Video - Making it Manifold

So did anyone notice in my last video that I was reading from a script? Obviously not doing that this time. It took all day (literally) to craft that script the way I wanted it. It's almost more time consuming than editing. But I think the result was good. What did you think? Was the last video markedly better than the ones before and after it?

Also, I attempted to move my microphone somewhere that it wouldn't pick up as many vibrations. Instead it picked up my pounding on my keyboard more than I expected and I only just discovered it. So we'll that count as this video's learning experience.

This is a tip video that I kinda didn't want to do. The topic is boring. But it's necessary for a the discussion that follows. So bear with it and I'll try to make something more entertaining next week. (Don't know what, but I'll try.)

Lithophane project video

This week's video I wanted to show off a new technique I found for making lithophane's in Blender that's so easy I will never do it any other way again. I used to do them a different way in the past, but this is so much better. And versatile. I have so many project ideas that I'm going to do with this technique. I think I've got Christmas covered this year.

I forgot to mention in this video that you have to choose the right material and you may need to do some experimentation. 0.5mm + 2mm works for white or tan opaque filaments, but if you're using something darker or more transparent you may need to experiment a little bit. I can offer no guarantee, but I would love to hear the result of any experiments.

Modeling for 3D Printing tip 5 - Dividing a model

Hardest part of this video was settling on a name. Am I separating a mesh? No, that's what I did last time. And I slicing a model? No, that's what you do to prep it for printing. Cutting? Maybe. Dividing? maybe. I'll just pick one. Inka binka bottle a ink...

This video calls back to the modeling exactness techniques talked about a few videos ago. I forgot to mention in this video that, yes, you can use other software like Netfabb to do this same sort of thing and why Blender can be better for it. However I did mention it on a similar segment on the 3D Printing Today podcast. But if someone left me a comment I might could do another quick video explaining why Blender is better.

I've also mentioned the lesson of this video before in two other videos, Fixing Andy's Guitar and Splinting the Dice. But repetition is good for a developing mind, says Jimmy Neutron.

Naturally I'm not running out of things to say, but if there's something you want covered leave me a comment and I'll try to cover it on a future video.

Modeling for 3D Printing Tip 4 - Separating a Multi Part-Mesh

Recorded this one last week so I'm a little behind on thanking people, and I'm afraid I'm going to be even further behind before I catch up. But thank you to everyone who is watching these videos. You're my inspiration.

What happens when you download a STL that's actually many pieces, and you only want one or two of them? Instead of printing the whole thing and wasting what you don't need you can separate the mesh into parts very easily using Blender. Just enter Edit mode (Tab), separate command (p) and choose "By loose parts". That and a little b it able using boolean to fix bad parts took 10 minutes to explain in the video above. Enjoy!

3D Printing Tip Video - Hairspray and glass

Hairspray and glass is the best build surface I've used.... if you do it right. Today's video is how to do it right.

I'm still trying to overcome some technical limitations that are messing up this video. For one, the aspect ratio. For another, this video was, unbenownst to me, saved uncompressed. 15 gig for a 5 minute video. Unacceptable. For another, for some reason I had a hard time recording without problems if I did anything other that this size and aspect ratio, which is silly. And for another I couldn't get overlays working so I used my whiteboard instead.... which led to it's own problem. But that was my fault.

I think I've mostly figured out the screen recording with me in the corner videos, but this sort of thing I'm afraid I'm going to have to try something different if I ever do it again.

Modeling for 3D Printing Tip 3 - CAD-like exactness Part 2

And to finish what I started with the example of an SD Card holder ring, which relies on exactly matching the size of a real life object, an SD card, and the size of your finger. And a special thanks to my new subscribers.

I know I keep apologizing for this, but these one-take slap-dash crappy quality videos are really the only way I can produce them at the moment. Having to edit them tends to take at least 4x the length of the video, not counting rendering time, and I just don't have that sort of bandwidth right now. Even a little edit like this, splitting it into 2 parts, would be prohibitive. Fortunately YouTube has a new post-upload editing feature that is pretty quick. They'll even edit in a 5 second title card if you make one for them, so I may take the time to do that in the future.

Despite my self deprecation, I hope people are finding these videos useful and enjoying them.

Modeling for 3D Printing Tip 3 - CAD-like exactness Part 1

Tip #3 is up, this time talking about the tricks and tools to make Blender create models with exact dimensions. My recording ran a little long so I cut it into two parts.

In this part I respond to a comment on the last video. I go over Blender's settings to make learning it easier. Then I introduce the the Properties panel, typing your dimensions in, typing your modifiers effect.

Part 2 coming soon.

Of course if you have any suggestions, questions, or ideas for future videos please speak up. Leave a comment and I will probably respond.

3D Printer Buying Guide Video

User Metnor asked "What type of printer du you have?And what do you recommend for starters that want to test it out?" In this video I answer those questions.

Hopefully somebody is watching these videos and that they're of use to some people. If you like them please like, share, and subscribe.

Modeling for 3D Printing Tip Video 1 - YHT

I'm putting together a series of videos partially in service of my book, partially in support of the 3D printing today segments I've done, and partially just because I wanted to. I was told these videos would be good for me, so let's see where these take me. Here is my previous (text) post on this sort of thing:

http://joes3dworkbench.blogspot.com/2014/05/3d-printing-tip-designing-with-supports.html

If you liked this video and want to see more, let me know. I am susceptible to ego stroking, so feel free. And if you didn't tell me why so that future videos, if there be any, will suck less.

3D printing without a 3D printer on a budget

Want to get something 3D printed but don't have a 3D printer? Have an idea you'd like to see made real? Seen something 3D printed and just got to have it? If you go to services like shapeways or sculpto you might have gotten a serious sticker shock. But don't give up, there is an alternative. Recent adventures (featuring Rodney from Watch it Played) taught me how difficult this can be, but how to navigate the headache. If your part doesn't need to be super accurate and you don't mind doing a little leg work you can get a thing in your hand for a fraction of the cost that those big services charge.

Just follow these steps and you will be on the way to considerably more reasonably priced 3D printing:

1. Have a model to print. I suggest starting with something small. Most 3D printers charge by volume. I recommend the square hollow die. It's small, prints reliably well (tell them not to use support), and 4.87 cubic centimeters the risk is fairly low. Plus when you're done you'll have a dice you can use.
2. Search MakeXYZ or 3DHubs. I mention 3DHubs to be fair, but you'll probably go with MakeXYZ. With a 3D model in hand it's much easier to say "how much do you charge". So send them the die (or whatever) and ask for a quote. Remember, a quote is free, and if you don't like it you can walk away.
3. Search Google. If MakeXYZ doesn't turn up anyone in your area, or even if it does, chances are a google search will make you aware of a school or library in your area that also has a 3D printer if one is avaible. Send them your model and ask for a price.
4. Haggle. If the price you're quoted doesn't please you don't give up. Ask them why they charge that much, ask them to break it down, haggle. Knowing the volume of your thing helps a lot and to that end getting a copy of Netfabb Basic (free) will help. For instance that cube is 4.87 cm^3. I would expect to pay $1.70 - $2.50 for it, or $0.35-$0.50 per cubic cm. If they're asking for $10, ask them to break it down. Maybe they have a per-print fee but their per volume fee is very reasonable. Maybe you can get them to drop that per-print fee a little bit. Either way you'll know what to expect next time.
5. Give it some time. Especially if you're working with a library or school you may need to give it a day or a week for them to get back to you, so don't expect this to happen same-day, unless you already have a relationship with the person running the printer. But this is about education, finding out what's in your area, and building a relationship with a 3D printer in your area.
6. Pull the trigger. If the price is reasonable go ahead and get your test object printed. Pickup and delivery is part of the experience. And you want something in your hand that reminds you that you can do this, so you'll be inclined to do it again.

And I would also add to this list #7, put a comment here sharing your experience.