The World of CADmin.

Hey everyone! Definitely time for an update, so here's some snaps of what I've been working on. Unfortunately I've mostly been stuck on the computer, researching and planning for the next couple of projects that are coming up. I know I said I was thinking about sous viding a steak, but in the end it felt like kind of a lazy video idea, so I've changed course and instead I've taken on what are probably two of the most challenging tasks I've ever attempted. 

From my limited experience on YouTube so far, it does seem like those are the videos that tend to do well.

The first image is my take on that "tripteron" robot I mentioned in the latest state of the workshop, and I think I've found some small improvements for the design. By mounting the two secondary linear rails in "series" with the primary, the tool head should maintain a full range of motion wherever it is in the "Y" axis. I picked up a cheap dividing head, and a cheaper rotary table, so I'm looking forward to doing some semi-manual 5 axis work on the components for this build. It should also be pretty 3D printable, so I'll definitely be releasing the CAD files when it's ready.

The second image will hopefully lead to some not-so-manual 5 axis machining, being a (hopefully) super low backlash cycloidal drive. It's been a great challenge figuring out how to even draw one of these fuckers (cycloids, epicycloids, epitrochoids, etc. etc.), let alone getting everything to fit into a usable form factor made of stock I can actually get my hands on. That's a NEMA 23 stepper motor for scale, and I'm going to use 8MM dowel pins as the outer rollers.

Both these projects would benefit greatly from having a lathe, and I've finally settled on the opti-turn tu 3008g. But I've got to get it into the shop, so I've spent a bit of time this weekend knocking up an improvised engine crane. There's a chance I'll be making cylinders as early as next weekend.

So there's a lot happening, but there's a lot yet to do, and waiting for parts to arrive is only the start. I want to mention as well, that the next video is still a while away, so if anybody feels like pausing for a month, there's no hard feelings at all. Thanks again for being here!