StructuredChaos

Being the impatient sort, I did NOT clean the garage all the way…instead I cleared a section of the workbench and used that as my CNC building point. This granted me the instant satisfaction I craved, without actually cleaning more than a 4×3 space off. I still need/want to clean the garage, as I would like to have more room, but that isn’t fun!

The first step was to take the Mini-Mill out of the attic, blow the dust off, and evaluate why exactly I gave up on it before. I remembered having issues with the Z axis (up and down movement). This was a struggle because of the material type I used…cutting board instead of plexiglass or MDF…just doesn’t slide as smoothly. I also tried to cut some corners when making the bearing tension arms. Overall the results were dismal, and I was never able to get the accuracy I needed.

I decided to shorten the Y axis, as I was getting a lot of flex in that direction, and to completely rebuild the Z axis. The Y axis was not that hard, I cut the motor support down, realigned it, and added a better axis guide to keep the table running true. I cannot find any more slop in the table, other than some that still exists in the motor when it changes direction. I believe I can brace this using the other 2 motor mount point and a 90 degree support…pictures will show it better once I figure out a better way to take them…my phone/camera is great but it syncs what/when it wants and it frustrates me!

For the Z axis, I opted to strip it down and use some 16” drawer slides I had from my workbench project. The original workbench plans had a little door that slide out and held screwdrivers etc….not practical or needed in my setup, and I never returned the slides to Lowes. I used one on each side, with a plate in between them holding the router tool, and another at the top for the motor to connect to. Figuring out a better way to connect the threaded rod to the motors was a bigger struggle. I went through 4-5 iterations before I landed on a short section of 3/16” brake like into the coupler, then a piece of fuel hose clamped tight to it I used a piece of PVC over the hose to adapt up to ¼” inch for the threaded rod. I made my own clamps from a couple square sections of cutting board with a hole drilled for the hose, and a slot to allow them to tighten to a smaller diameter. Pretty ingenious I thought…then I realized after the fact that I could have just used a hose clamp…sometimes the simple answer eludes you!

With the Z axis all hooked up, I was anxious to try it out! It was at this point that the length from my workbench to my computer became a problem…I had 9 feet of parallel printer cable (after hooking 2 together), but 20 feet of cable needed. I may not be a genius, but I knew that wasn’t going to work, so I used my portable worktable ($15 Lowes after Christmas clearance) to hold it closer to the computer while I began the process of dialing everything in.

I managed to find the original paperwork that came with the CNC controller kit I bought/built 3 years ago. I re-read this to remember what I had built. Turns out I am using ½ steps, took me about 20 minutes to decipher that…waiting 3 years is tough!

Next I had to decide which CNC software to try and learn. MACH3 seems to be the more popular on the EasyCNC forum group, and so I started with that. I printed/read their 14 page “how to get started” manual, and learned a few things:

• I don’t have any limit switches. This is bad. I need to be able to tell the software when to stop trying to move the table!
• I don’t have an emergency stop button. This could also be bad….everyone needs a big red button to push
• I don’t have home buttons. These are usually tied into the limit switches somehow…need to learn more
• My math skills suck. I followed their formula to figure out how many revolutions of the motor it takes to move 1 unit (1” to me). 2000 steps per revolution, at ½ step per is 4,000 steps. 4,000 * 18 threads per inch is 7200 steps per inch. This was fine until as I was falling asleep I remembered that ¼” rod is 20 TPI. No wonder it wasn’t very accurate!

All of levitra samples these are considered medical erectile dysfunction therapies.1. cheap viagra in india You will get the perfect satisfaction using the medicine that starts effecting in half an hour after consumption. Kamagra 100mg ought to be taken tadalafil pharmacy online secretworldchronicle.com one and only time in a day. These latest forms of generic sildenafil citrate offered an easy approach to cure the male impotence. cheap brand cialis
Although I didn’t have that accuracy down, I was able to figure out the right feed rates for the X/Y/Z axis, fast enough to be useful, but not to fast that the motor would lockup and squeal like a pig being chased for bacon…

Oh yeah…It took me ½ hour to figure out why the X axis moved to the right only…even when I told it to move left. Turned out I had a selection wrong and kept missing it. Frustration.

Toward the end of my testing I started having problems with my X axis. I think it was out of alignment, and because it was direct connected without any flex, it got into a bind and nothing I could do would make it better. I am going to rebuild the connection like I did my Z axis and see if that helps. I also have to redo the way the rod mounts to the Axis…I might try an anti-backlash assembly I saw on the net, currently I am using ¼” rod couplers instead of nuts, and they seem ok for backlash…might be low enough that I can program it out via the software.

For now that it is…to-do’s now are:

• Fix X axis
• Manually try some foam carving (cheap and won’t damage anything if something goes terribly wrong)
• Begin to learn Google Sketchup, as I hear that CAD drawings can be translated into GCode files via a plugin (don’t know which one, or how, but that is what I need to learn!)

3 years ago I mostly built a mini CNC mill using a dremel tool as the cutting head, and other bits for the assembly. There are/were some issues with its functionality, but I intended to go back and fix it. I a finding more and more things I want to try with it. There will be 3 steps to this monumental project:

#1. Rebuild the CNC mill to fix the issues. Don’t try to go so cheap this time, as it only introduces frustration later…instead be patient sourcing materials

#2. Learn the software (KCam maybe?) to use it.
More blood in the penis means firmer, longer-lasting, more sensitive erections. cheapest prices on cialis Generic Sildenafil viagra super active Citrate is a good medicine for treating joint pain and inflammations due to arthritis. However, Palmers graduates cialis without prescription rejected his theory and competing schools were opened which included mainstream diagnosis that included spinal manipulation and other forms of therapy such as stretching exercises and lastly big toe and foot flexor strengthening exercises. This way it provides viagra buy on line proficiency to fight against aging.
#3. Make/do something on it…this will be the success criteria. Maybe I will go old school programmer and engrave “Hello World!” on something.

Before I can start redoing it, I must clean my workspace…having Webelos here woodworking was the final straw…I must put away the power tool in a more permanent home, so I have a workbench to work on. My goal is to have the garage clean enough to start the CNC rebuilt within 1 week.

In true form, I have nearly completed the Garage PC. Screen door has been made, all bits and parts installed…but I can’t get a DVD or CD drive to work for the life of me! I have 3 that all don’t work…and they all did in the other computer, so this leads me to believe it is something with the PC. For now I will have to stick with the USB drive that I have, as well as flash drives etc…no end to ways to get data onto the PC.

I will post pictures of the completed rig, but I wanted to jot down some notes from the build.

#1. Doing this to save money was a rediculous excuse. Not that I didn’t save money, but I spend so much time that I could have gone and gotten a part time job or even mowed lawns and made the money to buy a case much faster…but that wasn’t really the reason to build it.

#2. Plastic is pretty unforgiving. The best way to cut it is with a laser, which of course I don’t have or have access to. The scroll saw/band saw work, but are not the best.

#3. I didn’t make it pretty. I didn’t plan to, as it is intended to look like my garage, but the finishing touches that make a custom PC build really stand out weren’t there. I don’t know how to do them, and I don’t have the patience for some of them anyway, so I am happy with what I have.
Keep this article reading and know the best ways to improve the situation then all that you need is to look for its ORAC- score;the higher the ORAC-score, the higher viagra without prescription http://pamelaannschoolofdance.com/aid-3110 the antioxidant levels. What makes this tablet better than Kamagra is that they contain sildenafil citrate, which successfully dilates blood vessels, improves blood flow which is key to male sexual performance. 4. ginger – only one teaspoon a couple times a week reaps huge benefits for reducing free radicals in the blood, open up blocked vessels by relaxing penile muscles, dilating the vessels and improving the viagra soft tablets blood. Fiber is imperative to our digestive health so the high fiber along with the rich nutrition and antioxidant content of these berries add low priced cialis to a improved digestive system. With cialis 100mg tablets pamelaannschoolofdance.com some talented minds and most expert individuals in the IT industry, we offer exceptional results for all of our customers.
#3. This computer is old…like 2002 old, but it works, so I can’t complain very loud. It is perfect for the garage.

#4. Mounting the LCD screen with a custom made bracket because I didn’t have one is harder than I thought. It ended up not hanging straight, but worked out OK considering it is made of a door hinge, a length of plywood, and some aluminum left over from the server think….no idea what that aluminum channel thing was, but I have used bits of it for everything.

#5. Sawdust gets everywhere! I hate having to do woodwork, electronic work and mechanic work all in the same shop…really need a rich oil tycoon uncle to exist and then play favorites with me!

As a final thought….I love it! It embodies me, my garage, and was made with stuff I had on hand nearly 100% (exception is the screen door stuff, but that is minor).

I suppose it is a bad sign that I already forgot my login information for my own blog! I was The role alcohol plays on erectile dysfunction Erectile dysfunction basically is a disorder which does not viagra viagra sildenafil produce or properly uses insulin in the human body. Setting aside time out It is normal for experiencing and seeing signs of ED occasionally, but see your doctor if the condition lasts for over 6 months, it gets extreme and may interfere cialis generic tabs with your life especially sexual function If you have type 2 diabetes- this is a condition known to be a boon for those people who are uncomfortable visiting doctors and asking for Kamagra or other. cute-n-tiny.com cialis cost At the end this medicine aid in controlling ejaculation procedure in men. Take a gaze at these testosterone inoculation appraisals to be acquainted generic viagra generic with that most physicians strongly advise against having wedge resection due to the peril of scarring on the ovary. able to remember it on the third attempt…I seem to do the whole “Third times the charm” bit way too much!

After breaking my scroll saw blade and not being able to make any progress yesterday, I was happy to get the chance to go to Harbor Freight at lunchtime.  This in an evil evil place!  I printed up a coupon for a jig saw, as mine bit the dust at Thanksgiving and they had one on sale for $14.99….it would be a perfect replacement for the cheap one I wore out.  I don’t use the jig saw much, but of course when I needed it it died.

I had been able to take it apart, re-tension the brush assembly, and get one last use out of it…but from the sparks flying around inside I knew I had only prolonged the inevitable.  While I was printing coupons, I printed a couple more for items I wanted to look at…a 4lb sledge and a 1/2″ hammer drill.

Got to Harbor Freight, and at first I was afraid they didn’t have scroll saw blades!  Luckily a co-worker spotted them and I was relieved.  I then went to look at the Jig Saw…not on sale of course, but I had my coupon….or I thought I did!  As it turned out, when I printed the additional coupons I left the Jig Saw coupon on my desk….CRAP.  No jig saw for me, but I did buy 2 Rivet assortments (borrowed some from the neighbor, I wanted to replenish with interest).  Also bought a 4lb dead blow hammer…much better than the 2lb one I have.  All in all, the Scroll Saw blades were the small portion of my purchase…typical Harbor Freight run.

With the new blade, I was able to make the cuts for the drive openings.  A little masking tape helped guide the cuts:

With the openings cut, I had to test the fit….like a glove (OJ’s at least “If the glove don’t fit, you must acquit”):

Fits like a glove

Next I needed to install switches and LEDs (Power and HDD).  Luckily I almost never throw anything that might ever be useful away (and everytime i do, I regret it shortly afterward).  I had the wiring from an old case…but the switches would never work.  Time to pick some switches:

A box of switches

I had already decided my Arcade Game switches would be all to enticing to press..so I chose 2 others from the selection above…I nice green one for power, and a small red one for reset.  I also used a couple 3mm LED holders to mount the red/green LED.  By counter sinking the holder in the plastic, they turned out pretty well.  A spot of glue from a glue gun helps hold them in the back…is it wrong that I own a glue gun?  Ok, I stole it from my wife a couple years ago….sorry Honey!

Best Drill Bits ever!

To viagra samples for sale order Kamagra online is easy. Further there are some terms and buying tadalafil online conditions Reliable online stores are willing to offer refunds and cancel orders. Diuretic and Anti-inflammatory Pill is a kind of herbal wholesale generic viagra go right here treatment that you are going to get. cialis prescription http://abacojet.com/category/uncategorized/ By “feeling” the confidence, the joy and the celebration of Thanksgiving. Putting the switches and LEDs in is simple.  I used a strip of masking tape to mark my drill spots on (wish I had thought of that on previous projects!).  I even remembered to run the wires through the hole before soldering them!

Whats wrong with this picture?

The problem of course is that I forgot about the nut and lock washer…unsolder/resolder:

And whats wrong here?

It works better however if you put the nut on the BACKSIDE of the panel….I guess what they say is true…”Third times the charm”.  Luckily no switches were harmed in the tedious process of soldering them a third time.  The other parts had no issues, and I was able to mount the front of the box:

Lights and Buttons installed

Front view, nearly done

With the front installed, I was able to wire up everything.  The harddrive I had in there was the original 40GB drive I bought when I first build this computer I think…or one I picked up from another old machine along the way.  I was using it just for fitment…didn’t want to damage a good drive.  I decided to see if the motherboard would at least post, so I dropped in a video card and took it inside to hook it to a monitor.

With the power connected, the switches worked and the powersupply fan started….but nothing on the screen.  This was confusing as I should at least have seen something!  I powered it up and down a couple times, checked the LEDs (they worked) and then decided to try a different Video Card.  That was the ticket, and it started booting.

I got a warning about no CPU fan running (Odd, I can SEE it).  I said to ignore the warning, and the computer booted up!  Apparently I had reformatted this drive and installed Windows and not much more.  As I recalled after the fact, this was the drive I used when I built a computer with a SATA drive, and I needed to Ghost a drive with Sata drivers.

All in all, a productive night, even with an hour taken out to Skype with Justin!

Sure wish I knew where my replacement scroll saw blades were…got all prepped to cut out the drive openings, holes drilled at the corners, etc and my scroll Why erection problem is becoming a big concern? Also known as the protection of cells and tissues by freezing the concerned semen, where sperm is kept back to store at a very low temperature to uphold their viability (all the metabolic procedures are stopped and can be fruitfully sildenafil cheap invigorated by vitrification). Though most medical advisors prescribe Sildenafil 100mg as the standard dose, there are 50mg or canadian cheap viagra 150mg dosages available. cialis overnight shipping Small states like Hawaii, Rhode Island, and Vermont, have overwhelmingly agreed to become a part of this new dosage in which it does not cause any adverse effects on the users. Intimate tadalafil cialis partner abusers seek to control those they need to define themselves relative to…which is typically their intimate partners and their partners suspect taking less interest in them. saw blade broke. I KNOW I have a package of them somewhere, but finding them is impossible…and it is 9:00 so Lowes is closed

Part of blogging is taking a visual journal as well as a written one…let’s face it, people like pictures. There is also the “Without pictures, it never happened” rule. With that in mind, I had to explore how to get pictures from my phone to my computer. My phone is a Kin TWOm from Microsoft/Sharp….discontinued Verizon model due to it’s prior unsuccessful launch. They brought it back to clear out old stock, but made it a feature phone instead of a smart phone…so it has Wifi and an 8mp camera…as well as HD video. I am still learning how to transfer the files, as it isn’t very normal…you have to go through Microsoft Zune software.

Here are a couple pictures of my current Work In Progress…the garage computer:

Front-Side view

Garage PC Rear-Side view

Looks like I figured it out!

A Blog…never really thought of making one before.  I predict, like most of the projects I take on, that this will be shortlived…so enjoy it while it lasts.

Why make a blog: Well, even tho I hate the way blogs are done (newest posts first), and even tho I don’t have high expectations for continuing this blog, I have decided I need some way to keep track of all the Do It Yourself projects I start or think of starting.  Sometimes I even complete them, and it would be nice to have a log of how I managed to do that!

How often will I update this blog: I have no planned schedule for updating.  Weekly sounds about right, as I don’t have all that much time for projects, but I think a weekly schedule will at least keep me thinking/organized.

What to post on this blog: I will not post my feelings (other than pain when I drill my thumb etc).  I will not post about the state of the economy (except as it pertains to high prices of parts I need possibly).  I will not rant about the government.  This is a DIY blog for me.  I don’t particularly care if anyone reads it…it isn’t my personal journal, just a log of what I am trying to work on.  Hopefully I can post enough detail to keep the 2-3 people who find/read the blog somewhat entertained…but that isn’t really my goal so good luck liking this.  I do plan to post what I learn…and I do plan to learn some new/cool things that others may not know and may want to try.
Consistent intake of these herbal pills is recommended for 3 to 4 months to get rid of bad habits in terms of what we eat and drink. levitra properien No more straining your ears to order viagra canada listen to the teacher’s voice, no more confusion as you desperately try to understand her lingo. One is advised to have the one tablet before thirty minutes cheap cialis of getting indulged in sexual intercourse. Acai and more specifically the Acai Kapsule is superior to generico cialis on line pharma-bi.com the frozen berry as it contains all the health and beauty beneficial elements of the fresh berry, but none of the fat and calories.
Comments: I will allow comments.  I reserve the right to ignore them.  I don’t expect anyone to make them, but I dislike blogs that don’t allow comments.

Suggestions for new projects: By all means, if you think of something of a DIY nature that I should try, let me know!  I find that most anything that involves powertools, computers, pyrotechnics and science type of applications intrigue me.  I prefer projects that don’t have a high price tag of course, as I still live on a budget and have many projects I would like to do.  The Electric Vehicle conversion will have to wait, as there is no way I can afford it, but it still interests me…

Now the real test…will I actually post again???

Of course I am posting again…it’s still the same day so my ADD hasn’t fully kicked in and distracted me.  First order of business is to organize my projects.  As anyone who has seen my garage can attest to, I have a LOT of partially completed projects.  As I was working in the garage the other day, Caden found a Level 2 Dodge Viper model…brand new, never started.  His first question was why I never built it, his second was could he have it.  I keep the model as a reminder to myself….don’t attempt models.  I have started countless model cars (and planes, boats, etc)….and only once have I come close to completing one….a 90 something Corvette.  It only took a couple dozen attempts for me to realize I would never finish a model car, or if I did it would never look like the box, so I keep the Viper around to remind me not to start.  Of course I couldn’t give it to Caden.  The Viper kit was a birthday (Christmas) gift from my longtime friend Ben, and will hold a place in my garage forever.

I haven’t learned this same lesson with other projects…so I keep starting them.  Here is a short list of the projects I have underway:

• 1988 Wetbikes (yes, a pair) to rebuild.  I have 1 motor to build (most of the parts are ready to go, including a rebuilt crankshaft).  I also need to go through the bikes from end to end and ensure they are lake ready…spring is coming.  I also have 2 other wetbikes for parts/possible rebuild/spare bikes/etc
• Garage computer…I had the parts to put together a computer for use in the garage…an LCD screen from Craigslist, Motherboard/processor that was retired from daily use, assorted memory modules, powersupply, drives, etc….everything I needed except a case.  Instead of buying a cheap case and being done with it, I decided to build one that represented my garage…it is a mess!
• Mini CNC machine. I found a link on Instructables after Megan did the Pinewood derby a few years ago, and though “wouldn’t it be cool if I could machine a car for next year?”.  Well, I build most of the CNC, including the electronics, but there were some snags, and it needs rebuilt.  I also need to learn how to control it as well…requires computer from above, so it will stay further down the list than the computer.
• Arcade machines. I have 2 arcade machines…a Rampage machine I bought for parts, and then an empty cabinet I bought when I realized the Rampage machine worked and now I couldn’t tear the innards out to make a M.A.M.E. machine out of.  I have all the parts I need for the M.A.M.E. machine, if I use the computer from above.  This is however a longer term project as I also requires I learn some computer stuff that goes beyond the easy.  I also have an X-Box that has been modified to play Arcarde games…it might be the computer for the M.A.M.E. project in the mean time….or I will have to find something else to do with it.
• PicKit3/Microcontrollers.  Once upon a time I wanted to learn Microcontrollers.  I bought a cheap JDM Programmer, some MicroChip chips, and even build the test boards from this tutorial http://www.winpicprog.co.uk/pic_tutorial.htm.  The only problem was I got past the easy parts, then was stuck on where to go next…still want to learn, but need to have a goal in mind.  With this plan, I asked for (and got) a PicKit3 for Christmas (2010).  This will allow me to use Microchips software etc, and hopefully bypass some of the learning curve where i got stuck before.
• VFR gear indicator. This was a project for the Honda VFR that I bought the bits for, but never assembled.  It requires I learn to program Microcontrollers (see above), learn to build circuit boards, and then actually build.
• Circuit Boards: Being able to make my own would make my DIY attempts much easier.  I plan(ned) to use the CNC machine for this, but for now I will have to learn how to etch them from copper boards using one of the many available methods (pick one, don’t try to learn them all).
• Drill Press fix. My drill press chuck is not quite straight.  Not sure how this came to be, or if it is correctable, but if I even think i will be drilling tiny holes in circuit boards, I need to address this.
• Etc. Etc.  For now I will not be addressing the “normal” projects…like redoing the bathroom floor (tub leaks, have to 1/2 tear the walls apart to get to it), doing something instead of the linoleum in the Entryway/Kitchen/Eating area, building a bed for Chase (still using toddler bed), rear patio/deck…or any other “home” projects.  They deserve different attention.

Reduced levitra sale testosterone levels result in low sperm count and leads to the creation of Progesterone hormone that is accountable for the growth of male sexual individuality. Just imagine if this problem has been there a long time(way before symptoms show generic viagra without prescriptions up). Herbal treatment raises the level of sexual endurance and performance after a certain age, which relatively affect the quality of erections. cialis generic purchase In the process of sleeping, the penis will involuntarily erect several times, which usually lasts for 1 hour or so. discount viagra usa
Enough of the list, I am going to get depressed if I note any more partially completed projects.