so I've been learning 3d modelling with my son using the software "Blender" with the intention of printing it out on a 3d printer.
Only none of our designs have printed out properly.
Two days ago my son committed himself to a homework assignment in which he seals a letter he wrote with his own custom signet in wax.
Yesterday he offers me a design to print out on the printer. I was proud of him for doing that, except that as of yet, I have not been able to figure out how to print out my designs.
The learning curve was steep and I saw no straight forward process to learn, so as usual, I learned using google, forums, and a whole lot of intuition.
Well, after a few hours of reading I discovered there is software out there to help you find the errors in your design. It took a while to download, but once I did, I instantly saw the problems in Calvin's design, we fixed them together, and then, about 15 minutes later, he was holding it in his hands.
I had an old piece of wood lying around, I glued the signet to the wood to make a nice peg handle.
We then melted crayons to provide the wax, pressed the signet stamp to the wax and.... viola... blob.
We tried again after coating the stamp with a little oil, and waiting longer for it to cool... and bingo!
One personalized, totally unique, high tech but low tech, creative homework assignment completed.
And, we both learned a ton of things that will make future designs go well.
I think we turned a corner today, and my confidence in our ability to design and print our own stuff has soared!
Today is a holiday in this country. And this is one of the things we chose to do for fun.
-Chad
