I just wanted to make a quick post about a couple small projects that I'm trying to knock out, before getting back to some of the older ones that have been languishing at 90% or better.  

The first are some Halloween beads.  I'm just waiting for Amazon to deliver some 3mm shock cord, so I can post some pics of the competed project.  

​Update 10/26/2024:  The Halloween beads are now uploaded on Printables and Makerworld:

https://makerworld.com/en/models/733981#profileId-665742

​https://www.printables.com/model/1052521-halloween-bracelet-and-necklace-beads

I'm also working on some new 1x5, 2x5 and 3x5 lidded bins with a latch.  I've so far just uploaded the 1x5 bin, which was added to the existing 1x bins on Printables.  Once they are all done, I will make sure they are also on Makerworld.

Finally, I have a small side project to replace a crappy attic access panel in a network closet (which was a piece of plasterboard) with an insulated plywood panel.  I added some simple handles and a pair of dogs to secure it.  The dogs have magnets which keep them stowed in the open position, so they don't flop around when the panel is removed.  I'm just gonna make up some spacers, so it can be a bit more universal, before I post it.  

Update - the Access Panel is now uploaded:
https://www.printables.com/model/1051531-attic-access-panel-handles-and-hatch-dogs

Update 11/2/2024:  The 1x5, 2x5 an 3x5 large lidded bins are uploaded, you can find them here:

1. 1x2, 1x3, 1x4, 1x5 (6U, 9U and 12U) Lidded Bin for Stuff with Latch Version 2.0
2. 2x2, 2x3, 2x4, 2x5 (6U, 9U and 12U) Lidded Bin for Stuff with Latch Version 2.0
3. 3x3, 3x4, 3x5 (6U, 9U and 12U) Lidded Bin for Stuff with Latch Version 2.0
4. 4x4, 4x5 (6U, 9U and 12U) Lidded Bin for Stuff with Latch Version 2.0

If you have considered a 3D printer, I can highly recommend the Bambu X1C (with AMS) which is on sale as part of Bambu Lab's Black Friday sale (Oct.21st 2024 05:00AM (PDT) - Dec.3rd 2024 00:00AM (PST)).  The discounts are pretty decent on the X1+AMS combo which normally runs $1450 but is on sale for $1200.  

I bought my first X1C over a year ago, and was skeptical that the LiDAR would work, but it's a feature I would not want to be without now.  It was the first printer which literally just printed great the first time out of the box - in multicolor, which is really something impressive for a 3D printer.  If you've never used a 3D printer before, one of the steepest learning curves is calibration, and that is where the LiDAR on the X1C shines.  I used to have to run at least one, sometimes two or more test objects, to set up a new material (filament) on my old printers (Ender3, CR10SPro and a Kossel).  That calibration process takes time, is iterative, and can be subjective.  The X1C's LiDAR does all the calibration necessary if it is run as part of a print, and has worked with anything I've thrown at it.  There are some caveats however, the first is that the calibration does not work well on textured build plates, and if running more than one color on a print, the calibration has to be run separately (since it will only run one color when doing the auto calibration as part of a print).  The calibration is also only run at the beginning of a print, and does not actively manage flow through feedback, as the A1 series printers do.  However none of those limitations has been much of an issue for me.  I'd probably buy another X1C combo if I had the space, since they just work,

The P1S is also a good printer, but lacks the LiDAR and touchscreen of the X1C (though there are now some good options for adding a DIY or aftermarket touchscreen).  The A1 series are not enclosed, but they have an "Active Flow Rate Compensation" system which manages flow throughout the print.  I am not too familiar with that system, but I don't think it actually sets the flow rate like the LiDAR on the X1C will, however it will manage the flow which is set in the slicer, throughout the print (unlike the X1C).  The people I know who have A1 series printers have liked them, with one exception (which was due to some bad linear rails on an A1 I believe.  The A1 Mini is well known to be a great starter printer, and is a pretty inexpensive way to try out 3D printing.  Overall though the A1's would be a good choice as a first printer, but I'd pick up or build an enclosure, if I were running one (and also set up some method of ducting the air outside or filtering to avoid indoor air pollution).  Really, any printer, even the X1C and P1S should be enclosed though, since their enclosures are not air tight and they don't have effective built in filtering (very few consumer printers do though).  

Bambu is probably gonna release a new printer in Q1 2025, however that is expected to be more (possibly much more) expensive than the X1C, but will likely have a larger build volume and some other goodies (I'm hoping for a multi toolhead printer myself).  I don't think it will be in the same class as their current lineup though.

I don't receive any commissions from Bambu for this, I just wanted to pass it along.  

October 8-9 is Amazon's "Big Deals" Day, and although there are many "meh" deals, there are some very good prices on filament.  One in particular is for Duramic3D.  The prices are especially good for 2 packs of their PLA and PLA+, though the PETG is also on sale (but fewer deals there).  You can save an extra buck sometimes by choosing Subscribe and Save (and cancel it anytime if you don't like the future price).  I picked up a couple 2 packs of white PLA+ for a project.  I've used their white PLA+ in the past, and had some issues with the winding on some spools.  But the color is great, and it prints nicely, and the price is right, so I'm taking another chance with them.  Oddly it was only the white PLA+ which I had the issues with, so hopefully they resolved the issue (I've had zero issues with their gray, silver, black and blue filaments).  

There are also deals on Elegoo PLA+ (including some very nice Galaxy Peacock Blue which prints beautifully), as well as Anycubic PLA and 3DHJor PETG.  

Update 10/9/2024:  There are also some good deals on Creality PLA today, for around 10 bucks (or a bit less) a spool.