This is the second of my three-part series introducting 3D printers! Learn how the most common 3D printers work and why you would choose one over the other!
Building a Simple Teleprompter
Learn how I built this simple and inexpensive teleprompter from plywood, oak, and glass!
When I make YouTube videos, I spend a lot of time memorizing what I’m going to say, recording a lot of takes where I screw up what I’m going to say, and then even more time going through all those recordings to find the good takes.
So, to help cut down on the time it takes to make these videos, I built my very own teleprompter! Continue reading “Building a Simple Teleprompter”
What Is 3D Printing?
Are you curious about 3D printing? Watch my latest video to learn the basics of how 3D printers work, and at the end of the video I will tell you how you can start experimenting with 3D printing without even owning a 3D printer!
3D Modeling Software
As I mentioned in the video, there are several powerful 3D modeling programs that are available for free or with a free license for hobbyists and makers. Here is a quick summary of some of the most popular free 3D modeling programs: Continue reading “What Is 3D Printing?”
Make a Dust Port in Fusion 360
Learn how I added a dust port to my router table cabinet using Fusion 360 and my 3D printer! And I will teach you new tips and techniques in Fusion 360, including the Revolve tool and some useful sketch features.
Making a Valet Box for about $30
In my latest video, I make a valet box (essentially a jewelry box for men) using oak hobby boards, wood stain, and spray lacquer.
To make the valet box, I used my newest tool: a compound miter saw! I bought an inexpensive model but it works great at making accurate cuts, which was essential for this project.
And once it was assembled, I used dark cherry wood stain to improve the look of the box. And to finish and protect the valet box, I used spray lacquer.
Watch the video to how I made it!
Learn Fusion 360 by Making a Webcam Cover
Learn more about Fusion 360 in my latest video, where I teach you how to make a webcam cover.
Building on my previous Fusion 360 tutorial, I will teach you how to use symmetry and mirroring, extrude from existing faces, and the basics of the Loft tool.
Although the exact dimensions I use in the video are specific to the brand and model of webcam that I use, you can easily use the techniques to make your own custom webcam cover for your own webcam.
Building a Simple Cabinet
The corner of my basement is where I store all of my networking hardware, which manages the Internet coming into my home. But that area is disorganized and wastes space that could be used for storage. So I built a cabinet of shelves out of plywood to fix those problems.
Watch the video to learn how I built the cabinet using only a circular saw, drill, impact driver, and a hammer!
Intro to Fusion 360 / Making a Fidget Spinner
In my newest 3D printing video, I teach the basics of using Fusion 360 to design your own 3D-printable fidget spinner!
To make your own fidget spinner, you will need a few materials:
- VXB 608 ZZ Bearings (available from Amazon)
- 1/2 inch x 13 hex nuts or another weight for the arms (available from your local hardware store)
- PLA filament for your 3D printer
Continue reading “Intro to Fusion 360 / Making a Fidget Spinner”
Light-Up Printed Decoration with LEDs and Acrylic
I know it’s been a while since I’ve put up a new video, but life was hectic for a few weeks. But I have been working on a new project! For part of that project, I will use 3D printing, acrylic, and LEDs, so I wanted to experiment with using those materials in a smaller project. So I made a small light-up decoration using my 3D printer, acrylic, and LEDs.
Continue reading “Light-Up Printed Decoration with LEDs and Acrylic”
Making a Picture Frame Using a Router
After building an inexpensive router table and recently upgrading the base to a cabinet, I decided to use my router table to make a picture frame. In my latest video, I show you how I made a picture frame for a 5×7 picture of Chicago I took a few years ago.
I bought some nice 1×2 pine boards and thin acrylic from Home Depot as the material for the frames. I used my circular saw to cut the pieces of the wood to the correct size with a 45 degree angle. The outside edges of the frame will measure 9.5″ by 7.5″.
I shaped the pieces using my router and some decorative router bits I bought as a set. I also used a 3/8″ rabbeting bit to add a rabbet to the back for the acrylic, picture, and backing to sit.
I glued together the routed pieces and then painted the frame black. After putting it all together with the picture, acrylic, foam core backing, and glazing points, my picture frame was ready to hang on the wall!
This was a fun, easy project that helped me get more comfortable using my router table. I learned that I should have routed the wood before I cut the pieces, because it would have made the routing easier and more accurate. But the frame still turned out very nicely, so I am happy with the result.
For more information about how I built the picture frame, watch the video above and let me know what you think in the comments here or on YouTube!