Show HN: I spent 6 years building a ridiculous wooden pixel display (benholmen.com)

Article summary

The author spent 6 years building a 1000-pixel display made of wooden cubes, controlled by a web interface that allows anyone to interact with it. The project involved designing and building a custom CNC machine, creating a web app, and developing a mechanism to turn the pixels. The display can be used in various modes, including user-submitted images, real-time collaboration, and idle modes. The author plans to share the display with the public and potentially install it in a coffee shop.

Main themes

• Wooden pixel display
• CNC machine building
• Web interface and API
• Interactive art
• Pixel art
• Mechanical engineering

What commenters say

• The project is an impressive example of dedication and creativity, with some commentators praising its uniqueness and beauty.
• The use of wooden cubes as pixels is an interesting choice, with some suggesting alternative materials or methods could have been used.
• The display's potential for interactive art and collaboration is exciting, with some commentators proposing ideas for its use in public spaces or as a tool for artists.
• The project's energy efficiency is notable, with some pointing out that it consumes very little power when not changing the image.
• The possibility of rendering complex images or videos, such as the 'Bad Apple' animation, is a topic of interest and debate among commentators.
• The author's decision to share the display with the public and allow user-submitted content may lead to interesting and unpredictable outcomes.
• Some commentators are concerned about the potential for abuse or vandalism, given the display's open nature.
• The project's mechanical and technical aspects, such as the CNC machine and pixel-turning mechanism, are of great interest to some commentators, who propose alternative solutions or improvements.