Plotter Pen Bit for Drawing w/ ShopBot – Fits in 1/2" Chuck

[eaglesplsh]

We’ve developed a universal CNC Plotter Pen bit that fits in any 1/2" collet, just like a regular end mill. Instead of cutting material like a normal bit, it allows your ShopBot to draw like a plotter. We’ve seen great results drawing on all kinds of smooth surfaced materials: paper, cardboard, MDF, particle board, baltic birch plywood, foam, plastics, etc…

The design compensates for warped material and tables that are not perfectly flat while regulating the pressure on the pen, making it easy for your ShopBot to draw a thin (0.015”) solid, uniform line without wearing down the pen's tip.

We’re selling these units as a package that includes detailed instructions for use along with the pen holder bit and 4 colors of PERMANENT ink: BLACK, BLUE, RED, and GREEN.


3466


3467

To see the Plotter Pen bit in action, check out our YouTube video:
www.youtube.com/watch?v=xFdN20pkl80 (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xFdN20pkl80)

Please see our web site for more details:
www.WidgetWorksUnlimited.com (http://www.WidgetWorksUnlimited.com)

[knight_toolworks]

Now you come up with tis after I spend 350 for a spring loaded diamond drag tip (G) I was going to make a pen to fit it but this may be easier.

[chiloquinruss]

Watched the video but nothing works on the web site. Russ

[knight_toolworks]

here you go you have to go to ebay
http://tinyurl.com/4xy49u

[kfitz]

Russ, it's a nice idea but may I suggest it would be more useful if it held common, inexpensive Sharpie markers.

[brucehiggins]

Let us know when the website is back up.

[brucehiggins]

Also, consider offering a wider tipped pen as well.

[dana_swift]

I can see where that would more than slightly handy to have, as I have wanted a large format plotter but haven't got enough need for one to justify the $$$. I have been going to Kinkos and paying by the sheet for prints.

What are they selling for?

D

[gpari]

As these are nice and pretty, they are very easy to make yourself. It helps to have a lathe, and a hobby shop next door

[knight_toolworks]

I have a lathe that I don't like to use. but I figured the time I spent hunting the parts and doing the work there would be no money saved.

[harryball]

I like it... the first person to get one and try it please post back. Don't want to be a guinea pig you know ;-)

/RB

[knight_toolworks]

I should be the first.

[dingwall]

Is that video in realtime?

[zeykr]

From an old thread, you can build a sharpie holder from off the shelf plumbing parts from Lowes:

http://www.talkshopbot.com/forum/show.cgi?tpc=27&post=62533#POST62533

[kfitz]

Thanks Ken, much more practical.

[jamesgilliam]

Steve, Did you get the pens in yet and have you had a chance to try them out? I have just ordered a set and looking forward to drawing the plans for the new house large enough for me to actually see them. James

[knight_toolworks]

I posted on the other message. here are some pics and a video. it works really well and it is a simple device.
http://s154.photobucket.com/albums/s266/knighttoolworks/drawing%20on%20the%20cnc/

[geneb]

Here's a video of Russ's pen doing it's thing:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lttMSWP5zCw

This is going to be one of the most used accessories I have next to my 3 axis zero plate.


Thanks Russ! (now hurry up and get that other thing done! *laughs*)

g.

[Brady Watson]

Nice vid. Looks like it works well. Your machine sounds like the VR values are a bit too soggy. A few adjustments would make plotting smoother & faster. Just a suggestion...In case you aren't happy with the loooong ramps.

-B

[geneb]

What values would you suggest? *huge grin*

g.

[Brady Watson]

Gene,
Post up a screenshot of your VR values & I'll make suggestions.

-B

[geneb]

Ok. It'll have to wait until I get home. The machine is using the shipped defaults for the PRT Alpha. I've never changed them.

tnx.
g.

[geneb]

Brady - not a screen shot, but here are my settings:

XY Move .05
Z Move .4
A Move .4
B Move .4
XY Jog .4
Z Jog .4
A Jog .4
B Jog .4
Move .4
Jog .4
3D Ramp 100
Min Dist. .15
Slow Corner 65
Fast Stop 3.0
Keypad Stop 1.75
Keypad Ramp .8

Thanks!

g.

[billp]

We got a chance to see some samples of the unit Russ is building at the Bedford Hills Camp yesterday, and it WAS impressive ! I was surprised at how fine a line he was able to maintain, even when doing script type fonts.
I think the idea of the thinner magic marker makes a lot of sense as it will really make it easy to do precise locating of lines, drawings, etc. And it appears that his spring loaded mechanism will follow the surface of irregular surfaces quite nicely.
I'll attach a few pictures to this note so you can see what I mean
3468
3469

[harryball]

OK, I just ordered a kit. I can now create my "Signature Series" Bat House :-) LOL.

/RB

[geneb]

Bill, unless he's changed the design since last week, it actually uses a small weight, not a spring.


The device has saved me a ton of time already, especially when it comes to making patterns. It's worth every penny.

g.

[billp]

Gene,
You are right, I stand corrected...
As with many other after market products, some people may have the time and inclination to build something of their own design, but it looks as though this tool is a winner right out of the box...

[phil_o]

I went to the Camp in NY yesterday and was very impressed with the quality of the line work produced by Russ's plotter pen. I would have bought his kit right there but his supply ran out.

[geneb]

I was talking with Russ yesterday on the phone and we got to discussing the inability to cap the pen while it's still in the holder.

Well I've managed to solve that one.
My local Ace Hardware has a little bin with "bolt tip protectors" that contain little plastic caps designed to cover the end of an exposed bolt.

It just so happens that the 5/16" (Yellow) cap is a perfect fit for the end of the pens that are used with the plotter insert. The cap is a whopping 20 cents and works perfectly.

It provides a nice and air-tight fit.

I'll post pictures this weekend.



g.

[knight_toolworks]

I put mine together wrong and it lets me put the cap back on. Plus it works fine so I leave it.

[wberminio]

I just wanted to add,Russ has come up with a simple
and practical product and best of all it really works!I saw what it could do at the camp we had at my shop and we were all impressed.
My only concern was capping the pen while it's in the holder.Looks like that problem is solved.
Keep up the go work Russ!

Erminio

[jamesgilliam]

Gene, I had noticed the same thing and was trying to figure out how to do that. Thanks for finding the solution. Now I have a real reason to go to Ace.

[eaglesplsh]

After talking with Gene, I followed up on the pen cap improvement from my end as well. We've found a supplier of rubber caps, similar to what he described in his post above – they're great!

The new caps will be included with our plotter pen kits from now on (6/20/08 forward.)

We're so pleased with this little improvement that we've decided to send the caps out to all our existing customers, too. If you've already purchased a kit from us, keep an eye on your mailbox over the next week or so (it may take longer to get to our international customers.)

Thanks again to everyone for all of their encouragement!

[wberminio]

This just shows what kind of person we're dealing with.

Erminio