CNC Sign

Jesse unveiled the finished product in a previous post, and it does look awesome.  Here are some photos and a simplified and incomplete account of how we got there.  Disclosure, this took place off-campus of Laboratory B as we do not currently have the tools on-site.

This sign was created by etching a sheet of acrylic and then edge-lightning the result.  The etching is basically a shallow cut that causes light in the material to reflect out.  The cutting was accomplished using a computer numerical controlled (CNC) milling-machine.

First, we started with a high-res version of the Laboratory B Lightning Bolt (credit to Brenton).  This was imported into a program called PartMaster and converted to a .dxf file.  From this CAD file, we asked the computer (nicely) to generate G-code.  G-code is what we needed to describe to the CNC machine how to move the cutting bit and etch the material.  The CNC machine is controlled by a program called Mach3 CNC.  This software reads text file containing the G-code and interfaces with the milling-machine to move the XY table and the drill head (Z) in order to accomplish the cut.

blogshot1 blogshot2

The milling-machine we used for this project was… a little too big.  We wanted to use the whole 10″ x 8″ sheet so we used the big machine, but since it’s not a router, it is normally used with R8 Collets…. the point is, the chuck we used to hold the etching bit was too short.  You can see in this next photos that we couldn’t reach the table and had to add some height to the mounting of the acrylic.  Once this was done, we “zeroed” the machine.  This is a process where we tell the Mach3 software what the location of the material to be cut is, so that it moves everything into the right place at the right time.  Then we hit “START” and watched!  Action shots follow, complete with my watching through my safety goggles.

blogshot3 blogshot4 blogshot5 blogshot6

Procrastination Success

I should have been grading lab reports, but instead I made this key holder with some Legos.  I screwed some picture frame hooks into a few full-height blocks (2×4, 2×3, 1×4) and attached a large base to the wall.  Put some key rings on the Legos, attach the Legos to the base, key holder.  My favorite part is that I can add whatever creation I want to the base plate as long as it can sit vertical, which is always true because it’s Legos.  This is a simple spaceship I put together in a few seconds.

keys

front left

 

 

 

It’s the little things.

Nothing super awesome happen at Laboratory B last week, lot’s of little things did.

  1. We got a DreamHost account! We haven’t cut over to it yet but getting it is super cool!
  2. Aaron & Charlie completed this cool sign!
  3. Our hunt for a new space has started! And it’s already paying off
  4. We got a Keurig!
  5. We  can now take donations online ——–> right over there!

Also we applied for a tech soup account so hopefully that will come through soon too!

 

 

Events in February with Laboratory B

It’s a new month and that means new events with Laboratory B.

Crypto-Party LogoLaboratory B  is currently working to organize a crypto party right in Burlington. This party will be your chance to learn about cryptography, information security and operational security. How to reduce some of the harmed caused by mass surveillance too. Learn about TOR, PGP/GPG, Pseudo-anonymity, TAILS and other super geeky privacy topics.

We are still organizing a location and time but stay tuned because it is coming soon!

Events:

2/7/2014: 2600 Meeting
Laboratory B is the primary supporter of the local 2600 meeting  if you are interested in hacking and security related events in Vermont, check out the 2600 meeting held the first Friday of every month at 5 o’clock at the Food Court at Burlington Town Square Mall.

2/10/2014: What the Hack? How hackathons & makerspaces are sparking innovation in Vermont
In the past few years we’ve seen hackathons and makerspaces spread across the state as creative ways to solve community problems and catalyze collaborations across sectors. Join Burlington NetSquared and leaders of these hackathons and makerspaces for an evening of learning, idea generation and reflection on how we can foster lasting multi-sectoral collaborations–and innovations– through these kinds of events.
If you’ve participated in one of these events, come share your experiences! And if you want to get involved in one of the upcoming hacks or new makerspaces, here’s your chance to ask questions.

Panelists include:
Bradley Holt, Code for BTV
Rebecca Roose, HackVT and My Web Grocer
Jesse Krembs, Laboratory B
Nate Herzog, StoryHack

Meetup info here

2/12/2014, 7-9pm: Crypto-Currency Night.
A semi-regular gathering of Burlington crypto-currency enthusiasts (Bitcoin, Dogecoin, Litecoin, etc.). Feel free to brings thoughts, schemes, snacks and/or beverages to share… RSVP on Facebook

2/18/2014, 7-9 PM: Learn to solder with us at the Lab.
We’ll teach you the basics of through hole soldering with kits from Sparkfun!.   If you interested in learning to solder microelectronics please RSVP us at [email protected] 

2/26/2014, 7-9 PM: Lock Sport Wednesday:
Generally speaking on the last Wednesday of the month we sponsor Lock Sport Wednesday from 6pm to 8pm. This event is a place for folks who are interested in physical security and locksports to get together. We adhere to the idea of better security through education, and we also follow the law in this matter.  Learning how locks works and don’t work is not a crime.