Nonlaser things that I think GFers will find interesting

So the work that the guy put into the algorithm to convert pics to thread lines is at least as bespoke as that. And that’s not even taking the skill to build the actual machine and electronics to drive it all. Human hands are all over both of these things in a lot of ways.

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The work of the machine designer, not the work of the person using the machine. I am very impressed with his skills in making the machine, but would be a lot more impressed if he used the machine to make his own stuff, but the real cash flow is having others use his recipe.
I had this fight many years ago when designing lost wax gold jewelry, that folks put it down as not “handmade”. It pushed me into a far more considered understanding of the gray area than I might have had otherwise.

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creepy teletubbie sculptures.

i’ll blur because it’s truly creepy, but the process is really cool.

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We lived in Spokane, WA, quite a ways from the volcano. We “only got” about 3" to 4" of ash from the eruption. The city was closed down for most of a week, although buses and police tried to get around in the mess. A lot of vehicles were damaged by ingesting that ash.

You have to calculate how far and in what direction you’d want to go to get away from something large and destructive like a volcanic eruption. There are a couple of articles about the effects one year on from the 2022 submarine eruption of Hunga Tonga.

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Those TeleTubbies are both horrifying and fascinating. I kind of want them.

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me too

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Oh this is cool

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Cool idea, great execution!

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Lasers, but not lasers:
https://www.reddit.com/r/Thatsactuallyverycool/comments/15kblc2/how_did_he_do_that/?utm_source=share&utm_medium=web2x&context=3

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I bet this dude’s Glowforge never drops off the network:

That setup is mental.

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The future of blinken lights:

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Ok that’s cool. Those pens plus a plotter and you have some very cool possibilities too.

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I’m late to this party, but this is mesmerizing!

image

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Let’s build a boat

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i missed out on this year, but i’m going to try to convince my office to do this next year.

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We just did this! This weekend we just had cardboard/duct-tape boat races!

[Edit] Adding some photos from our event: (blurred the youth’s faces)


Here are the boats waiting to be used in the pond.


This one was one of the other youth leaders. He used his CNC to cut the cardboard of a model boat (blown up 700%), it was amazing.

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This is awesome! What were the rules? Were only cardboard and duct tape allowed? Was there a limit on quantities of either? Were they constructed at home and transported to the pond?

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One of our local private colleges (University of Evansville) has a regular concrete canoe contest for their engineering departments. A bit heavier than cardboard and duct tape, but they are very creative.

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i can’t speak to Bill’s race, but these are the ones for the reston race (ignore the fact that there are two #1s, that was on their website like that).

  1. The entire boat must be built of cardboard.

  2. Boats cannot be bigger than 6 by 12 feet. There is no limit to height.

  3. Cardboard may be as thick as you want and may be layered together.

  4. Cardboard carpet tubes or similar tubes may be used. “Sono-tubes” or any other type if pre-treated or coated cardboard that has been processed in such a way as to waterproof the cardboard may NOT be used.

  5. Duct tape, masking tape, strapping paper tape, wood glue, or contact cement may be used. Metal or plastic staples, clamps, nails, screws, flex seal, etc., may NOT be used.

  6. Boats may be painted with a water based paint or water sealer, like Thompson’s Water Seal Stain. All paint and stain must be dry before the boat enters the water. Tar, wax, silicone, fiberglass resins, epoxy glues, or Styrofoam are prohibited.

  7. The use of Paper Mache is allowed, particularly on the decorative elements of the boat. However, cardboard should still be your primary building material.

  8. 100% of the crew members must be inside or on top of your boat. Where the crew sits may not be enclosed. The boat crew must be able to get IN and OUT of the boat easily.

  9. The propulsion system may NOT be motor power, or kick power. Any oars or paddles may be made out of any material or store bought.

  10. No electrical power sources will be allowed on any boat once in contact with the water.

  11. If there is any doubt about the construction, the judges reserve the right to use a probe, such as an ice pick, to test and verify that only cardboard has been used. Construction violations discovered during any part of the day shall be cause for elimination.

  12. Coast guard approved life jackets must be worn by all participants during the race. We encourage you to bring your own if you have one (as it will fit best), but life jackets also will be available for those who need them.

  13. Each team is responsible for disposing of their boat after the race. A dumpster will be provided for disposal. Upon registration 2 crew members must be assigned to boat disposal. There is $100 fee for not disposing of your boat properly.

  14. There is no limit to the number of rowers, however all rowers must fit inside the boat. Teams should nominate a captain to attend the Captain’s Meeting. Teams are also allowed to have two “crew” members on the dock to assist with the race start/finish.

  15. All rowers must be at least 10 years of age.

  16. Teams must supply their own paddles for racing particularly if you have several crewmembers. It is also encouraged to bring your own life jacket. A small number of life jackets and paddles will be available.

  17. ​HAVE FUN! This is a family-friendly event, meant to foster Reston pride and teamwork. While a little healthy competition is GREAT, let’s demonstrate GOOD SPORTSMANSHIP and be kind and courteous to all of the staff, volunteers and other teams.

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Only cardboard and duct tape are allowed. No limits on size or quantities.

Silly awards were given out. It was more about family and fun than competition.

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