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Blog I: January 22nd, 2014

The Search Through the Thingiverse!

Amazing: Turbo Entabulator, Fully Mechanical Computer

While it requires some springs, pulleys, and rubber bands for full assembly, it has 3 single digit base-10 counters that can process a chain of 10 position punch cards. For fun you can calculate some of the first few digits of the Fibonnaci sequence!

Funny: Provocative Hands

This one needs very little explanation. While it may be terribly immature, I find it extremely funny that this was something someone printed. It makes for the perfect paper holder, desk decoration, or ice breaker at a party. While this design is a little complex, it is clearly able to be built, and a bit of an impressive feat for the overhangs to be able to hold while printing.

Useless: Useless Machine Arm

If you have never seen one before here is an example video but "The Most Useless Machine" is an incredible feat of.... technology I suppose. No matter how many times you flick the switch, its able to come right back and flick if off (until it's batteries run out). That is why I believe that the "Useless Machine Arm" is literally the most useless thing I could find on Thingiverse.

Useful: Measuring Spoons

Have you ever been cooking and just couldn't find that pesky tbsp.... or wait, was it tsp? Well fear no more, print your own! This build comes with all strange shapes and sizes, and has large print letters on the label. Having any size at hand while cooking is extremely useful and ensures that what you are cooking turns out just right. Also, if you are extremely lazy, you'll never have to wash a measuring spoon again!

Surprising: The Ministry of Silly Walks

While browsing through Thingiverse I was lucky enough to stumble upon one of my favorite Monty Python skits, The Ministry of Silly Walks. Of all the models I browsed through this was one of the ones I least expected to see.

Blog II: February 1st, 2014

Open Source Ecology (OSE) and its impacts

If you are unfamiliar with what OSE is, they have a video titled Enterprise Plan which outlines the groups goal. The OSE Project is an amazing project that has a goal of giving users the ability to make 50 different types of industrial machines. They believe these 50 machines help to create the modern, industrial civilization that we have today. Its founder Marcin Jakubowski gave a TED talk on the project back in March 2011, explaining that he wants to give people across the world the ability to inexpensively create their own industrial equipment. The equipment they have schematics and designs for range from laser cutters, to bread ovens, and even well drilling rigs. On the very top of their websites list of 50 devices, are a 3D printer and scanner. While their information on 3D printers is somewhat lacking, they show interest, and even refer users to visit RepRap for more information.

Overall the project seems like a good idea with great intentions. Personally, I believe that the largest threat facing man kind at the moment is overpopulation, and the fallout that will come from overpopulation when earth reaches maximum capacity. Projects like this are a step in the right direction to helping solve some of earths population issues by increasing the amount of resources available for people to create goods that help sustain human life. Giving farmers, construction workers, and creators the ability to inexpensively industrialize their labor means greater productivity and efficiency. It also means that the workers can reap greater benefits to help sustain themselves and their surrounding communities.