mindwave

DD Thanks for the recommendations, Im certainly going to spend some time looking through those ideas. Unfortunately my original post was made really late (foir me) so sometimes my real ideas get lost in the typing. The BIG thing that escapes me ,is measurements. Thingiverse has amazing items, and IM slowly but surely learning how to print them properly the 1st time. BUT the lack of measurements, and the fact that I cant figure them out, is driving me up a wall. For example this spool holder: https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:1624641 It works GREAT for what it is. BUT lets say that I think I need the arms a little longer? Do I print whats there and than eyeball it and say ok, I need it 30% longer so I "increase" the "arms" by 30%? I know I am missing something incredibly simple, but Im not even 100% sure if Im using the right software? For example, would that be done in the "slicer" like CURA? Or in the "designer" like Sketchup? I understand that a lot of people design in CURA, but thats just an example. I get that this whole thing is DIY, but I even approached one of the 'Maker Spaces' here in Orlando and asked if they had a class, and they said theyd never considered it? Thanks for all your help, and any future ideas. J

Im an IS Admin of 20+ years, but bran new to the world of 3d printing, developing etc. Unfortunately because of the time limitations placed upon me by my job and family, learning this has come VERY slowly. I have the monoprice MP Mini Select that I bought 2nd hand and printed 2 items and immediately jammed up the head. Last week my son and I assembled an ANET A8 that seems to be working awesome. But Im limited to printing what others have created n(not that that wouldn't keep me busy for a decade). But I know thwew is so much more.that I need to learn. For example I found a small 'laptop case' created by someone and posted on thingiverse.com, could work exactly for wha my next project needs. BUT I need to learn some basics, for example, I can estimate how big it is, but how can I determine that, for example the piece from the left corner to the center is 4inches long? Or if something is 6inches long but I need it 7 how do I do it? I thought that if I learned 'sketchup' it would be what i need, but now it looks like most of what I want to do is done in CURA and i cant find a book on CURA anywhere? any and all ideas appreciated. and dont be afraid to say "HEY its easier if you use XYZ instead of what youre using," Thankd J