Project and Blog Objectives

Why a 3D printer?

You might call this project a "rite of passage" for the inventive. There are so many questions this project will help me answer about myself:

1. Can I source the materials and devices for an idea?
2. Can I design and debug my ideas?
3. Can I document my process to improve on what I've done and how I've gone about it?

Like many, 3D printing has "captured my imagination." I'd like to say I have the heart of an inventor, and want to make more things that will help others. 3D printing makes some of my ideas far more financially possible, and I can try out new ideas before putting more effort into developing them.

Why a simple 3D printer?

I need larger projects that present attainable goals. Since I'm learning quite a bit in the process, I am trying to limit the areas I'm ignorant in, like mechanics. I have an electrical engineering degree and experience in computer programming, so electronics aren't as daunting to me as precision metal machined parts.

Why this blog?

I am not an expert in 3D printers, merely a hobbyist. Blogging does provide an activity of reflection on my process and documents my process for much later reflection. I offer to make my process public for the benefit of others, in the hope that my experience can answer someone's question.