I recently bought my first multi-color 3D printer — the new Snapmaker U1. As a long-time OpenSCAD user, my first thought was to adapt some of my scripts to take advantage of this machine’s abilities. I’m here to report on my journey, step by step. I’m hoping this will be useful to readers of different… Continue reading OpenSCAD and Multicolor
New publication: Diner Rovers of the Milky Way
In 1950, the aliens came to Earth. They did none of the things science fiction stories had predicted — they didn’t come to conquer, didn’t want our women, didn’t even particularly seem to want to talk. They just flew around each doing their own things. But grad student Wendy Wilks thinks she may have an… Continue reading New publication: Diner Rovers of the Milky Way
The Hunt (An Easter Story)
“Pay attention, girl!” Celina’s new assistant, Zula, tore her eyes from the field where a group of children assembled for the hunt. She had a more important job now. Celina held out the bowl of dye Zula had helped make, ground-up walnut shells steeped seven days. “You may have to do this alone next year.… Continue reading The Hunt (An Easter Story)
Wallplate utility
I’ve recently been improving my script to create customized 3D-printed outlet covers. I had requests that it support more types of devices and connectors, and to allow the addition of labels. I also wanted specifically for it to support the project shown here. Using the script to produce your own designs The wallplate program is… Continue reading Wallplate utility
Key Sleeve 3D Project
One of my overabundance of projects is to design 3D-printable parts that others may find useful. Of course, I start with something I can use myself, so the key sleeve project came about because I had keys that needed identifying and labeling. You can get the source files at https://github.com/MethylBromide/keysleeves I created the project using… Continue reading Key Sleeve 3D Project
Tipsheet for new Sovol SV06/SV06+ users
This is the sheet I wish Sovol had put into the box for people new to 3D printing and those unfamiliar with the specific printer. Don’t use the slicer program that comes with the unit The free PrusaSlicer program is my preference. Among other features it offers, you can manually paint on or remove supports.… Continue reading Tipsheet for new Sovol SV06/SV06+ users
Craft knife rescue
Use a 3D printer to improve or repair an X-ACTO knife.
Designing cut and fold projects in Cricut
Recently, I’ve been creating 3D cut and fold patterns for Cricut, and it’s been a learning endeavor. Here are my current suggested best practices. Initial Design in Inkscape The Cricut Design Space program is completely useless as a design environment for custom shapes. I use the free program Inkscape to create my graphics. For roughing… Continue reading Designing cut and fold projects in Cricut
New artwork: Zombie Tip #1
Picture of zombie and empty pizza box with caption, “Survival tip: Zopbies crave brains, but can be distracted with pizza.”
Dwarf Star?
Khurshid Ahmed asks, What does it mean when my best friend says I’m a dwarf star to him? Khurshid, Is your friend an astronomy buff? Dwarf stars are common, small, and not all that bright or hot compared to other stars, so it doesn’t seem like a compliment exactly. On the other hand, at least… Continue reading Dwarf Star?