This week’s maker is Joshua Cobbett, tech innovation specialist in the UCSF Library. Joshua has been busy working in the Makers Lab since starting at UCSF. Let’s catch up with Joshua to see what he has been making.
Q: What did you make?
I made a mount that doubles as a stand connecting two pieces of equipment in the UCSF Library digital media suite.
Q: Why did you want to make it?
The control board and field monitor were set up in such a way that they should never be separated. If you needed to move one you had to deal with cables and wires being in the way. The second reason was that it looks much more professional and put together in my opinion. I feel that if the space is to be used in a professional setting that we should make sure it looks the part.
Q: What was your process?
I first looked online to see what was being used. I had seen mounts for the item or for the field monitor, but not both. Since I knew the Makers Lab had 3D printers, I downloaded a version of the stand, measured our equipment, imported the file into Tinkercad, sliced it up, and changed the size of some parts to fit the item. After that, I used the measurements for the field monitor and added a design I thought would work. I made a prototype to check measurements, then adjusted it in Tinkercad again. I checked this version, and once it fit, I printed the full model.
Q: What was the hardest part of the process?
The hardest part was making the adjustments and adding to an existing model. With the model being a different size and shape, it took some problem-solving to figure out, but it was a fun task.
Q: What was your favorite part of the process?
I would say seeing what I’ve made fit together and function perfectly is very satisfying. There’s a moment while working on things when you wonder if it will actually work, and to see it in person feels great!
Q: Why did you make it instead of buying it?
A few reasons. The first being you can change it later if you need to, the speed of having it within a few hours, the feeling of making it myself, and lastly having access to making another should it get broken or damaged. The cost-savings from that last part alone makes it worth it.
Q: How did this help make you a better library staff member?
I’m always looking for things I can improve and help people with. This helps me relate to everyone who uses the makerspace, especially those new to it. I understand the hesitation and discomfort one can have trying to get used to 3D printing for the first time or not having much experience. I can show them that not everything made in the Makers Lab has to be a Nobel prize-winning project. Sometimes you just need to create something to help you or make life easier.
Q: What do you want to make next?
I’m working on a desk mount for my iPad so I always have a view from my desk, instead of opening it from an app or checking my Outlook.