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I've always believed that life, when lived to its fullest, is an adventure of continual learning. The many disciplines that make up our various building activities all require education and practice to attain and maintain a high skill level. The challenge of taking up something new offers its own rewards…
What skill are you learning right now?
Hi Ken, I'm taking an advanced course in 2D CAD, and hopefully soon I will be able to post some quality drawings in my posts. I have been using CAD for a couple of years but I feel that I need to learn some of the finer points to produce better quality drawings:)
I've been reading a book on basic electronics, and I picked up one of those electronic experiment kits. They're supposed to be for 10 year olds, but I think a kid would have a hard time using this without a knowledgeable adult at hand. I had to learn how to decipher the color codes on resistors, so, if nothing else, I know how to do that now.
Hi,Quote:
Originally Posted by Astro
Neat stuff! Learning CAD has been on my list for awhile, but I haven't gotten beyond some fumbling with Sketchup. If you could point a Mac guy in the right direction, I'd definitely be interested.
Ken
Very cool! Remember Heathkit? I built a radio from one of their kits - must be 40+ years ago.Quote:
Originally Posted by Pa1963
I remember learning the resistor decoding in high school physics and then again in A&P electronics class, but the details seem to have entirely vanished from my head. Must be all that other acquired wisdom, right? …or maybe just age… :rolleyes:
Ken
At the moment, I'm wrestling with the leather dash cover on my kit car. I suppose you could say that I'm learning automotive trimming, though I'm honestly looking forward to never having to do it again! :lol:
I'll stick with the mechanical bits next time out…
Ken
I wish they were still around. Maybe I'll check ebay. That's how I found that experimenter kit. $30 as opposed to $100+ new, and looked to never being used.Quote:
Originally Posted by kbalch
Learning how to combine stl meshes on MeshLab
Very cool. That's some sort of computational polygon "thing", right? Or am I totally off? :D
Ken
Yes, to my understanding. I am trying to comine several .stls to create a personalised work. Vectrics Cut3D uses >stls to make 3d jobs on my home built router. Trying to add photo but computer playing hardball
@Edge20 Depending on what you are trying to do MeshMixer (free program) might be a software tool worth looking at for combining STL files.
As for what I am learning, I am working on a simple project with a Trinket micro-controller (it is like an Arduino). I rarely have a use for such things but I am building a project for a friend. It takes input from pressure sensors and produces beeps/vibration based on a program.
Hey there scorch. I tried meshmixer, everyone else I know doing this seem to use it, but found meshlab worked better for me. Horses for courses I suppose. I use it along with some other programs, either free or I already have to get what I want. Waiting till my pension gets big enough to afford VCarve Pro 8 which would simplify things. Never got my head round Arduino, I even converted my 3D printer to Mach3 so as to use the same programs as my router in fact I have added a printer head to the router
An interesting mix! One's never to old to learn something new. As for me, I've been trying to learn Sketchup like Ken, but really want to get into Arduino stuff down the road.
@Edge20 I have not used Meshmixer much myself. Like you indicated other people seem to like it. I know if I ever need to put a rabbit head on a horse body I will run to Meshmixer.
Your print head on a CNC router would be interesting to see if you ever want to post it.
I have something similar that I will post at some point. It is an extruder for my CNC mill that uses full size caulk tubes to extrude silicone caulk (or anything that comes in a caulk tube). I want to get a better picture of it before I post it.
My caulk extruder is on this page: Adventures in 3D Printing
Brilliant!!!! Mind if I steal it?
I don't mind at all. I would love to see pictures if you make something like it.
Now, I better get on with posting it soon.
Hi Ken, I have been using a program called Draftsight for 2D drawings. It's a free download, and It's made by the same people who make Solidworks 3D, Dassault Systemes. It's very similar to AutoCAD with some minor differences. It is available for download to mac & others, you just have to choose the right download for your operating system. I have played with it for a couple of months, but as with most programs it helps to have some one-on-one training. That is why I am attending my local training facility. There are also lots of online training and tutorial options. I'd recommend giving it a try:DQuote:
Originally Posted by kbalch
New skill for me but, old as the hills for man kind! My daughter and I are drilling a well with a mud pump and pvc pipe. Goes real fast with good dirt but, now we are in RED CLAY! Not so fast now. Had to make a couple of different drill bits to handle this stuff. Hope to try them out this afternoon.
Looks interesting; thanks. I've downloaded Draftsight and will commence playing with it in my free time… :lol:Quote:
Originally Posted by Astro
Ken