October 01, 2024
EEW Nano 2.1
Spinning raw llama fleece on the EEW Nano 2.1
The EEW Nano 2.1 injection molds are complete and I’ve approved them! These “injection molds” are steel blocks with the shape of the plastic part removed so all the custom plastic pieces can be made quickly and affordable. For example if I used 3D printing making one EEW Nano would take around 20 hours and with injection molding that’s around 30 seconds. The downside is these steel molds are expensive, but as long as you are making a lot of something (usually thousands) then injection molding is better. In the photo above you can see many different colors of plastic are used for different parts. That is because when verifying the molds my factory just uses whatever color of plastic is in the machine. I’m really happy with how this version has turned out. I won’t be running a Kickstarter for it, but when it’s available I will send out an email to this community and give a discount for the first 7 days it’s on my store. There will also be an affordable upgrade kit that will convert the EEW Nano 2.0 to an EEW Nano 2.1. I’m still working out the exact pricing of everything, but my hope is to keep the EEW Nano 2.1 the same price as the EEW Nano 2.0. My current estimate on timeframe for the EEW Nano 2.1 is February 2025.
There are major improvements to the uptake system, and the noise noise is reduced due to the new flyer and bobbin system. Here is a more detailed list of the improvements of the EEW Nano 2.1 over the EEW 2.0.
- Bobbins now use a bearing system that makes them rotate smoother and more quiet
- Completely new flyer out of glass reinforced nylon to make it last longer and it uses a different bearing at the back to prevent extra tension on the bobbins if there is flex in the maidens
- New sliding hook system that works better and reduces snags on fiber
- Tension system changed to use a spring and string to improve the tension system
- Base colors are black and purple (bobbins are gray, purple, and ivory)
Custom Bag Plan
I made this video to show the first prototype of a custom bag I’m making to carry my eSpinners. I plan to eventually sell them in my store and would like your feedback. This video also gives you a good size comparison between the EEW 6, EEW Nano, and EEW Fold. The EEW Fold pre-orders will start with a Kickstarter later this year or early 2025. At the end of the video I mention I’ll be giving this prototype bag to a random person who leaves a comment in the youtube comments.
Upcoming Fiber Festivals
We’re going to be attending the Vermont Sheep and Wool Festival (Oct 5-6) and the New York State Sheep & Wool Festival (Oct 19-20). Jessica will be in charge of the booth at both of these. Stop by and say hi if you’re at either of these.
Product Updates
Below are estimates and the dates may change.
- EEW Fold Kickstarter – December 2024
- EEW Nano 2.1 – Febuary 2025
– Maurice Ribble
Inventor of the Electric Eel Wheel
www.DreamingRobots.com
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