Post-Setup TODOs

Post-Setup TODOs

Calibration

  • Print temperature tower — find PLA Matte sweet spot (205–215°C range)

  • Print retraction test — fine-tune stringing (start at 1.2mm, adjust ±0.2mm)

  • Print calibration cube — verify dimensional accuracy (20.0 × 20.0 × 20.0mm target)

  • Calibrate e-steps if dimensional accuracy is off

Filament

  • Purchase TPU filament for flexible prints (Crocs, phone cases)

  • Purchase PETG filament for functional parts (combs, brackets, outdoor items)

  • Test each filament type and record optimal temperatures

Projects Queue

  • 3DBenchy — calibration print (completed 2026-05-29)

  • Star Destroyer — birthday gift, single-piece, black PLA matte, no supports (completed 2026-05-29)

  • TIE Fighter — Star Wars, needs supports for wings

  • Don Quijote figurine — organic modeling showcase

  • Metric ruler — precision validation print

  • Parametric comb — first functional print

  • V-22 Osprey — multi-part assembly capstone project

  • Submarine — naval display model

  • Warship — naval display model

  • Planetary gear set — mechanical engineering demonstration

  • Lithophane — photo-to-3D gift project

  • Custom keycaps — personalized keyboard project

Infrastructure

  • Set up OctoPrint on Raspberry Pi for wireless printing and webcam monitoring

  • Create shell alias orca for OrcaSlicer Flatpak launch

  • Consider MicroSD workflow for long/unattended prints

  • Back up successful G-code files in ~/3dprints/ by project

Education

  • Work through OpenSCAD starter projects with kids (geometric solids first)

  • Progress to parametric design (box with lid, ruler)

  • Introduce organic modeling with hull() technique

  • Explore SDF/implicit surface modeling with Python