Tutorials

Maker Tutorials, Software Tutorials

The short answer is Autodesk 123D Make. You might think we’re getting paid by Autodesk to write all these posts about their software. This is not the case, but as a maker you should really be aware of some of…

Sous-Vide – Some technical insights into this “magical” food preparation method

October 1, 2015

A picture form our Instagram Sous-vide is a method of cooking in which food is sealed in airtight plastic bags then placed in a water bath or in a temperature-controlled steam environment for longer than normal cooking times at an…

An Intro to CAD for Makers

September 17, 2015

Software Tutorials

Here in NC we do a lot of CAD’ing. CAD is an acronym for Computer Aided Design and is in our case more or less equivalent to 3D-modelling for practical purposes. Most of our projects are modelled this way prior…

An Intro to G-code and How to Generate It Using Inkscape

August 12, 2015

, Software Tutorials

In last week’s post we discussed how to create vector graphics from bitmaps in Inkscape. The third suggestion on why to do such a thing involved creating toolpaths for machines. As a natural continuation from last week, we’re now going…

How to Trace Bitmaps in Inkscape

August 5, 2015

Software Tutorials

This post will show you how to trace bitmaps in the free vector graphics software Inkscape. Tracing bitmaps means that you convert a bitmap/raster image file (your usual .jpg, .png, .bmp etc) into vector graphics. What are Vector Graphics? Vector…

Tutorial: Calibrating Stepper Motor Machines with Belts and Pulleys

July 29, 2015

While making machines which is actuated by stepper motors without closed loop control, you more often than not want to calibrate the stepper motors in software to make the machine move exactly as you want it to. If you tell…

Basic CNC: Machining wood

July 15, 2015

In this CNC post we will look at some basic concepts when machining wood using a CNC machine. Factors such as feed rates, tools, materials (wood types), and machine rigidity will be discussed. Wood is a rather common material, and a…

Basic Fadecandy C++ Framework Tutorial

July 9, 2015

Software Tutorials

In this tutorial we will show you the basics of creating an LED program using the Fadecandy framework. On Fadecandy’s GitHub page you will find out how to set up the hardware as well as find several software examples in…

An introduction to CNC machining and the making of a headphone holder

May 13, 2015

Maker Tutorials, Woodworking Projects

It took me 1 hour to design the model, and it takes 1 hour to machine it using a CNC. Why does it take 5 hours total?? 1 + 1 equals 2, NOT 5!? In this post we will explain the…

Arduino Tutorial EasyDriver and Stepper Motor HEAD

Arduino Tutorial: Stepper Motor with EasyDriver

December 5, 2014

Sigurd Gran-Jansen

Arduino Tutorials

So, you want to step it up a notch and create an awesome project using a stepper motor? Great, it’s super easy and I will show you how. Pre requirements Software: Arduino IDE Hardware: Arduino Uno (it can be another controller,…

Electronics 101: Voltage, Current and Resistance

July 31, 2014

Theoretical Tutorials

So what has this picture to do with voltage, current and resistance? Continue reading and you will be explained why this is a good analogy to this often misunderstood and complicated topic.

Top 5 Hardware Tools for FDM 3D Printing

July 23, 2014

There are quite a few hardware tools out there which make your 3D printing days easier. Here are our top five.

Tutorial: Using free SketchUp software for 3D printing – considerations and useful tools

June 30, 2014

Maker Tutorials, Software Tutorials

Why Sketchup? Not everyone can afford the most powerful 3D modelling/CAD software such as Inventor, Solidworks or NX. Many people, like myself, might want to look elsewhere for less expensive options for 3D printing purposes, and fortunately those exist. One…

How to make a simple table

June 18, 2014