This One Print took me from Beginner 3D Printer to Actual Maker!
TLDRScott, once convinced he wasn't a maker, embarks on a 3D printing journey with an Ender3 V2 Neo. Despite initial challenges with setup and calibration, he perseveres, learning from his mistakes and the supportive online community. Scott's transformation from a self-proclaimed non-maker to a creator is highlighted by his successful design and printing of functional items, such as a replacement part for wire strippers. His story is an inspiring testament to the power of perseverance and the accessibility of 3D printing as a tool for personal creativity and problem-solving.
Takeaways
- 🌟 Scott considers himself creative but initially didn't see himself as a maker due to a lack of tangible skills.
- 🔧 Scott's journey into making began with purchasing an Ender3 V2 Neo, a recommended budget 3D printer.
- 🛠️ The setup and calibration of the 3D printer presented initial challenges, including damaging the printer bed and nozzle.
- 📈 Despite early setbacks, Scott persevered and learned from his mistakes, gradually improving his 3D printing skills.
- 🎨 Scott's first foray into design was with Fusion 360, but he found it challenging and switched to Tinkercad for simpler projects.
- 💡 A pivotal moment for Scott was successfully designing and printing a replacement part for wire strippers, which boosted his confidence.
- 🚀 Scott's experience with 3D printing and designing snowballed, leading him to create various useful items and modifications.
- 🔄 Scott emphasizes the importance of continuous learning and improvement through tutorials and practice.
- 🌐 The 3D printing community's advice and support played a significant role in Scott's progress as a maker.
- 🔗 Scott shares his designs and experiences, encouraging others to share their creations and follow his maker journey.
- 🎉 Scott's story is a testament to the transformative power of taking the leap into a new hobby and the personal growth it can bring.
Q & A
Who is the speaker in the transcript and what is his initial perception of himself?
-The speaker in the transcript is Scott. Initially, he perceives himself as not being a maker, unlike the talented and creative people he describes. He believes he is not skilled in building or crafting.
What is Scott's attitude towards 3D printing and how does he find it?
-Scott is intrigued by 3D printing and finds it attainable, likening it to having 'trainer wheels'. He sees it as a low barrier to entry into making and is excited about its potential.
What 3D printer model did Scott purchase and why was it recommended to him?
-Scott purchased the Ender 3 V2 Neo 3D printer. It was recommended to him as the most budget-friendly entry-level printer available in the market at the time of his purchase.
What challenges did Scott face during the setup of his 3D printer?
-Scott faced several challenges during the setup of his 3D printer. He mistakenly raised the metal plate into the nozzle while leveling the bed, causing damage. He also had issues with setting the Z offset, which resulted in a watermark on the print bed that affected his early prints.
What design software did Scott initially try to learn to aid his 3D printing journey?
-Scott initially tried to learn Fusion 360 as a design software to aid his 3D printing journey.
Why did Scott switch from Fusion 360 to another design software?
-Scott found Fusion 360 too difficult to learn and came across online suggestions that another design software, Tinkercad, was easier to use.
What was the turning point for Scott in his journey to becoming a maker?
-The turning point for Scott was when he modeled and printed a replacement part for his wire strippers using Tinkercad. This success made him realize that he could indeed design and make things, boosting his confidence and commitment to becoming a maker.
What other items did Scott design and make after his initial success with the wire stripper part?
-After his initial success, Scott designed and made a variety of items, including a very specific number plate mount, a fix for a vintage drill from the 1950s, and other unspecified items that he was excited to share.
How did Scott's journey with 3D printing and designing change his self-perception?
-Scott's journey with 3D printing and designing led to a significant change in his self-perception. Despite initially seeing himself as not a maker, his experiences and successes in designing and printing objects led him to identify himself as a maker.
What does Scott invite others to do if they are interested in his maker journey?
-Scott invites others who are interested in his maker journey to subscribe and follow him. He also encourages those who have started getting into making or 3D printing to share their designs on platforms like Printables or Thingiverse.
What was the outcome of Scott's first design attempt using Tinkercad?
-Scott's first design attempt using Tinkercad resulted in a toothbrush holder. Although he was not very satisfied with it, he felt that it was a step towards improvement.
Outlines
🛠️ Embracing the Maker Mindset
Scott introduces himself as someone who considers himself creative but not traditionally talented in making or crafting. He admires the creativity and skills of makers who can turn their ideas into tangible objects. Despite feeling he's not cut out for such work, Scott's interest in 3D printing piques as he sees it as a low barrier to entry into making. He purchases an Ender 3 V2 Neo, a popular budget 3D printer, and dives into the community for support. Through trial and error, he learns about 3D printing intricacies such as bed leveling, Z-offset setting, and the importance of community advice. His journey begins with printing various items, gaining experience and learning from each print.
📈 From Novice to Maker: The Learning Curve
Scott transitions from merely printing to learning how to design objects. Initially, he finds Fusion 360 challenging and moves to Tinkercad, finding it more accessible. His first designs are simple and not entirely satisfying, but he persists, improving with each attempt. A turning point comes when he successfully designs and prints a replacement part for a wire stripper, which fits perfectly. This achievement boosts his confidence, leading him to create more complex and specific items like a custom number plate and a vintage drill fix. He shares his creations and encourages others to share their maker journey, signing off as a burgeoning maker.
Mindmap
Keywords
💡Maker
💡3D Printer
💡Fusion 360
💡Onshape
💡Learning Curve
💡Community
💡Design
💡Maker Culture
💡Innovation
💡Persistence
💡Self-Improvement
Highlights
Scott's initial skepticism about his ability to be a maker due to his lack of traditional talents and age.
The observation that 3D printers are becoming more prevalent in makers' videos, indicating a trend towards accessibility.
Decision to purchase an Ender3 V2 Neo, a highly recommended budget 3D printer, despite its successor's announcement.
The challenges faced during the setup of the 3D printer, including bed leveling and Z offset calibration.
The importance of the 3D printing community for providing advice and support, especially for beginners.
Scott's realization that to truly be a maker, he needed to learn design in addition to 3D printing.
The initial struggle with learning design through Fusion 360 and the decision to switch to a more user-friendly platform.
The first successful design and print of a replacement part for wire strippers, marking a turning point in Scott's journey.
The iterative learning process Scott went through, improving his design skills by working on various projects.
The excitement and pride in fixing a tool by designing and printing a replacement part from scratch.
The design and creation of a very specific number plate mount, showcasing the practical applications of 3D printing.
The restoration of a vintage drill from the 50s with a custom-made part, highlighting the potential of 3D printing in preserving older items.
Scott's transformation from doubting his abilities to embracing his identity as a maker.
Invitation to others to share their 3D printing and making projects, fostering a sense of community and collaboration.
The call to action for those interested in following Scott's maker journey through subscription and engagement.