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Lego Pen Gadgets


P.A.R.

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Introducing the Lego A.I.M. 2000! (Angular Ink Mechanism)

http://i1212.photobucket.com/albums/cc453/NoodlersCreaper/DSC_9833.jpg

http://i1212.photobucket.com/albums/cc453/NoodlersCreaper/DSC_9835.jpg

This is a little gadget I made both for fun and to provide the convenience of a third hand while filling from a near empty ink bottle. I applies the basic geometric principle of having two fixed side lengths in a triangle, requiring the remaining two angles and the remaining side length to be changed if one wishes to change one angle. The angle of interest, in this case, is located at the platform on the right where a black and red hinge piece is located (best visible in the first photo.)

 

The other hinges allowing the other angles to be changed are at these locations...

http://i1212.photobucket.com/albums/cc453/NoodlersCreaper/DSC_9838.jpg

http://i1212.photobucket.com/albums/cc453/NoodlersCreaper/DSC_9839.jpg

During use, the ink bottle is placed in this rest, which pivots on the aforementioned red and black hinge.

http://i1212.photobucket.com/albums/cc453/NoodlersCreaper/DSC_9843.jpg

Note that the studded surface of the gray plate on the platform allows round or square bottles of ink to be used.

http://i1212.photobucket.com/albums/cc453/NoodlersCreaper/DSC_9844.jpg

The gray semi-triangular pieces can be taken off (they're Legos, after all) and reversed or moved in and out to accomodate different bottle shapes.

http://i1212.photobucket.com/albums/cc453/NoodlersCreaper/DSC_9845.jpg

http://i1212.photobucket.com/albums/cc453/NoodlersCreaper/DSC_9847.jpg

Though the back wall of the platform is generally sufficient to keep the bottle in place during use, I also put on a "clamp."

http://i1212.photobucket.com/albums/cc453/NoodlersCreaper/DSC_9836.jpg

http://i1212.photobucket.com/albums/cc453/NoodlersCreaper/DSC_9837.jpg

Now to see the triangle shift...

http://i1212.photobucket.com/albums/cc453/NoodlersCreaper/DSC_9840.jpg

http://i1212.photobucket.com/albums/cc453/NoodlersCreaper/DSC_9841.jpg

The friction force in the hinges is sufficient that, even with heavier glass bottles of ink, the platform will not lurch or dip suddenly, and can be adjusted very minutely to bring the ink level to the very lip of the bottle.

 

Overall, a fun success.

 

On to the next, considerably less complicated Lego invention.

http://i1212.photobucket.com/albums/cc453/NoodlersCreaper/DSC_9850.jpg

I recently got some of the ink sample vials from the Goulets. While usefull, I found out in one of my classes while attempting to refill that the narrow base makes it very susceptable to tipping - to which a stain one of my pairs of jeans and a stain on my desk are testament.

http://i1212.photobucket.com/albums/cc453/NoodlersCreaper/DSC_9851.jpg

http://i1212.photobucket.com/albums/cc453/NoodlersCreaper/DSC_9852.jpg

Nothing fancy, but it makes it virtually impossible to tip over the vial unintentionally other than sweeping the entire assembly off one's desk.

 

This next is not a Lego invention, but I don't think it quite deserves its own thread...

http://i1212.photobucket.com/albums/cc453/NoodlersCreaper/DSC_9853.jpg

This is remake four or five of my felt pen cases - and probably the final tweaking. The main vertical flap can be removed by sliding it backwards and undoing a tassel wound around a button...

http://i1212.photobucket.com/albums/cc453/NoodlersCreaper/DSC_9857.jpg

http://i1212.photobucket.com/albums/cc453/NoodlersCreaper/DSC_9858.jpg

This reveals the next flap, which is meant to protect the pens from scratches/drops on the sides of the case, and is secured with a similar tassel closure.

 

http://i1212.photobucket.com/albums/cc453/NoodlersCreaper/DSC_9859.jpg

http://i1212.photobucket.com/albums/cc453/NoodlersCreaper/DSC_9860.jpg

http://i1212.photobucket.com/albums/cc453/NoodlersCreaper/DSC_9861.jpg

The pens are secured by a loop at an average distance from the top for a pocket clip, and a hole cut in the top of the two pieces of fabric.

http://i1212.photobucket.com/albums/cc453/NoodlersCreaper/DSC_9863.jpg

I left the top seam unsewn to allow for extra writing implements or cleaning supplies (cotton swabs, napkins, etc.) to be stored.

http://i1212.photobucket.com/albums/cc453/NoodlersCreaper/DSC_9864.jpg

 

The case is made out of two kinds of black felt - one stiff and one soft. The stiff felt serves to give the case some structure and rigidity. Looking at the first picture, you can see the double "hinge" I put into the vertical flap that has an intended tendency to press against the rest of the case rather than pulling up against the tassel. The soft felt is more strechable and thus a more appropriate choice for the loops in which the pens rest, so as not to tug on and distort the straight outer lines of the stiff felt-case. It was meticulously (but hardly flawlessly) hand sewn this afternoon. The tassel and thread used is some inexpensive embroidery floss. If sufficient interest in these is visible here, I may start selling custom ordered cases during the summer (varying numbers of slots, customer-chosen colors, etc.)

 

Just thought I'd share some creativity. Anyone else have anything they've made to aid in their fountain pen hobby?

Edited by P.A.R.

Assume no affiliation to recommendations.

http://i1212.photobucket.com/albums/cc453/NoodlersCreaper/sig0001.jpg

Alternative Noodler's Ahab Nibs

 

"Free" Custom Fountain Pen Cases

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The felt case reminds me of a time when my friends and I, a few years out of college, went to dinner at a nice restaurant. The waiter, trying to ingratiate himself to the friend who was paying for the meal, said, "I like your suit...is it felt?" No, the suede suit was not felt and some poor waiter felt that sad truth in his tip that night.

 

The legos are just pure mad scientist genius! You could build full-blown pen stands if you have enough time and pieces.

Edited by clickiechick

Wassup wid that, homes? Looks like you're WANT to feel the hurt. -ethernautrix

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What if it collapses while you are filling? you know, with it being lego and all....

 

My solution(s):

 

http://i1201.photobucket.com/albums/bb345/Andybiotics/Writing%20Samples/P1020494j-1reversedcolour.jpg
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Good job with the lego. But for it to be a true hobby project it needs more bluetack :P

Edited by Ethereal Winter Wind
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Good job with the lego. But for it to be a true hobby project it needs more bluetack :P

 

And duct tape... Every bodge needs duct tape...

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What if it collapses while you are filling? you know, with it being lego and all....

 

My solution(s):

 

Nice!

 

Most of the weight of the bottle is directed straight down onto the red and black hinge, so there isn't any stress that would cause it to come apart. The only flimsy parts are the adjustable gray side pieces, but those don't bear any load. There's enough friction in the other two hinges that it doesn't slide while in use.

 

The legos are just pure mad scientist genius! You could build full-blown pen stands if you have enough time and pieces.

Thanks! The vial holder took the least time to make, and there are plenty of pieces where those came from :lol: . The vial holder also works pretty well as a single pen stand or to hold the barrel of a pen during eyedropper filling -I'm not usually using more than two pens at a time (and keep the rest of my pens in a case) but I suppose I could make 2-3 pen stand for my desk at home :hmm1:. I'll make it and post pictures after getting home from school today.

Edited by P.A.R.

Assume no affiliation to recommendations.

http://i1212.photobucket.com/albums/cc453/NoodlersCreaper/sig0001.jpg

Alternative Noodler's Ahab Nibs

 

"Free" Custom Fountain Pen Cases

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this stuff is awesome, good job!! :thumbup:

 

I love being creative and making stuff myself, so I always like seeing the results of other people's creativity. It makes me happy to see people having fun creating things :happyberet: And there's so many things you can make around pens and ink.

 

Love the design of the pen case! So simple and functional. Keep up the creativity!!

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this stuff is awesome, good job!! :thumbup:

 

I love being creative and making stuff myself, so I always like seeing the results of other people's creativity. It makes me happy to see people having fun creating things :happyberet: And there's so many things you can make around pens and ink.

 

Love the design of the pen case! So simple and functional. Keep up the creativity!!

Thanks - it's not a quick draw holster, but it does the job well and fits comfortably in a (guy's non "skinny") jeans pocket. It didn't restrict movement while in my pocket during the bike ride to and from school as well.

Assume no affiliation to recommendations.

http://i1212.photobucket.com/albums/cc453/NoodlersCreaper/sig0001.jpg

Alternative Noodler's Ahab Nibs

 

"Free" Custom Fountain Pen Cases

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As promised, a two pen stand made out of Legos...

http://i1212.photobucket.com/albums/cc453/NoodlersCreaper/DSC_9865.jpg

I've seen leaning pen stands that have an open face, and others that have a closed loop around the center or top of the pen. I thought having both options would be convenient. As such, I placed a hinged segment at the side of each opening...

http://i1212.photobucket.com/albums/cc453/NoodlersCreaper/DSC_9872.jpg

Allowing you either keep the stand closed for more secure storage, or to open up the front and allow for faster switching between pens (because you only have to plop the pen in from the front, rather than inserting it from the top...)

http://i1212.photobucket.com/albums/cc453/NoodlersCreaper/DSC_9874.jpg

Two bricks at the front keep the pens from sliding out, regardless of which corner at the back of the "slots" the pens are resting on.

http://i1212.photobucket.com/albums/cc453/NoodlersCreaper/DSC_9876.jpg

A back view...

http://i1212.photobucket.com/albums/cc453/NoodlersCreaper/DSC_9878.jpg

 

I could care less for color scheme with this, but I like the diagonal/angular resting look.

 

Thanks for all the encouragement! :blush:

 

EDIT

 

And yes, I'm going to show off my gold-nibbed Ahabs as much as possible :P

Edited by P.A.R.

Assume no affiliation to recommendations.

http://i1212.photobucket.com/albums/cc453/NoodlersCreaper/sig0001.jpg

Alternative Noodler's Ahab Nibs

 

"Free" Custom Fountain Pen Cases

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"great pics, which macro lense are you using!?"

 

 

 

It's my Dad's Nikon D40 Camera with a Nikon AF-S Nikkor 18-200mm lens (I think, he's the photography junky.) I don't know much about it, but it's pretty easy to use (these photos were taken without tweaking any lighting settings or anything.) Some of the close up images are just cropped.

Assume no affiliation to recommendations.

http://i1212.photobucket.com/albums/cc453/NoodlersCreaper/sig0001.jpg

Alternative Noodler's Ahab Nibs

 

"Free" Custom Fountain Pen Cases

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I can honestly say that I have never owned a single Lego block my entire life. Don't know why. I remember having wood blocks, Tinker Toys, metal Erector Sets, and Lincoln Logs, but never Legos. Isn't that odd?

With the new FPN rules, now I REALLY don't know what to put in my signature.

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I can honestly say that I have never owned a single Lego block my entire life. Don't know why. I remember having wood blocks, Tinker Toys, metal Erector Sets, and Lincoln Logs, but never Legos. Isn't that odd?

 

That makes two of us - I never had Legos either.

JLT (J. L. Trasancos, Barneveld, NY)

 

"People with courage and character always seem sinister to the rest."

Hermann Hesse (1877 - 1962)

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My Lego pen holder is quite a bit simpler, it's just the yellow cube on the right. It holds one pen or one ink vial. But you have to be careful picking it up, this little clipless pen will fall through, there's no bottom. Ink vial lids, however, keep them from falling out. Both calculators are fully functional. The larger one has no batteries but won't work in the dark. The little one is battery operated. And the red brick is a 4-port USB hub.

 

http://i77.photobucket.com/albums/j66/sexauerw/PhysicalDesktop-1.jpg

 

P.A.R., I love your ink bottle holder. I'm going to dig out the old Lego box and see if I can find the appropriate parts to make one. I know I don't have the round red gadgets but I think I can find something that will substitute for them. Thanks for the idea!

Bill Sexauer
http://bulk-share.slickpic.com/album/share/zyNIMDOgTcgMOO/5768697.0/org/p/PCA+++Logo+small.jpghttp://bulk-share.slickpic.com/album/share/zyNIMDOgTcgMOO/5768694.0/org/p/Blk+Pen+Society+Icon.jpghttp://bulk-share.slickpic.com/album/share/TE3TzMUAMMYyNM/8484890.0/300/p/CP04_Black_Legend%2C_Small.jpg
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Duplicate post, deleted.

Edited by sexauerw

Bill Sexauer
http://bulk-share.slickpic.com/album/share/zyNIMDOgTcgMOO/5768697.0/org/p/PCA+++Logo+small.jpghttp://bulk-share.slickpic.com/album/share/zyNIMDOgTcgMOO/5768694.0/org/p/Blk+Pen+Society+Icon.jpghttp://bulk-share.slickpic.com/album/share/TE3TzMUAMMYyNM/8484890.0/300/p/CP04_Black_Legend%2C_Small.jpg
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