B.Light Design

I recently had a chance to work with a water jet cutter and carbon fiber, both for the first time. The water jet is at the NYU MakerSpace. Thanks for the help Sean.

I’ve been messing around with examples of simple CAD that can get you up and running on a CNC quickly. This is just a series of cones that have been pasted in a circular pattern, copied, flipped, and then all joined together.

I really liked the form, and it worked well with the 4 axis mill.

I had an old Shapeoko 2 in my shop that I never really finished assembling. I had the idea to create configurable stoppers so I could perform straightforward cuts, think Etch-a-Sketch with a router.

I removed all of the motors, belts, and electronics. Bought some knobs, a shaft coupler, and milled a few custom delrin parts. And then took it for a test drive.

I was very pleased with the results. The cuts is a bit choppy because I didn’t lock the 2×4 down too well, but for a first cut, not bad. I think I might use this for planing oddly shaped lumber, making rectangular voids in material, and creating simple slots.

Been experimenting with my vacuum former again. I’ve been making more hearts for robots, but this time I’m using plastic plates as my material source. Not only is it very affordable, but also food safe. I could use these for chocolate molds.

Just got all of these tools in the mail the other day. Can’t wait to use them all.

I got myself an affordable little vacuum former a while back, and I’m finally getting around to playing with it.

I made some CNCd forms out of delrin and oak and experimented with formable materials.

But my favorite tip is using a Dremel cutting wheel in a drill press to trim off the excess material.

Kate Hartman and I were experimenting with CNC milling leather. We used an Othermill on different types of leather with varying results. I think we finally got something usable at the end. More to come.

These tests were inspired by a fantastic project from Adidas.

Just got a little vacuum former, typically used by dentists and orthodontists. It kind of looks like an espresso maker, but it does a really nice job. Love new tools.

I’ve been putting this little guy through its paces. Figured I’d go right to aluminum. So far so good.

Some quick tool handles made from scrap oak. One for a lathe ram rod and the other for an auger. Should come in handy.