3D Printing Et al.

Diving in head first was clearly the way to go...

Mar 21, 2024

I have an obsession with learning how to do stuff. I honestly think that I have so many hobbies not because I’m bored, but because my favorite part of any hobby is getting started. So, let me put it this way. My hobby isn’t 3D printing, woodworking, YouTube, or electronics. My hobby is learning how to add things to my collection of hobbies.

So, 3D printing just seems like a natural addition to my arsenal. Sure, I know there are plenty of people out there who like to tinker with 3D printers. 3D printing is their hobby. For me, a 3D printer is a tool. It allows me to make things out of plastic. It itself is not a hobby.

I mention this now at the top of this article because I don’t want everyone to think that this is going to become a 3D printing channel. It’s not. But… I did just get a 3D printer and there will always be a short period of obsession while learning, so bear with me please, lol.

Anyway, here’s a replay of the video that spawned this article. You should watch it first if you haven’t already.

One of the things that boggled my mind when I started learning how to use this thing is that some people get 3D printers and simply either have no interest in learning CAD / 3D modeling or think that they can’t learn it. To me, creating a model and then seeing it print into a real thing is the whole point of having a 3D printer. Sure, you can go on any of the many sites where people share their models and just print any of that stuff, but that will only get you so far. The beauty of 3D printing is being able to make custom, perfect objects that do exactly what you want. THATS why I have wanted a 3D printer for years!

But… first things first. I have a box that can make plastic, but I have no idea how to use it and no idea how to 3d model stuff. I needed to get started so I turned to my good friend, the Internet to teach me everything I needed to know.

Models From The Video

I made the models from the video available on Maker World. If they are useful to you, that’s awesome! Let me know.

Elgato Prompter Custom Enclosure

Mic Stand

Cable Tray

USB hub mounting bracket

Laptop mounting bracket

Motion sensor desk grommet

Enter the Rabbit Hole!

So… HERE’s the brain dump. For your Rabbit Holing pleasure! This is mostly a list of links with headings below here, but I’ll add commentary where I feel it’s necessary.

Leave a comment if you like this format. Or suggestions for things I should add/remove from here!

Table of Contents

The Basics of Using a 3D Printer

As I said in the video, to really get started with 3D printing, you need to know three primary things: What filament to use, how to 3d Model stuff, and how to use the 3D slicer program. Here’s all the stuff I referenced when just getting started on these topics.

Filament

3D Modeling

If you are going to watch one series on Fusion, watch THIS ONE.

https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLHEouj-sdEJEm_xextUwnfhRJEdUs2hn4

AAAANNND a bunch of other stuff

The Slicer

Some of these references are specifically about the slicer. Some are more general about slicer settings and configuration.

Designing for Multiple Parts

So many ways to join things! You don’t find content specifically about making things as multiple parts, but you find that the most common way of making things is by making multiple parts and finding ways to join them together. You get the point.

Orienting Designs for 3D Printing

These really made me think about how I orient stuff on the print bed. Whether it’s fitting larger items, eliminating layer lines, or making stuff stronger, orientation matters!

Stacking prints on top of each other… it’s an advanced technique. I have never had good results but I’m sure it’s because I’m not willing to try it a bunch of times to get it right.