Dreamsteel lab
Here I share some creations that allow us to make our instruments in a unique way. Tools, software, 3d printing.
A widened jaw for sanding cups.
God knows how important sanding is, here is a simple jaw extension to attach to a chuck to efficiently and safely sand large cups without having to buy an expensive chuck.
Tweezers for varnishing the instrument
These 3d printed tweezers allow me to hold the instrument when varnishing, and to handle it without risk during cooking and drying of the varnish.
Joint 3d printer
This printer entirely of my design is unique, it allows me to print very long joints in flexible wire. In fact, the assembly of the cups is made with a joint which separates the top and the bottom, this is partly what gives the soft sound of my tongue drums. Having a suitable joint made, with creation of the tool is very expensive and without the possibility of modifications. So I had to invent this concept, entirely made from my other 3d printer, this printer created all the joints of my instruments. The concept as well as the program (marlin) can be shared if interested.
With this tool I have long since and silently surpassed the world record for the longest 3D printed part, the 200 meters of printing exceeded in winter 2022!
A digital engraver, with automatic leveling
This part was a big piece, the visible side being the submerged part of the iceberg. Here, to carry out the engravings and cutting of notes, I built this digital milling machine starting from a chassis. How to make cuts and engravings on cups, which are never identical? Techniques exist, but they are complicated, expensive, and not practical at all.
Here I therefore created a mach3 interface which communicates with several modules written in C also of my design.
1-I prepare my machining path
2-the software calculates a point cloud to scan all parts
3-the cnc scans the part using a probe
4-the software converts the point cloud into a 3d object (stl)
5-the software transforms the machining path so that it follows the stl
6-The leveled machining path is executed.
Why digital? Look closely at the cutouts, look at the precision needed to create multiple harmonics and note shapes following a precise pattern. Vibrations are a very fine piece of clockwork and they are worth giving yourself the means to harmonize them as much as possible, with this tool the door to possibilities opens wide!
Caps for drums!
Yes caps, caps to be able to place them on a hard surface and have a beautiful sound, to allow the vibrations to escape towards the top rather than the bottom of the instrument, to place the instrument (acts as feet ), and above all: which is easily removed to access the interior. 3D printed, the internal structure is ideal for sending good vibrations to the instrument.
Available in store in the accessories section, if you would like different sizes for another Tongue drum model, do not hesitate to ask me.
