This One Print took me from Beginner 3D Printer to Actual Maker!

Attempted Maker
2 Mar 202405:59

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

00:00

🛠️ 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.

05:01

📈 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

A 'maker' refers to an individual who engages in the creation and construction of various objects, often using tools and technology. In the context of the video, Scott initially identifies himself as not being a maker, contrasting himself with others who are talented in designing, building, and crafting. However, as the video progresses, Scott challenges this perception by exploring 3D printing and design software, ultimately embracing the maker identity.

💡3D Printer

A '3D printer' is a device that creates three-dimensional objects by successively adding layers of material, typically following a design file. In the video, Scott's acquisition of an Ender 3 V2 Neo, a budget entry-level 3D printer, marks the beginning of his journey into making. The printer becomes a central tool that enables him to turn his ideas into tangible objects, playing a pivotal role in his transformation into a maker.

💡Fusion 360

Fusion 360 is a computer-aided design (CAD), computer-aided manufacturing (CAM), and computer-aided engineering (CAE) software developed by Autodesk. It is used for creating and modeling 3D objects, which can then be used in 3D printing. In the video, Scott attempts to learn Fusion 360 as part of his effort to become a maker, but finds it challenging and moves on to a different design platform.

💡Onshape

Onshape is a cloud-based 3D CAD system that allows users to create and edit 3D models collaboratively. In the video, after finding Fusion 360 too difficult to learn, Scott turns to Onshape as a more accessible alternative for designing 3D objects. It plays a significant role in his journey as it helps him successfully design and print functional items, contributing to his growth as a maker.

💡Learning Curve

The 'learning curve' refers to the process of acquiring new skills or knowledge, where the rate of acquisition is plotted over time. In the video, Scott experiences a steep learning curve as he navigates the world of 3D printing and design software. Despite initial challenges, his persistence leads to a better understanding and proficiency, illustrating the concept of overcoming a learning curve through dedication and practice.

💡Community

The 'community' in this context refers to a group of individuals who share common interests, in this case, 3D printing and making. The video highlights the importance of the 3D printing community in providing Scott with advice, support, and tutorials, which are crucial in his journey to becoming a maker. The community serves as a valuable resource for learning and problem-solving.

💡Design

In the context of the video, 'design' refers to the process of creating a plan or blueprint for an object before it is made. Scott's exploration of design through software like Fusion 360 and Onshape is a key aspect of his journey as a maker. It involves conceptualizing ideas and translating them into tangible products using 3D printing technology.

💡Maker Culture

Maker culture refers to a social and cultural movement where individuals engage in hands-on activities that involve creating, designing, and building. The video reflects this culture as Scott immerses himself in the world of 3D printing and design, embodying the spirit of making and contributing to a broader community of makers.

💡Innovation

Innovation in this context refers to the process of creating new ideas, methods, or products. Scott's journey in the video is a testament to innovation as he explores 3D printing and design to create functional items and solve problems. His ability to design and print a replacement part for his wire strippers is a clear example of innovative problem-solving.

💡Persistence

Persistence is the continued effort to achieve a goal despite difficulties or challenges. In the video, Scott demonstrates persistence by not giving up on his goal of becoming a maker, despite initial setbacks with his 3D printer setup and learning design software. His determination to overcome these obstacles and continue learning is a key theme.

💡Self-Improvement

Self-improvement refers to the process of enhancing one's skills, knowledge, or personal development. In the video, Scott's journey from认为自己不擅长制作到最终认同自己是一个maker, is a narrative of self-improvement. Through his experiences with 3D printing and design, he grows and evolves, gaining new skills and confidence in his abilities.

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.