README and license

1 files changed, 56 insertions, 0 deletions

diff --git a/README.md b/README.md
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..5e96da3
--- /dev/null
+++ b/README.md
@@ -0,0 +1,56 @@
+Tubular Structures
+==================
+
+This project aims to build a number of useful structures out of easily
+sourceable aluminium tubes that easily fit in the boot of a compact car
+and custom 3Dprinted joints.
+
+Already buildable structures include a number of banner stands and
+parasols.
+
+Instructions
+------------
+
+### Building the 3D models
+
+To generate the .stl files for each piece you need Make (tested with
+[GNU Make](https://www.gnu.org/software/make/)) and
+[OpenSCAD](http://www.openscad.org/); one you have installed these
+dependencies just run:
+
+    $ make
+
+from the root directory of this repository and wait.
+
+Example settings for [Slic3r](http://slic3r.org/) are available in the
+conf directory: you can load them in Slic3r, change the settings
+(expecially those related to the printer) and re-export them in place.
+Then you can use:
+
+    $ make gcode
+
+from the root directory of the repository to generate .gcode files which
+can be sent to your printer.
+
+### Assembly
+
+To assembly most structures you'll need a number of 1m long aluminium
+tubes; the models assume that they are 16mm in diameter, but they can be
+customized.
+
+### Readme
+
+The file README.md is generated from README.rst with:
+
+    pandoc -o README.md README.rst
+
+and is included in the repo for the benefit of gitorious.
+
+License
+-------
+
+Copyright 2013-2014 Elena Grandi
+
+This work is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike
+4.0 International License. To view a copy of this license, visit
+<http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/>.