I have a copy of CamBam. I don't know if it is something I am doing wrong or if it is because the demo is expired but I can't get it to generate g-code.

There's free software out there that generates g-code out of an AutoCAD dxf export, I think.

 

If you started out with a single line traced from the circle's quadrant, and then offset it to the sides, that would explain why the resulting lines didn't intersect with the referenced circle.

Why? It intersected when I drew the first line. Is it because that line "tilts" as it is being copied around the circle?

 

There's free software out there that generates g-code out of an AutoCAD dxf export, I think.

DXF to GCode? I have it, a bit hard to use.

 

Why? It intersected when I drew the first line. Is it because that line "tilts" as it is being copied around the circle?

No, it's because the line steps away from the circle when it's offset to the sides.

 

First run was a dismal failure



I think I had some CamBam settings messed up.

Second attempt was a lot better but I forgot the center circle!

 

Third time is the charm. I went with thinner tines. I left put the outside edge because I will be using it in the hard drive case for now and the case will provide that edge of the compartment wall. I suspect that I will need to add a bit of foam to provide a good light seal between compartments.

 

Third time is the charm. I went with thinner tines. I left put the outside edge because I will be using it in the hard drive case for now and the case will provide that edge of the compartment wall. I suspect that I will need to add a bit of foam to provide a good light seal between compartments.


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So there's no need for an outer boundary for those compartments then?

 

Not really. The hard drive compartment provides that. I will need to make those tines a bit longer. Turns out a 3.5" hard drive isn't really 3.5".

I will also need to cut a groove in the back of my "shield". There are some screws behind there that aren't allowing the shield to lie flat.

I think what I will do is to glue some surface mount LEDs right to the hard drive case. I tested it and it is non conductive. I was going to use a proto board and mount them to that along with the current limiting resistors but I don't know if I will have the space. I might mount the number disk on top of that center axle in which case I would have plenty of space.

I am not exactly sure what keeps the hard drive disks spinning. They really aren't physically mounted to anything. I guess centrifugal force provides enough friction to keep the disks spinning.

 

Fourth time is the charm. Or maybe it is the fifth time. I made the inner circle a bit larger to get around the screws. Now the thing lies flat. I made the tines a bit larger. Now I need to make the number disk.

 

Fourth time is the charm. Or maybe it is the fifth time. I made the inner circle a bit larger to get around the screws. Now the thing lies flat. I made the tines a bit larger. Now I need to make the number disk.

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You need to get yourself a set of jeweler's needle files. They're perfect for finishing this kind of job.

 

You need to get yourself a set of jeweler's needle files. They're perfect for finishing this kind of job.

Have a set. I plan to finish it off then paint, But that piece is going to be hidden behind the disk anyway.