Nothing more satisfying than making something that cheaper, and also exceed the quality of buying ready-to-use product.
CAD, EDA, IDE, and correct toolkits to the rescue!
EDIT:
In case someone want to delve in hobbyist/maker/diy world, here are some useful stuffs that available free:
3D CAD: Freecad - FOSS 3D CAD software that available cross-platform. Autodesk Fusion - Not so great alternative but servicable, Free plan have certain limitation.
EDA: KiCAD - Designing electronic project has never been so easy. This one far superior than Autodesk Eagle crap. EasyEDA - Free online and desktop EDA software that can be used for alternative.
(Microcontroller) IDE:
VSCode/Codium + PlatformIO - Most affordable, off-the-shelf controller are programmable with PlatformIO and enough for most average joe projects. Arduino IDE may be superior for newcomer but I recommend this as you have more leeway in which framework and board you can get out of single extension for Text Editor.
Toolkits:
Digital Multimeter - Most common electronics can be troubleshoot’d with digital multimeter to identify the problem.
Cheap E-Bay caliper (or any cheap caliper) - For most DIY project, cheap digital caliper are enough to measure dimension unless you really need 3 digit precision.
I have a 3d printer. Honestly, it’s mostly junk that gets printed. I like the idea, but the utility isn’t there. It’s a solution in search of a problem.
But I’ve made a few neat things. My own design for cabinet and drawer hardware and some custom knick knack souvenirs for a gig I work on each year to give to the crew.
What I want is a large library of 3d model replacement parts for things like my car, but they haven’t been made available so I’d have to model them myself and I’m not that good.
I have some things. I just got a roll of tpu to try and print a new drain plug for something that they don’t offer replacement parts on.
But I’ve found I don’t need another organizer or knick knack anymore. And personally, I’m not a huge fan of plastic. If I can get something in wood, metal, glass, or ceramic I’d much rather do that.
It’s great for when I need it. I just don’t need it often.
Do you have pets? My first project will be cages for my electronics to keep my cats away from them, eventually I want to put together a hall tree. They’re like coat hangers with a seat and storage for your shoes, but I’ll also add a section for my work clothes
Toy production, I have one - the main use is making whatever toys I think are cool. You want more LEGO - 3D print it. You want something to throw something for your dog, 3D print it.
Admittedly those aren’t use cases so much as hobbies. Occasionally you can 3D print a repair for a curtain hook or something. But everyone likes toys, even adults.
To be honest I don’t have 3d printer myself and rarely print to make a case, the electric bill really putting me off to own one. Most of time I used those pre-made abs plastic project box that you can cut/drill holes and come with various size. Other than that, sometime it feels “costly” to make something if you didn’t plan ahead or not really going to use the project.
Nothing more satisfying than making something that cheaper, and also exceed the quality of buying ready-to-use product.
CAD, EDA, IDE, and correct toolkits to the rescue!
EDIT: In case someone want to delve in hobbyist/maker/diy world, here are some useful stuffs that available free:
3D CAD:
Freecad - FOSS 3D CAD software that available cross-platform.
Autodesk Fusion - Not so great alternative but servicable, Free plan have certain limitation.
EDA:
KiCAD - Designing electronic project has never been so easy. This one far superior than Autodesk Eagle crap.
EasyEDA - Free online and desktop EDA software that can be used for alternative.
(Microcontroller) IDE:
VSCode/Codium + PlatformIO - Most affordable, off-the-shelf controller are programmable with PlatformIO and enough for most average joe projects. Arduino IDE may be superior for newcomer but I recommend this as you have more leeway in which framework and board you can get out of single extension for Text Editor.
Toolkits:
Digital Multimeter - Most common electronics can be troubleshoot’d with digital multimeter to identify the problem.
Cheap E-Bay caliper (or any cheap caliper) - For most DIY project, cheap digital caliper are enough to measure dimension unless you really need 3 digit precision.
I have difficulty finding that first project that would justify a purchase of a 3d printer.
Even just sending something to a local 3d printshop is difficult.
Basically I need a use case to kick me off.
I have a 3d printer. Honestly, it’s mostly junk that gets printed. I like the idea, but the utility isn’t there. It’s a solution in search of a problem.
But I’ve made a few neat things. My own design for cabinet and drawer hardware and some custom knick knack souvenirs for a gig I work on each year to give to the crew.
What I want is a large library of 3d model replacement parts for things like my car, but they haven’t been made available so I’d have to model them myself and I’m not that good.
I 3D print stuff for the wood shop a lot. Clamping doodads, tool holders, jigs, etc.
I have some things. I just got a roll of tpu to try and print a new drain plug for something that they don’t offer replacement parts on.
But I’ve found I don’t need another organizer or knick knack anymore. And personally, I’m not a huge fan of plastic. If I can get something in wood, metal, glass, or ceramic I’d much rather do that.
It’s great for when I need it. I just don’t need it often.
Do you have pets? My first project will be cages for my electronics to keep my cats away from them, eventually I want to put together a hall tree. They’re like coat hangers with a seat and storage for your shoes, but I’ll also add a section for my work clothes
Toy production, I have one - the main use is making whatever toys I think are cool. You want more LEGO - 3D print it. You want something to throw something for your dog, 3D print it.
Admittedly those aren’t use cases so much as hobbies. Occasionally you can 3D print a repair for a curtain hook or something. But everyone likes toys, even adults.
To be honest I don’t have 3d printer myself and rarely print to make a case, the electric bill really putting me off to own one. Most of time I used those pre-made abs plastic project box that you can cut/drill holes and come with various size. Other than that, sometime it feels “costly” to make something if you didn’t plan ahead or not really going to use the project.
For CAD I would recommend Onshape rather than Fusion, it’s browser based so it works on Linux and I prefer it target than Fusion.
The main limitation of the free tiers is that all the design you do are public.
Also openSCAD if you struggle to get your head around normal CAD programs. Everything is written as a script and it’s surprisingly intuitive.
amazing and helpful comment. thank you
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