Looks brilliant John, so pleased you could use the software and get it all working - that accelstepper library is ace isn't it. My first version just used thread and sewing bobbins to reel it in too, and worked fine, all the initial drawings I did use that mechanism. I eventually ditched it for accuracy - as the thread (or string) winds out and then back in again, it builds up on the spool in a different way each time, and so the diameter ends up being slightly different, and this meant I couldn't get the pen to go to the same place twice, which is important if I want to do multi-layer stuff and keep things in registration.
HOWEVER, it did add a beautiful bit of randomness to the drawing, and showed as kind of "cracks" between the rows, which I really miss with the big machine, it's a lot more predictable.
Strong thread was pretty good, a lot of bots seem to use fishing line, but I find that stuff an exercise is frustration to use, it's always springing everywhere as soon as you let go of the end - your kittens would have a field day.
Great to hear from you,
Sandy Noble
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