Let’s re-invent the wheel, while we’re at it!
When I was a kid, plotters were the first printers I was exposed to (computer wise). I was in awe of them.
Well, I’ve got this CNC machine, just sitting around…
Two types of tools I’ve found for this job:
– Drag Pens
– Spring Loaded Pens
The drag pens, due to the build angle, automatically swivel to follow the movement of the spindle, and are (as far as I can tell) used on large, flat surfaces. The Spring Loaded Pens, on the other hand, have flexible Z axis movement under either a controlled weight or spring pressure, allowing the pen to move over irregular surfaces (cylinders, rough work).
Like the Spring Engravers, a mix of people building their own, and purchasing. One turn-off for me on the spring loaded I found for purchase is you are locked into their pens. Having said that, the company has been around for eight years or so, so not exactly a huge risk.
The best DIY spring loaded takes a simple click pen, and modifies it! Cost? The click pen *grin*
Links
WidgetWorks Coilover Pen Holder, Thick Line (they nominally stock a thin line as well, but seem to be out at the moment)
Shopbot Forum Posting on the WidgetWorks unit
RockcliffMachine Drag Pen – Video of it HERE
The aforementioned Click Pen DIY
DIY Coil Over Pen for Plotting, by Grunblau Design (makers of my drool worthy next acquisition: Platform CNC)
Solsylva.com – DIY Pen Holders (Shows how to use a wooden block and dowel for a drag pen, and a compass, good thinking)
Floating Weight Style DIY for Sharpie Markers (Practical Machinist) – (Zip file with drawing at the bottom)
Example of (assumed) overkill (I think this was meant for a gantry type CNC): Artsoft Link to Forum Post, and in the same thread, the aforementioned Click Pen Modification
