The Geeky Forge

05/12/2023

I have the laser engraver for the CNC machine, but I had never set it up before. So, last night, I went about trying to set it up... only to discover that the engraver wouldn't fit in the spindle holder. After a day of research, I found a part that I can 3D print that will hold the engraver in the spindle holder. So... hopefully in an hour or two, we'll have the laser engraver running and we can do some testing on some coaster blanks!

20/11/2023

Woodworking has always run in my family. This is my brother's Etsy shop - he makes a variety of things, including Christmas ornaments. If you want something to spruce up your tree, go check out his selection!

20/11/2023

https://www.etsy.com/listing/1615549621/solid-wood-coaster-set-4-coasters-oak

Here's the listing for the oak coasters! Working now on black walnut... hopefully will have a set ready to preview this evening!

This Coasters item is sold by GeekyForgeCrafts. Ships from Nashville, TN. Listed on Nov 20, 2023

20/11/2023

We've finally done it! Introducing our first hardwood coasters. These are not from the challenge wood - they're solid oak, measuring 3.5" by 3.5" by 0.5", with a tung oil finish. They'll be listed soon, both here on Facebook and on Etsy.

05/10/2023

https://www.etsy.com/listing/1581379809/cant-talk-now-the-shop-is-calling-t

Okay - it's not coasters (those are coming soon) - but this shirt idea had also been nagging at the back of my mind and now I've put it on Etsy for all to see (and buy, if interested!).

This Mens Jackets & Coats item is sold by GeekyForgeCrafts. Ships from Charlotte, NC. Listed on Oct 4, 2023

27/08/2023

Most of the focus so far has been on the Amazon Challenge - which means we're doing a disservice to everything else that the Forge can do. So, here's an example... these are all parts for the CNC machine that we were able to 3D print, rather than have to purchase outright. (Okay, the linear bearings had to be purchased, but they were $5 for a set of 10 and they fit perfectly into the prints)

At some point soon we'll give some introductions of all the printers in the Forge - we have two 3D printers and one miniature (resin) printer.

27/08/2023

Replacement parts came in and yesterday was spent pretty much rebuilding the CNC from the ground up. When I finished, the Y axis still felt a bit wonky so I swapped the motor out for the one on the X axis. Suddenly, the Y axis was fine... But in testing, the screw popped out of the connector. So, a new motor and connector are on their way and that should solve this problem once and for all.

20/08/2023

Some good news and bad news... The good news is that I've got a working design for wooden coasters. The bad news is that the CNC router is down for repairs - at least through mid-week. I've been having issues with the y-axis, so I've got a replacement lead screw on its way.

It's pretty clear to see in this picture - the bed is getting hung up sometimes, so the starting cut and the last cut aren't in line on the right.

12/08/2023

The power is out right now from a pretty "loud" storm that came through an hour ago, but I've got the sketchbook and a flashlight and can still work through some of the ideas that I've received so far.

Once power does return, I'll start getting some designs over to the computer to fine tune them and, with any luck, run them through the CNC router.

11/08/2023

This is one of my primary tools - it's a Genmitsu Sainsmart 3018-PROVer. It's hooked up via USB to a computer (off to the left), and it's got an extension on it. I have a wide variety of bits for it so it can do a number of things - routing, cutting, flattening, and more. The only downside is that it is a desktop CNC, so it's limited in terms of cutting area along all three axes - hence why I have to focus more on smaller projects instead.

Either tonight or tomorrow I'll be pulling the MDF spoilboard off and substituting it with the aluminum spoilboard instead - this will allow me to use a few more tools on the 3018 that I am currently unable to use with the MDF board. After that, it's on to designing and prototyping some items!

09/08/2023

Right now, I've got four ideas on what to make with the wood. They are:

- Pen/pencil cup
- Desktop pen/pencil holder (have a few varieties of this, one of which would solely use the black walnut cut-offs)
- Business card holder
- Picture frame (would use only the larger pieces of wood)

What are some of your ideas? Would love to hear them! 😀

07/08/2023

The Amazon Challenge - Wood Received!

Here's the wood that arrived on Saturday/Sunday. I've pulled it all out, inspected it, and now we'll get down to the designs.