Port City Makerspace - User contributions [en]

Old Laser Cutter

2019-05-28T22:24:34Z

Tfhakala: /* External Resources */

=30 Watt Full Spectrum Laser Cutter=

'''Original Manual: [http://www.fullspectrumengineering.com/files/FSL_40w_Hobby_Laser_Manual.pdf Link to Full Spectrum's official manual]'''

[https://docs.google.com/document/d/172fcF2QL-Nx5IyDXTHjwlRbI9YxtvXjlyGEJYQJKui8/edit?usp=sharing Laser Cutter Class syllabus and guide]

'''Machine Info'''
*Frame: Full Spectrum K40
*Cutting dimensions: 320mm by 241mm (12.5" by 9.5")
*Max stock height allowance: 34mm (1.34")
*Laser focal distance (from lens bracket): 70.35mm (2.77")
*Controller: RAMPS v1.4 (running a "laser" version of Marlin firmware)
*Laser: 40W CO2 700mm
*Water pump with distilled water
*Air compressor
*Exhaust: Fume hood attached via 6" hose
*''Set up by Paul StPierre''
*''Donated by Jim Bowes''

=How to use=
'''Before using the laser cutter, you must first get training through an intro class or get signed off on it by the manager'''

The following is a handy reference for the steps to go from a design to the GCode that will run on the laser cutter.

==Running the Laser Cutter (LightBurn)==
https://www.portcitymakerspace.com/wiki/index.php?title=Laser_Cutter

Updated: 5/18/2019 by Alex N

'''Videos:'''
*[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1UygQiNqSQA Lesson #1 : First Time User]
*[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uzFsrUwONbw Lesson 2: User Interface]
*[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nybhYtjElQU Lesson 3: Cut Settings]
*[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=51cXqmNHgeI Lesson 4: Boolean Operations]

'''[https://github.com/LightBurnSoftware/Documentation/blob/master/README.md Official LightBurn documentation]'''

'''Highlights from the documentation:'''
#[https://github.com/LightBurnSoftware/Documentation/blob/master/Toolbars.md Toolbars]
#[https://github.com/LightBurnSoftware/Documentation/blob/master/HotKeys.md General Usage Hotkeys]
#[https://github.com/LightBurnSoftware/Documentation/blob/master/CreatingNewVectors.md Creating Vectors]
#[https://github.com/LightBurnSoftware/Documentation/blob/master/EngravingImages.md Engraving Images]
#[https://github.com/LightBurnSoftware/Documentation/blob/master/ImportingExternalVectors.md Importing External Vectors]

'''Instructions:'''
#'''Turn on the power strip.''' Located next to the computer tower. Ensure all components are on: Fume Hood, Air Compressor, Water Pump.
#'''Use the key in the lockswitch.''' Fluorescent light inside laser should turn on.
#'''Open the LightBurn program''' (dragon icon).
#'''Load drawing file or create drawing in the program.''' Ensure it is aligned as you need it. Common practice is to align drawings to the bottom left corner.
#'''Go to the "Console" tab and hit the "HomeXY" button.''' Do not hit the regular home button as it will lock up the program.
#'''Place your material on the bed.''' Make sure it is well-aligned and parallel to the sides of the machine. Use a spacer tool to align to bottom left corner of cutting region if desired.
#'''Use the Laser Focus Ruler to set the height of the bed.''' Raise/lower the bed using the adjustment wheel underneath.
#'''Set your burn settings in the "Cuts" tab.''' Use some of the existing test burns for reference or make your own if your material is unique.
#'''Click "Start" and watch it go!''' Don't stare at the light.
#*'''Never leave the laser unattended as it can catch fire!'''
#*'''If there is a problem, hit the big red emergency stop button.''' Located on the top of the laser cutter. Please note that this cuts the power, but does not tell the software to stop the laser. To turn it off in the software, you can hit one of the "Test Fire" buttons in the "Console" tab.
#*'''In the event of a fire''', use the white dry-type fire extinguisher by the Classroom doorway.
#*'''NEVER open the lid while the laser is on!'''
#'''When done using the machine:'''
##'''Hit the HomeXY button.'''
##'''Turn the keyswitch off and put key back.'''
##'''Turn off the power strip.'''
##'''Clean underneath the aluminum honeycomb.''' Lift the aluminum honeycomb out and clean up any small pieces and residue left behind. (Plywood tends to leave a lot of residue underneath that can be cleaned with isopropyl alcohol).

==Making a GCode file - VCarve Pro (old instructions)==
On the computer for the laser cutter, there is a version of VCarve Pro that is set up to work well. Please avoid changing anything if not necessary. Since this is the same program used for the CNC routers, please do not use the program on this one for the CNC Routers as they have different settings like clearance height, feedrate, etc etc.

#Open VCarve Pro on the Laser Cutter Computer
#Draw/Load your design into the program
#'''Go to "Edit", "Job Size and Position", and make sure the "XY Datum" is set to the bottom left corner'''
#Open the Toolpaths tab on the right side of the screen. Hit the pin icon in the top right corner.
#Select one or more of your drawing objects, then click on the "Profile" toolpath button
#Under the "Tool" section, click the "Select" button, and find one of the tools named "LASER". There are multiple, each set up with a different power % for convenience.
##If you need a specific power %, please create a new tool or modify one that has "TEMP" in the name.
##Enter in your desired power % in the "Spindle Speed" textbox.
##Enter in the speed in the "Feedrate" textbox.
#Ensure that it is only going to do 1 pass. If it is not, you can click the "Edit Passes" button and make it one pass.
#In the "Machine Vectors" section, select "On" so that the laser will follow right on the line of your drawing.
#Scroll to the bottom in the Toolpaths tab and hit "Calculate"
#If the preview looks good, hit "Close" on the bottom right and click on the "Save Toolpath" button (which looks like a floppy disk)
#Save the toolpath using the Post Processor named "J TECH GRBL (MM) (*.gcode)"

==Making a GCode file - Inkscape==
'''Instructions on JTech Photonics' website''' - [https://jtechphotonics.com/?page_id=2012 link here]

Important notes:
*The scale of the drawing is based on the measurement in pixels (px). Basically treat px like it is mm. Don't change the drawing units to mm or inches or you will have issues with scaling.
*The two arrow objects with (0,0,0,) and 0,100,0) also determine your scale and "origin" or "home." Moving the arrows will move your origin. Changing the distance between them will change your scale/size when you make the gcode.
*The units are in mm/min, which is different from how they are measured in VCarve (mm/s). Remember to make your cut speed in the right units! Multiply by 60 to turn mm/s into mm/min.

==Running the Laser Cutter (Pronterface) (old instructions)==
#Turn on the power strip with all the components for the laser cutter and computer
#Ensure all external components are on: Fume Hood, Air Compressor, Water Pump
##You may need to turn on the fume hood manually
#Get the key and insert into lockswitch, turn on (fluorescent light inside laser should turn on)
#Open the Pronterface program
#Click Connect (usually connected to COM4)
#Click Load File, and find your file.
#Look at the preview and verify that is the correct file
#Place your material in the bed of the laser cutter, making sure it is well-aligned and parallel to the sides of the machine
#Use the interface in Pronterface to move the laser cutter to the bottom left corner of your material. You can use the "Test Fire" button to burn a dot to see where the laser is over your material.
#Click the "Set Origin" button at the bottom of the screen in Pronterface
#Click "Print" and watch it go. Keep an eye on it in case anything goes wrong. If there is a problem, hit the big red emergency stop button on the top of the laser cutter. After you do this, you have to click the "Laser Off" button in pronterface, and close pronterface. Only after that can you twist and release the emergency stop button.

=Cleaning the laser=

==Vacuum the inside==
The bed of the machine should be vacuum out regularly after cutting to clean up any small pieces that fall into the honeycomb.

==Cleaning the lens and mirrors==
'''Ask someone to show you how to clean these before attempting yourself!'''

A dirty lens can cause burnt gunk to build up and potentially crack the lens.
Here is a video from the ATX Hackerspace on cleaning their lens - [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YiN3J2WShQY How to Clean Laser Optics]

=Laser Cutter Materials (from ATX Hackerspace)=
[http://atxhackerspace.org/wiki/Laser_Cutter_Materials Original page]
There are a wide range of materials that our Laser Cutter can cut, etch or mark - but some simply don't work (eg metals) and some are extremely hazardous to either humans or the machine itself (eg PVC and Vinyl). It is therefore imperative that you check these lists before attempting to cut materials that you have not worked with before.

It is not always obvious which materials will work - for example: Polycarbonate/Lexan produces flames and lethal chlorine gas which will rapidly corrode this normally $10,000 machine into uselessness '''and''' which is extremely hazardous to the health of people nearby. Yet Acrylic - which looks, smells, feels and tastes just like Lexan - cuts smoothly and cleanly and is one of the best materials to use with the laser! So check and double-check what you're cutting.

== Where to Find Materials ==

[https://www.inventables.com/categories/materials/acrylic Inventables] has acrylic sheet in many colors.

== NEVER CUT THESE MATERIALS ==

'''WARNING''': Because many plastics are dangerous to cut, it is important to know what kind you are planning to use. Make has a How-To for identifying unknown plastics with [http://blog.makezine.com/archive/2011/09/identifying-unknown-plastics.html?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+makezineonline+%28MAKE%29&utm_content=Google+Reader a simple process].

{| cellspacing="0" cellpadding="5" border="1" align="center"
|-
! Material
! DANGER!
! Cause/Consequence
|-
| PVC (Poly Vinyl Chloride)/vinyl/pleather/artificial leather
| Emits chlorine gas when cut!
| Don't ever cut this material as it will ruin the optics, cause the metal of the machine to corrode, and ruin the motion control system.
|-
| Thick ( >1mm ) Polycarbonate/Lexan
| Cuts very poorly, discolors, catches fire
| Polycarbonate is often found as flat, sheet material. The window of the laser cutter is made of Polycarbonate because ''polycarbonate strongly absorbs infrared radiation!'' This is the frequency of light the laser cutter uses to cut materials, so it is very ineffective at cutting polycarbonate. Polycarbonate is a poor choice for laser cutting.
|-
| ABS
| Melts / Cyanide
| ABS does not cut well in a laser cutter. It tends to melt rather than vaporize, and has a higher chance of catching on fire and leaving behind melted gooey deposits on the vector cutting grid. It also does not engrave well (again, tends to melt). Also, cutting ABS plastic emits hydrogen cyanide, which is unsafe at any concentration.
|-
| HDPE/milk bottle plastic
| Catches fire and melts
| It melts. It gets gooey. Don't use it.
|-
| PolyStyrene Foam
| Catches fire
| It catches fire, it melts, and only thin pieces cut. This is the #1 material that causes laser fires!!!
|-
| PolyPropylene Foam
| Catches fire
| Like PolyStyrene, it melts, catches fire, and the melted drops continue to burn and turn into rock-hard drips and pebbles.
|-
| Epoxy
| burn / smoke
| Epoxy is an aliphatic resin, strongly cross-linked carbon chains. A CO2 laser can't cut it, and the resulting burned mess creates toxic fumes ( like cyanide! ). Items coated in Epoxy, or cast Epoxy resins must not be used in the laser cutter. ( see Fiberglass )
|-
| Fiberglass
| Emits fumes
| It's a mix of two materials that cant' be cut. Glass (etch, no cut) and epoxy resin (fumes)
|-
| Coated Carbon Fiber
| Emits noxious fumes
| A mix of two materials. Thin carbon fiber mat can be cut, with some fraying - but not when coated.
|-
| Any foodstuff ( such as meat, seaweed 'nori' sheets, bread, tortillas... )
| The laser is not designed to cut food, and people cut things that create poisonous/noxious substances such as wood smoke and acrylic smoke.
| If you want to cut foodstuffs, consider sponsoring a food-only laser cutter for the space that is kept as clean as a commercial kitchen would require.
|}

== Safe Materials ==

The laser can cut or etch. The materials that the laser can cut materials like wood, paper, cork, and some kinds of plastics. Etching can be done on almost anything, wood, cardboard, aluminum, stainless steel, plastic, marble, stone, tile, and glass.

=== Cutting ===

{| cellspacing="0" cellpadding="5" border="1" align="center"
|-
! Material
! Max thickness
! Notes
! WARNINGS!
|-
| Many woods
| 1/4"
| Avoid oily/resinous woods
| Be very careful about cutting oily woods, or very resinous woods as they also may catch fire.
|-
| Plywood/Composite woods
| 1/4"
| These contain glue, and may not laser cut as well as solid wood.
|
|-
| MDF/Engineered woods
| 1/4"
| These are okay to use but may experience a higher amount of charring when cut.
|
|-
| Paper, card stock
| thin
| Cuts very well on the laser cutter, and also very quickly.
|
|-
| Cardboard, carton
| thicker
| Cuts well but may catch fire.
| Watch for fire.
|-
| Cork
| 1/4"
| Cuts nicely, but the quality of the cut depends on the thickness and quality of the cork. Engineered cork has a lot of glue in it, and may not cut as well.
| Avoid thicker cork.
|-
| Acrylic/Lucite/Plexiglas/PMMA
| 1/2"
| Cuts extremely well leaving a beautifully polished edge.
|
|-
| Thin Polycarbonate Sheeting (<1mm)
| <1mm
| Very thin polycarbonate can be cut, but tends to discolor badly. Extremely thin sheets (0.5mm and less) may cut with yellowed/discolored edges. Polycarbonate absorbs IR strongly, and is a poor material to use in the laser cutter.
| Watch for smoking/burning
|-
| Delrin (POM)
| thin
| Delrin comes in a number of shore strengths (hardness) and the harder Delrin tends to work better. Great for gears!
|
|-
| Kapton tape (Polyimide)
| 1/16"
| Works well, in thin sheets and strips like tape.
|
|-
| Mylar
| 1/16"
| Works well if it's thin. Thick mylar has a tendency to warp, bubble, and curl
| Gold coated mylar will not work.
|-
| Solid Styrene
| 1/16"
| Smokes a lot when cut, but can be cut.
| Keep it thin.
|-
| Depron foam
| 1/4"
| Used a lot for hobby, RC aircraft, architectural models, and toys. 1/4" cuts nicely, with a smooth edge.
| Must be constantly monitored.
|-
| Gator foam
|
| Foam core gets burned and eaten away compared to the top and bottom hard paper shell.
| Not a fantastic thing to cut, but it can be cut if watched.
|-
| Cloth/felt/hemp/cotton
|
| They all cut well. Our lasers can be used in lace-making.
| Not plastic coated or impregnated cloth!
|-
| Leather/Suede
| 1/8"
| Leather is very hard to cut, but can be if it's thinner than a belt (call it 1/8"). Our "Advanced" laser training class covers this.
| Real leather only! '''Not''' 'pleather' or other imitations!
|-
| Magnetic Sheet
|
| Cuts beautifully
|
|-
| NON-CHLORINE-containing rubber
|
| Fine for cutting.
| Beware chlorine-containing rubber!
|-
| Teflon (PTFE)
| thin
| Cuts OK in thin sheets. See https://www.ulsinc.com/materials/teflon ; the issues listed in https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Polymer_fume_fever. Our laser cutter has ventilation but does not seem to exhaust everything so be extremely careful.
|
|-
| Carbon fiber mats/weave<br>that has '''not''' had epoxy applied
|
| Can be cut, very slowly.
| You must not cut carbon fiber that has been coated!!
|-
| Coroplast ('corrugated plastic')
| 1/4"
| Difficult because of the vertical strips. Three passes at 80% power, 7% speed, and it will be slightly connected still at the bottom from the vertical strips.
|
|}

=== Etching ===

All the above "cuttable" materials can be etched, in some cases very deeply.

In addition, you can etch:

{| cellspacing="0" cellpadding="5" border="1"
|-
! Material
! Notes
! WARNINGS!
|-
| Glass
| Green seems to work best...looks sandblasted.
| Only FLAT GLASS can be engraved in our cutter. No round or cylindrical items.
|-
| Ceramic tile
|
|
|-
| Anodized aluminum
| Vaporizes the anodization away.
|
|-
| Painted/coated metals
| Vaporizes the paint away.
|
|-
| Stone, Marble, Granite, Soapstone, Onyx.
| Gets a white "textured" look when etched.
| 100% power, 50% speed or less works well for etching.
|}

=Notes on the Hardware and Firmware=
*[https://reprap.org/wiki/Marlin#Non-standard_M-Codes.2C_different_from_an_old_version_of_Sprinter: M Codes in Marlin]

=External Resources=
*[https://www.festi.info/boxes.py/ Boxes.py - TONS of Box Generators]
*[https://www.epiloglaser.com/how-it-works/laser-material-compatibility.htm List of Materials that can be laser cut]
*[http://www.wolfiesden.com/Laser/PuzzleCreator.asp Puzzle Creator by Wolfiesden]
*[https://geargenerator.com/#200,200,100,6,1,0,0,4,1,8,2,4,27,-90,0,0,16,4,4,27,-60,1,1,12,1,12,20,-60,2,0,60,5,12,20,0,0,0,2,-563 Gear Generator]
*[http://www.makercase.com/ Maker Case] (box generator)
*[https://makeabox.io/ MakeABox.io] (box generator)
*[http://jeromeleary.com/laser/ Box Generator - Jerome Leary]
*[https://obrary.com/collections/open-designs Open Designs - Obrary] - repository of open/free designs
*[https://polygonia.design/ Polygonia Design Suite] - Pattern generator
*[https://clementzheng.github.io/joinery/help/help.html Joinery] - a large variety of joinery options for generating parametric joints for laser cutting (or Cricut). Takes an SVG in, pops an SVG out. It is also possible to save profiles.

{{:MainMenu}}

Helpful Links

2019-04-04T00:03:04Z

Tfhakala: /* Wood Working */

=Wood Working=
==Utilities==
*[http://woodgears.ca/gear_cutting/template.html Gear template generator]
*[https://www.cutlistoptimizer.com/ Cut List Optimizer]

=Metal=
'''Places to buy metal'''

*[http://www.turnersteelcoinc.com/ Tuner Steel Co] - West Bridgewater, MA
*[https://www.millmetalsrecycling.com/ Mill Metals] - Manchester, NH
*[https://www.metalsupermarkets.com/ Metal Supermarkets] - Boston, MA (Mark Y goes there sometimes)
*[https://www.metalsdepot.com/ Metals Depot] - Online
*[https://www.onlinemetals.com/ Online Metals] - Online
*[https://www.speedymetals.com/ Speedy Metals]

'''Cutting and Machining services'''
*[https://alliantmetals.com/ Alliant Metals] - Hampstead, NH (Stainless mainly, cutting services)
*[http://necuttingdie.com/ North East Cutting Die] - Portsmouth, NH (machining and cutting services)

=Machining=
*[http://www.deansphotographica.com/machining/projects/springs/springs.html Making Springs on the Small Lathe]
*[http://opensourcemachinetools.org/ Open Source Machine Tools] - plans for making your own machine tools for low cost (concrete lathe, mill, etc)

=Blacksmithing=
'''Local resources:'''
*[http://www.sanbornmills.org/blacksmithing/ Sanborn Mills] in Loudon, NH.
*[http://www.newenglandblacksmiths.org/classes-workshops/ New England Blacksmiths] - Blacksmithing classes around the country
*[http://www.newenglandschoolofmetalwork.com/node/19 New England School of Metalwork] - classes on blacksmithing and bladesmithing
*[https://www.morrellmetalsmiths.com/blacksmithing-classes Morrell Metal Smiths] - classes

=Electronics=
==General==

*[http://www.pacificdisplay.com/technical.htm How LCD Screens work]
*[http://www.powerstream.com/BatteryFAQ.html Batteries]
*[http://www.electronicstheory.com/ Electronics Theory]
*[https://learn.sparkfun.com/tutorials Sparkfun tutorials]
*[http://benkrasnow.blogspot.com/ Ben Krasnow], tutorials on making electron microscope among other cool things
*[http://www.radio-electronics.com/ All about radio]
*[https://openwrt.org/ OpenWrt] - open source Linux distribution for embedded devices (like wifi routers)
*[http://www.usbmadesimple.co.uk/index.html USB Made Simple]
*[https://learn.adafruit.com Adafruit tutorials]
*[https://www.raspberrypi.org Raspberry Pi Foundation]
*[http://www.allaboutcircuits.com All About Circuits] - an extremely active electrical engineering online community that provides both interesting content and useful resources for Electrical Engineers]
*[https://Maker.Pro Maker Pro] - an active, open source platform for maker projects much like Hack A Day. These projects are centered around Arduino, Raspberry Pi, Intel Edison, home automation and more.
*[https://eepower.com EE Power] - a digital publication focused on the power electronics industry.
*[https://www.electronicspoint.com Electronics Point] provides both interesting content and useful resources for Electrical Engineers.

==Useful Tools==
*[http://www.falstad.com/circuit/ Simple circuit simulator]
*[http://www.csgnetwork.com/ne555timer2calc.html 555 Timer Calculator]
*[http://www.freepcb.com/ Free PCB Layout Program]

==PCBs==
*[https://jlcpcb.com/ JLC PCB]
*[https://oshpark.com/ OSH Park]
*[https://www.4pcb.com/pcb-order-options.html 4PCB]
*[https://www.expresspcb.com Express PCB]
*[https://dirtypcbs.com/store/pcbs DirtyPCBS]

==Web Stores==
*[https://www.sparkfun.com/ Sparkfun] - kits for soldering classes, solder spools, irons, tools
*[https://www.ifixit.com/ iFixIt] - tools for phone and device repair
*[https://www.spikenzielabs.com/Catalog/ Spikenzie Labs] - kits, parts, goodies
*[https://www.mouser.com/ Mouser] - huge electronics manufacturer, has every kind of chip, switch, component
*[https://www.allelectronics.com/ All Electronics] - theoretically everything, has decent prices and a lot of variety
*[http://www.goldmine-elec-products.com/ Electronic Goldmine] - bulk parts for cheap, usually discontinued. great for tinkering supplies
*[https://www.adafruit.com Adafruit] - kits, arduinos and arduino clones, Raspberry Pi, wearable electronics
*[https://shop.pimoroni.com Pimoroni] - British shop for Raspberry Pi
*[https://thepihut.com/ Pi Hut] - UK shop for Raspberry Pi and micro:bit

=CNC Routing and Milling=
==CAM Software==
*[https://www.vectric.com/products/vcarve.htm VCarve Pro]
**[http://support.vectric.com/vcp-questions FAQs]
**[http://forum.vectric.com/ Forums]
**[http://support.vectric.com/tutorials/V9/?software=3&category=1&order=1 Tutorials]
**[http://gadgets.vectric.com/V9/library.html Gadgets]
**[http://support.vectric.com/tips-and-tricks/select.php Tips and Tricks]
*[http://www.cambam.info/ CamBam]
*[https://www.inventables.com/technologies/easel Easel]
*[http://www.craftsmanspace.com/free-software/free-cam-software.html G-Simple]
*[http://www.heeks.net/ HeeksCAD and HeeksCNC]
*[http://www.grzsoftware.com/ MeshCAM]
*[http://rapid-pcb.com/ Rapid PCB to Gcode]
*[http://www.probotix.com/cnc_software/ List of other CNC software on Probotix.com]

==General==
*[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qm0kBXESY3o VCarve Pro Introduction]
*[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YBGqknN3gGs CNC Dummies for Routers - This Old Tony]
*[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J4bMAIEFCYU CNC Basics 2 - This Old Tony]
*[http://makezine.com/2014/12/04/50-digital-wood-joints-poster/ 50 Digital Wood Joints]
*[http://precisebits.com/tutorials/calibrating_feeds_n_speeds.htm Calibrating Feeds and Speeds]
*[http://cncutil.org/gcode-introduction.html GCode Introduction]
*[http://www.autotracer.org/ Autotracer] - web-based tool to vectorize regular images
*[https://cloudconvert.com/ Convert anything to anything]

=3D Printing=
'''3D Models'''

*[http://www.thingiverse.com/ Thingiverse] - find 3D models online, share your designs with others
*[https://nasa3d.arc.nasa.gov/ NASA 3D Resources]
*[https://www.blender-models.com/model-download/ Blender 3D Model Repository]

'''Filament'''
*[http://www.microcenter.com/ Micro Center]
*[http://www.3dsolutech.com/ 3D Solutech ] - also sold cheaper [https://www.amazon.com/3D-Solutech/b/ref=bl_dp_s_web_16009070011?ie=UTF8&node=16009070011&field-lbr_brands_browse-bin=3D+Solutech on amazon here]

=Robotics=
*[https://portal.nifty.com/hebocon/rules_en.htm Hebocon - bad robots]
*[http://robogames.net/index.php RoboGames!]
*[http://robotshop.com/letsmakerobots/ Let's Make Robots!]
*[http://opencv.org/ OpenCV] - computer vision for robots and other projects

=Gardening=
*[http://www.guerrillagardening.org/ggtroopdigs.html Seed bombing]

{{:MainMenu}}

Helpful Links

2018-04-20T19:10:27Z

Tfhakala: /* General */

==Links==

===Wood Working===
====Utilities====
*[http://woodgears.ca/gear_cutting/template.html Gear template generator]

===Machining===
*[http://www.deansphotographica.com/machining/projects/springs/springs.html Making Springs on the Small Lathe]

===Electronics===
====General====
*[http://www.pacificdisplay.com/technical.htm How LCD Screens work]
*[http://www.powerstream.com/BatteryFAQ.html Batteries]
*[http://www.electronicstheory.com/ Electronics Theory]
*[https://learn.sparkfun.com/tutorials Sparkfun tutorials]
*[http://benkrasnow.blogspot.com/ Ben Krasnow], tutorials on making electron microscope among other cool things
*[http://www.radio-electronics.com/ All about radio]
*[https://openwrt.org/ OpenWrt] - open source Linux distribution for embedded devices (like wifi routers)
*[http://www.usbmadesimple.co.uk/index.html USB Made Simple]
*[https://learn.adafruit.com Adafruit tutorials]
*[https://www.raspberrypi.org Raspberry Pi Foundation]

====Useful Tools====
*[http://www.falstad.com/circuit/ Simple circuit simulator]
*[http://www.csgnetwork.com/ne555timer2calc.html 555 Timer Calculator]
*[http://www.freepcb.com/ Free PCB Layout Program]

====Web Stores====
*[https://www.sparkfun.com/ Sparkfun] - kits for soldering classes, solder spools, irons, tools
*[https://www.ifixit.com/ iFixIt] - tools for phone and device repair
*[https://www.spikenzielabs.com/Catalog/ Spikenzie Labs] - kits, parts, goodies
*[https://www.mouser.com/ Mouser] - huge electronics manufacturer, has every kind of chip, switch, component
*[https://www.allelectronics.com/ All Electronics] - theoretically everything, has decent prices and a lot of variety
*[http://www.goldmine-elec-products.com/ Electronic Goldmine] - bulk parts for cheap, usually discontinued. great for tinkering supplies
*[https://www.adafruit.com Adafruit] - kits, arduinos and arduino clones, Raspberry Pi, wearable electronics
*[https://shop.pimoroni.com Pimoroni] - British shop for Raspberry Pi
*[https://thepihut.com/ Pi Hut] - UK shop for Raspberry Pi and micro:bit

===CNC Routing and Milling===
====CAM Software====
*[http://www.cambam.info/ CamBam]
*[https://www.inventables.com/technologies/easel Easel]
*[http://www.craftsmanspace.com/free-software/free-cam-software.html G-Simple]
*[http://www.heeks.net/ HeeksCAD and HeeksCNC]
*[http://www.grzsoftware.com/ MeshCAM]
*[http://rapid-pcb.com/ Rapid PCB to Gcode]
*[http://www.probotix.com/cnc_software/ List of other CNC software on Probotix.com]

*[http://makezine.com/2014/12/04/50-digital-wood-joints-poster/ 50 Digital Wood Joints]
*[http://precisebits.com/tutorials/calibrating_feeds_n_speeds.htm Calibrating Feeds and Speeds]
*[http://cncutil.org/gcode-introduction.html GCode Introduction]
*[http://www.autotracer.org/ Autotracer] - web-based tool to vectorize regular images
*[https://cloudconvert.com/ Convert anything to anything]

===3D Printing===
*[http://www.thingiverse.com/ Thingiverse] - find 3D models online, share your designs with others
*[https://nasa3d.arc.nasa.gov/ NASA 3D Resources]
*[https://www.blender-models.com/model-download/ Blender 3D Model Repository]

===Robotics===
*[http://robogames.net/index.php RoboGames!]
*[http://robotshop.com/letsmakerobots/ Let's Make Robots!]
*[http://opencv.org/ OpenCV] - computer vision for robots and other projects
===Gardening===
*[http://www.guerrillagardening.org/ggtroopdigs.html Seed bombing]

Helpful Links

2018-04-20T19:09:20Z

Tfhakala: /* Web Stores */

==Links==

===Wood Working===
====Utilities====
*[http://woodgears.ca/gear_cutting/template.html Gear template generator]

===Machining===
*[http://www.deansphotographica.com/machining/projects/springs/springs.html Making Springs on the Small Lathe]

===Electronics===
====General====
*[http://www.pacificdisplay.com/technical.htm How LCD Screens work]
*[http://www.powerstream.com/BatteryFAQ.html Batteries]
*[http://www.electronicstheory.com/ Electronics Theory]
*[https://learn.sparkfun.com/tutorials Sparkfun tutorials]
*[http://benkrasnow.blogspot.com/ Ben Krasnow], tutorials on making electron microscope among other cool things
*[http://www.radio-electronics.com/ All about radio]
*[https://openwrt.org/ OpenWrt] - open source Linux distribution for embedded devices (like wifi routers)
*[http://www.usbmadesimple.co.uk/index.html USB Made Simple]
*[https://learn.adafruit.com Adafruit tutorials]

====Useful Tools====
*[http://www.falstad.com/circuit/ Simple circuit simulator]
*[http://www.csgnetwork.com/ne555timer2calc.html 555 Timer Calculator]
*[http://www.freepcb.com/ Free PCB Layout Program]

====Web Stores====
*[https://www.sparkfun.com/ Sparkfun] - kits for soldering classes, solder spools, irons, tools
*[https://www.ifixit.com/ iFixIt] - tools for phone and device repair
*[https://www.spikenzielabs.com/Catalog/ Spikenzie Labs] - kits, parts, goodies
*[https://www.mouser.com/ Mouser] - huge electronics manufacturer, has every kind of chip, switch, component
*[https://www.allelectronics.com/ All Electronics] - theoretically everything, has decent prices and a lot of variety
*[http://www.goldmine-elec-products.com/ Electronic Goldmine] - bulk parts for cheap, usually discontinued. great for tinkering supplies
*[https://www.adafruit.com Adafruit] - kits, arduinos and arduino clones, Raspberry Pi, wearable electronics
*[https://shop.pimoroni.com Pimoroni] - British shop for Raspberry Pi
*[https://thepihut.com/ Pi Hut] - UK shop for Raspberry Pi and micro:bit

===CNC Routing and Milling===
====CAM Software====
*[http://www.cambam.info/ CamBam]
*[https://www.inventables.com/technologies/easel Easel]
*[http://www.craftsmanspace.com/free-software/free-cam-software.html G-Simple]
*[http://www.heeks.net/ HeeksCAD and HeeksCNC]
*[http://www.grzsoftware.com/ MeshCAM]
*[http://rapid-pcb.com/ Rapid PCB to Gcode]
*[http://www.probotix.com/cnc_software/ List of other CNC software on Probotix.com]

*[http://makezine.com/2014/12/04/50-digital-wood-joints-poster/ 50 Digital Wood Joints]
*[http://precisebits.com/tutorials/calibrating_feeds_n_speeds.htm Calibrating Feeds and Speeds]
*[http://cncutil.org/gcode-introduction.html GCode Introduction]
*[http://www.autotracer.org/ Autotracer] - web-based tool to vectorize regular images
*[https://cloudconvert.com/ Convert anything to anything]

===3D Printing===
*[http://www.thingiverse.com/ Thingiverse] - find 3D models online, share your designs with others
*[https://nasa3d.arc.nasa.gov/ NASA 3D Resources]
*[https://www.blender-models.com/model-download/ Blender 3D Model Repository]

===Robotics===
*[http://robogames.net/index.php RoboGames!]
*[http://robotshop.com/letsmakerobots/ Let's Make Robots!]
*[http://opencv.org/ OpenCV] - computer vision for robots and other projects
===Gardening===
*[http://www.guerrillagardening.org/ggtroopdigs.html Seed bombing]

Helpful Links

2018-04-20T19:08:45Z

Tfhakala: /* General */

==Links==

===Wood Working===
====Utilities====
*[http://woodgears.ca/gear_cutting/template.html Gear template generator]

===Machining===
*[http://www.deansphotographica.com/machining/projects/springs/springs.html Making Springs on the Small Lathe]

===Electronics===
====General====
*[http://www.pacificdisplay.com/technical.htm How LCD Screens work]
*[http://www.powerstream.com/BatteryFAQ.html Batteries]
*[http://www.electronicstheory.com/ Electronics Theory]
*[https://learn.sparkfun.com/tutorials Sparkfun tutorials]
*[http://benkrasnow.blogspot.com/ Ben Krasnow], tutorials on making electron microscope among other cool things
*[http://www.radio-electronics.com/ All about radio]
*[https://openwrt.org/ OpenWrt] - open source Linux distribution for embedded devices (like wifi routers)
*[http://www.usbmadesimple.co.uk/index.html USB Made Simple]
*[https://learn.adafruit.com Adafruit tutorials]

====Useful Tools====
*[http://www.falstad.com/circuit/ Simple circuit simulator]
*[http://www.csgnetwork.com/ne555timer2calc.html 555 Timer Calculator]
*[http://www.freepcb.com/ Free PCB Layout Program]

====Web Stores====
*[https://www.sparkfun.com/ Sparkfun] - kits for soldering classes, solder spools, irons, tools
*[https://www.ifixit.com/ iFixIt] - tools for phone and device repair
*[https://www.spikenzielabs.com/Catalog/ Spikenzie Labs] - kits, parts, goodies
*[https://www.mouser.com/ Mouser] - huge electronics manufacturer, has every kind of chip, switch, component
*[https://www.allelectronics.com/ All Electronics] - theoretically everything, has decent prices and a lot of variety
*[http://www.goldmine-elec-products.com/ Electronic Goldmine] - bulk parts for cheap, usually discontinued. great for tinkering supplies
*[https://www.adafruit.com] - kits, arduinos and arduino clones, Raspberry Pi, wearable electronics
*[https://shop.pimoroni.com] - British shop for Raspberry Pi
*[https://thepihut.com/] - UK shop for Raspberry Pi and micro:bit

===CNC Routing and Milling===
====CAM Software====
*[http://www.cambam.info/ CamBam]
*[https://www.inventables.com/technologies/easel Easel]
*[http://www.craftsmanspace.com/free-software/free-cam-software.html G-Simple]
*[http://www.heeks.net/ HeeksCAD and HeeksCNC]
*[http://www.grzsoftware.com/ MeshCAM]
*[http://rapid-pcb.com/ Rapid PCB to Gcode]
*[http://www.probotix.com/cnc_software/ List of other CNC software on Probotix.com]

*[http://makezine.com/2014/12/04/50-digital-wood-joints-poster/ 50 Digital Wood Joints]
*[http://precisebits.com/tutorials/calibrating_feeds_n_speeds.htm Calibrating Feeds and Speeds]
*[http://cncutil.org/gcode-introduction.html GCode Introduction]
*[http://www.autotracer.org/ Autotracer] - web-based tool to vectorize regular images
*[https://cloudconvert.com/ Convert anything to anything]

===3D Printing===
*[http://www.thingiverse.com/ Thingiverse] - find 3D models online, share your designs with others
*[https://nasa3d.arc.nasa.gov/ NASA 3D Resources]
*[https://www.blender-models.com/model-download/ Blender 3D Model Repository]

===Robotics===
*[http://robogames.net/index.php RoboGames!]
*[http://robotshop.com/letsmakerobots/ Let's Make Robots!]
*[http://opencv.org/ OpenCV] - computer vision for robots and other projects
===Gardening===
*[http://www.guerrillagardening.org/ggtroopdigs.html Seed bombing]

Helpful Links

2018-04-20T19:08:02Z

Tfhakala: /* General */

==Links==

===Wood Working===
====Utilities====
*[http://woodgears.ca/gear_cutting/template.html Gear template generator]

===Machining===
*[http://www.deansphotographica.com/machining/projects/springs/springs.html Making Springs on the Small Lathe]

===Electronics===
====General====
*[http://www.pacificdisplay.com/technical.htm How LCD Screens work]
*[http://www.powerstream.com/BatteryFAQ.html Batteries]
*[http://www.electronicstheory.com/ Electronics Theory]
*[https://learn.sparkfun.com/tutorials Sparkfun tutorials]
*[http://benkrasnow.blogspot.com/ Ben Krasnow], tutorials on making electron microscope among other cool things
*[http://www.radio-electronics.com/ All about radio]
*[https://openwrt.org/ OpenWrt] - open source Linux distribution for embedded devices (like wifi routers)
*[http://www.usbmadesimple.co.uk/index.html USB Made Simple]
*[https://learn.adafruit.com] - Adafruit tutorials

====Useful Tools====
*[http://www.falstad.com/circuit/ Simple circuit simulator]
*[http://www.csgnetwork.com/ne555timer2calc.html 555 Timer Calculator]
*[http://www.freepcb.com/ Free PCB Layout Program]

====Web Stores====
*[https://www.sparkfun.com/ Sparkfun] - kits for soldering classes, solder spools, irons, tools
*[https://www.ifixit.com/ iFixIt] - tools for phone and device repair
*[https://www.spikenzielabs.com/Catalog/ Spikenzie Labs] - kits, parts, goodies
*[https://www.mouser.com/ Mouser] - huge electronics manufacturer, has every kind of chip, switch, component
*[https://www.allelectronics.com/ All Electronics] - theoretically everything, has decent prices and a lot of variety
*[http://www.goldmine-elec-products.com/ Electronic Goldmine] - bulk parts for cheap, usually discontinued. great for tinkering supplies
*[https://www.adafruit.com] - kits, arduinos and arduino clones, Raspberry Pi, wearable electronics
*[https://shop.pimoroni.com] - British shop for Raspberry Pi
*[https://thepihut.com/] - UK shop for Raspberry Pi and micro:bit

===CNC Routing and Milling===
====CAM Software====
*[http://www.cambam.info/ CamBam]
*[https://www.inventables.com/technologies/easel Easel]
*[http://www.craftsmanspace.com/free-software/free-cam-software.html G-Simple]
*[http://www.heeks.net/ HeeksCAD and HeeksCNC]
*[http://www.grzsoftware.com/ MeshCAM]
*[http://rapid-pcb.com/ Rapid PCB to Gcode]
*[http://www.probotix.com/cnc_software/ List of other CNC software on Probotix.com]

*[http://makezine.com/2014/12/04/50-digital-wood-joints-poster/ 50 Digital Wood Joints]
*[http://precisebits.com/tutorials/calibrating_feeds_n_speeds.htm Calibrating Feeds and Speeds]
*[http://cncutil.org/gcode-introduction.html GCode Introduction]
*[http://www.autotracer.org/ Autotracer] - web-based tool to vectorize regular images
*[https://cloudconvert.com/ Convert anything to anything]

===3D Printing===
*[http://www.thingiverse.com/ Thingiverse] - find 3D models online, share your designs with others
*[https://nasa3d.arc.nasa.gov/ NASA 3D Resources]
*[https://www.blender-models.com/model-download/ Blender 3D Model Repository]

===Robotics===
*[http://robogames.net/index.php RoboGames!]
*[http://robotshop.com/letsmakerobots/ Let's Make Robots!]
*[http://opencv.org/ OpenCV] - computer vision for robots and other projects
===Gardening===
*[http://www.guerrillagardening.org/ggtroopdigs.html Seed bombing]

Helpful Links

2018-04-20T19:06:23Z

Tfhakala: /* Web Stores */

==Links==

===Wood Working===
====Utilities====
*[http://woodgears.ca/gear_cutting/template.html Gear template generator]

===Machining===
*[http://www.deansphotographica.com/machining/projects/springs/springs.html Making Springs on the Small Lathe]

===Electronics===
====General====
*[http://www.pacificdisplay.com/technical.htm How LCD Screens work]
*[http://www.powerstream.com/BatteryFAQ.html Batteries]
*[http://www.electronicstheory.com/ Electronics Theory]
*[https://learn.sparkfun.com/tutorials Sparkfun tutorials]
*[http://benkrasnow.blogspot.com/ Ben Krasnow], tutorials on making electron microscope among other cool things
*[http://www.radio-electronics.com/ All about radio]
*[https://openwrt.org/ OpenWrt] - open source Linux distribution for embedded devices (like wifi routers)
*[http://www.usbmadesimple.co.uk/index.html USB Made Simple]

====Useful Tools====
*[http://www.falstad.com/circuit/ Simple circuit simulator]
*[http://www.csgnetwork.com/ne555timer2calc.html 555 Timer Calculator]
*[http://www.freepcb.com/ Free PCB Layout Program]

====Web Stores====
*[https://www.sparkfun.com/ Sparkfun] - kits for soldering classes, solder spools, irons, tools
*[https://www.ifixit.com/ iFixIt] - tools for phone and device repair
*[https://www.spikenzielabs.com/Catalog/ Spikenzie Labs] - kits, parts, goodies
*[https://www.mouser.com/ Mouser] - huge electronics manufacturer, has every kind of chip, switch, component
*[https://www.allelectronics.com/ All Electronics] - theoretically everything, has decent prices and a lot of variety
*[http://www.goldmine-elec-products.com/ Electronic Goldmine] - bulk parts for cheap, usually discontinued. great for tinkering supplies
*[https://www.adafruit.com] - kits, arduinos and arduino clones, Raspberry Pi, wearable electronics
*[https://shop.pimoroni.com] - British shop for Raspberry Pi
*[https://thepihut.com/] - UK shop for Raspberry Pi and micro:bit

===CNC Routing and Milling===
====CAM Software====
*[http://www.cambam.info/ CamBam]
*[https://www.inventables.com/technologies/easel Easel]
*[http://www.craftsmanspace.com/free-software/free-cam-software.html G-Simple]
*[http://www.heeks.net/ HeeksCAD and HeeksCNC]
*[http://www.grzsoftware.com/ MeshCAM]
*[http://rapid-pcb.com/ Rapid PCB to Gcode]
*[http://www.probotix.com/cnc_software/ List of other CNC software on Probotix.com]

*[http://makezine.com/2014/12/04/50-digital-wood-joints-poster/ 50 Digital Wood Joints]
*[http://precisebits.com/tutorials/calibrating_feeds_n_speeds.htm Calibrating Feeds and Speeds]
*[http://cncutil.org/gcode-introduction.html GCode Introduction]
*[http://www.autotracer.org/ Autotracer] - web-based tool to vectorize regular images
*[https://cloudconvert.com/ Convert anything to anything]

===3D Printing===
*[http://www.thingiverse.com/ Thingiverse] - find 3D models online, share your designs with others
*[https://nasa3d.arc.nasa.gov/ NASA 3D Resources]
*[https://www.blender-models.com/model-download/ Blender 3D Model Repository]

===Robotics===
*[http://robogames.net/index.php RoboGames!]
*[http://robotshop.com/letsmakerobots/ Let's Make Robots!]
*[http://opencv.org/ OpenCV] - computer vision for robots and other projects
===Gardening===
*[http://www.guerrillagardening.org/ggtroopdigs.html Seed bombing]