TRANSFORM YOUR CNC INTO A PLOTTER IN LESS THAN 2 HOURS USING OPENSCAD AND A 3D PRINTER

In this video a CNC plotter tool is modeled with free opensource CAD software called OPENSCAD (all code is written out and explained in the video). The plotter tool is then 3D printed, assembled, and run through a simple plotting demonstration using a CNC.
Reminder: Always remember to have router/spindle turned off when using this tool and wear your safety glasses.
The plotter tool was printed with PLA and may be used on any CNC with a standard 1/4 inch collet. This video is a 3D printable version CNC Plotter (with new dimensions and design optimized for 3D printing) that parallels an earlier video on my channel which demonstrated how to model a plotter tool with Vcarve Pro software and machine in wood.
This video also shares a new easy way to obtain a spring (from a source likely already in your home). The model no longer requires set screws to hold the pen in place.
I hope you enjoy and make your own plotter tool. There are many other videos on my channel showing a CNC plotter in action so be sure to subscribe and check them out.

[@Simplifycnc]

The OPENSCAD script has now been updated to optimize pen, pastels and crayon plots. For newest release see: ua-cam.com/video/xsYTFyY5e_g/v-deo.html

[@TheyCallMeMrMac]

nifty solution - got yourself a subscriber!

[@TimArland]

Nice! I'm going to try this - thank you! Are you just running a profile toolpath at 0 depth of cut?

[@Simplifycnc]

Awesome. If you are zeroing pen tool at the poster/paper surface then do a profile toolpath-- line on (router off) at 2.5 mm or about 0.10 inches (the spring gives you some margin of error-- so if you want to you can go down another mm or so). The total up down movement in spring is about 5 mm so pick a DOC profile less than 5 mm and greater than zero mm. Let me know in the comments how the pen tool worked for you or if you have anymore questions.

[@podman63]

Hi nice project will you make the 3D file available to download & print ? Find the CAD software confusing thanks

[@Simplifycnc]

Definitely, will do. I will come back here and post when I have a host location for the STL (assuming I am allowed by youtube to post the file location)--hopefully next week.

[@Simplifycnc]

Sorry, I intended to get back to you sooner to update you on the status of the 3D STL files. It's still going to be quite awhile before I have time to setup a website where they can be downloaded but if you go to my channel homepage there is a contact email listed. Message me there (don't post your email directly in comments) and I will send you the latest STL files that correspond to my newest video (for the Pastels, ink, and Crayon Plotter). Also in my latest video there is additional help on using OpenScad. The worst part of the program for most people is the zooming/panning with the mouse. It takes awhile to get used to and also the idea that one has to render the 3d model with a F6 after any changes to program and then export as a separate STL using the F7 command.