User:Thatch
I'm building a McWire with the goal of printing a Mendel or Mini-Mendel soon.
Build log: McWire
I began in 2007-2008 sometime building a McWire, using the laser cut parts from the RRRF and mostly ordering parts from McMaster. I got the X and Y axes done, but had to put it on hold because I moved from TX->CA.
Recently (April 2010) I picked it up again and have the mechanical build complete (as of July 2010) and the electronics check out. Next up:
- Extender/adapter cables for the steppers (with 1/4x20 leadscrews, NEMA-23 seems overkill and I'd like to use my NEMA-17 motors that have .100 headers)
- Experimentation with wooden leadscrews or larger metal ones (although I'm concerned with the weight)
- Experimentation with ball chain and thermal paper cores (the spindle around which receipt paper is wound -- they have 12 segments internally and the arc of each segment is very similar to the ball chain pitch -- I'll post a picture).
Location: Santa Barbara, CA