Pen plotters/Pen Hacking: Difference between revisions
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[[File:Pen hacking 3.jpg|thumb|center|Push the toothpick]] | [[File:Pen hacking 3.jpg|thumb|center|Push the toothpick]] | ||
[[File:Pen hacking 4.jpg|thumb|center|Push harder with the toothpic]] | [[File:Pen hacking 4.jpg|thumb|center|Push harder with the toothpic]] | ||
[[File:Pen hacking 5.jpg|thumb|center|Keep | [[File:Pen hacking 5.jpg|thumb|center|Keep pushing]] | ||
[[File:Pen hacking 6.jpeg|thumb|center|You might need help from a knife]] | [[File:Pen hacking 6.jpeg|thumb|center|You might need help from a knife]] | ||
[[File:Pen hacking 7.jpg|thumb|center|Tadaa!]] | [[File:Pen hacking 7.jpg|thumb|center|Tadaa!]] | ||
Revision as of 12:49, 14 January 2024
Page dedicated to the modification of Pen Plotter Pens
Pushing Technique
If you're lucky, you have a pen lying around without head. If you're luckier still, the top of the pen will pop right off. A toothpick is the perfect tool.
Cutting Technique
When you're not so lucky, you might need to use a knife immediately. A few notes:
- Not all pens are created equal, some plastics seems to be softer than others
- Cosider pulling the pen-intestants out from the head of the pen (easy after the top has been cut off). This will allow you to more easily push out the top of the pen.
- Be careful!
Pen Alignment
When using a custom pen, you want to make sure the pen is placed properly in the holder. This includes:
- The pen is properly aligned height wise: the tip of the pen just touches the paper when the plotter holds the pen down.
- The pen is secured, so that it won't loosen or move during plotting.
The former, in particular, can be tricky. You can hold your custom pen next to a regular pen plotter pen and compare the heigts. To make life easier, a vertical alignment rig has been made.