Studies in geometry

Looks like I’m ready for 2026 already!

My Hobonichi Original arrived today. I’m glad I decided to switch from the A5 to the smaller A6.

Also new to me this year is using an official Hobonichi cover. Last year I used a clear one. The Tamagotchi cover looks and feels really nice.

I have never used masking tape on a print before but my TPU has been sticking far too well to my textured sheets. I had a smooth PEI sheet that was past its best so gave it a try. Worked like magic. The model printed perfectly and came right off.

More wildlife, this time an armadillo hunting food alongside the exercise trail. I hadn’t seen one in over a year and was missing them.

I have never been so close to a wild deer in my life. Quite the start of our morning hike.🥾

After a few years in the 3D printing hobby I discovered a new way to fail. I was a bit mystified and it was repeatable on two attempts.

When I loaded the STL into PrusaSlicer it complained about a thin part and recommend supports. There was no thin part and even when I selected "Supports Everywhere" the slicer didn't actually generate any supports. I figured I'd just print it…

Something between Fusion and PS was clearly screwed up. I re-created the model a different way and it printed fine!

Using some automotive weights to add stability to a tall 3D print. Fun times.

A couple of layers later they disappear.

In the "they can't all be winners" category: this print using PETG Carbon Fiber failed at about 30mm. Not sure what happened - the model printed using PLA just fine. I'm wondering if our storm influenced the PETG-CF but I didn't notice a power glitch. The temp and humidity did fluctuate. Maybe a reminder to consider an enclosed setup (Core One 🙃?).

Trying it again with standard PETG 🤞🏻

I may not have upgraded my printer (yet?) but I did upgrade my dryer this week. I have been using a Sovol SH01 dryer the past couple of years. It was still working but with a max temperature of 50C it was inadequate now that I use a wider range of filament types. Actually not even adequate to properly dry PETG.

This Creality dryer looks cool with nice presets and goes up to 70C. Still not enough for PC CF, for example, but it is close enough for me (I think).

Pulled a 3 year old spool of Prusament Transparent PETG out of storage and was surprised it printed well without drying first. It has a reputation…

We drove out to a pine forest for a hike today. Should I be embarrassed that my first thought upon seeing these giants was “what a great ham radio antenna I could put in them”?

I pulled a 2+ year old spool of Amolen wood filament out of its vacuum storage bag and put it straight through the printer. Looks great and that light burned wood smell is TDF.

Being a nerd I was excited when my Prusament PC Carbon Fiber filament arrived early enough to fire off a couple of prints. I really like the look which matches parts on newer Prusa printers.

Pictured at top is the PCCF print made on a satin sheet and below it a PETG CF print from a textured sheet. The PCCF was a breeze to print and when the build plate cools it slides right off.

Also its cool this filament was made in CZ on the 21st and is in my hands 6 days later!

I’ve never been fond of benchy but this dancing benchy really appealed to me and broke down my resistance. Printed using Jessie’s Brad’s Orange Glitter filament.

Dancing Benchy by phildesign3d | Download free STL model | Printables.com https://www.printables.com/model/1213590-d

My first real PETG carbon fiber print. These are parts to replace some existing ones on my MK4S. Very happy how easily it printed and how well it turned out.

Finally got a chance to use a refill unit for Prusament Galaxy Black. Saved money, saved plastic and this is an American-made refill. 👍🏻

I got my hackerboard GPIO today and installed some headers then 3D printed a case to mount it to the MK4S’s frame. I’ll probably try to implement some sort of light control. Some day.

My Magic Mouse has gone belly up - mouse clicks are often missed. I'm hoping to get by without this one until Apple introduces the rumored new/improved model.

A satisfying end…

As per tradition I’m up early and first up on Christmas Day. We had a nice family dinner last night and as always used our china and inherited silver ware (which is not silver but looks kinda fancy). Usually we have a ham dinner on Christmas Day but this year we decided to go the open kitchen route.

As our kids have gotten older our best gift is they’re both still at home on the holidays. Best wishes on this Day to you and yours! 🎄🤶🏼🧑🏼‍🎄

A triangle in the sky

This is one of the best 3rd party models I've every printed. Everyone is in love with this guy.

I rarely check video events from the camera over our driveway but randomly did so today. Was greeted by one of the rare local wildlife species (coyote). Cool.

I downloaded and printed baby Groot 18 months ago on my MK3S+ using Amolen wood PLA. I thought it turned out ok. I was curious if the wood PLA was still usable so I took it out of the vacuum bag printed a larger version on my MK4S using .2 layer height and the HF nozzle. Focusing on the face the quality is much better. Just an observation. And yeah the filament is fine even without drying.👍🏼

Having printed one figure a couple of days ago I decided to see if my old silk filament was still good by printing this mermaid. Yea, aright eh?