having a little fun making these tiny robots that I designed using my robot stencil. They are just under 1.5 inches tall. 

The original stencil has over 100,000 combinations of robots you can make. This would be 20 of them. Good thing I'm not trying to make them all.