A Look Back: The AxiDraw Story (Part 1)

As we get ready to launch Bantam Tools NextDraw, we wanted to take a look back and honor the legacy of Axidraw. The very first AxiDraw was designed by Lindsay Wilson. We interviewed Lindsay to tell us the story himself.

How did AxiDraw begin?

I've always been interested in electromechanical stuff, CNC machines etc. I'm not quite sure what led me to start on a drawing machine, but I'd previously seen EMSL's EggBot & WaterColorBot and I'd also used several old-style pen plotters. I wanted to have a configuration of machine that could simply sit on top of whatever it's drawing on, rather than being limited by having to feed paper through it. I saw some designs of old handwriting machines and that's how I came up with the design using the overhanging arm.

I made the very first AxiDraw back in 2014 was made out of laser-cut plywood.  I then started machining and selling kits of parts out of delrin and acrylic since these materials were far more durable. I exhibited my machine at the 2015 UK Maker Faire.

AxiDraw V1

Lindsey Wilson presenting AxiDraw at MakerFaire

AxiDraw V1 Kit

Then, in 2016, I contacted Windell & Lenore at EMSL and they adapted the machine into the AxiDraw that most people are familiar with now. The main change was moving to a "Core XY" system using two fixed motors and a single belt, which increased speed and accuracy enormously since it didn't have to move a motor around on the carriage, like my original design did. The rest is history!

How did you come up with the name AxiDraw?

It seemed logical at the time, referring to the two coordinate axes and its intended purpose.

Do you have a favorite application that you've seen folks use an AxiDraw for?

I've been impressed by all the various kinds of generative art that people use it for, but I especially like when it's used for drawing on actual objects, rather than just paper. I've seen people use it for decorating guitar bodies and drawing on slate or wooden coasters.

Since I currently have an interest in mechanical pencils, I was very pleased to discover that Pentel had used an AxiDraw in one of their promotional videos for the Orenz Nero pencil!

What are you working on now and where can fans see your current work?

At the moment, my main interest is in making metal-bodied mechanical pencils and leadholders. I started these in 2018 after finding there wasn't a really good, solid metal mechanical pencil that I liked. I did a successful Kickstarter for my first design and have been making them steadily ever since. I do a variety of body and grip designs, all machined on my lathe. I use a couple of secret techniques to get extra-crisp knurling patterns! I have an online store here (https://eyejayinstruments.com/) and I'm also on Instagram at @lindsay.wilson.88