Spring Loaded CNC Pen Holder
![SpringPen.gif](/proxy/?url=https://content.instructables.com/F2T/9XG9/JCKUPFFN/F2T9XG9JCKUPFFN.gif&filename=SpringPen.gif)
![Cover2.jpg](/proxy/?url=https://content.instructables.com/F5S/UF46/JCKUQ0PP/F5SUF46JCKUQ0PP.jpg&filename=Cover2.jpg)
![2ndCover.jpg](/proxy/?url=https://content.instructables.com/FA6/RE6H/JCKUPVQ1/FA6RE6HJCKUPVQ1.jpg&filename=2ndCover.jpg)
Hello! This instructables will show how to make an inexpensive yet very effective pen holder which will help maintain even pressure across the printing/machining surface of a CNC machine. I was inspired by this instructable by ähöüokul :
https://www.instructables.com/id/Spring-loaded-CNC...
However, I couldn't find the required bits at the time. And so, instead, I searched for an alternative. What I have come up with is an unintentionally steampunk looking, pen holder made from widely available plumbing supplies.
Tools & Materials
![Screen Shot 2018-01-21 at 17.05.44.png](/proxy/?url=https://content.instructables.com/FS5/6RW3/JCKUPZS9/FS56RW3JCKUPZS9.png&filename=Screen Shot 2018-01-21 at 17.05.44.png)
You'll require only a few fairly basic tools:
- Pipe cutter link or you could use a hacksaw
- Glue gun
And the materials:
- 15mm Ø copper pipe
- 1/2" Brass hex nipple link x 4
- 1/2" Flanged brass end cap link x 1
- 1/2" Brass socket link x 4
- Duct tape
- Two part epoxy
- Fine liner pen of your choosing
- Spring from a disposable biro
These bits should cost you around £10 and are available from most hardware stores.
Assemble
![IMG_6793.JPG](/proxy/?url=https://content.instructables.com/FE4/PNUH/JCKUPH7M/FE4PNUHJCKUPH7M.jpg&filename=IMG_6793.JPG)
![Spring Loaded CNC Pen](/proxy/?url=https://content.instructables.com/FA7/AMIH/JCKUPRQH/FA7AMIHJCKUPRQH.jpg&filename=Spring Loaded CNC Pen)
I have made a short video going through the steps I took to build this holder. If you have any questions please leave me a comment and I'll do my best to answer them.
Happy making!