JB
Jon Bondy
Mon, Nov 24, 2025 12:06 AM
This: "most of my actual learning about its oddities has been by trying
and failing"
On 11/23/2025 6:49 PM, Steve Lelievre via Discuss wrote:
My two cents:
1 cent: If OpenSCAD variables get called constants or whatever, it
just moves the problem: confusion about "why can't I change variables"
becomes confusion about "why doesn't OpenSCAD have variables?" I
strongly suspect that many new users do not actually RTFM, or only
skim it, so inevitably start off thinking of these things as
changeable, so the a = a + 1 trap would still be there. And new users
who do carefully study the manual will have so much to take in that
the implications may be lost. I did actually read the user manual and
language reference right through when I started using OpenSCAD, but
most of my actual learning about its oddities has been by trying and
failing.
2 cents: There are OpenSCAD-related sites and videos all over the
internet and even OpenSCAD books (yes, paper) that use the current
terminology. It doesn't seem remotely feasible to change those
sources, so it makes sense to live with what we've got.
Steve
OpenSCAD mailing list
To unsubscribe send an email to discuss-leave@lists.openscad.org
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This: "most of my actual learning about its oddities has been by trying
and failing"
On 11/23/2025 6:49 PM, Steve Lelievre via Discuss wrote:
> My two cents:
>
> 1 cent: If OpenSCAD variables get called constants or whatever, it
> just moves the problem: confusion about "why can't I change variables"
> becomes confusion about "why doesn't OpenSCAD have variables?" I
> strongly suspect that many new users do not actually RTFM, or only
> skim it, so inevitably start off thinking of these things as
> changeable, so the a = a + 1 trap would still be there. And new users
> who do carefully study the manual will have so much to take in that
> the implications may be lost. I did actually read the user manual and
> language reference right through when I started using OpenSCAD, but
> most of my actual learning about its oddities has been by trying and
> failing.
>
> 2 cents: There are OpenSCAD-related sites and videos all over the
> internet and even OpenSCAD books (yes, paper) that use the current
> terminology. It doesn't seem remotely feasible to change those
> sources, so it makes sense to live with what we've got.
>
> Steve
> _______________________________________________
> OpenSCAD mailing list
> To unsubscribe send an email to discuss-leave@lists.openscad.org
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RD
Revar Desmera
Mon, Nov 24, 2025 1:01 AM
What Steve said. +1. Up vote.
-Revar
On Nov 23, 2025, at 3:49 PM, Steve Lelievre via Discuss discuss@lists.openscad.org wrote:
My two cents:
1 cent: If OpenSCAD variables get called constants or whatever, it just moves the problem: confusion about "why can't I change variables" becomes confusion about "why doesn't OpenSCAD have variables?" I strongly suspect that many new users do not actually RTFM, or only skim it, so inevitably start off thinking of these things as changeable, so the a = a + 1 trap would still be there. And new users who do carefully study the manual will have so much to take in that the implications may be lost. I did actually read the user manual and language reference right through when I started using OpenSCAD, but most of my actual learning about its oddities has been by trying and failing.
2 cents: There are OpenSCAD-related sites and videos all over the internet and even OpenSCAD books (yes, paper) that use the current terminology. It doesn't seem remotely feasible to change those sources, so it makes sense to live with what we've got.
Steve
OpenSCAD mailing list
To unsubscribe send an email to discuss-leave@lists.openscad.org
What Steve said. +1. Up vote.
-Revar
> On Nov 23, 2025, at 3:49 PM, Steve Lelievre via Discuss <discuss@lists.openscad.org> wrote:
>
> My two cents:
>
> 1 cent: If OpenSCAD variables get called constants or whatever, it just moves the problem: confusion about "why can't I change variables" becomes confusion about "why doesn't OpenSCAD have variables?" I strongly suspect that many new users do not actually RTFM, or only skim it, so inevitably start off thinking of these things as changeable, so the a = a + 1 trap would still be there. And new users who do carefully study the manual will have so much to take in that the implications may be lost. I did actually read the user manual and language reference right through when I started using OpenSCAD, but most of my actual learning about its oddities has been by trying and failing.
>
> 2 cents: There are OpenSCAD-related sites and videos all over the internet and even OpenSCAD books (yes, paper) that use the current terminology. It doesn't seem remotely feasible to change those sources, so it makes sense to live with what we've got.
>
> Steve
> _______________________________________________
> OpenSCAD mailing list
> To unsubscribe send an email to discuss-leave@lists.openscad.org
JH
Joe H
Mon, Nov 24, 2025 4:21 AM
My point, lost as it has been since I never made it clear by any means, is
that the application of OpenSCAD as a useful tool in my toolbox was greatly
aided by my interpreting it as a hardware definition language, rather than
a software language. Prior to that, I had difficulty with various nuances
(some being hangups with semantics).
If you (no particular "you" is implied here) think of it as software and
can make it do wonderful things, more power to you. For me, it is an HDL,
and that is what it takes for me to make it do the rudimentary tasks I ask
of it.
Now, back to the discussion about how many angels can dance on the head of
a pin...
On Sun, Nov 23, 2025 at 4:23 PM gene heskett via Discuss <
discuss@lists.openscad.org> wrote:
On 11/23/25 15:05, Raymond West via Discuss wrote:
all this verbiage reminds me of an old friend of mine, who said 'I
don't care what you call me, but don't call me late for dinner.'
ROTFLMAO! I've been following this discussion. wondering how much longer
it would take for this one to pop up. ;o)>
Just my $.02, an immutable should NOT be a variable.
Cheers, Gene Heskett, CET.
"There are four boxes to be used in defense of liberty:
soap, ballot, jury, and ammo. Please use in that order."
-Ed Howdershelt (Author, 1940)
If we desire respect for the law, we must first make the law respectable.
- Louis D. Brandeis
Don't poison our oceans, interdict drugs at the src.
OpenSCAD mailing list
To unsubscribe send an email to discuss-leave@lists.openscad.org
My point, lost as it has been since I never made it clear by any means, is
that the application of OpenSCAD as a useful tool in my toolbox was greatly
aided by my interpreting it as a hardware definition language, rather than
a software language. Prior to that, I had difficulty with various nuances
(some being hangups with semantics).
If you (no particular "you" is implied here) think of it as software and
can make it do wonderful things, more power to you. For me, it is an HDL,
and that is what it takes for me to make it do the rudimentary tasks I ask
of it.
Now, back to the discussion about how many angels can dance on the head of
a pin...
On Sun, Nov 23, 2025 at 4:23 PM gene heskett via Discuss <
discuss@lists.openscad.org> wrote:
>
>
> On 11/23/25 15:05, Raymond West via Discuss wrote:
> > all this verbiage reminds me of an old friend of mine, who said 'I
> > don't care what you call me, but don't call me late for dinner.'
> ROTFLMAO! I've been following this discussion. wondering how much longer
> it would take for this one to pop up. ;o)>
>
> Just my $.02, an immutable should NOT be a variable.
> >
> > _______________________________________________
> > OpenSCAD mailing list
> > To unsubscribe send an email to discuss-leave@lists.openscad.org
> > .
>
> Cheers, Gene Heskett, CET.
> --
> "There are four boxes to be used in defense of liberty:
> soap, ballot, jury, and ammo. Please use in that order."
> -Ed Howdershelt (Author, 1940)
> If we desire respect for the law, we must first make the law respectable.
> - Louis D. Brandeis
> Don't poison our oceans, interdict drugs at the src.
>
> _______________________________________________
> OpenSCAD mailing list
> To unsubscribe send an email to discuss-leave@lists.openscad.org
L
larry
Mon, Nov 24, 2025 4:40 AM
On Sun, 2025-11-23 at 15:49 -0800, Steve Lelievre via Discuss wrote:
My two cents:
1 cent: If OpenSCAD variables get called constants or whatever, it just
moves the problem: confusion about "why can't I change variables"
becomes confusion about "why doesn't OpenSCAD have variables?" I
strongly suspect that many new users do not actually RTFM, or only skim
it, so inevitably start off thinking of these things as changeable, so
the a = a + 1 trap would still be there. And new users who do carefully
study the manual will have so much to take in that the implications may
be lost. I did actually read the user manual and language reference
right through when I started using OpenSCAD, but most of my actual
learning about its oddities has been by trying and failing.
It strikes me that we might be able to reduce the questions about why
variables won't, by detecting (at least) the simple "a=a+1", by
detecting it, and showing it as an error along with a pointer to a page
that explains the whole thing.
2 cents: There are OpenSCAD-related sites and videos all over the
internet and even OpenSCAD books (yes, paper) that use the current
terminology. It doesn't seem remotely feasible to change those sources,
so it makes sense to live with what we've got.
On Sun, 2025-11-23 at 15:49 -0800, Steve Lelievre via Discuss wrote:
> My two cents:
>
> 1 cent: If OpenSCAD variables get called constants or whatever, it just
> moves the problem: confusion about "why can't I change variables"
> becomes confusion about "why doesn't OpenSCAD have variables?" I
> strongly suspect that many new users do not actually RTFM, or only skim
> it, so inevitably start off thinking of these things as changeable, so
> the a = a + 1 trap would still be there. And new users who do carefully
> study the manual will have so much to take in that the implications may
> be lost. I did actually read the user manual and language reference
> right through when I started using OpenSCAD, but most of my actual
> learning about its oddities has been by trying and failing.
It strikes me that we might be able to reduce the questions about why
variables won't, by detecting (at least) the simple "a=a+1", by
detecting it, and showing it as an error along with a pointer to a page
that explains the whole thing.
> 2 cents: There are OpenSCAD-related sites and videos all over the
> internet and even OpenSCAD books (yes, paper) that use the current
> terminology. It doesn't seem remotely feasible to change those sources,
> so it makes sense to live with what we've got.
I agree wholeheartedly.
MM
Michael Marx (spintel)
Mon, Nov 24, 2025 5:20 AM
Wiki:
Revision as of 2011-04-14 (Adds the following, ie created the section)
Variables
Variables in OpenSCAD are simply a name followed by an assignment via an expression
Example:
myvar=5+4;
Note: Because of a deficiency in the way OpenSCAD handles variables, you should treat variables in OpenSCAD as immutable. Immutable would mean that they can be initialized, but not modified, any modification to the variable after its initial value has been set would be ignored. As it happens OpenSCAD variables are not immutable and any modification to the variable after it has been set will override its initial value. See the example output.
Example:
module example()
{
a=0;
echo(a);
a=5;
echo(a);
}
example();
Output
ECHO: 5
ECHO: 5
'Variable' has sufficed for 14 years.
I would likely revert any attempt to globally change it.
-----Original Message-----
Sent: Monday, November 24, 2025 3:41 PM
Subject: [OpenSCAD] Re: The term "variables"
On Sun, 2025-11-23 at 15:49 -0800, Steve Lelievre via Discuss wrote:
1 cent: If OpenSCAD variables get called constants or whatever, it just
moves the problem: confusion about "why can't I change variables"
becomes confusion about "why doesn't OpenSCAD have variables?" I
strongly suspect that many new users do not actually RTFM, or only skim
it, so inevitably start off thinking of these things as changeable, so
the a = a + 1 trap would still be there. And new users who do carefully
study the manual will have so much to take in that the implications may
be lost. I did actually read the user manual and language reference
right through when I started using OpenSCAD, but most of my actual
learning about its oddities has been by trying and failing.
It strikes me that we might be able to reduce the questions about why
variables won't, by detecting (at least) the simple "a=a+1", by
detecting it, and showing it as an error along with a pointer to a page
that explains the whole thing.
2 cents: There are OpenSCAD-related sites and videos all over the
internet and even OpenSCAD books (yes, paper) that use the current
terminology. It doesn't seem remotely feasible to change those sources,
so it makes sense to live with what we've got.
Wiki:
Revision as of 2011-04-14 (Adds the following, ie created the section)
Variables
Variables in OpenSCAD are simply a name followed by an assignment via an expression
Example:
myvar=5+4;
Note: Because of a deficiency in the way OpenSCAD handles variables, you should treat variables in OpenSCAD as immutable. Immutable would mean that they can be initialized, but not modified, any modification to the variable after its initial value has been set would be ignored. As it happens OpenSCAD variables are not immutable and any modification to the variable after it has been set will override its initial value. See the example output.
Example:
module example()
{
a=0;
echo(a);
a=5;
echo(a);
}
example();
Output
ECHO: 5
ECHO: 5
'Variable' has sufficed for 14 years.
I would likely revert any attempt to globally change it.
> -----Original Message-----
> From: larry via Discuss [mailto:discuss@lists.openscad.org]
> Sent: Monday, November 24, 2025 3:41 PM
> To: discuss@lists.openscad.org
> Cc: larry
> Subject: [OpenSCAD] Re: The term "variables"
>
> On Sun, 2025-11-23 at 15:49 -0800, Steve Lelievre via Discuss wrote:
> > My two cents:
> >
> > 1 cent: If OpenSCAD variables get called constants or whatever, it just
> > moves the problem: confusion about "why can't I change variables"
> > becomes confusion about "why doesn't OpenSCAD have variables?" I
> > strongly suspect that many new users do not actually RTFM, or only skim
> > it, so inevitably start off thinking of these things as changeable, so
> > the a = a + 1 trap would still be there. And new users who do carefully
> > study the manual will have so much to take in that the implications may
> > be lost. I did actually read the user manual and language reference
> > right through when I started using OpenSCAD, but most of my actual
> > learning about its oddities has been by trying and failing.
>
> It strikes me that we might be able to reduce the questions about why
> variables won't, by detecting (at least) the simple "a=a+1", by
> detecting it, and showing it as an error along with a pointer to a page
> that explains the whole thing.
>
> > 2 cents: There are OpenSCAD-related sites and videos all over the
> > internet and even OpenSCAD books (yes, paper) that use the current
> > terminology. It doesn't seem remotely feasible to change those sources,
> > so it makes sense to live with what we've got.
>
> I agree wholeheartedly.
> _______________________________________________
> OpenSCAD mailing list
> To unsubscribe send an email to discuss-leave@lists.openscad.org
GH
gene heskett
Mon, Nov 24, 2025 5:27 AM
On 11/23/25 23:22, Joe H via Discuss wrote:
My point, lost as it has been since I never made it clear by any means, is
that the application of OpenSCAD as a useful tool in my toolbox was greatly
aided by my interpreting it as a hardware definition language, rather than
a software language. Prior to that, I had difficulty with various nuances
(some being hangups with semantics).
If you (no particular "you" is implied here) think of it as software and
can make it do wonderful things, more power to you. For me, it is an HDL,
and that is what it takes for me to make it do the rudimentary tasks I ask
of it.
Now, back to the discussion about how many angels can dance on the head of
a pin...
Chuckle... Or its about time I paid some dues by contributing back. So
how about making a set of 3 wrenches that make a 30 minute job of
swapping out a bathroom vanity faucet. 1 to fit the over valve handles to
give you a decent grip on the shutoff valves under the vanity, & 2 more
to fit the compression nuts to disconnect the flex hoses & the big nuts
that hold the faucet into the back ledge of the vanity's sink. The latter
2 long enough to put the other end at a reachable distance below the
sink to give you working room to spin them with an irwin version of a
channel lock plier.
I did that with commercial tooling about 25 years ago when I was younger
and more flexible, took about 5 hours, spilled some blood & a lot of
muttering. Now I'm 91 and had to replace that faucet again. I designed
the wrenches in OpenSCAD and printed them in PETG the day before
and did the actual change out in about 35 minutes this time. I don't
consider me an expert. But these were handier than bottled beer to me.
Be my guest and squirrel this away for the next time you have to act
like a plumber. This is about $300 cheaper than calling a plumber.
Cheers, Gene Heskett, CET.
"There are four boxes to be used in defense of liberty:
soap, ballot, jury, and ammo. Please use in that order."
-Ed Howdershelt (Author, 1940)
If we desire respect for the law, we must first make the law respectable.
- Louis D. Brandeis
Don't poison our oceans, interdict drugs at the src.
On 11/23/25 23:22, Joe H via Discuss wrote:
> My point, lost as it has been since I never made it clear by any means, is
> that the application of OpenSCAD as a useful tool in my toolbox was greatly
> aided by my interpreting it as a hardware definition language, rather than
> a software language. Prior to that, I had difficulty with various nuances
> (some being hangups with semantics).
>
> If you (no particular "you" is implied here) think of it as software and
> can make it do wonderful things, more power to you. For me, it is an HDL,
> and that is what it takes for me to make it do the rudimentary tasks I ask
> of it.
>
> Now, back to the discussion about how many angels can dance on the head of
> a pin...
Chuckle... Or its about time I paid some dues by contributing back. So
how about making a set of 3 wrenches that make a 30 minute job of
swapping out a bathroom vanity faucet. 1 to fit the over valve handles to
give you a decent grip on the shutoff valves under the vanity, & 2 more
to fit the compression nuts to disconnect the flex hoses & the big nuts
that hold the faucet into the back ledge of the vanity's sink. The latter
2 long enough to put the other end at a reachable distance below the
sink to give you working room to spin them with an irwin version of a
channel lock plier.
I did that with commercial tooling about 25 years ago when I was younger
and more flexible, took about 5 hours, spilled some blood & a lot of
muttering. Now I'm 91 and had to replace that faucet again. I designed
the wrenches in OpenSCAD and printed them in PETG the day before
and did the actual change out in about 35 minutes this time. I don't
consider me an expert. But these were handier than bottled beer to me.
Be my guest and squirrel this away for the next time you have to act
like a plumber. This is about $300 cheaper than calling a plumber.
Cheers, Gene Heskett, CET.
--
"There are four boxes to be used in defense of liberty:
soap, ballot, jury, and ammo. Please use in that order."
-Ed Howdershelt (Author, 1940)
If we desire respect for the law, we must first make the law respectable.
- Louis D. Brandeis
Don't poison our oceans, interdict drugs at the src.
JB
Jon Bondy
Mon, Nov 24, 2025 12:40 PM
"Because of a deficiency in the way OpenSCAD handles variables" ?!?
How about "Because of the way the OpenSCAD handles named values"?
It is a design decision, not a deficiency.
On 11/24/2025 12:20 AM, Michael Marx (spintel) via Discuss wrote:
Wiki:
Revision as of 2011-04-14 (Adds the following, ie created the section)
Variables
Variables in OpenSCAD are simply a name followed by an assignment via
an expression
Example:
myvar=5+4;
Note: Because of a deficiency in the way OpenSCAD handles variables,
you should treat variables in OpenSCAD as immutable. Immutable would
mean that they can be initialized, but not modified, any modification
to the variable after its initial value has been set would be ignored.
As it happens OpenSCAD variables are not immutable and any
modification to the variable after it has been set will override its
initial value. See the example output.
Example:
module example()
{
a=0;
echo(a);
a=5;
echo(a);
}
example();
Output
ECHO: 5
ECHO: 5
'Variable' has sufficed for 14 years.
I would likely revert any attempt to globally change it.
--
This email has been checked for viruses by AVG antivirus software.
www.avg.com
"Because of a deficiency in the way OpenSCAD handles variables" ?!?
How about "Because of the way the OpenSCAD handles named values"?
It is a design decision, not a deficiency.
On 11/24/2025 12:20 AM, Michael Marx (spintel) via Discuss wrote:
>
> Wiki:
>
> Revision as of 2011-04-14 (Adds the following, ie created the section)
>
> Variables
>
> Variables in OpenSCAD are simply a name followed by an assignment via
> an expression
>
> Example:
>
> myvar=5+4;
>
> Note: Because of a deficiency in the way OpenSCAD handles variables,
> you should treat variables in OpenSCAD as immutable. Immutable would
> mean that they can be initialized, but not modified, any modification
> to the variable after its initial value has been set would be ignored.
> As it happens OpenSCAD variables are not immutable and any
> modification to the variable after it has been set will override its
> initial value. See the example output.
>
> Example:
>
> module example()
>
> {
>
> a=0;
>
> echo(a);
>
> a=5;
>
> echo(a);
>
> }
>
> example();
>
> Output
>
> ECHO: 5
>
> ECHO: 5
>
> 'Variable' has sufficed for 14 years.
> I would likely revert any attempt to globally change it.
>
>
>
--
This email has been checked for viruses by AVG antivirus software.
www.avg.com
MM
Michael Marx (spintel)
Mon, Nov 24, 2025 1:11 PM
It is actually a "technical issue".
To be able to 'readily' support the use of the command line parameter '-D var=val'.
The implementation of which is available to anyone who wishes to read the code.
So If anyone wants to change it, get coding...
From: Jon Bondy via Discuss [mailto:discuss@lists.openscad.org]
Sent: Monday, November 24, 2025 11:41 PM
To: OpenSCAD general discussion Mailing-list
Cc: Michael Marx (spintel); Jon Bondy
Subject: [OpenSCAD] Re: The term "variables"
"Because of a deficiency in the way OpenSCAD handles variables" ?!?
How about "Because of the way the OpenSCAD handles named values"?
It is a design decision, not a deficiency.
On 11/24/2025 12:20 AM, Michael Marx (spintel) via Discuss wrote:
Wiki:
Revision as of 2011-04-14 (Adds the following, ie created the section)
Variables
Variables in OpenSCAD are simply a name followed by an assignment via an expression
Example:
myvar=5+4;
Note: Because of a deficiency in the way OpenSCAD handles variables, you should treat variables in OpenSCAD as immutable. Immutable would mean that they can be initialized, but not modified, any modification to the variable after its initial value has been set would be ignored. As it happens OpenSCAD variables are not immutable and any modification to the variable after it has been set will override its initial value. See the example output.
Example:
module example()
{
a=0;
echo(a);
a=5;
echo(a);
}
example();
Output
ECHO: 5
ECHO: 5
'Variable' has sufficed for 14 years.
I would likely revert any attempt to globally change it.
http://www.avg.com/email-signature?utm_medium=email&utm_source=link&utm_campaign=sig-email&utm_content=emailclient
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It is actually a "technical issue".
To be able to 'readily' support the use of the command line parameter '-D var=val'.
The implementation of which is available to anyone who wishes to read the code.
So If anyone wants to change it, get coding...
_____
From: Jon Bondy via Discuss [mailto:discuss@lists.openscad.org]
Sent: Monday, November 24, 2025 11:41 PM
To: OpenSCAD general discussion Mailing-list
Cc: Michael Marx (spintel); Jon Bondy
Subject: [OpenSCAD] Re: The term "variables"
"Because of a deficiency in the way OpenSCAD handles variables" ?!?
How about "Because of the way the OpenSCAD handles named values"?
It is a design decision, not a deficiency.
On 11/24/2025 12:20 AM, Michael Marx (spintel) via Discuss wrote:
Wiki:
Revision as of 2011-04-14 (Adds the following, ie created the section)
Variables
Variables in OpenSCAD are simply a name followed by an assignment via an expression
Example:
myvar=5+4;
Note: Because of a deficiency in the way OpenSCAD handles variables, you should treat variables in OpenSCAD as immutable. Immutable would mean that they can be initialized, but not modified, any modification to the variable after its initial value has been set would be ignored. As it happens OpenSCAD variables are not immutable and any modification to the variable after it has been set will override its initial value. See the example output.
Example:
module example()
{
a=0;
echo(a);
a=5;
echo(a);
}
example();
Output
ECHO: 5
ECHO: 5
'Variable' has sufficed for 14 years.
I would likely revert any attempt to globally change it.
<http://www.avg.com/email-signature?utm_medium=email&utm_source=link&utm_campaign=sig-email&utm_content=emailclient>
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HW
Harvey white
Mon, Nov 24, 2025 2:58 PM
interleaved.
On 11/24/2025 12:21 AM, Joe H via Discuss wrote:
My point, lost as it has been since I never made it clear by any
means, is that the application of OpenSCAD as a useful tool in my
toolbox was greatly aided by my interpreting it as a hardware
definition language, rather than a software language. Prior to that,
I had difficulty with various nuances (some being hangups with semantics).
It's <grin> "a (physical) object description language". Calling it an
HDL is very sensible and I, for one, approve. I code in VHDL, C, C++,
assembly, etc. HDL.
If you (no particular "you" is implied here) think of it as software
and can make it do wonderful things, more power to you. For me, it is
an HDL, and that is what it takes for me to make it do the rudimentary
tasks I ask of it.
The problem with all this is that OpenSCAD looks a lot like a C language
that got scared a bit by a Pascal program. Unless you make, /ab
initio,/ it clear that this is NOT a programming language and IS an HDL,
you'll continue to have this kind of impassioned discussion. You'll
also have the a=a+5 problem. (and I do recommend trapping that out as at
least a warning.) Any language should be convenient to use, not difficult.
Now, back to the discussion about how many angels can dance on the
head of a pin...
Which was an important point in the past. Were angels completely
spiritual (and an infinite number could), or were they material
manifestations (and the number was limited). I forget the implications,
myself.
Harvey
On Sun, Nov 23, 2025 at 4:23 PM gene heskett via Discuss
discuss@lists.openscad.org wrote:
On 11/23/25 15:05, Raymond West via Discuss wrote:
all this verbiage reminds me of an old friend of mine, who said 'I
don't care what you call me, but don't call me late for dinner.'
ROTFLMAO! I've been following this discussion. wondering how much
longer
it would take for this one to pop up. ;o)>
Just my $.02, an immutable should NOT be a variable.
Cheers, Gene Heskett, CET.
--
"There are four boxes to be used in defense of liberty:
soap, ballot, jury, and ammo. Please use in that order."
-Ed Howdershelt (Author, 1940)
If we desire respect for the law, we must first make the law
respectable.
- Louis D. Brandeis
Don't poison our oceans, interdict drugs at the src.
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interleaved.
On 11/24/2025 12:21 AM, Joe H via Discuss wrote:
> My point, lost as it has been since I never made it clear by any
> means, is that the application of OpenSCAD as a useful tool in my
> toolbox was greatly aided by my interpreting it as a hardware
> definition language, rather than a software language. Prior to that,
> I had difficulty with various nuances (some being hangups with semantics).
It's <grin> "a (physical) object description language". Calling it an
HDL is very sensible and I, for one, approve. I code in VHDL, C, C++,
assembly, etc. HDL.
>
> If you (no particular "you" is implied here) think of it as software
> and can make it do wonderful things, more power to you. For me, it is
> an HDL, and that is what it takes for me to make it do the rudimentary
> tasks I ask of it.
The problem with all this is that OpenSCAD looks a lot like a C language
that got scared a bit by a Pascal program. Unless you make, /ab
initio,/ it clear that this is NOT a programming language and IS an HDL,
you'll continue to have this kind of impassioned discussion. You'll
also have the a=a+5 problem. (and I do recommend trapping that out as at
least a warning.) Any language should be convenient to use, not difficult.
>
> Now, back to the discussion about how many angels can dance on the
> head of a pin...
Which was an important point in the past. Were angels completely
spiritual (and an infinite number could), or were they material
manifestations (and the number was limited). I forget the implications,
myself.
Harvey
>
>
>
> On Sun, Nov 23, 2025 at 4:23 PM gene heskett via Discuss
> <discuss@lists.openscad.org> wrote:
>
>
>
> On 11/23/25 15:05, Raymond West via Discuss wrote:
> > all this verbiage reminds me of an old friend of mine, who said 'I
> > don't care what you call me, but don't call me late for dinner.'
> ROTFLMAO! I've been following this discussion. wondering how much
> longer
> it would take for this one to pop up. ;o)>
>
> Just my $.02, an immutable should NOT be a variable.
> >
> > _______________________________________________
> > OpenSCAD mailing list
> > To unsubscribe send an email to discuss-leave@lists.openscad.org
> > .
>
> Cheers, Gene Heskett, CET.
> --
> "There are four boxes to be used in defense of liberty:
> soap, ballot, jury, and ammo. Please use in that order."
> -Ed Howdershelt (Author, 1940)
> If we desire respect for the law, we must first make the law
> respectable.
> - Louis D. Brandeis
> Don't poison our oceans, interdict drugs at the src.
>
> _______________________________________________
> OpenSCAD mailing list
> To unsubscribe send an email to discuss-leave@lists.openscad.org
>
>
> _______________________________________________
> OpenSCAD mailing list
> To unsubscribe send an email to discuss-leave@lists.openscad.org
JR
Jeff Ross
Mon, Nov 24, 2025 4:06 PM
On 11/23/25 22:27, gene heskett via Discuss wrote:
Chuckle... Or its about time I paid some dues by contributing back. So
how about making a set of 3 wrenches that make a 30 minute job of
swapping out a bathroom vanity faucet. 1 to fit the over valve handles to
give you a decent grip on the shutoff valves under the vanity, & 2 more
to fit the compression nuts to disconnect the flex hoses & the big nuts
that hold the faucet into the back ledge of the vanity's sink. The latter
2 long enough to put the other end at a reachable distance below the
sink to give you working room to spin them with an irwin version of a
channel lock plier.
I did that with commercial tooling about 25 years ago when I was younger
and more flexible, took about 5 hours, spilled some blood & a lot of
muttering. Now I'm 91 and had to replace that faucet again. I designed
the wrenches in OpenSCAD and printed them in PETG the day before
and did the actual change out in about 35 minutes this time. I don't
consider me an expert. But these were handier than bottled beer to me.
Be my guest and squirrel this away for the next time you have to act
like a plumber. This is about $300 cheaper than calling a plumber.
Cheers, Gene Heskett, CET.
Thanks, Gene! These are amazing and exactly the sort of thing I wanted
to be able to do when I got into 3D printing in the first place.
Jeff Ross
On 11/23/25 22:27, gene heskett via Discuss wrote:
> Chuckle... Or its about time I paid some dues by contributing back. So
> how about making a set of 3 wrenches that make a 30 minute job of
> swapping out a bathroom vanity faucet. 1 to fit the over valve handles to
> give you a decent grip on the shutoff valves under the vanity, & 2 more
> to fit the compression nuts to disconnect the flex hoses & the big nuts
> that hold the faucet into the back ledge of the vanity's sink. The latter
> 2 long enough to put the other end at a reachable distance below the
> sink to give you working room to spin them with an irwin version of a
> channel lock plier.
>
> I did that with commercial tooling about 25 years ago when I was younger
> and more flexible, took about 5 hours, spilled some blood & a lot of
> muttering. Now I'm 91 and had to replace that faucet again. I designed
> the wrenches in OpenSCAD and printed them in PETG the day before
> and did the actual change out in about 35 minutes this time. I don't
> consider me an expert. But these were handier than bottled beer to me.
>
> Be my guest and squirrel this away for the next time you have to act
> like a plumber. This is about $300 cheaper than calling a plumber.
>
> Cheers, Gene Heskett, CET.
>
Thanks, Gene! These are amazing and exactly the sort of thing I wanted
to be able to do when I got into 3D printing in the first place.
Jeff Ross
