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  1. #1
    Join Date
    Apr 2006
    Posts
    6

    Giant Etch-a-Sketch?

    I know that there are some smart folk out there who may be able to help me.

    I would like to build a 4'x8' to a 10'x10' Etch-a-sketch style device. (Basically just an xy axis device)

    I might be jumping the gun in the question because I haven't actually taken an etch-a-sketch apart yet to see how exactly it works, but I think I could replicate it in the tolerances I need. (1/4" +/- would be nice).

    The tricky part (for me) is bridging the gap between my computerized drawing and the rig itself.

    If the etch-a-sketch thing throws anyone off, I just need to control coordinates in an x/y field.

    thanks:
    superdeluxe

  2. #2
    Join Date
    Dec 2005
    Posts
    3319
    Build a router with all three axis programmable - you'd be hard pressed to tell the diff 'tween it an a etch-a-sketch on steroids.

    By programming the depth of cut of Z, you can determine if you merely want to scratch the screen or cut right thru the darn thing.

  3. #3
    Join Date
    Apr 2005
    Posts
    3634

  4. #4
    Join Date
    Sep 2006
    Posts
    7
    Silly question, how do you plan on shaking a 10 by 10 foor etch a sketch

  5. #5
    Join Date
    Jan 2005
    Posts
    302
    Can we assume you'll be using a pen rather than a router? It sounds like what you want could easily be done. Please give us more details.

    Another reference to motorizing an Etch-A-Sketch http://taomc.com/process_overview.htm
    And his x y engraver can be found on this page. http://taomc.com/studio_machines.htm

  6. #6
    Join Date
    Apr 2006
    Posts
    6
    Ideally a pen would be great. I don't need to route because I run a multicam router for the sign shop I work for. I would prefer to have something I could set up over a gymnasium floor or even temp mount to a wall because we have requests for hand painted sign jobs.

    basically a big plotting machine on stationary media.

    keeping it simple and light would be my ideal concerns, ideally all it would have to push around is a sharpie.

  7. #7
    Join Date
    Apr 2003
    Posts
    598
    http://www.hektor.ch/

    Meet Hektor, the simplest possible wall painting robot. Something like this might do for your purposes...

    There are, of course, other possibilities...but this one has a certain elegant simplicity that I like.

    -- Chuck Knight

  8. #8
    Join Date
    Jan 2005
    Posts
    302
    Hektor could be modified to work on a gymnasium floor as well if all you're gonna push around is a Sharpie.

  9. #9
    Join Date
    Apr 2006
    Posts
    6
    I have seen the Hektor machine and it's very impressive. Seems like a good idea. I think my engineering would be a little different but it is nice to see the variety of motion control some have built.

  10. #10
    Join Date
    Jul 2006
    Posts
    1062
    Quote Originally Posted by bigtonyicu View Post
    Silly question, how do you plan on shaking a 10 by 10 foor etch a sketch
    :rofl: Nice one lol
    Keith

  11. #11
    Join Date
    Sep 2006
    Posts
    881
    who you gonna call, the jolly green giant?
    sorry, i just had to say it
    Grizzly X3, CNC Fusion Ballscrew kit, 3 500oz-in bipolar steppers, 3 203v Gecko's, Linear power supply from Hubbard CNC, Mach 3, BOBcad Pro Art V22, Rhino.

  12. #12
    Join Date
    Apr 2006
    Posts
    6
    You can read my post asking how to shake a 10 ft. etch-a-sketch at

    http://www.iwillaskthatquestiontopeo.../etch-a-sketch

  13. #13
    Join Date
    Sep 2006
    Posts
    881
    link didnt work
    Grizzly X3, CNC Fusion Ballscrew kit, 3 500oz-in bipolar steppers, 3 203v Gecko's, Linear power supply from Hubbard CNC, Mach 3, BOBcad Pro Art V22, Rhino.

  14. #14
    Join Date
    Apr 2006
    Posts
    6
    did you spell it correctly?

  15. #15
    Join Date
    Sep 2006
    Posts
    881
    clicked directly on it in the post......
    Grizzly X3, CNC Fusion Ballscrew kit, 3 500oz-in bipolar steppers, 3 203v Gecko's, Linear power supply from Hubbard CNC, Mach 3, BOBcad Pro Art V22, Rhino.

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