Giant Etch-a-Sketch?

[SuperDeLuxe]

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

[NC Cams]

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.

[Switcher]

Some links for you.

Links:

http://axis.unpy.net/index.cgi/etchcnc

http://neil.fraser.name/hardware/etch/

http://entertainment.howstuffworks.com/question317.htm




.

[bigtonyicu]

Silly question, how do you plan on shaking a 10 by 10 foor etch a sketch

[Rance]

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

[SuperDeLuxe]

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.

[chuckknigh]

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

[Rance]

Hektor could be modified to work on a gymnasium floor as well if all you're gonna push around is a Sharpie.

[SuperDeLuxe]

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.

[Kipper]

Originally Posted by bigtonyicu Silly question, how do you plan on shaking a 10 by 10 foor etch a sketch

:rofl: Nice one lol

[project5k]

who you gonna call, the jolly green giant?
sorry, i just had to say it

[SuperDeLuxe]

You can read my post asking how to shake a 10 ft. etch-a-sketch at

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