Cylindrical Lithophans

Wed 25 December 2019 by Dr. Dirk Colbry

2019 Picture of kids

Lithophans are one of my favorite things to 3D print. I have written software in MATLAB and python that can convert images to lithophans. Most years I design a lithophan and 3D printable frame to give away to family for Christmas and each year I like to try to do …

read more

Surplus Workbench

Fri 04 October 2019 by Dr. Dirk Colbry

Finished Workbench

Since moving into our new home I have been wanting to build/buy a workbench for my shop. I have been living with a piece of plywood on some saw horses (bowing in the middle). I wanted something more rugged but on casters so I could roll the bench out …

read more

Surplus Tool Cabinet

Tue 09 July 2019 by Dr. Dirk Colbry

Picture of my Surplus tool Cabinet

I found this really durable whiteboard conference room cabinet at the MSU surplus store and converted it to a tool cabinet.

The original cabinet had 3/4" whiteboard panels in the back and additional panels on the inside of each door:

Whiteboard on door

These things were really heavy! I removed all of …

read more

Sphere-O-Bot (JJRobots version)

Sat 13 April 2019 by Dr. Dirk Colbry

Sphere-O Robot

So, the Sphere-O-Bot was my first (and so far only) JJRobots project a few years ago (when I didn't have a blog). My 3D printer was not in the best shape but I was able to get everything assembled and working.

I dug out the Sphere-O-bot this week and after …

read more

Three and Four way switch status lights

Tue 01 January 2019 by Dr. Dirk Colbry

Indicator light with lights on

There are two light switches in our mudroom that control the garage lights and the lights on the front of the house. Unfortunately I can not see these lights when standing next to the switches and sense there are multiple switches for each light you can not know if the …

read more

Alexa Dot Holder

Sun 16 September 2018 by Dr. Dirk Colbry

Alexa Dot Wall Mount

My brother got me an Alexa Dot for Christmas a few years ago. It turns out to be a lot of fun. We put it in the kitchen and the kids play music. My wife and I also use it to add things to our shopping list (very convenient!) Anyway …

read more

3D printed Switch Guard

Wed 15 August 2018 by Dr. Dirk Colbry

Picture of the switch

We recently moved into a new house and the kids are having fun running around turning on and off all the lights. Unfortunately, some of the light switches are not for lights. One goes to our garbage disposal, another goes to the gas fireplace and another turns off the furnace …

read more

FarmBot

Sun 27 May 2018 by Dr. Dirk Colbry

FarmBot Logo

I have been coveting a FarmBot. At $2500 to $4000 these farming robots are a little out of my price range. However, I guess if I had a big enough yard I would still be looking to purchase one of these. They are so cool, they will plant, water, weed …

read more

JJRobotics

Sat 19 May 2018 by Dr. Dirk Colbry

JJRobotics Logo

A great purchase for anyone with a 3D printer and looking for projects With the kids.

About a year ago I stubbled across JJRobots and I just love the idea of this company. They sell a kit of electronic parts to maker hobbyists with access to 3D printers. The idea …

read more

CNC Mill Picking

Fri 18 May 2018 by Dr. Dirk Colbry

I am interested in purchasing a CNC machine for the shop space in our new house. I think I would like to stick to something around $1000 but would be willing to invest as much as $2000 if I can find the right machine. There are a lot of choices …

read more