Noisebridge - User contributions [en]

Industrial Knitting Machine/Workflows

2025-10-11T23:49:05Z

Vectornaut: Add stubs for cleaning and oiling the needle bed after disuse

==Introduction==

While we look for experts to help us rebuild our knowledge of this machine, we're trying to develop our own workflows based on the manual and the basic knowledge that we still have. The workflows on this page are based on experiment and partly remembered training. You shouldn't take them as authoritative, and you should feel free to revise them if they don't seem right.

==Quick start==

''To be added''

==Basic tips==

===Safety===

* The '''control bar'''—the knurled bar that runs across the front of the machine—can be used to start and stop movement
** Do not touch the control bar unless:
*** You intend to start the machine moving
*** You are watching the machine move and standing by to stop it if necessary
** Twist the top of the control bar '''toward you to start''' a queued-up movement, and '''away from you to stop''' movement
** It may be possible to start the machine moving without touching the control bar
*** For more confidence that the machine won't start moving, keep your hands off the screen and keypad below the screen in addition to keeping your hands off the control bar
* The '''emergency stop''' button at the right end of the control bar will stop the machine

==Basic procedures==

===Turn on the machine===

# Plug the machine into the 240 V power supply (an orange box with a white front panel labeled ''Tan Guo TG-230D'')
# Turn on the power supply
# Power up the machine by turning the red ''total power'' dial counterclockwise, so that the arrow on the dial points right (3 o'clock)
# Press the green ''start computer'' button
## ''A Raynen logo should appear on the screen at the left end of the machine''
## ''Once the computer boots up, the screen should show a control interface''

===Find the yarn spits and carriers that your pattern uses===

# Press the ''yarn'' button to open the ''yarn check'' dialog
## ''The spits the current pattern uses will be highlighted''
# Look at the spit numbers, like "3+4" or "1+6", written on the yarn carriers
# Note the yarn carriers corresponding to the spits your pattern uses

===Thread the carrier===

# Feed the thread into the left cup on the carrier
# Feed the thread downward through the hole at the end of the nose

===Feed the thread into the roller===

# On the computer...
## Press ''escape'' twice to reach the main menu
## Go into the ''F1 roll'' menu
## Press ''F2 close'' to start the roller
# Feed the thread into the roller
# You can pull the thread gently from beneath the roller to speed up tensioning
# Feed the thread, pulling the top antenna down, until the light under the top antenna goes out
# On the computer...
## Leave the ''F1 roll'' menu to stop the roller

====Notes====

* While the ''F1 roll'' menu is open, you can press ''F1 open'' to stop the roller and ''F2 close'' to start it again.

===Load a pattern from an .HCD file onto the machine===

# Return to the top-level menu
## '''TODO:''' Which button does this?
# Go into the ''E'' menu, and then the ''A'' menu
# Plug the mass storage device into the USB port on the right side of the touchscreen
# Verify that the files in the storage device show up on the right panel
## The files stored locally on the knitter are shown on the left
### '''TODO:''' How much local storage does the knitter have?
# In the right panel, select the .HCD file to transfer to knitter
# Press F3 at the bottom of the touchscreen to begin transfer
# Verify that <code>${name}.HCD</code> shows up on the right '''[left?]''' as <code>_${name}.001_</code>
## '''TODO:''' What is the relationship between the .001 and .HCD formats?

===Choose a pattern to knit===

# From the "left machine menu", select ''F1 Pattern Load''
## '''TODO:''' What is the "left machine menu"?
# Confirm load success OK dialog, and verify that pattern filename is shown

===Start a knit from a different column===

# Press ''escape'' from the top menu
# In the ''escape'' menu, in the middle row, set "origin" to a new value
## We believe the value set is the number of the "column" the knit will start on, counting from the left

====Notes====

* The knitter has 200+ "columns", numbered from left to right
* Some process determines which column is used to start the knit, which can be changed
** Physically, a change translates the knit along the ''x'' axis

====TODO====

* Improve nomenclature

===Reset all needles to the down position===

# In the ''escape'' menu, press ''D Check''
## ''The up needles are moved down as the machine head moves across the bed''

====Notes====

* When a knit doesn't complete, we sometimes manually move the needles up to remove junk yarn from the bed
* This procedure is a simple way to move all the needles down again

==Maintenance==

===Clean the needle bed after a long period of disuse===

''To be added''

====Notes====

* This involves using compressed air to blow away debris

===Oil the needle bed after a long period of disuse===

''To be added''

===Refill the oil reservoir===

# Find the right oil (we think it's sewing machine oil, viscosity grade ISO 100)
# Find the oil reservoir (a translucent plastic container hanging from left leg of the machine, with two plastic hoses coming out the top)
# Slide the reservoir away from the leg along the rails in the black plastic lid it's hanging from
## Pull the hoses up to let the reservoir pass
# Fill the reservoir with enough machine oil to keep the ends of the hoses submerged during operation, but not enough to overflow
# Slide the reservoir back into the black plastic lid
## Pull the hoses up to let the reservoir pass
# Make sure the ends of the hoses are sitting at the bottom of the reservoir

==Things to investigate==

* What is going on with the "main servo abnormal" message?
** We need to capture the full message
** Current solution is to turn off and on again
* Is there a way to set the speed of the rollers?
** Differnt materials require different tensions
* "Yarn is not bought" error on feeder 3
** No amount of troubleshooting has been able to determine what is tripping this error
** The material seems fine, and dismissing the error to continue the knit works fine too
** It's possible that this issue is specific to feeder 3
*** Try a different feeder
*** If another feeder works, eventually try to figure out what's wrong with this one

Industrial Knitting Machine/Workflows

2025-10-11T23:44:26Z

Vectornaut: Add an oil reservoir refill workflow

==Introduction==

While we look for experts to help us rebuild our knowledge of this machine, we're trying to develop our own workflows based on the manual and the basic knowledge that we still have. The workflows on this page are based on experiment and partly remembered training. You shouldn't take them as authoritative, and you should feel free to revise them if they don't seem right.

==Quick start==

''To be added''

==Basic tips==

===Safety===

* The '''control bar'''—the knurled bar that runs across the front of the machine—can be used to start and stop movement
** Do not touch the control bar unless:
*** You intend to start the machine moving
*** You are watching the machine move and standing by to stop it if necessary
** Twist the top of the control bar '''toward you to start''' a queued-up movement, and '''away from you to stop''' movement
** It may be possible to start the machine moving without touching the control bar
*** For more confidence that the machine won't start moving, keep your hands off the screen and keypad below the screen in addition to keeping your hands off the control bar
* The '''emergency stop''' button at the right end of the control bar will stop the machine

==Basic procedures==

===Turn on the machine===

# Plug the machine into the 240 V power supply (an orange box with a white front panel labeled ''Tan Guo TG-230D'')
# Turn on the power supply
# Power up the machine by turning the red ''total power'' dial counterclockwise, so that the arrow on the dial points right (3 o'clock)
# Press the green ''start computer'' button
## ''A Raynen logo should appear on the screen at the left end of the machine''
## ''Once the computer boots up, the screen should show a control interface''

===Find the yarn spits and carriers that your pattern uses===

# Press the ''yarn'' button to open the ''yarn check'' dialog
## ''The spits the current pattern uses will be highlighted''
# Look at the spit numbers, like "3+4" or "1+6", written on the yarn carriers
# Note the yarn carriers corresponding to the spits your pattern uses

===Thread the carrier===

# Feed the thread into the left cup on the carrier
# Feed the thread downward through the hole at the end of the nose

===Feed the thread into the roller===

# On the computer...
## Press ''escape'' twice to reach the main menu
## Go into the ''F1 roll'' menu
## Press ''F2 close'' to start the roller
# Feed the thread into the roller
# You can pull the thread gently from beneath the roller to speed up tensioning
# Feed the thread, pulling the top antenna down, until the light under the top antenna goes out
# On the computer...
## Leave the ''F1 roll'' menu to stop the roller

====Notes====

* While the ''F1 roll'' menu is open, you can press ''F1 open'' to stop the roller and ''F2 close'' to start it again.

===Load a pattern from an .HCD file onto the machine===

# Return to the top-level menu
## '''TODO:''' Which button does this?
# Go into the ''E'' menu, and then the ''A'' menu
# Plug the mass storage device into the USB port on the right side of the touchscreen
# Verify that the files in the storage device show up on the right panel
## The files stored locally on the knitter are shown on the left
### '''TODO:''' How much local storage does the knitter have?
# In the right panel, select the .HCD file to transfer to knitter
# Press F3 at the bottom of the touchscreen to begin transfer
# Verify that <code>${name}.HCD</code> shows up on the right '''[left?]''' as <code>_${name}.001_</code>
## '''TODO:''' What is the relationship between the .001 and .HCD formats?

===Choose a pattern to knit===

# From the "left machine menu", select ''F1 Pattern Load''
## '''TODO:''' What is the "left machine menu"?
# Confirm load success OK dialog, and verify that pattern filename is shown

===Start a knit from a different column===

# Press ''escape'' from the top menu
# In the ''escape'' menu, in the middle row, set "origin" to a new value
## We believe the value set is the number of the "column" the knit will start on, counting from the left

====Notes====

* The knitter has 200+ "columns", numbered from left to right
* Some process determines which column is used to start the knit, which can be changed
** Physically, a change translates the knit along the ''x'' axis

====TODO====

* Improve nomenclature

===Reset all needles to the down position===

# In the ''escape'' menu, press ''D Check''
## ''The up needles are moved down as the machine head moves across the bed''

====Notes====

* When a knit doesn't complete, we sometimes manually move the needles up to remove junk yarn from the bed
* This procedure is a simple way to move all the needles down again

==Maintenance==

===Refill the oil reservoir===

# Find the right oil (we think it's sewing machine oil, viscosity grade ISO 100)
# Find the oil reservoir (a translucent plastic container hanging from left leg of the machine, with two plastic hoses coming out the top)
# Slide the reservoir away from the leg along the rails in the black plastic lid it's hanging from
## Pull the hoses up to let the reservoir pass
# Fill the reservoir with enough machine oil to keep the ends of the hoses submerged during operation, but not enough to overflow
# Slide the reservoir back into the black plastic lid
## Pull the hoses up to let the reservoir pass
# Make sure the ends of the hoses are sitting at the bottom of the reservoir

==Things to investigate==

* What is going on with the "main servo abnormal" message?
** We need to capture the full message
** Current solution is to turn off and on again
* Is there a way to set the speed of the rollers?
** Differnt materials require different tensions
* "Yarn is not bought" error on feeder 3
** No amount of troubleshooting has been able to determine what is tripping this error
** The material seems fine, and dismissing the error to continue the knit works fine too
** It's possible that this issue is specific to feeder 3
*** Try a different feeder
*** If another feeder works, eventually try to figure out what's wrong with this one

Industrial Knitting Machine/Workflows

2024-11-09T22:10:36Z

Vectornaut: Add Alex's investigative to-do list

==Introduction==

While we look for experts to help us rebuild our knowledge of this machine, we're trying to develop our own workflows based on the manual and the basic knowledge that we still have. The workflows on this page are based on experiment and partly remembered training. You shouldn't take them as authoritative, and you should feel free to revise them if they don't seem right.

==Quick start==

''To be added''

==Basic tips==

===Safety===

* The '''control bar'''—the knurled bar that runs across the front of the machine—can be used to start and stop movement
** Do not touch the control bar unless:
*** You intend to start the machine moving
*** You are watching the machine move and standing by to stop it if necessary
** Twist the top of the control bar '''toward you to start''' a queued-up movement, and '''away from you to stop''' movement
** It may be possible to start the machine moving without touching the control bar
*** For more confidence that the machine won't start moving, keep your hands off the screen and keypad below the screen in addition to keeping your hands off the control bar
* The '''emergency stop''' button at the right end of the control bar will stop the machine

==Basic procedures==

===Turn on the machine===

# Plug the machine into the 240 V power supply (an orange box with a white front panel labeled ''Tan Guo TG-230D'')
# Turn on the power supply
# Power up the machine by turning the red ''total power'' dial counterclockwise, so that the arrow on the dial points right (3 o'clock)
# Press the green ''start computer'' button
## ''A Raynen logo should appear on the screen at the left end of the machine''
## ''Once the computer boots up, the screen should show a control interface''

===Find the yarn spits and carriers that your pattern uses===

# Press the ''yarn'' button to open the ''yarn check'' dialog
## ''The spits the current pattern uses will be highlighted''
# Look at the spit numbers, like "3+4" or "1+6", written on the yarn carriers
# Note the yarn carriers corresponding to the spits your pattern uses

===Thread the carrier===

# Feed the thread into the left cup on the carrier
# Feed the thread downward through the hole at the end of the nose

===Feed the thread into the roller===

# On the computer...
## Press ''escape'' twice to reach the main menu
## Go into the ''F1 roll'' menu
## Press ''F2 close'' to start the roller
# Feed the thread into the roller
# You can pull the thread gently from beneath the roller to speed up tensioning
# Feed the thread, pulling the top antenna down, until the light under the top antenna goes out
# On the computer...
## Leave the ''F1 roll'' menu to stop the roller

====Notes====

* While the ''F1 roll'' menu is open, you can press ''F1 open'' to stop the roller and ''F2 close'' to start it again.

===Load a pattern from an .HCD file onto the machine===

# Return to the top-level menu
## '''TODO:''' Which button does this?
# Go into the ''E'' menu, and then the ''A'' menu
# Plug the mass storage device into the USB port on the right side of the touchscreen
# Verify that the files in the storage device show up on the right panel
## The files stored locally on the knitter are shown on the left
### '''TODO:''' How much local storage does the knitter have?
# In the right panel, select the .HCD file to transfer to knitter
# Press F3 at the bottom of the touchscreen to begin transfer
# Verify that <code>${name}.HCD</code> shows up on the right '''[left?]''' as <code>_${name}.001_</code>
## '''TODO:''' What is the relationship between the .001 and .HCD formats?

===Choose a pattern to knit===

# From the "left machine menu", select ''F1 Pattern Load''
## '''TODO:''' What is the "left machine menu"?
# Confirm load success OK dialog, and verify that pattern filename is shown

===Start a knit from a different column===

# Press ''escape'' from the top menu
# In the ''escape'' menu, in the middle row, set "origin" to a new value
## We believe the value set is the number of the "column" the knit will start on, counting from the left

====Notes====

* The knitter has 200+ "columns", numbered from left to right
* Some process determines which column is used to start the knit, which can be changed
** Physically, a change translates the knit along the ''x'' axis

====TODO====

* Improve nomenclature

===Reset all needles to the down position===

# In the ''escape'' menu, press ''D Check''
## ''The up needles are moved down as the machine head moves across the bed''

====Notes====

* When a knit doesn't complete, we sometimes manually move the needles up to remove junk yarn from the bed
* This procedure is a simple way to move all the needles down again

==Things to investigate==

* What is going on with the "main servo abnormal" message?
** We need to capture the full message
** Current solution is to turn off and on again
* Is there a way to set the speed of the rollers?
** Differnt materials require different tensions
* "Yarn is not bought" error on feeder 3
** No amount of troubleshooting has been able to determine what is tripping this error
** The material seems fine, and dismissing the error to continue the knit works fine too
** It's possible that this issue is specific to feeder 3
*** Try a different feeder
*** If another feeder works, eventually try to figure out what's wrong with this one

Industrial Knitting Machine/Workflows

2024-11-09T22:07:32Z

Vectornaut: Add Alex's procedure for moving all needles down

Industrial Knitting Machine/Workflows

2024-11-09T22:03:42Z

Vectornaut: Add Alex's notes on choosing a pattern and changing the start column

Industrial Knitting Machine/Workflows

2024-11-09T21:57:11Z

Vectornaut: Add Alex's pattern loading procedure

Industrial Knitting Machine/Workflows

2024-08-17T21:05:14Z

Vectornaut: Improve formatting yet again

Industrial Knitting Machine/Workflows

2024-08-17T21:04:52Z

Vectornaut: Improve formatting again

Industrial Knitting Machine/Workflows

2024-08-17T21:04:17Z

Vectornaut: Format roller notes better

Industrial Knitting Machine/Workflows

2024-08-17T21:03:23Z

Vectornaut: Add procedure to feed the thread into the roller

Industrial Knitting Machine

2024-08-12T19:26:56Z

Vectornaut: Undo revision 84129 by Vectornaut (talk): the notes were already linked!

{{sewing}}

Noisebridge has a [https://www.raynen.cn/en/hengjidiankongxitong883/225.html Raynen F4000] based flat knitting machine sourced from Changshu Shengxingda Co, Ltd. It's in our [[Hackitorium]].

{{headerbox}}
'''Current Status'''

We've lost most of our institutional knowledge about how to use this machine, and we're looking for experts to help us get re-trained. In the meantime, we're trying to develop our own '''[[Industrial Knitting Machine/Workflows|workflows]]''' based on the manual and the basic knowledge that we still have.

{{boxend}}

[[File:Machine2.jpg|600px|||Knitting Machine]]

== Machine Operations ==

[[File:knit1.jpeg|200px|thumb|right|Knitting Machine]]

* This machine runs on 240V. Use the included transformer.
* ALWAYS keep your hands clear of the bed and carriage while the machine is running or injury may occur.

=== Manuals ===

* [https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Ubc_aJjvSap3zNg8jYIAmtbF3YKVGhWx/view?usp=sharing Raynen F4000 Intelligent Control Of Flat Knitting Machine Manual] – Instructions and details for operating the Raynen F4000 flat knitting machine.

* [https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLDIjpAPG02CD8vXO0j7pJUfr_nEQhUGxU Machine operations] – A YouTube playlist with how-tos for on machine operations.

* [https://www.youtube.com/@flat-knitting-machine/videos Dozens of videos on a manufacturer’s YouTube including some on repair and machine adjustments]

* [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qfoFRfCFO10 Operating a flat knitting machine]

* [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kDxOJ_xIvU8 Basical course] – A video that shows the basic workflow of loading a file into a similar knitting machine, checking that the machine is threaded correctly, and knitting the first few rows.

=== Yarns you can use ===

* The yarn HAS to be spooled on a cone
* This is a 7 gauge machine. The yarn/thread used should be between 4.5 - 8 NM (2232 YPP to 3968), or around 4 NeC ([https://www.crescentwoolenmills.com/yarn-size-conversion/ Yarn size conversion calculator])
* We've had success with [https://www.jaggeryarn.com/spun-yarns/super-lamb-224/ Super Lamb 2/24]

=== Maintenance ===
Broken needles are part of life. If you hear a crunch noise STOP your knit!

* For replacement needles, buy Gold-Beamlight VOSASPEC 80.119D(C) on Alibaba or Taobao.
* Video on [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yuxUcjn5Oek replacing needles]
* Oil the needle bed often!

== Design Software ==

Knitting machine pattern design software is Windows based. It's installed on the computer in Noisebridge's print shop. You can also download it.

* [https://www.hqcnc.com/download.html HQPDS Software Download]

* [https://www.raynen.cn/ruanjianxiazai.html Raynen CAD download]

3rd party tools may be easier to use than the included software. HQPDS can import DAT files, compile and simulate knitting for our machine.

* [https://textiles-lab.github.io/knitout/knitout.html Knitout] - Represent low level knitting operations in a machine-agnostic way. Requires a backend to compile into DAT and other formats.
* [https://textiles-lab.github.io/knitout-live-visualizer/ Knitout Visualizer] - Visualization of Knitout instructions.
* [https://pypi.org/project/knit-script/ Knit Script] - Python library for knitting machine instructions. Outputs Knitout.
* [https://mi-lab.org/generative-knitting/ Knit Utils] - JS library for knitting machine instructions. Outputs Knitout & DAT.
* [http://knitskel.csail.mit.edu/ Knit Skel] - Browser-based design tool for basic shape and pattern construction. Outputs DAT.
* [http://knitsketching.csail.mit.edu/ Knit Sketching] - Sophisticated, browser-based garment design tool. Outputs Knitout.
* [https://github.com/textiles-lab/autoknit Autoknit] - 3D mesh to Knitout generation tool.

=== Software Tips & Resources ===

* Choose 7 gauge, H1-1 (simple/roll) when selecting a machine model.

* Manuals and examples are on the computer in Noisebridge's print shop.

* HQPDS has a steep learning curve. There are dozens of YouTube tutorials. Some are in languages other than English but provide steps you can follow along with. Examples:

* [https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLGVDooI-kJAlUEhRyhs1a9idOpG05B2LT Stitches Library]
* [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6ypW0_GJIB4 Insert and map an image for jacquard]
* [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rXCzQXGQMdc Function lines]

* Make sure you understand [https://www.mtm.cba.mit.edu/akaspar/machine-knitting/-/wikis/Casting casting]

Manuals

* [http://down.zjhqtech.com:800/admin/smallpic/HqPDS16_en.pdf Operation Manual of the Hengqiang Pattern Designing Software] - Manual provides instructions for using the Hengqiang Pattern Designing Software for machine knitting.

* [https://jrrorwxhnipimp5m.ldycdn.com/3.16+Instruction+in+English-aidolBppKqnRmiSlrmkqklik.pdf Raynen KnitCAD manual] - Manual for KnitCAD

== Projects & Research ==

=== Noisebridge Projects ===

[[File:Testknit.jpg|200px|thumb|left|A test knit]]

Your project could be here!

=== Other Projects ===

* [https://github.com/fbz/knityak Knityak]

* [https://github.com/GameOfKnowing/QuineScarf QuineScarf]

* [https://www.mtm.cba.mit.edu/akaspar/machine-knitting/-/wikis/home Intro to Industrial Machine Knitting] - Primer on industrial knitting machines, creating DAT files, jacquard, cast ons and cast offs.

* Some [http://fab.cba.mit.edu/classes/863.18/Architecture/people/molly/weeks/week13.html Narrative] [https://fabacademy.org/2019/labs/zoi/students/danny-imbaquingo/project17.html Accounts] of using these machines.

=== Research ===

* [https://studios.disneyresearch.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/A-Compiler-for-3D-Machine-Knitting.pdf A Compiler for 3D Machine Knitting]

* [https://dl.acm.org/doi/abs/10.1145/3559400.3565584 Fabricating Accessible Designs with Knitting Machines]

* [https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Wonseok-Choi/publication/237482349_Three_dimensional_seamless_garment_knitting_on_V-bed_flat_knitting_machines/links/0a85e53c9c4164a96f000000/Three-dimensional-seamless-garment-knitting-on-V-bed-flat-knitting-machines.pdf Three Dimensional Seamless Garments On V-Bed Flat Knitting Machines]

* [https://textiles-lab.github.io/publications/2019-visualknit/ Visual Knitting Machine Programming]

== General Knitting Machine Learning Resources ==

* [https://akaspar.pages.cba.mit.edu/machine-knitting/ Introduction to Machine Knitting]
* [https://www.meetup.com/noisebridge/events/ Machine Knitting 101 at Noisebridge]

It can be helpful to compare to manuals for other industrial-style knitting machines:

* [https://nfc.stoll.com/faq/268533_00_bedan_en.pdf Operating manual for a Stoll machine]
* [https://support.kniterate.com/hc/en-us/article_attachments/360009727217/Manual_v2.1.6.pages.pdf Operating manual for Kniterate]

== Acquisition Process ==

[[File:Container1.jpg|200px|thumb|right|Container ship MOL Celebration at the Port of Oakland]]

[[File:Forklift1.jpg|200px|thumb|right|A Noisebridge member using a forklift to move the knitting machine crate]]

Noisebridge's sewing guild raised money to purchase an automatic, industrial knitting machine for the space. Shima Seiki and Stoll machines were out of our budget and our initial plan was to buy from a start-up, [https://www.kniterate.com/product/kniterate-the-digital-knitting-machine/ Kniterate], which came out of the [https://hackaday.com/2014/02/20/openknit-the-open-source-knitting-machine/ OpenKnit] project.

These machines were facing production delays and increased cost, so we turned to manufacturers in China for something similar. We asked 5 vendors for bids via Alibaba/Made-In-China.com/the internet at large and settled on a single system, 52” 7 gauge automatic knitting machine with a controller by Raynen.

We engaged with [https://changshusxd.en.alibaba.com/ Changshu Shengxingda Co, Ltd] for a machine (model CHJX-1-52) at a cost of ~$4000. The cost of shipping and delivery from China to SF was ~$2000; we had some delays in port, a customs inspection, and needed to rent a forklift for delivery.

Here's the timeline of how everything played out.

* April 10 - Initial research starts.
* April 27 - May 5 - Decision-making and engagement with the vendor.
* April 27 - May 5 - Discussions and paperwork with the freight forwarder.
* May 5 - Deposit paid for the machine, production begins; freight shipper contracted.
* May 24 - Machine delivered to the freight forwarder at Shanghai Port. The sailing vessel is MOL Celebration, with an estimated arrival on June 22 in Oakland.
* June 29 - Ship arrival at the Port of Oakland.
* June 29 - July 14 - Container stuck in Port due to a holiday, port backlog, and a customs inspection.
* July 19 - First delivery attempt.
* July 24 - Machine delivered to Noisebridge successfully.

This is the second time Noisebridge has imported a giant machine. In 2016 we got a [https://www.noisebridge.net/wiki/Laser_Cutter/Kaitian_CM1309 laser cutter]. It is so big that walls had to be removed to get it through the door at 2169 Mission St.

Industrial Knitting Machine

2024-08-12T19:23:48Z

Vectornaut: Link the MIT machine knitting course notes that Maddy found

{{sewing}}

Noisebridge has a [https://www.raynen.cn/en/hengjidiankongxitong883/225.html Raynen F4000] based flat knitting machine sourced from Changshu Shengxingda Co, Ltd. It's in our [[Hackitorium]].

{{headerbox}}
'''Current Status'''

We've lost most of our institutional knowledge about how to use this machine, and we're looking for experts to help us get re-trained. In the meantime, we're trying to develop our own '''[[Industrial Knitting Machine/Workflows|workflows]]''' based on the manual and the basic knowledge that we still have.

{{boxend}}

[[File:Machine2.jpg|600px|||Knitting Machine]]

== Machine Operations ==

[[File:knit1.jpeg|200px|thumb|right|Knitting Machine]]

* This machine runs on 240V. Use the included transformer.
* ALWAYS keep your hands clear of the bed and carriage while the machine is running or injury may occur.

=== Manuals ===

* [https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Ubc_aJjvSap3zNg8jYIAmtbF3YKVGhWx/view?usp=sharing Raynen F4000 Intelligent Control Of Flat Knitting Machine Manual] – Instructions and details for operating the Raynen F4000 flat knitting machine.

* [https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLDIjpAPG02CD8vXO0j7pJUfr_nEQhUGxU Machine operations] – A YouTube playlist with how-tos for on machine operations.

* [https://www.youtube.com/@flat-knitting-machine/videos Dozens of videos on a manufacturer’s YouTube including some on repair and machine adjustments]

* [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qfoFRfCFO10 Operating a flat knitting machine]

* [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kDxOJ_xIvU8 Basical course] – A video that shows the basic workflow of loading a file into a similar knitting machine, checking that the machine is threaded correctly, and knitting the first few rows.

* [https://akaspar.pages.cba.mit.edu/machine-knitting/ Course notes] from an MIT machine knitting course.

=== Yarns you can use ===

* The yarn HAS to be spooled on a cone
* This is a 7 gauge machine. The yarn/thread used should be between 4.5 - 8 NM (2232 YPP to 3968), or around 4 NeC ([https://www.crescentwoolenmills.com/yarn-size-conversion/ Yarn size conversion calculator])
* We've had success with [https://www.jaggeryarn.com/spun-yarns/super-lamb-224/ Super Lamb 2/24]

=== Maintenance ===
Broken needles are part of life. If you hear a crunch noise STOP your knit!

* For replacement needles, buy Gold-Beamlight VOSASPEC 80.119D(C) on Alibaba or Taobao.
* Video on [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yuxUcjn5Oek replacing needles]
* Oil the needle bed often!

== Design Software ==

Knitting machine pattern design software is Windows based. It's installed on the computer in Noisebridge's print shop. You can also download it.

* [https://www.hqcnc.com/download.html HQPDS Software Download]

* [https://www.raynen.cn/ruanjianxiazai.html Raynen CAD download]

3rd party tools may be easier to use than the included software. HQPDS can import DAT files, compile and simulate knitting for our machine.

* [https://textiles-lab.github.io/knitout/knitout.html Knitout] - Represent low level knitting operations in a machine-agnostic way. Requires a backend to compile into DAT and other formats.
* [https://textiles-lab.github.io/knitout-live-visualizer/ Knitout Visualizer] - Visualization of Knitout instructions.
* [https://pypi.org/project/knit-script/ Knit Script] - Python library for knitting machine instructions. Outputs Knitout.
* [https://mi-lab.org/generative-knitting/ Knit Utils] - JS library for knitting machine instructions. Outputs Knitout & DAT.
* [http://knitskel.csail.mit.edu/ Knit Skel] - Browser-based design tool for basic shape and pattern construction. Outputs DAT.
* [http://knitsketching.csail.mit.edu/ Knit Sketching] - Sophisticated, browser-based garment design tool. Outputs Knitout.
* [https://github.com/textiles-lab/autoknit Autoknit] - 3D mesh to Knitout generation tool.

=== Software Tips & Resources ===

* Choose 7 gauge, H1-1 (simple/roll) when selecting a machine model.

* Manuals and examples are on the computer in Noisebridge's print shop.

* HQPDS has a steep learning curve. There are dozens of YouTube tutorials. Some are in languages other than English but provide steps you can follow along with. Examples:

* [https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLGVDooI-kJAlUEhRyhs1a9idOpG05B2LT Stitches Library]
* [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6ypW0_GJIB4 Insert and map an image for jacquard]
* [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rXCzQXGQMdc Function lines]

* Make sure you understand [https://www.mtm.cba.mit.edu/akaspar/machine-knitting/-/wikis/Casting casting]

Manuals

* [http://down.zjhqtech.com:800/admin/smallpic/HqPDS16_en.pdf Operation Manual of the Hengqiang Pattern Designing Software] - Manual provides instructions for using the Hengqiang Pattern Designing Software for machine knitting.

* [https://jrrorwxhnipimp5m.ldycdn.com/3.16+Instruction+in+English-aidolBppKqnRmiSlrmkqklik.pdf Raynen KnitCAD manual] - Manual for KnitCAD

== Projects & Research ==

=== Noisebridge Projects ===

[[File:Testknit.jpg|200px|thumb|left|A test knit]]

Your project could be here!

=== Other Projects ===

* [https://github.com/fbz/knityak Knityak]

* [https://github.com/GameOfKnowing/QuineScarf QuineScarf]

* [https://www.mtm.cba.mit.edu/akaspar/machine-knitting/-/wikis/home Intro to Industrial Machine Knitting] - Primer on industrial knitting machines, creating DAT files, jacquard, cast ons and cast offs.

* Some [http://fab.cba.mit.edu/classes/863.18/Architecture/people/molly/weeks/week13.html Narrative] [https://fabacademy.org/2019/labs/zoi/students/danny-imbaquingo/project17.html Accounts] of using these machines.

=== Research ===

* [https://studios.disneyresearch.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/A-Compiler-for-3D-Machine-Knitting.pdf A Compiler for 3D Machine Knitting]

* [https://dl.acm.org/doi/abs/10.1145/3559400.3565584 Fabricating Accessible Designs with Knitting Machines]

* [https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Wonseok-Choi/publication/237482349_Three_dimensional_seamless_garment_knitting_on_V-bed_flat_knitting_machines/links/0a85e53c9c4164a96f000000/Three-dimensional-seamless-garment-knitting-on-V-bed-flat-knitting-machines.pdf Three Dimensional Seamless Garments On V-Bed Flat Knitting Machines]

* [https://textiles-lab.github.io/publications/2019-visualknit/ Visual Knitting Machine Programming]

== General Knitting Machine Learning Resources ==

* [https://akaspar.pages.cba.mit.edu/machine-knitting/ Introduction to Machine Knitting]
* [https://www.meetup.com/noisebridge/events/ Machine Knitting 101 at Noisebridge]

It can be helpful to compare to manuals for other industrial-style knitting machines:

* [https://nfc.stoll.com/faq/268533_00_bedan_en.pdf Operating manual for a Stoll machine]
* [https://support.kniterate.com/hc/en-us/article_attachments/360009727217/Manual_v2.1.6.pages.pdf Operating manual for Kniterate]

== Acquisition Process ==

[[File:Container1.jpg|200px|thumb|right|Container ship MOL Celebration at the Port of Oakland]]

[[File:Forklift1.jpg|200px|thumb|right|A Noisebridge member using a forklift to move the knitting machine crate]]

Noisebridge's sewing guild raised money to purchase an automatic, industrial knitting machine for the space. Shima Seiki and Stoll machines were out of our budget and our initial plan was to buy from a start-up, [https://www.kniterate.com/product/kniterate-the-digital-knitting-machine/ Kniterate], which came out of the [https://hackaday.com/2014/02/20/openknit-the-open-source-knitting-machine/ OpenKnit] project.

These machines were facing production delays and increased cost, so we turned to manufacturers in China for something similar. We asked 5 vendors for bids via Alibaba/Made-In-China.com/the internet at large and settled on a single system, 52” 7 gauge automatic knitting machine with a controller by Raynen.

We engaged with [https://changshusxd.en.alibaba.com/ Changshu Shengxingda Co, Ltd] for a machine (model CHJX-1-52) at a cost of ~$4000. The cost of shipping and delivery from China to SF was ~$2000; we had some delays in port, a customs inspection, and needed to rent a forklift for delivery.

Here's the timeline of how everything played out.

* April 10 - Initial research starts.
* April 27 - May 5 - Decision-making and engagement with the vendor.
* April 27 - May 5 - Discussions and paperwork with the freight forwarder.
* May 5 - Deposit paid for the machine, production begins; freight shipper contracted.
* May 24 - Machine delivered to the freight forwarder at Shanghai Port. The sailing vessel is MOL Celebration, with an estimated arrival on June 22 in Oakland.
* June 29 - Ship arrival at the Port of Oakland.
* June 29 - July 14 - Container stuck in Port due to a holiday, port backlog, and a customs inspection.
* July 19 - First delivery attempt.
* July 24 - Machine delivered to Noisebridge successfully.

This is the second time Noisebridge has imported a giant machine. In 2016 we got a [https://www.noisebridge.net/wiki/Laser_Cutter/Kaitian_CM1309 laser cutter]. It is so big that walls had to be removed to get it through the door at 2169 Mission St.

Industrial Knitting Machine/Workflows

2024-08-04T21:52:31Z

Vectornaut: /* Basic procedures */ "Find the yarn spits and carriers your pattern uses"

Laser Manual/Materials

2024-08-04T21:37:21Z

Vectornaut: Add construction paper settings

Only approved materials should be cut with the Noisebridge laser cutter!

== BANNED MATERIALS (NEVER USE THESE) ==

These materials '''must not be used in the laser cutter'''.

'''NOTE NEW ADDITION (2023-10):''' MDF is now banned.

{|border="1" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0"
|-
! colspan="10" bgcolor="#ccc" | Bad materials
|-
! Material
! Notes
|-
| PVC || Contains chlorine. Will produce hydrogen chloride gas when used which is extremely toxic and also damages the laser optics.
|-
| Vinyl || Most contains chlorine. Will produce hydrogen chloride gas when used which is extremely toxic and also damages the laser optics.
|-
| PVC Foams || Most contains chlorine. Will produce hydrogen chloride gas when used which is extremely toxic and also damages the laser optics.
|-
| Foam Core || Usually made with PVC which is harmful as listed above.
|-
| Styrofoam || Can cause flash fires
|-
| Polycarbonate || Does not cut. TAP plastics sells both this and acrylic. '''Be sure to read your labels when purchasing material'''. Lexan is the trade name for Polycarbonate, while Plexiglass is the trade name for acrylic.
|-
| ABS or PETG || Gives off hydrogen cyanide which can kill you and also may damage the laser optics.
|-
| Fiberglass || Contains complex epoxies which will cause fires, chlorine, and cyanide. Also contains glass which will not cut.
|-
| Metals || Cannot be etched by this type of laser. Also is harmful as the reflective surface may cause the laser to be reflected back up to the head, damaging it. If someone claims to be etching metal using this type of laser then they are etching a metal with a plastic coating, anodized surface, or some other etchable surface on top.
|-
| MDF/fiberboard || Made of sawdust bound with glue, so it clogs filters so much that it's not excellent to other laser users. Use solid wood (or plywood, which uses much less glue) instead, or cut with the CNC or woodshop tools. Remember to follow proper dust-collection procedures when using those tools on MDF!

|}

== Known good materials ==

These materials are known to be ok for use with the laser cutter. The speed and power of the laser cutter will need to be set appropriately for the material and thickness in use. Below is a table showing the suggested settings when cutting or etching them.

'''Since upgrading the laser cutter to 150W, we have not tested and updated most settings. Please start at HALF the power as before and test carefully, increasing the power until you get a clean cut, and don't use power greater than 55% to prolong the life of our tube. (you probably won't be able to cut wood or MDF thicker than 1/4 inch or 6mm)'''

[[Old 100W Laser Cutter Settings for Known Good Materials]]

{| border="1" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0"
|-
! colspan="10" bgcolor="#cccccc" | Good Materials
|-
! rowspan="2" style="width: 200px;" | Material
! colspan="2" | Engraving
! colspan="3" | Cutting
! colspan="2" | Scoring
! rowspan="1" style="width: 500px; | Notes
|-
! Speed (mm/s) !! Power !! Speed (mm/s) !! Power !! Kerf Width (mm) !! Speed !! Power ||
|-
|-

|-
| Acrylic (2.3mm or 3/32 inch) || 400 || 5 || 50 || 55 || || || ||

|-
| Acrylic (3mm or 1/8 inch) || 400 || 5 || 30 || 55 || || || ||

|-
| Acrylic (4.8mm or 3/16 inch) || 400 || 5 || 20 || 55 || || || ||

|-
| Acrylic (6mm or 1/4 inch) || 400 || 3 || 12 || 55 || 0.100 || || ||

|-
| Cardboard (3-4mm, single corrugated) || || || 200 || 55 || || 400|| 10 ||

|-
| Cardboard (6mm, two layers corrugated) || || || 50 || 55 || || 400|| 15 ||

|-
| Cardstock (white, 100lb) || || || 200 || 20 || || 400|| 5 || The higher speed reduces the amount of browning on the edges.

|-
| Construction paper (stack of three sheets) || || || 60 || 15 || || || || Higher speeds might work just as well. Make sure to hold the corners down with magnets or weights. The compressor usually does a good job of blowing scraps out of the way, but watch carefully.

|-
| Fabric - Heat N Bond woven fusible || || || 100 || 12 || || || ||

|-
| Fabric - KONA cotton from Fabric Outlet || || || 100 || 7 || || || || You do have to pull the cut fabric apart (it's not a clean cut), but it rips at the cut cleanly.

|-
| Fabric - Silky fabric from Fabric Outlet || || || 100 || 7 || || || || lovely clean cut

|-
| Plywood, Birch (3mm or 1/8 inch) || 400 || 5-10 depending on darkness || 50 || 55 || || || ||

|-
| Plywood, Birch (6mm or 1/4 inch) || 400 || 5-10 depending on darkness || 30 || 55 || || || ||

|-
| Rubber, natural (McMaster Carr #8525T53) || || || 20 || 55 || || || ||

|-
| Silicone (McMaster Carr #1460N24) || || || 10 || 55 || || || || Doesn't cut through all the way -- only enough to rip the pieces out by hand.

|-
| Sorbothane Rubber (1/8 inch) || || || 13 || 50 || || || || Creates an inky black liquid. Washes away easily with water.

|-
| Sorbothane Rubber (1/4 inch adhesive backed) || || || 6 || 50 || || || || Adhesive side up

|}

The [[Laser Gallery]] contains some past projects and cutting tests.

== Sourcing Material ==

In general, Amazon and eBay are pretty good resources.

For plastics: [http://www.google.com/maps/place/TAP+Plastics/@37.7711648,-122.4207603,17z/data=!3m1!4b1!4m5!3m4!1s0x808f7e27351bb079:0x7e3610d7dc178b10!8m2!3d37.7711648!4d-122.4185663 Tap Plastics] is nearby Noisebridge, but is expensive. The Tap Plastics offcut bin is a great resource and a great deal. [http://eplastics.com eplastics] online is another option, and [https://www.google.com/maps/place/Mr.+Plastics/@37.7091519,-122.1546962,17z/data=!3m1!4b1!4m5!3m4!1s0x808f8fe7938349a3:0xafcb2526326faccd!8m2!3d37.7091519!4d-122.1525022 Mr. Plastics] is cheapest but is in San Leandro.

For woods: [http://www.google.com/maps/place/Discount+Builders+Supply/@37.7704879,-122.4191311,15z/data=!4m2!3m1!1s0x0:0x3c0d6c6e25a89652?sa=X&ved=0ahUKEwjV87WU-JzOAhUI6WMKHSPABOUQ_BIIeTAK Discount Builder Supply] is nearby.

NB15Q/Planning

2024-07-25T04:57:43Z

Vectornaut: Record flyers posted in The Long Haul

{{anniversaries}}

==Current plans==

===Activities===

====Sidewalk astronomy====
Leader: Elan (<code>[[User:ElanHR|Elan]]</code>). We'll bring out the blue Meade telescope in the upstairs hackitorium

====Silent auction====
Confirmed auction items:
* Handmade natural soap embossed with the Noisebridge logo (by <code>Misstencil</code>)

Potential auction items:
* Handmade silk kimono (<code>ElleWrites</code>)

===Graphic design===

[https://github.com/Vectornaut/NB15 This repository] contains the source files for the flyers (directed by <code>ElleWrites</code> and designed by <code>fareycircles</code>, with feedback from <code>[chatbot]</code> and weekly meeting attendees). We'd like to use the same visual identity for event swag; <code>EigenVexer</code> is looking into that.

===Advertising===

====Flyers====

Flyers have been posted in:
* Sudo Room ''[reissued]'' (<code>fareycircles</code>; left some flyers at the entranace of Omni Commons too)
* The Long Haul ''[reissued]'' (<code>fareycircles</code>)
* Manny's ''[reissued]'' (<code>fareycircles</code>)

We plan to post flyers in:
* The Box Shop (<code>[[User:ElanHR|Elan]]</code>)
* Parkside (music venue; <code>[[User:ElanHR|Elan]]</code>)
* Two art spaces on Capp St. between 16th and 17th (<code>Arity</code>)
* Museum of Craft and Design (<code>[[User:ElanHR|Elan]]</code>)
* Bound Together
* Hacker Dojo
* Double Union
* Queerious Labs
* Ace Makerspace
* Humanmade
* Sequoia Fabrica '''(?)''' ''(please only offer this space a flyer if you can explain in detail what Noisebridge has done to address safety problems in the time since Sequoia Fabrica was founded)''
* Google makerspace '''(?)'''
* [http://dorkbotsf.org/ DorkbotSF] / [https://heronarts.com/ Heron Arts] (one of the orgs that spinned off to form Noisebridge)

==Old plans==

'''NB15''' will be Noisebridge's big 15th anniversary. [[NB14]] was conducted as a sort of dry run of an [[NB10]]-style 3 day weekend event to galvanize greater [[Event Support]] readiness and figure out what we can improve on to make our 15th better staffed and planned.
*'''WHEN:''' October 1 2023 or nearabouts according to the [[Oral_histories]] of founding 83C Oct 1 in 2008.

We'll host it as our Halloween party too.

* Oct 1st - work party. Prep & plan.
* Halloween party near end of month.

===Ideas for NB15===
*Get each area of NB to start planning something ahead of time to showcase

====Laser Guild====
* DIYCE: Laser cut oodles of [[diyce]]. Intended as an approachable puzzle for people to solve, assemble, and take home. -Gaardn

====Textile Wizards====

====Electronics====

====Print Pragmatisists====
Blueprinting! Learn the 1840s art of using uv-reactive cyanotype and designs drawn on vellum paper to make your own schematics, artsy or otherwise! -Gaardn

===Goals for NB15===
* A focus on participation and membership growth over our 14th year with an aim to surpass our pre-move pre-COVID activity level highs manifested in high participation in the planning of N15 like we saw with [[NB10]].

===Lessons for NB15===
* Have all volunteer positions clearly defined and delegated well in advance with each responsible volunteer group taking ownership of their part of the event, such as:
** [[Press]]: Invite press that have covered NB events before to participate. Prepare some good press info for them to cover.
** [[Outreach]]: Hit up all our electronic lists. Poster nearby streets with small poster-flyers.
** [[5MoF]]: Solicit pre-planned talks of high quality. Get all their slides submitted in advance if possible.
** [[HackComedy]]:
** [[Music]]: Prepare a lineup of suitable musical performers and DJs.

NB15Q/Planning

2024-07-25T04:51:14Z

Vectornaut: Record reissues; take handmade version of old flyer off auction list

{{anniversaries}}

==Current plans==

===Activities===

====Sidewalk astronomy====
Leader: Elan (<code>[[User:ElanHR|Elan]]</code>). We'll bring out the blue Meade telescope in the upstairs hackitorium

====Silent auction====
Confirmed auction items:
* Handmade natural soap embossed with the Noisebridge logo (by <code>Misstencil</code>)

Potential auction items:
* Handmade silk kimono (<code>ElleWrites</code>)

===Graphic design===

[https://github.com/Vectornaut/NB15 This repository] contains the source files for the flyers (directed by <code>ElleWrites</code> and designed by <code>fareycircles</code>, with feedback from <code>[chatbot]</code> and weekly meeting attendees). We'd like to use the same visual identity for event swag; <code>EigenVexer</code> is looking into that.

===Advertising===

====Flyers====

Flyers have been posted in:
* Sudo Room ''[reissued]'' (<code>fareycircles</code>; left some flyers at the entranace of Omni Commons too)
* Manny's ''[reissued]'' (<code>fareycircles</code>)

We plan to post flyers in:
* The Box Shop (<code>[[User:ElanHR|Elan]]</code>)
* Parkside (music venue; <code>[[User:ElanHR|Elan]]</code>)
* Two art spaces on Capp St. between 16th and 17th (<code>Arity</code>)
* Museum of Craft and Design (<code>[[User:ElanHR|Elan]]</code>)
* Bound Together
* The Long Haul (<code>fareycircles</code>)
* Hacker Dojo
* Double Union
* Queerious Labs
* Ace Makerspace
* Humanmade
* Sequoia Fabrica '''(?)''' ''(please only offer this space a flyer if you can explain in detail what Noisebridge has done to address safety problems in the time since Sequoia Fabrica was founded)''
* Google makerspace '''(?)'''
* [http://dorkbotsf.org/ DorkbotSF] / [https://heronarts.com/ Heron Arts] (one of the orgs that spinned off to form Noisebridge)

==Old plans==

'''NB15''' will be Noisebridge's big 15th anniversary. [[NB14]] was conducted as a sort of dry run of an [[NB10]]-style 3 day weekend event to galvanize greater [[Event Support]] readiness and figure out what we can improve on to make our 15th better staffed and planned.
*'''WHEN:''' October 1 2023 or nearabouts according to the [[Oral_histories]] of founding 83C Oct 1 in 2008.

We'll host it as our Halloween party too.

* Oct 1st - work party. Prep & plan.
* Halloween party near end of month.

===Ideas for NB15===
*Get each area of NB to start planning something ahead of time to showcase

====Laser Guild====
* DIYCE: Laser cut oodles of [[diyce]]. Intended as an approachable puzzle for people to solve, assemble, and take home. -Gaardn

====Textile Wizards====

====Electronics====

====Print Pragmatisists====
Blueprinting! Learn the 1840s art of using uv-reactive cyanotype and designs drawn on vellum paper to make your own schematics, artsy or otherwise! -Gaardn

===Goals for NB15===
* A focus on participation and membership growth over our 14th year with an aim to surpass our pre-move pre-COVID activity level highs manifested in high participation in the planning of N15 like we saw with [[NB10]].

===Lessons for NB15===
* Have all volunteer positions clearly defined and delegated well in advance with each responsible volunteer group taking ownership of their part of the event, such as:
** [[Press]]: Invite press that have covered NB events before to participate. Prepare some good press info for them to cover.
** [[Outreach]]: Hit up all our electronic lists. Poster nearby streets with small poster-flyers.
** [[5MoF]]: Solicit pre-planned talks of high quality. Get all their slides submitted in advance if possible.
** [[HackComedy]]:
** [[Music]]: Prepare a lineup of suitable musical performers and DJs.

File:NB15-flyer web.png

2024-07-24T23:06:03Z

Vectornaut: Vectornaut uploaded a new version of File:NB15-flyer web.png

== Summary ==
Flyer for [[NB15]]. Source files are in [https://github.com/Vectornaut/NB15 this repository].

== Description ==

Noisebridge Quinceañera!

Celebrate 15 years of hacking in the Mission!

2024-08-03 7pm

272 Capp Street

https://www.noisebridge.net/wiki/NB15

Noisebridge runs on donations. Thanks for all your (tax deductible) support!

File:NB15-flyer web.png

2024-07-23T09:39:07Z

Vectornaut: Vectornaut uploaded a new version of File:NB15-flyer web.png

File:NB15-flyer web.png

2024-07-23T03:03:04Z

Vectornaut: Vectornaut uploaded a new version of File:NB15-flyer web.png

NB15Q/Planning

2024-07-17T05:01:15Z

Vectornaut: Update flyering and auction items

{{anniversaries}}

==Current plans==

===Activities===

====Sidewalk astronomy====
Leader: Elan (<code>[[User:ElanHR|Elan]]</code>). We'll bring out the blue Meade telescope in the upstairs hackitorium

====Silent auction====
Confirmed auction items:
* Handmade natural soap embossed with the Noisebridge logo (by <code>Misstencil</code>)
* Hand-decorated alternate flyer—marker on riso print (by <code>Romy</code>, but <code>fareycircles</code> will bring it to the party). Minimum bid $15?

Potential auction items:
* Handmade silk kimono (<code>ElleWrites</code>)

===Graphic design===

[https://github.com/Vectornaut/NB15 This repository] contains the source files for the flyers (directed by <code>ElleWrites</code> and designed by <code>fareycircles</code>, with feedback from <code>[chatbot]</code> and weekly meeting attendees). We'd like to use the same visual identity for event swag; <code>EigenVexer</code> is looking into that.

===Advertising===

====Flyers====

Flyers have been posted in:
* Sudo Room (<code>fareycircles</code>; left some flyers at the entranace of Omni Commons too)
* Manny's (<code>fareycircles</code>)

We plan to post flyers in:
* The Box Shop (<code>[[User:ElanHR|Elan]]</code>)
* Parkside (music venue; <code>[[User:ElanHR|Elan]]</code>)
* Two art spaces on Capp St. between 16th and 17th (<code>Arity</code>)
* Museum of Craft and Design (<code>[[User:ElanHR|Elan]]</code>)
* Bound Together
* The Long Haul (<code>fareycircles</code>)
* Hacker Dojo
* Double Union
* Queerious Labs
* Ace Makerspace
* Humanmade
* Sequoia Fabrica '''(?)''' ''(please only offer this space a flyer if you can explain in detail what Noisebridge has done to address safety problems in the time since Sequoia Fabrica was founded)''
* Google makerspace '''(?)'''
* [http://dorkbotsf.org/ DorkbotSF] / [https://heronarts.com/ Heron Arts] (one of the orgs that spinned off to form Noisebridge)

==Old plans==

'''NB15''' will be Noisebridge's big 15th anniversary. [[NB14]] was conducted as a sort of dry run of an [[NB10]]-style 3 day weekend event to galvanize greater [[Event Support]] readiness and figure out what we can improve on to make our 15th better staffed and planned.
*'''WHEN:''' October 1 2023 or nearabouts according to the [[Oral_histories]] of founding 83C Oct 1 in 2008.

We'll host it as our Halloween party too.

* Oct 1st - work party. Prep & plan.
* Halloween party near end of month.

===Ideas for NB15===
*Get each area of NB to start planning something ahead of time to showcase

====Laser Guild====
* DIYCE: Laser cut oodles of [[diyce]]. Intended as an approachable puzzle for people to solve, assemble, and take home. -Gaardn

====Textile Wizards====

====Electronics====

====Print Pragmatisists====
Blueprinting! Learn the 1840s art of using uv-reactive cyanotype and designs drawn on vellum paper to make your own schematics, artsy or otherwise! -Gaardn

===Goals for NB15===
* A focus on participation and membership growth over our 14th year with an aim to surpass our pre-move pre-COVID activity level highs manifested in high participation in the planning of N15 like we saw with [[NB10]].

===Lessons for NB15===
* Have all volunteer positions clearly defined and delegated well in advance with each responsible volunteer group taking ownership of their part of the event, such as:
** [[Press]]: Invite press that have covered NB events before to participate. Prepare some good press info for them to cover.
** [[Outreach]]: Hit up all our electronic lists. Poster nearby streets with small poster-flyers.
** [[5MoF]]: Solicit pre-planned talks of high quality. Get all their slides submitted in advance if possible.
** [[HackComedy]]:
** [[Music]]: Prepare a lineup of suitable musical performers and DJs.

NB15Q/Planning

2024-07-15T17:31:18Z

Vectornaut: Add more flyering plans

{{anniversaries}}

==Current plans==

===Activities===

====Sidewalk astronomy====
Leader: Elan (<code>Elan</codE>). We'll bring out the blue Meade telescope in the upstairs hackitorium

====Silent auction====
Confirmed auction items:
* Handmade natural soap embossed with the Noisebridge logo (<code>Misstencil</code>)

Potential auction items:
* Handmade silk kimono (<code>ElleWrites</code>)

===Graphic design===

[https://github.com/Vectornaut/NB15 This repository] contains the source files for the flyers (directed by <code>ElleWrites</code> and designed by <code>fareycircles</code>, with feedback from <code>[chatbot]</code> and weekly meeting attendees). We'd like to use the same visual identity for event swag; <code>EigenVexer</code> is looking into that.

===Advertising===

====Flyers====

Flyers have been posted in:
* Manny's (<code>fareycircles</code>)

We plan to post flyers in:
* The Box Shop (<code>Elan</code>)
* Parkside (music venue; <code>Elan</code>)
* Museum of Craft and Design (<code>Elan</code>)
* Bound Together
* The Long Haul (<code>fareycircles</code>)
* Sudo Room (<code>fareycircles</code>, July 16?)
* Hacker Dojo
* Double Union
* Queerious Labs
* Ace Makerspace
* Humanmade
* Sequoia Fabrica '''(?)''' ''(please only offer this space a flyer if you can explain in detail what Noisebridge has done to address safety problems in the time since Sequoia Fabrica was founded)''
* Google makerspace '''(?)'''

==Old plans==

'''NB15''' will be Noisebridge's big 15th anniversary. [[NB14]] was conducted as a sort of dry run of an [[NB10]]-style 3 day weekend event to galvanize greater [[Event Support]] readiness and figure out what we can improve on to make our 15th better staffed and planned.
*'''WHEN:''' October 1 2023 or nearabouts according to the [[Oral_histories]] of founding 83C Oct 1 in 2008.

We'll host it as our Halloween party too.

* Oct 1st - work party. Prep & plan.
* Halloween party near end of month.

===Ideas for NB15===
*Get each area of NB to start planning something ahead of time to showcase

====Laser Guild====
* DIYCE: Laser cut oodles of [[diyce]]. Intended as an approachable puzzle for people to solve, assemble, and take home. -Gaardn

====Textile Wizards====

====Electronics====

====Print Pragmatisists====
Blueprinting! Learn the 1840s art of using uv-reactive cyanotype and designs drawn on vellum paper to make your own schematics, artsy or otherwise! -Gaardn

===Goals for NB15===
* A focus on participation and membership growth over our 14th year with an aim to surpass our pre-move pre-COVID activity level highs manifested in high participation in the planning of N15 like we saw with [[NB10]].

===Lessons for NB15===
* Have all volunteer positions clearly defined and delegated well in advance with each responsible volunteer group taking ownership of their part of the event, such as:
** [[Press]]: Invite press that have covered NB events before to participate. Prepare some good press info for them to cover.
** [[Outreach]]: Hit up all our electronic lists. Poster nearby streets with small poster-flyers.
** [[5MoF]]: Solicit pre-planned talks of high quality. Get all their slides submitted in advance if possible.
** [[HackComedy]]:
** [[Music]]: Prepare a lineup of suitable musical performers and DJs.

Industrial Knitting Machine

2024-07-15T05:20:27Z

Vectornaut: Link to workflows

Industrial Knitting Machine/Workflows

2024-07-15T05:19:10Z

Vectornaut: Start documenting industrial knitting machine workflows

File:NB15-flyer web.png

2024-07-15T05:13:00Z

Vectornaut: Link to source files

NB15Q/Planning

2024-07-15T05:11:20Z

Vectornaut: Link to graphic design repository

{{anniversaries}}

==Current plans==

===Activities===

====Sidewalk astronomy====
Leader: Elan (<code>Elan</codE>). We'll bring out the blue Meade telescope in the upstairs hackitorium

====Silent auction====
Confirmed auction items:
* Handmade natural soap embossed with the Noisebridge logo (<code>Misstencil</code>)

Potential auction items:
* Handmade silk kimono (<code>ElleWrites</code>)

===Graphic design===

[https://github.com/Vectornaut/NB15 This repository] contains the source files for the flyers (directed by <code>ElleWrites</code> and designed by <code>fareycircles</code>, with feedback from <code>[chatbot]</code> and weekly meeting attendees). We'd like to use the same visual identity for event swag; <code>EigenVexer</code> is looking into that.

===Advertising===

====Flyers====

Flyers have been posted in:
* Manny's (<code>fareycircles</code>)

We plan to post flyers in:
* The Box Shop (<code>Elan</code>)
* The Long Haul (<code>fareycircles</code>)
* Sudo Room (<code>fareycircles</code>, July 16?)

==Old plans==

'''NB15''' will be Noisebridge's big 15th anniversary. [[NB14]] was conducted as a sort of dry run of an [[NB10]]-style 3 day weekend event to galvanize greater [[Event Support]] readiness and figure out what we can improve on to make our 15th better staffed and planned.
*'''WHEN:''' October 1 2023 or nearabouts according to the [[Oral_histories]] of founding 83C Oct 1 in 2008.

We'll host it as our Halloween party too.

* Oct 1st - work party. Prep & plan.
* Halloween party near end of month.

===Ideas for NB15===
*Get each area of NB to start planning something ahead of time to showcase

====Laser Guild====
* DIYCE: Laser cut oodles of [[diyce]]. Intended as an approachable puzzle for people to solve, assemble, and take home. -Gaardn

====Textile Wizards====

====Electronics====

====Print Pragmatisists====
Blueprinting! Learn the 1840s art of using uv-reactive cyanotype and designs drawn on vellum paper to make your own schematics, artsy or otherwise! -Gaardn

===Goals for NB15===
* A focus on participation and membership growth over our 14th year with an aim to surpass our pre-move pre-COVID activity level highs manifested in high participation in the planning of N15 like we saw with [[NB10]].

===Lessons for NB15===
* Have all volunteer positions clearly defined and delegated well in advance with each responsible volunteer group taking ownership of their part of the event, such as:
** [[Press]]: Invite press that have covered NB events before to participate. Prepare some good press info for them to cover.
** [[Outreach]]: Hit up all our electronic lists. Poster nearby streets with small poster-flyers.
** [[5MoF]]: Solicit pre-planned talks of high quality. Get all their slides submitted in advance if possible.
** [[HackComedy]]:
** [[Music]]: Prepare a lineup of suitable musical performers and DJs.

File:NB15-flyer web.png

2024-07-15T04:54:03Z

Vectornaut: Flyer for NB15.

== Summary ==
Flyer for [[NB15]].

NB15Q/Planning

2024-07-15T04:45:49Z

Vectornaut: Add Box Shop flyering plans

{{anniversaries}}

==Current plans==

===Activities===

====Sidewalk astronomy====
Leader: Elan (<code>Elan</codE>). We'll bring out the blue Meade telescope in the upstairs hackitorium

====Silent auction====
Confirmed auction items:
* Handmade natural soap embossed with the Noisebridge logo (<code>Misstencil</code>)

Potential auction items:
* Handmade silk kimono (<code>ElleWrites</code>)

===Advertising===

====Flyers====

Flyers have been posted in:
* Manny's (<code>fareycircles</code>)

We plan to post flyers in:
* The Box Shop (<code>Elan</code>)
* The Long Haul (<code>fareycircles</code>)
* Sudo Room (<code>fareycircles</code>, July 16?)

==Old plans==

'''NB15''' will be Noisebridge's big 15th anniversary. [[NB14]] was conducted as a sort of dry run of an [[NB10]]-style 3 day weekend event to galvanize greater [[Event Support]] readiness and figure out what we can improve on to make our 15th better staffed and planned.
*'''WHEN:''' October 1 2023 or nearabouts according to the [[Oral_histories]] of founding 83C Oct 1 in 2008.

We'll host it as our Halloween party too.

* Oct 1st - work party. Prep & plan.
* Halloween party near end of month.

===Ideas for NB15===
*Get each area of NB to start planning something ahead of time to showcase

====Laser Guild====
* DIYCE: Laser cut oodles of [[diyce]]. Intended as an approachable puzzle for people to solve, assemble, and take home. -Gaardn

====Textile Wizards====

====Electronics====

====Print Pragmatisists====
Blueprinting! Learn the 1840s art of using uv-reactive cyanotype and designs drawn on vellum paper to make your own schematics, artsy or otherwise! -Gaardn

===Goals for NB15===
* A focus on participation and membership growth over our 14th year with an aim to surpass our pre-move pre-COVID activity level highs manifested in high participation in the planning of N15 like we saw with [[NB10]].

===Lessons for NB15===
* Have all volunteer positions clearly defined and delegated well in advance with each responsible volunteer group taking ownership of their part of the event, such as:
** [[Press]]: Invite press that have covered NB events before to participate. Prepare some good press info for them to cover.
** [[Outreach]]: Hit up all our electronic lists. Poster nearby streets with small poster-flyers.
** [[5MoF]]: Solicit pre-planned talks of high quality. Get all their slides submitted in advance if possible.
** [[HackComedy]]:
** [[Music]]: Prepare a lineup of suitable musical performers and DJs.

NB15Q/Planning

2024-07-15T04:34:37Z

Vectornaut: Section off old plans; add current planned activities and flyering

{{anniversaries}}

==Current plans==

===Activities===

====Sidewalk astronomy====
Leader: Elan (<code>Elan</codE>). We'll bring out the blue Meade telescope in the upstairs hackitorium

====Silent auction====
Confirmed auction items:
* Handmade natural soap embossed with the Noisebridge logo (<code>Misstencil</code>)

Potential auction items:
* Handmade silk kimono (<code>ElleWrites</code>)

===Advertising===

====Flyers====

Flyers have been posted in:
* Manny's (<code>fareycircles</code>)

We plan to post flyers in:
* The Long Haul (<code>fareycircles</code>)
* Sudo Room (<code>fareycircles</code>, July 16?)

==Old plans==

'''NB15''' will be Noisebridge's big 15th anniversary. [[NB14]] was conducted as a sort of dry run of an [[NB10]]-style 3 day weekend event to galvanize greater [[Event Support]] readiness and figure out what we can improve on to make our 15th better staffed and planned.
*'''WHEN:''' October 1 2023 or nearabouts according to the [[Oral_histories]] of founding 83C Oct 1 in 2008.

We'll host it as our Halloween party too.

* Oct 1st - work party. Prep & plan.
* Halloween party near end of month.

===Ideas for NB15===
*Get each area of NB to start planning something ahead of time to showcase

====Laser Guild====
* DIYCE: Laser cut oodles of [[diyce]]. Intended as an approachable puzzle for people to solve, assemble, and take home. -Gaardn

====Textile Wizards====

====Electronics====

====Print Pragmatisists====
Blueprinting! Learn the 1840s art of using uv-reactive cyanotype and designs drawn on vellum paper to make your own schematics, artsy or otherwise! -Gaardn

===Goals for NB15===
* A focus on participation and membership growth over our 14th year with an aim to surpass our pre-move pre-COVID activity level highs manifested in high participation in the planning of N15 like we saw with [[NB10]].

===Lessons for NB15===
* Have all volunteer positions clearly defined and delegated well in advance with each responsible volunteer group taking ownership of their part of the event, such as:
** [[Press]]: Invite press that have covered NB events before to participate. Prepare some good press info for them to cover.
** [[Outreach]]: Hit up all our electronic lists. Poster nearby streets with small poster-flyers.
** [[5MoF]]: Solicit pre-planned talks of high quality. Get all their slides submitted in advance if possible.
** [[HackComedy]]:
** [[Music]]: Prepare a lineup of suitable musical performers and DJs.

NB15

2024-07-15T04:23:54Z

Vectornaut: Add sidewalk astronomy activity

{{anniversaries}}

[[About|Noisebridge]] is a San Francisco hackerspace built around do-ocratic, consensus-based collaboration. We're throwing a party to celebrate 15 years of community and creativity, and to raise the funds we need to stay open to all.

==When and where==

'''When:''' Saturday, August 3, 2024. Starting at 7pm.

'''Where:''' 272 Capp Street, San Francisco, about two blocks from the 16th Street Mission BART station.

==Activities==

We'll add details as our plans solidify. Planned activities include:

* Music and dancing
* [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rube_Goldberg_machine Rube Goldberg] hackathon award ceremony
* Sidewalk astronomy (weather permitting)
* Raffle, silent auction, and swag sale

==Safety and accessibility==

* [[Anti-Harassment_Policy|Anti-harassment policy]]
* [[Accessibility|Accessibility information]]

==Get involved==

This party, like everything at Noisebridge, is created by anyone and everyone who's willing to pitch in. If you want to help, check out the [[NB15 Planning|party planning page]] and join the discussion on our [https://discord.com/invite/GtpDdX5 Discord server], in the <code>nb15-quinceanera</code> channel.

Industrial Knitting Machine

2024-07-14T01:56:39Z

Vectornaut: Link to another video ("Basical course")

{{sewing}}

Noisebridge has a [https://www.raynen.cn/en/hengjidiankongxitong883/225.html Raynen F4000] based flat knitting machine sourced from Changshu Shengxingda Co, Ltd. It's in our [[Hackitorium]].

{{headerbox}}
Current Status

We have yarn and our machine knits. Work is needed to improve the design and operations process.

{{boxend}}

[[File:Machine2.jpg|600px|||Knitting Machine]]

== Machine Operations ==

[[File:knit1.jpeg|200px|thumb|right|Knitting Machine]]

* This machine runs on 240V. Use the included transformer.
* ALWAYS keep your hands clear of the bed and carriage while the machine is running or injury may occur.

=== Manuals ===

* [https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Ubc_aJjvSap3zNg8jYIAmtbF3YKVGhWx/view?usp=sharing Raynen F4000 Intelligent Control Of Flat Knitting Machine Manual] – Instructions and details for operating the Raynen F4000 flat knitting machine.

* [https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLDIjpAPG02CD8vXO0j7pJUfr_nEQhUGxU Machine operations] – A YouTube playlist with how-tos for on machine operations.

* [https://www.youtube.com/@flat-knitting-machine/videos Dozens of videos on a manufacturer’s YouTube including some on repair and machine adjustments]

* [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qfoFRfCFO10 Operating a flat knitting machine]

* [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kDxOJ_xIvU8 Basical course] – A video that shows the basic workflow of loading a file into a similar knitting machine, checking that the machine is threaded correctly, and knitting the first few rows.

=== Yarns you can use ===

* The yarn HAS to be spooled on a cone
* This is a 7 gauge machine. The yarn/thread used should be between 4.5 - 8 NM (2232 YPP to 3968), or around 4 NeC ([https://www.crescentwoolenmills.com/yarn-size-conversion/ Yarn size conversion calculator])
* We've had success with [https://www.jaggeryarn.com/spun-yarns/super-lamb-224/ Super Lamb 2/24]

=== Maintenance ===
Broken needles are part of life. If you hear a crunch noise STOP your knit!

* For replacement needles, buy Gold-Beamlight VOSASPEC 80.119D(C) on Alibaba or Taobao.
* Video on [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yuxUcjn5Oek replacing needles]
* Oil the needle bed often!

== Design Software ==

Knitting machine pattern design software is Windows based. It's installed on the computer in Noisebridge's print shop. You can also download it.

* [https://www.hqcnc.com/download.html HQPDS Software Download]

* [https://www.raynen.cn/ruanjianxiazai.html Raynen CAD download]

3rd party tools may be easier to use than the included software. HQPDS can import DAT files, compile and simulate knitting for our machine.

* [https://textiles-lab.github.io/knitout/knitout.html Knitout] - Represent low level knitting operations in a machine-agnostic way. Requires a backend to compile into DAT and other formats.
* [https://textiles-lab.github.io/knitout-live-visualizer/ Knitout Visualizer] - Visualization of Knitout instructions.
* [https://pypi.org/project/knit-script/ Knit Script] - Python library for knitting machine instructions. Outputs Knitout.
* [https://mi-lab.org/generative-knitting/ Knit Utils] - JS library for knitting machine instructions. Outputs Knitout & DAT.
* [http://knitskel.csail.mit.edu/ Knit Skel] - Browser-based design tool for basic shape and pattern construction. Outputs DAT.
* [http://knitsketching.csail.mit.edu/ Knit Sketching] - Sophisticated, browser-based garment design tool. Outputs Knitout.
* [https://github.com/textiles-lab/autoknit Autoknit] - 3D mesh to Knitout generation tool.

=== Software Tips & Resources ===

* Choose 7 gauge, H1-1 (simple/roll) when selecting a machine model.

* Manuals and examples are on the computer in Noisebridge's print shop.

* HQPDS has a steep learning curve. There are dozens of YouTube tutorials. Some are in languages other than English but provide steps you can follow along with. Examples:

* [https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLGVDooI-kJAlUEhRyhs1a9idOpG05B2LT Stitches Library]
* [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6ypW0_GJIB4 Insert and map an image for jacquard]
* [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rXCzQXGQMdc Function lines]

* Make sure you understand [https://www.mtm.cba.mit.edu/akaspar/machine-knitting/-/wikis/Casting casting]

Manuals

* [http://down.zjhqtech.com:800/admin/smallpic/HqPDS16_en.pdf Operation Manual of the Hengqiang Pattern Designing Software] - Manual provides instructions for using the Hengqiang Pattern Designing Software for machine knitting.

* [https://jrrorwxhnipimp5m.ldycdn.com/3.16+Instruction+in+English-aidolBppKqnRmiSlrmkqklik.pdf Raynen KnitCAD manual] - Manual for KnitCAD

== Projects & Research ==

=== Noisebridge Projects ===

[[File:Testknit.jpg|200px|thumb|left|A test knit]]

Your project could be here!

=== Other Projects ===

* [https://github.com/fbz/knityak Knityak]

* [https://github.com/GameOfKnowing/QuineScarf QuineScarf]

* [https://www.mtm.cba.mit.edu/akaspar/machine-knitting/-/wikis/home Intro to Industrial Machine Knitting] - Primer on industrial knitting machines, creating DAT files, jacquard, cast ons and cast offs.

* Some [http://fab.cba.mit.edu/classes/863.18/Architecture/people/molly/weeks/week13.html Narrative] [https://fabacademy.org/2019/labs/zoi/students/danny-imbaquingo/project17.html Accounts] of using these machines.

=== Research ===

* [https://studios.disneyresearch.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/A-Compiler-for-3D-Machine-Knitting.pdf A Compiler for 3D Machine Knitting]

* [https://dl.acm.org/doi/abs/10.1145/3559400.3565584 Fabricating Accessible Designs with Knitting Machines]

* [https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Wonseok-Choi/publication/237482349_Three_dimensional_seamless_garment_knitting_on_V-bed_flat_knitting_machines/links/0a85e53c9c4164a96f000000/Three-dimensional-seamless-garment-knitting-on-V-bed-flat-knitting-machines.pdf Three Dimensional Seamless Garments On V-Bed Flat Knitting Machines]

* [https://textiles-lab.github.io/publications/2019-visualknit/ Visual Knitting Machine Programming]

== General Knitting Machine Learning Resources ==

* [https://akaspar.pages.cba.mit.edu/machine-knitting/ Introduction to Machine Knitting]
* [https://www.meetup.com/noisebridge/events/ Machine Knitting 101 at Noisebridge]

It can be helpful to compare to manuals for other industrial-style knitting machines:

* [https://nfc.stoll.com/faq/268533_00_bedan_en.pdf Operating manual for a Stoll machine]
* [https://support.kniterate.com/hc/en-us/article_attachments/360009727217/Manual_v2.1.6.pages.pdf Operating manual for Kniterate]

== Acquisition Process ==

[[File:Container1.jpg|200px|thumb|right|Container ship MOL Celebration at the Port of Oakland]]

[[File:Forklift1.jpg|200px|thumb|right|A Noisebridge member using a forklift to move the knitting machine crate]]

Noisebridge's sewing guild raised money to purchase an automatic, industrial knitting machine for the space. Shima Seiki and Stoll machines were out of our budget and our initial plan was to buy from a start-up, [https://www.kniterate.com/product/kniterate-the-digital-knitting-machine/ Kniterate], which came out of the [https://hackaday.com/2014/02/20/openknit-the-open-source-knitting-machine/ OpenKnit] project.

These machines were facing production delays and increased cost, so we turned to manufacturers in China for something similar. We asked 5 vendors for bids via Alibaba/Made-In-China.com/the internet at large and settled on a single system, 52” 7 gauge automatic knitting machine with a controller by Raynen.

We engaged with [https://changshusxd.en.alibaba.com/ Changshu Shengxingda Co, Ltd] for a machine (model CHJX-1-52) at a cost of ~$4000. The cost of shipping and delivery from China to SF was ~$2000; we had some delays in port, a customs inspection, and needed to rent a forklift for delivery.

Here's the timeline of how everything played out.

* April 10 - Initial research starts.
* April 27 - May 5 - Decision-making and engagement with the vendor.
* April 27 - May 5 - Discussions and paperwork with the freight forwarder.
* May 5 - Deposit paid for the machine, production begins; freight shipper contracted.
* May 24 - Machine delivered to the freight forwarder at Shanghai Port. The sailing vessel is MOL Celebration, with an estimated arrival on June 22 in Oakland.
* June 29 - Ship arrival at the Port of Oakland.
* June 29 - July 14 - Container stuck in Port due to a holiday, port backlog, and a customs inspection.
* July 19 - First delivery attempt.
* July 24 - Machine delivered to Noisebridge successfully.

This is the second time Noisebridge has imported a giant machine. In 2016 we got a [https://www.noisebridge.net/wiki/Laser_Cutter/Kaitian_CM1309 laser cutter]. It is so big that walls had to be removed to get it through the door at 2169 Mission St.

NB15

2024-07-11T04:00:55Z

Vectornaut: Make activity descriptions more accurate

{{anniversaries}}

[[About|Noisebridge]] is a San Francisco hackerspace built around do-ocratic, consensus-based collaboration. We're throwing a party to celebrate 15 years of community and creativity, and to raise the funds we need to stay open to all.

==When and where==

'''When:''' Saturday, August 3, 2024. Starting at 7pm.

'''Where:''' 272 Capp Street, San Francisco, about two blocks from the 16th Street Mission BART station.

==Activities==

We'll add details as our plans solidify. Planned activities include:

* Music and dancing
* [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rube_Goldberg_machine Rube Goldberg] hackathon award ceremony
* Raffle, silent auction, and swag sale

==Safety and accessibility==

* [[Anti-Harassment_Policy|Anti-harassment policy]]
* [[Accessibility|Accessibility information]]

==Get involved==

This party, like everything at Noisebridge, is created by anyone and everyone who's willing to pitch in. If you want to help, check out the [[NB15 Planning|party planning page]] and join the discussion on our [https://discord.com/invite/GtpDdX5 Discord server], in the <code>nb15-quinceanera</code> channel.

NB15

2024-07-11T03:56:22Z

Vectornaut: Start public-facing event page

{{anniversaries}}

[[About|Noisebridge]] is a San Francisco hackerspace built around do-ocratic, consensus-based collaboration. We're throwing a party to celebrate 15 years of community and creativity, and to raise the funds we need to stay open to all.

==When and where==

'''When:''' Saturday, August 3, 2024. Starting at 7pm.

'''Where:''' 272 Capp Street, San Francisco, about two blocks from the 16th Street Mission BART station.

==Activities==

We'll add details as our plans solidify. Planned activities include:

* Music and dancing
* A [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rube_Goldberg_machine Rube Goldberg machine] hackathon
* A raffle and a silent auction

==Safety and accessibility==

* [[Anti-Harassment_Policy|Anti-harassment policy]]
* [[Accessibility|Accessibility information]]

==Get involved==

This party, like everything at Noisebridge, is created by anyone and everyone who's willing to pitch in. If you want to help, check out the [[NB15 Planning|party planning page]] and join the discussion on our [https://discord.com/invite/GtpDdX5 Discord server], in the <code>nb15-quinceanera</code> channel.

Nb15

2024-07-11T03:20:00Z

Vectornaut: Redirect to capitalized page

#REDIRECT [[NB15]]

NB15Q/Planning

2024-07-11T03:14:14Z

Vectornaut: Move the internal planning page so we can make NB15 public-facing

{{anniversaries}}

'''NB15''' will be Noisebridge's big 15th anniversary. [[NB14]] was conducted as a sort of dry run of an [[NB10]]-style 3 day weekend event to galvanize greater [[Event Support]] readiness and figure out what we can improve on to make our 15th better staffed and planned.
*'''WHEN:''' October 1 2023 or nearabouts according to the [[Oral_histories]] of founding 83C Oct 1 in 2008.

We'll host it as our Halloween party too.

* Oct 1st - work party. Prep & plan.
* Halloween party near end of month.

==Ideas for NB15==
*Get each area of NB to start planning something ahead of time to showcase

===Laser Guild===
- DIYCE: Laser cut oodles of [[diyce]]. Intended as an approachable puzzle for people to solve, assemble, and take home. -Gaardn

===Textile Wizards===

===Electronics===

===Print Pragmatisists===
Blueprinting! Learn the 1840s art of using uv-reactive cyanotype and designs drawn on vellum paper to make your own schematics, artsy or otherwise! -Gaardn

==Goals for NB15==
* A focus on participation and membership growth over our 14th year with an aim to surpass our pre-move pre-COVID activity level highs manifested in high participation in the planning of N15 like we saw with [[NB10]].

==Lessons for NB15==
* Have all volunteer positions clearly defined and delegated well in advance with each responsible volunteer group taking ownership of their part of the event, such as:
** [[Press]]: Invite press that have covered NB events before to participate. Prepare some good press info for them to cover.
** [[Outreach]]: Hit up all our electronic lists. Poster nearby streets with small poster-flyers.
** [[5MoF]]: Solicit pre-planned talks of high quality. Get all their slides submitted in advance if possible.
** [[HackComedy]]:
** [[Music]]: Prepare a lineup of suitable musical performers and DJs.