I started making these in 2022. The design of V8 engine blocks always fascinated me, from the deep complex cavities, to the actual function of converting explosions into power.
At first glance, these have only a few minor differences from the 2022 version, the biggest are that the large chamfers on the corners and the addition of the business card holder (first time on crowdfunding platforms). I think these look better and are also easier to handle. I also took a lot more time machining these to achieve a nicer finish. As a machinist, many of the features have been shifted to accommodate potential future additions to the block (dare I say it, maybe a mechanized sculpture, no promises though).
Business card holder version available
The block
The engine block is machined from a solid billet of aluminum on my 5 axis machining center.
There are some details that you can make out from the manifold bolt holes to the cylinders, the bores for the fuel intake/exhaust, bores for cam rods, and the cavity for the crankshaft. The engine block is very loosely based on the LS3 engine block.
Acetal (also known as Delrin) liners for different pen sizes
This pen holder has the increased functionality in that different sized inner diameter liners can be placed into the cylinders. So in other words, you can fit your Sharpie, your Pilot G2, your Rotring, and your fine tipped Sharpie! To assist with a snug fit into the cylinder bores, an O ring groove is designed into the liner (also making it resemble a piston). This makes it easy to insert, remove, and swap liners around. Acetal has very good durability and chemical resistance.
Includes 8 removable Delrin (chemical resistant plastic) liners with an included O-ring for a snug fit. Default sizes are 2 small, 4 medium, 2 large (the most popular configuration by far).
Small liner (3/8" OD) recommended for slim writing instruments such as #2 pencil, Uniball Vision, Frixion Slim.
Medium liner (1/2" OD) recommended for Sharpie, Pilot G2 (and most other standard sized writing instruments).
Large liner (9/16") recommended for any writing instruments just slightly larger than a standard Sharpie.
CNC machined in my shop, in Hawaii.
Hand sanded finish on the exterior flats.
Ships in a plastic case in a cardboard box for maximum protection.
The pen holder sits on 4 adhesive backed rubber feet that will protect both the pen holder and your desk.
Business card holder slot (for those who opt for the business card holder version). It can fit about 15 business cards comfortably.
Large corner chamfers. This is an update from the first version. I think it looks better and is easier to handle.
September 2023: Start designing V2. I wanted larger chamfers, nicer machined finishes. Order material and then get swamped with a different project.
February 2024: Program the toolpaths. Prep the stock for machining. Machine about 50-60 of them.
March 2024: Start machining more liners. Start taking media and designing the project. Launch project.
April 2024: Depending on demand, start purchasing more material to make a second batch. Keep machining. I made a bunch so fulfillment will start immediately.
