Ep 332: 5 Axes are Better than 3, Hacking Your Behavior, and the Man Who Made Models

Hackaday Podcast · 8 Aug 2025 · 1h 09m · Episode 332

What this episode covers

Hosts Elliot Williams and Dan Maloney review a diverse range of hardware hacks, including Daniel from Fractal Robotics' open-source 5-axis 3D printer and its custom slicer, which eliminates overhangs by tilting the build plate. They discuss the persistent software failures in handling non-standard names, illustrated by Luke O'Sullivan's experiences and the 'falsehoods programmers believe about names.' The episode also covers practical tools like the superiority of macro lenses over cheap digital microscopes, a DIY temperature-controlled fermentation setup using an ESP32, and a tape-speed keyboard inspired by the Mellotron. Finally, they commemorate the passing of Shinsaku Tamia, founder of the Tamiya model company, and explain the engineering behind how commercial aircraft survive lightning strikes.

Mentioned

Companies
Fractal Robotics, Tamiya, Sony, Electric Druid, Supply Frame
Products
Mellotron
Chips
ESP32
Tools
ESP home, Home Assistant, Cockcroft-Walton generator

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