Robert “Robin” Forsyth FdA

#

Devon, United Kingdom
Email: fenywynn@proton.me Website: https://dangerouslygoodideas.online

About Robin

#

Designer. Maker. Technologist.

#

I’m Robert ‘Robin’ Forsyth, an independent designer, maker and technologist based in Devon, UK. My work sits at the intersection of traditional craftsmanship, digital design, engineering and open-source technology.

I have more than 28 years of experience in the construction industry, alongside a Foundation Degree in 3D Design. That combination has given me a practical understanding of how things are designed, made and built, from the first idea through to the finished object.

Over the years, I’ve increasingly brought digital tools into that practical world. I use Blender for 3D design and modelling, develop CNC fabrication workflows, experiment with 3D scanning and build hardware to make ideas physically possible.

I’m particularly interested in the possibilities that open-source technology creates. I use Linux as the foundation for much of my creative and technical work, from running design and fabrication systems to managing my own self-hosted infrastructure.

From construction to digital fabrication

#

My background is in the building trade. I’ve spent much of my working life making things, solving practical problems and working with materials. I’ve also spent years working independently.

Design and technology have always been important to me, even when they weren’t necessarily part of my day-to-day professional identity. Over time, I’ve found ways to bring those interests together with my practical experience.

One of the most significant examples is Galactus, my custom-built 8 × 4 ft CNC router. I designed and built the machine, integrating LinuxCNC and open-source hardware and software. It allows me to take ideas developed digitally and turn them into physical objects.

I use this combination of practical experience and digital manufacturing to explore new ways of making things, including work that brings traditional materials and techniques together with modern technology.

Design, making and technology

#

My interests cover several connected areas:

• Digital design: 3D modelling, product design and creative ideation using Blender.
• Digital fabrication: CNC machining, toolpath development, prototyping and design for manufacture.
• Practical making: Construction, materials, traditional craftsmanship and turning designs into finished objects.
• Open-source technology: Linux, open-source software and tools that give people greater control over their technology.
• Systems and infrastructure: Self-hosted services, networking, Docker, automation and maintaining Linux-based systems.

I don’t see these as separate disciplines. The interesting work often happens where they overlap.

Selected projects

#

Custom-built CNC router

#

I designed and built my own large-format CNC router, bringing together mechanical design, electronics, LinuxCNC and digital fabrication. The machine is part of an ongoing exploration of accessible, open-source manufacturing.

Blender and digital fabrication

#

I use Blender beyond conventional 3D modelling, exploring how digital models can become physical objects. This includes CNC workflows, 3D scanning and my concept of Digital Transmorphism: transforming real-world objects and ideas into new physical things.

Linux and self-hosted infrastructure

#

My interest in Linux extends beyond the desktop. I maintain my own home server infrastructure and self-hosted services, exploring networking, automation, containerisation and digital independence.

FabexCNC

#

I’m interested in the development and use of open-source CNC tools, including FabexCNC and Blender-based manufacturing workflows. I enjoy exploring how these tools can make digital fabrication more accessible.

Speaking and recognition

#

In 2023, my sculpture The Old Way received the English Riviera Summer Open Exhibition Award from Artizan Gallery, Torbay.

In 2024, I presented Transmorphism Unleashed: Making Blender Make Things! at the Blender Conference in Amsterdam, sharing my approach to using Blender as part of a real-world design and manufacturing workflow.

Alongside my creative and technical work, I also take part in local community volunteering.

You can find more details, videos and examples of this work on my Press & Recognition page.

Education and continued learning

#

I hold a Foundation Degree (FdA) in 3D Design.

My education hasn’t stopped with formal qualifications. I’ve continued to develop my skills independently, particularly in Linux, open-source technology, digital fabrication and systems administration.

I’ve also completed Linux Foundation training in Linux fundamentals, security and related subjects.

I believe that learning by doing is valuable. Building a machine, solving a problem or developing a new workflow often teaches me as much as studying the theory behind it.

Robin’s Lab

#

Robin’s Lab is where I document that ongoing journey. It’s part technical workshop, part portfolio and part record of ideas and projects.

You’ll find articles about Linux, open-source software, hardware, digital design, CNC fabrication, self-hosting and the occasional experiment that takes an idea somewhere unexpected.

My aim is to bring practical experience and creative technology together, explore what can be achieved with open tools, and share what I learn along the way.

I’m a designer by education, a maker by experience and a technologist by curiosity.