• The Time Has Come

    g0ldenerd06/14/2022 at 03:11 0 comments

    After a long couple of months and unhealthy periods of procrastination, the time has finally come to begin uploading RC1 of the specification.

    However, I have returned to the original Y carriage and belt drive. I found that a single lead screw and single rail did not provide the appropriate stability, at least not using the brackets and mounts I had used. Eventually, I do plan on returning to the lead screw drive, but will likely be a dual lead screw design. If all else fails, I will likely end up putting a ball screw on it.

    In the near future, I also plan on developing an auto tramming system and several other goodies to make this a true fork and not just a specification remix of the BLV project.

  • Finishing Touches

    g0ldenerd05/16/2022 at 21:20 0 comments

    I opted to get an SKR Mini E3 V3 as a replacement board and I am just putting the finishing touches on the firmware changes to get it ready for public release.

  • Oops..I did it again

    g0ldenerd04/29/2022 at 15:54 0 comments

    Well, the project is technically finished. The second z-axis bracket made it's way here. Everything is assembled and wired. 

    Then..I broke it.

    I had a slim stepper on the Y axis, but this was honestly too much for the little guy. So I threw two of the slim ones on the Z axis (perfecto) and stole the Z axis motor as it's the same as the original Y motor, without the stupid press fittings. 

    I. Didn't. Swap. The. Middle. Wires. Back.

    Oh yeah. It peaked above the drivers rating. Now I have no Y axis control. 

    This project is temporarily delayed for 2 weeks as I either arrange a new board or get brave enough and make something out of one of my RaspberryPis

  • The End Is Nigh

    g0ldenerd04/17/2022 at 01:32 0 comments

    The frame has been reassembled and is now awaiting the electronics enclosure, power supply and wiring.

    It should be fully complete by tomorrow evening! 

  • A Little Off The Beaten Path

    g0ldenerd04/16/2022 at 18:10 0 comments

    What started off as a Linear Motion Mod for the Ender 3 has somehow transitioned into making custom paint. I'm just as confused as you are on how we got here, but I love the results and knowledge XP gained on this Easter Egg of a side quest. 

    Well, actually, two types of paint were needed. The metal paint is a (hopefully) automotive grade blend of enamels that are baked on. The plastic paint is a blend of acrylics and modified enamels that get "baked" on with the low setting of a heat gun in constant motion. Both using artisan grade pigments in high concentration that results in a vibrancy I couldn't match with paint that would be considered remotely affordable. 

    That leaves us with where the project stands today. The firmware is ready; All currently planned hardware has been purchased, fitted and tested; The printer has been fully disassembled, painted and baked. We are now ready to re-assemble it, cut some new wires and publish the videos as well as instructions.

  • A rookie mistake

    g0ldenerd04/16/2022 at 17:28 0 comments

    It's been a while, but shortly after posting the E3D V6 issues, I realized that the picture reference I had seen for the clamp was upside-down. There is no issue after-all.

  • E3D V6 Hotend Issues

    g0ldenerd03/19/2022 at 17:50 0 comments

    I have received the hotend setup and the shroud I had originally chosen for the project. The shroud was 1/4" too thick to fit with the metal clamp system. I will need to design a shroud for this project. For now, I will be using the Haldis 3D J6 hotend I had been

  • Y Axis Change

    g0ldenerd03/19/2022 at 17:42 0 comments

    I had over-looked the fact that this kit was meant for an Ender 3 Pro with a 4040 Extrusion on the Y plane. The belt-drive does not at all function as intended, and after 3 days of modding I gave up on the belt. 

    So please note, if you intend to stay with the belt drive, you will need to purchase a proper extrusion and tap it out to fit the Ender 3. 

    Otherwise, you can use the dual z bracket to drive the y axis with a lead screw.

  • Progression Update 1

    g0ldenerd03/05/2022 at 18:25 0 comments

    I have completed the purchasing of all needed rails and hardware. The x-axis is assembled and will be working on the Z and Y axis today!

    The E3D hotend assembly will be here Wednesday.

    Total spent $286

  • The First Steps

    g0ldenerd02/27/2022 at 01:39 0 comments

    I have already purchased the carriage kit and 2 of the linear rails. I will be working on the other 2 rails and V6 hotend next. I will post instructions/videos as I finalize the purchases.