How to use Codex to turn a sketch into pegboard parts
The author reports the printer started heating and printing within five minutes, followed by fit-tuning iterations and a shared repository of the final result.
news.ycombinator.com
Prompt to try
Editorial adaptation, not the source author’s exact prompt. Replace bracketed inputs and review tool permissions first.
Use [photo of pegboard sketch] to create printable parts for [pegboard]. The holes are [spacing] apart and the pegs are [width] wide. Produce a first set for printing and help revise dimensions based on [fit observations] from trial prints.
Reach people exploring AI agents
See placements →What happened
The author reports the printer started heating and printing within five minutes, followed by fit-tuning iterations and a shared repository of the final result.
Reported by virpo on Hacker NewsHow the agent did it
- Cut the pegboard wood and drill its holes.
- Photograph the rough sketch made with the child.
- Paste the photo into Codex with hole spacing and peg width.
Where a person stepped in
The author prepared the board and ran several iterations to tune the dimensions for fit before sharing the final repository.
A person guided the agent closely as it worked.
A parent wanted to make a small pegboard for their child, Oli, in an apartment already full of pegboards and plywood. After cutting the wood and drilling holes, the author sat down expecting to draw the pieces manually in Fusion 360. Instead, they used a rough sketch made together with Oli as the input for Codex.
The author photographed the sketch and pasted the image into Codex with two measurements: the holes were 40 mm apart and the pegs were 8 mm wide. According to the post, five minutes later the 3D printer was heating up and printing the first set. The account does not specify the generated file format or the modeling tools Codex used.
The first output was followed by several runs to tune the dimensions for an ideal fit. The author then shared the final result as a repository for others to print, adjust, or play with. They were also printing another version for the front door, where visitors could interact with it while knocking. Who it's for: makers with a sketch, key physical measurements, and access to a printer who can check the fit of generated parts and revise the dimensions.
Prompt
Suggested prompt (written by Agents In Use, not the author's)
Source: Hacker News · virpo
Frequently asked questions
What measurements did the author provide?
The author supplied a photo of the shared sketch and said the holes were 40 mm apart and the pegs were 8 mm wide.
Was the first output the final version?
No. The author says they ran it a few times to tune the dimensions for an ideal fit, then shared the final result as a repository.
More details
Remaining steps
- Print the first generated set of pieces.
- Run several iterations to tune dimensions and share the final repository.
About this account
Codex worked from a sketch photo and two measurements, producing output that the author used to begin printing within five minutes.
Platform: Hacker News. Attribution: https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=47580910. Prompt: Suggested (written by Agents In Use, not the author's). Sourced by the Agents In Use pipeline.
Credit: virpo on Hacker News
Source published 30 Mar 2026
Source checked 14 Oct 2026
Tools and topics
Codex · 3D printer
3D printing · Pegboard · Sketch to parts
Editorial completeness: 100/100. Measures documented fields, not agent performance or verified outcomes.