3D Printer Experience: Relatively Painless

I have to admit.  Although Tinkering is fun, I found out a while ago that it comes with its share of challenges.  When you read about a cool project on the internet, there's often a fair amount of discussion that goes with it.  Where did you find that xxx (part name here)?  What was the part number?  I couldn't get yyy to work.  And you trace through the comments and other posts and videos to get your answers.

Sometimes it involves multiple trips to the hardware or electronics store, recycling bin, garage or thrift shop.  Sometimes you have to make do with what you have.

So, here I was today, with a 3D Printer and a verbal instruction: "It's on the internet."  No URL, but I know the type of printer (open source Bukobot) and the manufacturer, Pasadena based business, DeezMaker. http://www.deezmaker.com

A Treasure Hunt!  I LOVE Treasure Hunts!

I won't bore you with the details.  (You can find the video on my Squigglemom channel) Suffice to say that armed with that information, a search engine and some choice keywords, I found the links I needed. 

Download this software, use these settings.  So I wandered through the internet, following steps as I went.

And, like magic, the wonderful machine that could, DID!

I was working in my outdoor studio, and there were a few steps I chose not to perform. 

I know now, that not leveling the printer bed means that your raft (layer of plastic to hold the print fast to the platen) may lift on the lower side.  I also should have remembered to check the temperature setting for the extruder nozzle.  I am very sure that the change in ambient temperature (for the cooler) as the print progressed had an impact on the quality of the print.  However, I appreciate the ventilation of my outdoor studio.  I already knew that 3D printing is extremely slow.  Even the very high end models that I've seen are slow.  Now I know that my first print should have been quite a bit smaller!

I now know that there is such a thing as a Thingiverse, where the 3D print community shares its work.

I know a lot more than I did this morning, and that's what I wanted!

Relatively Painless, and Mostly Successful.

Here's something I want to make: http://www.thingiverse.com/thing:29417

Here's what I will try tomorrow: http://www.thingiverse.com/thing:44536