W5EHS

I have been working with 3D printing for about a month and burned through several kilos of the plastic filament that is used for the extrusion process.  The process is reviewed HERE in my Ramblin' Dan's Workshop so no need going into details here in the ham radio blog.

There are thousands of ready to print files available on the internet free for use in 3D printing. Also a lot that can be purchased. I take advantage of the free ones when they fit my needs or are just something interesting. What is really enjoyable is making my own 3D drawings from scratch.

Several 3D CAD programs are available here in my shack. The one I really like the best is called Rhinoceros or Rhino3D. Follow the link if you would like to know more about the software.

The call sign keyfob you see in the picture was designed in Rhino. Then exported as a 3D .stl (Standard Tessellation Language) file. STL is one of the poorest but simple 3D graphic formats and is widely used in 3D printing which is alkso called stereolithography. STL is pretty much the standard format in 3D printing but little else.

Of course designing something with my call sign was necessary. Look carefully (click to enlarge) and you will see the special feature under the call sign lettering.

The material used for this one is glow-in-the-dark PLA plastic. Rather ugly. A couple more in solid colors are in the works..

There is a problem with retirement. Too many irons in the fire. Before retirement I used to think of all the time there would be to do the enjoyable things. But then discovered the number of hours in a day haven't changed. Tthe speed at which they progress seems to have increased.

Of course the real problem is there as so many things that I really like to do. My brain may be able to multi-task but this aging body still operates in a single track mode. That means I have to switch tracks to run in a different direction.

Micro wave radio projects are piling up around me that need doing. The materials are on hand and there is a clear work path. Just have not dedicated the time.

My ideal plan is to not get frustrated. That is not something fun to deal with in retirement. Being the person in control, it's easy to recognise who is the source of the problem, It's me! I still enjoy the things that are not started. They are there waiting  for me, and that is far better than not having anything to look forward to doing.

Ah, it's just the way it is with life in the slow lane...

One of my interests is lost wax casting in silver. I can cast several other metals as well, but silver has been my favorite.

In the picture is a ring made with my amateur radio station call sign. You all know we identify personally with our calls.

My first call sign ring shown below was as big and gaudy as it could made. It is a success but is a bit uncomfortable to wear. It is too wide. This new one wears on the finger much better.

If any of my ham friends are interested in a personal design made by me, let me know. Each one is a one of a kind as the wax master goes away. The “lost” in lost wax casting.

Something like this small ring would be in the $50.00 price range. More complex like the fun skull ring shown would be higher. I made that for my adult son and it is the mascot for a band where he is the drummer.

Lead time varies. Let me know if you would like something special handcrafted for you.

Just about as wide as my finger can handle	Those are radio waves on the underside.
It's called Chin's Mojo. My son's band ring.	The "reasonable" call sign ring, Ha!