Makelangelo 2 laser cut box v1 process and notes

Here is v1 of the box for the Makelangelo 2. You’ll be able to get the Makelangelo 2 in two delicious flavours: fully assembled and DIY. Until the March 8 release date they are up to 14% off.

I sketched out the box and all the parts in my huge sketchbook, then used Google search to find NEMA 17 dimensions and Arduino holes to make sure I knew the dimensions. The Birch I used is 2.8mm thick so I plugged in all those numbers to Rahulbotic’s Box Maker. That produced a PDF which I converted to DXF in Inkscape, brought into my CAD program, and then added the holes for the wiring and mounting. Here’s the result.

I’m very pleased with how it turned out. It’s nearly perfect! The only places I guessed at I guessed wrong – there are three tabs with slots that are supposed to hold the power plug in place. I guessed how far apart they should be and I guessed how big the slot should be. The thing I forgot was to put holes on the front cover to make a hinge – I assumed it would be glued shut and, on later reflection, that seems really silly. The next version will have these corrections and then – fingers crossed – it will be perfect.

It worked perfectly when it was mounted. I’m editing video now of Makelangelo 2 drawing a dragon for Chinese New Year (should I say spring festival?). I guess next week I should draw a snake since it’s going to be the year of the snake. Gung Hey Fa Choi, everyone!

Speaking of important dates, I’ll be giving a talk at the Railway club Monday, February 11 at 7:00 on 3D printing and it’s effect (affect?) on liberties. Come on by and watch me convulse for 20 minutes as I commune with the spirits.