I purchased my first 3d printer, the Monoprice Select Mini, in 2017. With a 120x120x120mm (4.7in) build volume, I was limited to relatively small parts, however, that did not stop me from exploring the new world of online models and manufacturing a plethora of miscellaneous fidget toys and small functional tools or parts. Some of the first things to come off the printer, other than the obligatory benchy, were a toothbrush holder, phone stand, window-blind spinners, a DSLR lens cap, among others.

Only a few months had passed before I started adding and printing my own upgrades, slowly improving the usability and capability of this simple printer. I added a glass print bed for improved bed-adhesion, upgraded the part cooling fan, and printed a new fan duct.

In early 2023, I picked up a BambuLab P1P, and it really changed the game for me. It was a completely different experience from the tinkering and troubleshooting I was used to. I was impressed by the speed and quality of the prints, which was a step up from what I had worked with before. This printer gave me the chance to explore more complex designs that I had only dreamed of in the past. With this upgrade, I've been able to take on more detailed custom prints and try out some ambitious large 3D printing projects. 

As I got more comfortable with the P1P, I started experimenting with different materials like flexible TPU, and tough PETG, which opened up even more possibilities. It was nice to be able to tweak things without getting bogged down in endless troubleshooting. I found myself working on everything from simple prototypes to more intricate designs. Plus, I’ve enjoyed sharing some of my projects with friends and getting feedback. It’s cool to see how 3D printing can spark conversations and inspire others to jump into their own projects.