16h ago

Working below minimum wage to save the planet

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Nothing more satisfying than making something that cheaper, and also exceed the quality of buying ready-to-use product.
CAD, EDA, IDE, and correct toolkits to the rescue!
EDIT: In case someone want to delve in hobbyist/maker/diy world, here are some useful stuffs that available free:
3D CAD:
Freecad - FOSS 3D CAD software that available cross-platform.
Autodesk Fusion - Not so great alternative but servicable, Free plan have certain limitation.
EDA:
KiCAD - Designing electronic project has never been so easy. This one far superior than Autodesk Eagle crap.
EasyEDA - Free online and desktop EDA software that can be used for alternative.
(Microcontroller) IDE:
VSCode/Codium + PlatformIO - Most affordable, off-the-shelf controller are programmable with PlatformIO and enough for most average joe projects. Arduino IDE may be superior for newcomer but I recommend this as you have more leeway in which framework and board you can get out of single extension for Text Editor.
Toolkits:
Digital Multimeter - Most common electronics can be troubleshoot'd with digital multimeter to identify the problem.
Cheap E-Bay caliper (or any cheap caliper) - For most DIY project, cheap digital caliper are enough to measure dimension unless you really need 3 digit precision.
- For CAD I would recommend Onshape rather than Fusion, it's browser based so it works on Linux and I prefer it target than Fusion.
  The main limitation of the free tiers is that all the design you do are public.
- Also openSCAD if you struggle to get your head around normal CAD programs. Everything is written as a script and it's surprisingly intuitive.
- I have difficulty finding that first project that would justify a purchase of a 3d printer.
  Even just sending something to a local 3d printshop is difficult.
  Basically I need a use case to kick me off.
  
  Do you have pets? My first project will be cages for my electronics to keep my cats away from them, eventually I want to put together a hall tree. They're like coat hangers with a seat and storage for your shoes, but I'll also add a section for my work clothes
  
  I have a 3d printer. Honestly, it's mostly junk that gets printed. I like the idea, but the utility isn't there. It's a solution in search of a problem.
  But I've made a few neat things. My own design for cabinet and drawer hardware and some custom knick knack souvenirs for a gig I work on each year to give to the crew.
  What I want is a large library of 3d model replacement parts for things like my car, but they haven't been made available so I'd have to model them myself and I'm not that good.
  
  I 3D print stuff for the wood shop a lot. Clamping doodads, tool holders, jigs, etc.
  
  Toy production, I have one - the main use is making whatever toys I think are cool. You want more LEGO - 3D print it. You want something to throw something for your dog, 3D print it.
  Admittedly those aren't use cases so much as hobbies. Occasionally you can 3D print a repair for a curtain hook or something. But everyone likes toys, even adults.
  
  To be honest I don't have 3d printer myself and rarely print to make a case, the electric bill really putting me off to own one. Most of time I used those pre-made abs plastic project box that you can cut/drill holes and come with various size. Other than that, sometime it feels "costly" to make something if you didn't plan ahead or not really going to use the project.
- amazing and helpful comment. thank you

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