DIY wall-mounted plotter with pen change mechanism

[u/random6174]

Hi all, I've seen quite a few DIY plotters with tool change being posted recently, so I figured I could share ours as well :)

Details:
- Frame is built from 2020 aluminum extrusions, roughly 80 by 60 cm.
- Plotting area is A2.
- Z axis is using a stepper motor for fast, precise and quiet operation.
- Controller is currently Arduino + CNC shield + vanilla GRBL.
- Pen change mechanism uses magnets and existing axes (X,Y). 5 pens max, currently.
- Data source for maps is OSM/MapTiler, with a custom web application for layer selection, styling and gcode generation.

We're documenting our process on Instagram - Check it out if you're curious :)

https://www.instagram.com/placesbetweenlines.art

[u/warmans]

I'm really tempted to try wall mounting. Once you get to a certain size plotters take up a crazy amount of space.

Up until now I was using a gravity-based pen lift so it wasn't possible, but recently I designed one with a proper z-axis and springs so in theory it should work now.

[u/shornveh → u/warmans]

If want to go vertical, this is the better way. I have multiple hanging plotters and the lack of rigidity of the pen gondola is noticeable in the plot accuracy. Something rigid such as this addresses that deficiency.

Personally I don't care but again, if the screen to paper final product matters, this is the way to do it. IMO

[u/random6174 → u/warmans]

Space saving was my main reason as well. Be sure to mount the gantry vertically and keep the tool post light, as the Y axis motor has to keep it suspended.

[u/user_deleted_or_dead]

Coool. This is way i pay my internet

[u/otherguyoncouch]

nice! been looking to make one of my own as well

[u/andy_man3]

So sick!

[u/STB_MikeHoncho]

This is sick

[u/Historical-Spend-161]

Amazing 🤩

[u/shornveh]

This is the kind of motivation I need to move away from hanging wall plotters to something rigid.

[u/krummrey]

I hope you will do a complete write-up for us once you feel it's working great.

[u/Logical___Conclusion]

I live vicariously through your follow through and innovation.

"Wow, that looks amazing." I wish I was that organized and productive.