HELPFUL LINKS
Helpful on literally all things drones
Good chances someone's made it before and its on a CAD library
Old but great for editting STLs downloaded from above. Fusion 360 is newer
Powerful online cloud-based CAD free for students - cleaner than SolidWorks
Online Lithophane maker - just upload photo and configure
A general 3D printers Wiki including useful terminology and interesting applications
TIPS
Honestly these are mostly for my own reference later
- Everything takes at least twice as longs you expect
- Take pride in your creations
- Don't have pet ideas
- Brainstorm for longer than you want
- Gain perspective on your problem
- Depth first search the first prototype, optimize later
- Think of crazy ideas - some might have a useful realistic element
- Abstract the concept of an idea during the brainstorming
- Spend a lot of time in CAD before manufacturing final parts
- The time it takes to make a template or jig is almost always worth it
- 3D print small test cases before screwing up the entire thing and having to reprint
- Forum posts from over 10 years ago are your best friends
- Often the simpliest solution is also the best
- Start strong (straight stock, square corners, clean install) to finish strong
- Buy one extra
- Never 3D print a box
- Don't use 3D printer for a job done better by a laser cutter or woodworking tools
- Don't lean too hard on CAD
- The issue is always that the 3D printer bed isn't level
- Use the right tool
- Carry a screw up all the way through - find what lessons you learn at the end of the process
- Depth first search the first prototype, optimize later
- Choose as few reference points for dimensioning as possible (tolerance stackup)