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Thursday, September 16, 2021

Beachside Bungalow - Prototyping

This week, my mini time was spent almost exclusively on the 3D printing and testing phase of furniture and accessories for the Beachside Bungalow. You never really know how a design is going to look until you get it printed and then put real life eyes on the model. For example, when I designed the cross back stool in Tinkercad, I did my best to make it so that the pieces would fit together like a kit. I took limited measurements (height, depth and width) from a real life counter height stool, converted them to 1/12th scale, and then used them as my guide to create the parts and pieces that make up the stool. I had to look at photos to decipher how a real life stool actually goes together, then recreate those pieces for my design. Knowing that my stool would have to be glued during assembly, my goal was to have them fit together easily and be as fiddly free a process as possible.  And I needed to end up with a realistic looking stool. It took me three tries to get it right.


The changes were subtle, but by the third try I knew it was a much better version. In the first stool, the seat piece itself was 1.5". When I printed the stool, it looked a little odd. I went back and checked my measurements and compared them to the real life stool, I realized that the overall depth of that part of the stool needed to be 1.5". I did not account for the width of the front leg piece and that is why it looked a little too long.


In the second try, I was able to fix the length by reducing the seat by the depth of the front leg piece. It looked better when the second print was assembled, but there was something still not quite right. I realized that the front leg piece was about 1/16" higher than the seat itself. Probably not a huge deal, unless you think about how uncomfortable that might be to the back of a mini person's legs. Another adjustment was necessary.



I went back for a third adjustment to the design in Tinkercad, this time, raising the tab on the seat and the slot in the front leg piece. I also raised the level of all four leg posts so that they would stand proud. This was just to give a little more character. Once I had printed and assembled the third stool, it looked like a perfectly reasonable facsimile to a real life counter stool. 



Because I gave the stools a recessed cross back and leg brace design, they do not sit flat on the print bed of the 3D printer. I had to add supports to the settings in the slicer program. The supports are easily removed post printing, but they leave behind evidence by way of a rougher surface. The next step in this learning curve that I am on is how to mitigate that evidence, either by settings, design or post production finishing. I have purchased some putty for plastics, and hope to have some time to experiment in the coming week. At least I know the design is what I wanted, great in scale and will work perfectly with the kitchen island.


Once I had the stools figured out, I was able to go back into the designs for the toaster and the Keurig Mini. I added more detail, and was able to experiment with printing on a different axis to see how that affected the final outcome. I also got to play with adding in my own bracing to test for minimum support vs. maximum overhang etc. I really feel as though I learned a lot of valuable insights this week! 



When the designs come away with fairly few imperfections, I am able to sand them out pretty well, though there will always be faint layer lines with this type of 3D printing. In some pieces, like coffee mugs and canisters, this can add to the item, making them look like pottery.

Right off the printer

After a bit of sanding.

They look pretty good in the kitchen, but like the stools, the next step will be experimenting with painting and finishing.



My designing and printing experiments will continue, hopefully, concurrent to working on countertops and backsplash ideas. 



My dad has been in town since Friday to attend a family funeral. My great aunt Madonna lived an exemplary life, was an amazingly faithful woman who's battle with Multiple Sclerosis only brought her closer to God. Her 83 years touched countless lives, she was kind and funny with an unforgettable laugh. She'll be missed dearly and remembered by many with great respect. Dad is splitting time between my brother's place 80 miles away and mine. Mini time might be scarce, but I'll be back, hopefully soon, with progress.

xo xo,

Jodi

36 comments:

  1. I so sorry for your family's loss. You write kind and comforting words for her that I know the family appreciates. You have taken on a quite a project and learning process with the 3-d printing. You have great patience and skill to do the designing and then readjust everything. I do hope we see your coffee maker, mugs, and toaster in a Etsy shop! for they are the most authentic designs that I has been. I look forward to see what the next steps are since I have purchased my bathroom fixtures of Shapeways and don't know how to pain them. You'll show us the way. Such great fun and good teaching.

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    1. Thanks Ann! None of us ever thought that Madonna would pass away! She was such a force of life! But we know she is truly home now, and we are all better for having known her.

      I'm so glad you like the kitchen accessories! I can't see myself with an Etsy shop, but I'd be happy to send you a set as my gift for the Manchester!

      As far as painting, what material did you order? I have gotten great results with acrylic craft paint and with the Krylon 2x spray paint for plastics. Just wash them in dish soap water, rinse well and let dry to prep them. I use the Patricia Nimocks matte spray varnish over top and really like the finish.

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  2. Another great post Jodi. I enjoy watching you trouble shoot and plan.
    I am sorry for your loss. Your Aunt was given a great name to live up to, it is awesome that she did just that! Enjoy your time with your Dad.

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    1. Thanks Carrie! It seems like with each try it gets a little better and you learn a little more. It's encouraging!

      Madonna's name was no mistake! I wish I could share the whole story of her life and the love story she shared with her husband Larry. Some people are put here to inspire and encourage all of us, and she was certainly a gift from God to all who had the priviledge to know her. What an amazing person she was!

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  3. I'm so sorry to hear about your aunt. I hope eventually you only remember her humor and faith.

    Your patience and ability to design, tweak and tweak again always amazes me. I second Ann's hope for Etsy shop products.

    They look wonderful on the countertops!

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    1. Thanks Sheila! If there was ever a person who knew that what comes next is the real, real thing, it was Madonna! Most are rejoicing that she got to go home, though her husband Larry is so lost without her. 67 years together and they were always a team! :O)

      Thanks for the encouragement about the kitchen accessories! I just don't know if I have what it takes to be a consistent seller of minis, but I am always happy to take special orders! :O)

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  4. I am really enjoying following your 3D printing escapades as it is something I will never do but still curious as to how to go about it and what can be done.

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    1. Thanks Marilyn! It is fascinating, isn't it? And I am only just scratching the surface of what is possible!

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  5. I am sorry about your aunt but she will live forever in the memory of those she touched.

    Well, I love reading about your tries with your grown up tools, your patient is admirable. I have to say that you are becoming a "pro", those kitchen appliances and accessories are great, well done, I would love to buy them if had the chance :). Your kitchen is looking gooood! Enjoy your time with your father xxx.

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    1. Thanks Alex! Madonna will certainly never be forgotten! She was an extraordinary and spunky lady! All 80 lbs of her!

      I'm so glad you like the kitchen accessories and appliances! You let me know what you want and we can work out a deal. :O) I can print them in black, too!

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  6. Such a lovely legacy for your GREAT aunt Madonna to have left behind, Jodi. Your personal memories of her kindness, her funny laugh and how GOD blessed her with even more faithfulness and love as she touched the lives of others, speaks volumes about her character, which I do believe you also share.
    And as to the quality of work, which you are achieving with your 3-D printer is nothing short of Amazing to me; it's all Simply Marvellous!

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    1. Thanks Elizabeth! Your faith in me is inspiring! Striving to be as strong and faithful as Madonna is something all of us would be proud of when our work here is done, but I still have a long way to go! Glad you like the 3D printing progress!

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  7. Increíble la habilidad que tienes para hacer cualquier cosa con esa impresora.
    El recuerdo de las personas importantes en nuestras vidas siempre queda con nosotros.

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    1. ¡Gracias Isabel! ¡Madonna será una persona influyente en la vida de muchos de nosotros! ¡Ella era muy especial!
      ¡Me alegra que te gusten las cosas impresas en 3D esta semana!

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  8. Thank you for sharing your experiences with your 3D printer. Will this be like the Cricut, where I was so impressed with your results that when the opportunity presented itself, I bought one? The stools are very nice and the kitchen appliances and tableware are adorable.
    My condolences for the loss of your great aunt. Fortunately, your memories of her will live on. Enjoy your time with your dad.

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    1. Thanks Sherrill! It is wonderful to know that it is encouraging mini folks to want to try it for themselves! And I have no doubt whatsoever that you would have 3D printing mastered and be producing amazing things within the first couple weeks in your hands! In fact, you are much more willing than I am to learn other programs where you could go far beyond what I can create in Tinkercad. When you are ready to start researching, I can give you some direction on where to begin. :O)

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  9. I'm sorry to hear about your loss - hearing what you say about your dear Great Aunt tells well what a remarkable lady she must have been. But that's the kind of persons who will live on in the hearts and memories of people. However, although the reason for your Dad's visit is a very sad one enjoy his company as much and often as you can... your miniature work will patiently wait for you.

    But apart from the sad personal news I can truly say: What a wonderful post! ;O) I must confess when beginnning to read and just seeing the first picture I was thinking "My, why did Jodi need 3 tries at all??? They all look perfect!" Well, going on in the text I learned once more how perspective can fool the human eye. *LOL* But we all know this kind of trial and error is always involved when learning a new skill and/or method. Whenever you're going to print stools again you will remember this valuable lesson.

    I'm also deeply impressed with the kitchen accessoires you've created. They look awesome!!! You're a pro for sure! And I have no doubt you will come up with wonderful painting results as soon as your RL time allows you to experiment. You may remember that I with my unscrupulous use of Playmobil items am truly convinced that there's no need to be afraid of painting plastic. ;O)

    Hugs
    Birgit

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    1. Thanks Birgit! It is nice to have dad here and to see him enjoying his old friends and some much cooler weather than he left behind in Arizona! Madonna will be missed but we all know she has crossed the finish line and is being celebrated at home for a wonderfully lived life!

      I'm happy you liked the stools! I think if I had a better camera (or was a better photographer) the comparison photo would have been easier to decipher, but the details are lost in the glare of the white stools against the black background. But I learned a lot in the process and will hopefully remember the lessons in the next batch of attempts! It was all fun and not frustrating as long as I kept busy during the hours it took for the next stool to print.

      Thanks for the encouragement with the accessories! I am having fun with them, too! My biggest challenge lately seems to be a lack of time to dedicate and concentrate. Soon life will get back to being boring and I can spend stretches of time at the mini table again! I'm excited to paint the pieces and see what they look like!

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  10. Tus creaciones en 3D son fantásticas !!!!
    Siento el fallecimiento de tu tía abuela .

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    1. ¡Gracias Eloisa! ¡Me alegra que te gusten y que extrañarán a Madonna y la emularán!

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  11. Sorry about your loss. Your aunt was a very remarkable lady, I know what a terrible battle living with multiple sclerosis must have been for her. It's good to be remembered like you remember her.
    Your work and accomplishments with 3D are super impressive. I love the chairs and the kitchen accessories.
    Hugs, Drora

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    1. Thanks Drora! She really was remarkable and was a fighter until the end!
      Glad you like the stools and accessories! I am excited to get back to work and see what else is possible!

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  12. Soory for your loss. Memories remain.
    A great work! The chairs and accessories are amazing. Nice to be able to 3D print whatever comes to mind.

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    1. Thanks Faby! She will be remembered by many!
      I'm glad you like the 3D printed stuff! It is such a blessing to be able to utilize the printer for minis! I am excited to get back to more of it!

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  13. How sad to hear your great aunt has passed away. She will be missed by all those who have known here, I'm sure. She sounds like a great lady indeed.

    That does not change the fact that it is great to see you making good use of the 3d printer. How prolific you are! before you know it you can completely furnish an entire house with self made mini's! I like the look of them.

    And just like birgit said, although the reason for visiting is a sad one, make sure to enjoy the time you can spend with your father while he is visiting.

    Huibrecht.

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    1. Thanks Huibrecht! It is very fulfilling to be able to make what the dollhouse needs! And dad and I are going to have the whole day together again tomorrow so I get to enjoy him once more before he leaves for home!

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  14. Hello Jodi,
    I am always impressed and inspired by your knowledge of the mini's. So clever how you always make things work. It is always a pleasure to see your next project that you begin. Oooo love those kitchen accessories!
    I am so sorry to hear of a love one passing. She faced many battles and still came up smiling. She was a strong woman. Enjoy those memories.
    Mini huggs,
    Conny

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    1. Thanks Conny! It's been fun to try and make some more contemporary minis for this build! And Madonna was a special woman! I'll never forget her!

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  15. Es una maravilla tener una maquina con la que poder realizar tus propios diseños.
    Así todo es obra de tu imaginación, hasta el último detalle.
    Todo va encajando perfectamente en su sitio y con gran cuidado por tu parte.
    Felicidades.
    Un saludo

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    1. ¡Lo has clavado, Marian! ¡Es emocionante ver si puedes hacer el tuyo propio, y ver una cosa y pensar "Yo hice eso"!

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  16. Great work Jodi, those appliances are brilliant. That’s a lovely tribute to your aunt. I’m working on the 2nd prototype for some hall stairs.

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    1. Oh! Stairs are a big challenge and therefore cause such a joyful feeling of accomplishment when you finally get them right! Best of luck with the second try, Polly! I can't wait to see!

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  17. Lamento la pérdida de tu tía, ahora estará descansando en paz.
    Me maravilla ver todos los accesorios que vas creando con la impresora 3D,tienes manos mágicas, es todo un placer ver como creas tantas y tan diferentes maravillas!
    Besos.

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    1. ¡Gracias Pilar! Muchos de nosotros creemos que el siguiente lugar al que vamos es a casa, así que aunque la extrañamos, también nos regocijamos. Ha sido muy divertido intentar crear los accesorios que necesito para este proyecto y estoy emocionado de volver a hacerlo. ¡Espero que pronto!

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  18. Hi Jodi! I have fallen way behind on comments.... :(
    Please accept my condolences on the loss of your Great Aunt. These times just make those life passages even more difficult. I hope your Father's travels go safely!
    As for your Printer-magic spree... well, clearly you put in the time and R&D and came out with some great little pieces! The bar stools look ... well, like unpainted plastic bar stools, (LOL!) but I am sure that when you are done with them we will not be able to tell them apart from the real thing! And the small dishes and appliances are also well on their way to amazing! (3-D Printing was only a dream for most such a short time ago!) You keep amazing me with what you are making! I can't wait to see more! :)

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    1. Thanks for popping in to comment, Betsy! I know trying to catch up when you're a couple weeks behind can be overwhelming! Dad is home safe, and Madonna's husband and kids are struggling to reimagine life without her larger-than-life presence. She is dearly missed.
      Thanks for the 3D printing encouragement! It feels like I am graduating from crayons to colored pencils, but I really want to paint, lol! One bite at a time, right?

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