To avoid these ads, REGISTER NOW!

Between 265 & 485 SQ/FT Made By Miller Studios

Workspaces sized between 265 and 485 squarefeet.
To avoid these ads, REGISTER NOW!

Duker

Well-known member
Joined
Sep 25, 2010
Messages
10,861
Location
Livingston, TX
Where the hell have I been.... I have seen your IG account but totally missed this thread... great stuff!!

BTW nice score on the Eames chairs... if you want to hit the mid century home run see if you can find a Leif Blodee office chair, it would go great with those chairs! Leif was a lessor public known Danish designer but his work was incredible and is sought after by high end collectors.
 
OP
M

MadeByMiller

Well-known member
Joined
Dec 29, 2018
Messages
1,230
Location
Rapid City, SD
Where the hell have I been.... I have seen your IG account but totally missed this thread... great stuff!!

BTW nice score on the Eames chairs... if you want to hit the mid century home run see if you can find a Leif Blodee office chair, it would go great with those chairs! Leif was a lessor public known Danish designer but his work was incredible and is sought after by high end collectors.
Hey thank you! I'm always on the lookout for anything MCM, it doesn't come up often around here though.
 
OP
M

MadeByMiller

Well-known member
Joined
Dec 29, 2018
Messages
1,230
Location
Rapid City, SD
Fellow GJ'er Brett ( @phred ) reached out to me here a while back to see if I'd be up to the task of reverse engineering this Ranger badge for his F-100. I of course was glad to help and requested that he send me his intact badge to replicate.

The badge itself was no big deal to model, but the Ranger script was more involved as I sketched them manually using splines. To verify fitment and overall look I 3D printed a prototype badge to send in the return package with the original. I used my .25mm nozzle to capture the small details of the letters, and the prints came out great! I had initially planned on gluing the silver parts into the recess I had extruded in the black part, but it ended up being such a good fit that I was able to just gently press the silver parts into place with no glue.

I busted out the fancy camera to try to get some good shots prior to boxing the badges up. I decided to go outside this time rather than take the pictures in my office as I would usually do. These were my favorites:
IMG_5394copy.png
IMG_5455copy.png
IMG_5446smcopy.png
IMG_5445smcopy.png

Here's a comparison with the badge that Brett sent:
IMG_5409smcopy.png

And here's a shot he sent of my prototype in the the trim bezel:
19F66D89-DCBE-4C92-B588-ABDFFEBDF920copy.png

Lastly, HERE'S a link to a post on my Instagram account where I made a fun rendering to reality animation

Thanks for looking, and thank you again Brett for your trust and patience with this project!
 
OP
M

MadeByMiller

Well-known member
Joined
Dec 29, 2018
Messages
1,230
Location
Rapid City, SD
Wow..that looks amazing. Could you wet sand that with say 1000 grit to take the printing texture off? Topcoat with Krylon clear or similar? Regardless, that's a crazy good match!
Thank you!

Absolutely! I've sanded and polished printed parts in the past with excellent results. The top surface of the badge has a very slight curve to it, which is why the FFF/FDM sliced printing steps are visible in the top surface. If it had been perfectly flat on top I could have ironed the top surface in the slicer and achieved a much smoother surface. I printed the badge in PLA which would not be a good material choice for end use in this case as the heat from outdoor exposure would assuredly warp and destroy it on a sunny day.
 
OP
M

MadeByMiller

Well-known member
Joined
Dec 29, 2018
Messages
1,230
Location
Rapid City, SD
Ah, so what will you use for the final print? Or will you CNC the logo in aluminium?
The original badge is I assume an injection molded clear piece, with the black and silver portions likely ink stamped on the backside surface. Brett and I have talked about achieving a very similar look by SLA printing the badge with an appropriate resin and Brett's idea is to have decals/stickers printed where the print is done on the adhesive side. You could then just place the decal on the backside just as the original. The SLA print would have to be clear coated with an automotive clear as SLA prints are UV cured and will over cure and degrade over time with sun exposure if not protected.
 
OP
M

MadeByMiller

Well-known member
Joined
Dec 29, 2018
Messages
1,230
Location
Rapid City, SD
Ah, so there is a window over the badge on the final piece.
Not exactly. The badge itself is not covered with anything, it's simply a piece of clear plastic with printing on the back surface of the clear plastic. Since the badge is crystal clear you can see right through it to the printing and it gives a nice glossy depth.
 

Denwood

Well-known member
Joined
Sep 22, 2014
Messages
4,180
Location
Thunder Bay, Ontario, Canada
I had the same challenge (finding a replacement) on my 84 Scirocco. It was a "Wolfsburg" edition which back in the day was a thing as it had electric window operators and some trim bits. After redoing the car and thoroughly modifying it for autocross, that small round badge was the one thing I could not replace. Funny how a small badge on a fender can be so important in restoring a car...

This is a pic from the new owner a few years back...he evidently didn't find a badge either!

1680574625613.png

... and one of the few pics I have of the little beast on the track...scanned from an old actual film pic :) By the time I sold the car, there was not much left of the original drive train or suspension. It was a blast to drive...

1680574725961.png
 

LeonardY

Well-known member
Joined
Apr 16, 2011
Messages
5,022
Location
Southern California
Fellow GJ'er Brett ( @phred ) reached out to me here a while back to see if I'd be up to the task of reverse engineering this Ranger badge for his F-100. I of course was glad to help and requested that he send me his intact badge to replicate.

The badge itself was no big deal to model, but the Ranger script was more involved as I sketched them manually using splines. To verify fitment and overall look I 3D printed a prototype badge to send in the return package with the original. I used my .25mm nozzle to capture the small details of the letters, and the prints came out great! I had initially planned on gluing the silver parts into the recess I had extruded in the black part, but it ended up being such a good fit that I was able to just gently press the silver parts into place with no glue.

I busted out the fancy camera to try to get some good shots prior to boxing the badges up. I decided to go outside this time rather than take the pictures in my office as I would usually do. These were my favorites:
IMG_5394copy.png
IMG_5455copy.png
IMG_5446smcopy.png
IMG_5445smcopy.png

Here's a comparison with the badge that Brett sent:
IMG_5409smcopy.png

And here's a shot he sent of my prototype in the the trim bezel:
19F66D89-DCBE-4C92-B588-ABDFFEBDF920copy.png

Lastly, HERE'S a link to a post on my Instagram account where I made a fun rendering to reality animation

Thanks for looking, and thank you again Brett for your trust and patience with this project!
Very nicely done.
I know I have been in your thread before. Great job on everything.
Looking forward to more of your adventures.
 
OP
M

MadeByMiller

Well-known member
Joined
Dec 29, 2018
Messages
1,230
Location
Rapid City, SD
I had the same challenge (finding a replacement) on my 84 Scirocco. It was a "Wolfsburg" edition which back in the day was a thing as it had electric window operators and some trim bits. After redoing the car and thoroughly modifying it for autocross, that small round badge was the one thing I could not replace. Funny how a small badge on a fender can be so important in restoring a car...

This is a pic from the new owner a few years back...he evidently didn't find a badge either!

1680574625613.png

... and one of the few pics I have of the little beast on the track...scanned from an old actual film pic :) By the time I sold the car, there was not much left of the original drive train or suspension. It was a blast to drive...

1680574725961.png
I must admit that I'm quite ignorant when it comes to VW's, but that's a cool looking car! It's hard not to love a boxy hatchback in my mind anyways.

Very nicely done.
I know I have been in your thread before. Great job on everything.
Looking forward to more of your adventures.
Thank you for stopping by again and leaving the nice comment! More adventures to come.
 
OP
M

MadeByMiller

Well-known member
Joined
Dec 29, 2018
Messages
1,230
Location
Rapid City, SD
Snow looks a lot better on your property than it does on mine. You have some nice views!
We love it so much here! It's our first home, but in my mind we will be staying here until the kids are out of the house. We will probably have to add on, but that's much more financially possible than buying a larger home. By the time the kids are grown we will hopefully be able to afford our forever property - with some real acreage!
 

racer-john

Well-known member
Joined
Apr 1, 2008
Messages
1,461
Location
Newmarket, ON Canada
I'm with you Austin. One thing that pics can't communicate is how darn quiet everything gets after fresh snow. We're got a dump on the way as well...and I'm not complaining either :)
I'm with you Austin. One thing that pics can't communicate is how darn quiet everything gets after fresh snow. We're got a dump on the way as well...and I'm not complaining either :)
I'm with you Austin. One thing that pics can't communicate is how darn quiet everything gets after fresh snow. We're got a dump on the way as well...and I'm not complaining either :)

I'm with you Austin. One thing that pics can't communicate is how darn quiet everything gets after fresh snow. We're got a dump on the way as well...and I'm not complaining either :)
Keep it up north, p;ease, we are sick of it down here.
 
OP
M

MadeByMiller

Well-known member
Joined
Dec 29, 2018
Messages
1,230
Location
Rapid City, SD
I'm with you Austin. One thing that pics can't communicate is how darn quiet everything gets after fresh snow. We're got a dump on the way as well...and I'm not complaining either :)
Absolutely! Winter is such a beautiful season, the beauty a good snow heavy year brings in the moment is complemented by a lush and gorgeous spring/early summer. I enjoy that snowfall forces me to get out and experience things like the peaceful quiet you're describing. There's a lot to be thankful for with a good winter like we're having.
 
To avoid these ads, REGISTER NOW!

andyvh1959

Well-known member
Joined
Feb 15, 2020
Messages
2,590
Location
Green Bay WI
I keep expecting to see a beautiful brazen red Cardinal sitting on those snowy pine branches. We've had a bunch of show events here in Green Bay through March and the Cardinals and Robins really stick out now. Same for those damed woodpeckers attacking my Ash trees and drumming on my cedar siding.
 
OP
M

MadeByMiller

Well-known member
Joined
Dec 29, 2018
Messages
1,230
Location
Rapid City, SD
I keep expecting to see a beautiful brazen red Cardinal sitting on those snowy pine branches. We've had a bunch of show events here in Green Bay through March and the Cardinals and Robins really stick out now. Same for those damed woodpeckers attacking my Ash trees and drumming on my cedar siding.
While I have seen some Cardinals here at our place, Robins and Blue Jays are much more common. The Blue Jays seem a bit more resistant to the cold though.
 
OP
M

MadeByMiller

Well-known member
Joined
Dec 29, 2018
Messages
1,230
Location
Rapid City, SD
My Bambu Lab X1C arrived last Wednesday and I've been digging into it as time's allowed. First off - I'm pleased with the machine so far. I haven't got much experience with it yet, but so far so good.

One thing that I really don't like about the printer is the proprietary nature of it. They are really pushing you into their ecosystem, which runs quite contrary to the spirit of the 3D printing "community". The most glaring form of this walled garden in my opinion is the dimensions of their filament spools and corresponding AMS unit. Although they are 1kg spools which is the industry standard, they made them dimensionally smaller than most (not all) filament manufacturers - including the 3D Fuel and Atomic spools that I use most. As such, my 3D Fuel spools would not fit in the AMS with the lid closed, and my Atomic spools had the same problem with the added issue that they are borderline too wide to work reliably.

Fortunately, the open source natured 3D printing world has already devised a solution for this annoyance - The Hydra AMS. I chose to print this version, which has some slight changes over the original. After following the advise of the original Printables description and dialing in the flow ratio with some calibration prints, I sliced and printed the modification. The prints went off without a hitch and looked quite good I might add, not as glossy as I'm used to seeing on my Prusas, but really nice wall finishes and dimensional accuracy. The webcam and phone app are really massive features of this machine, as I was able to monitor and confirm print status even from over 100 miles away when we were celebrating Easter at my in-law's (happy Easter by the way!). Another excellent feature of the AMS is the ability to seamlessly switch to a new spool of the same filament once the current one has been exhausted, which I tested on the last print in the middle of the night and happily woke up to an empty spool and a complete print with zero issues despite the filament change.

The mod allows for much wider spools now, and I can just barely shut the AMS lid with my 3D Fuel spools now (maybe a bit too close for comfort), although the Atomic spools still don't fit with the lid shut. I'm considering printing smaller diameter idler rollers to bring the spools down a hair, but if that doesn't work this AMS lid wedge/spacer certainly will.

Overall, the mod was easy to do and allows me to stick it to the manufacturer who would prefer I be stuck buying their filament. I'll continue to update my experiences with this machine as I get more print hours on it.

The three parts printed:
IMG_5458.JPG

The AMS disassembled and ready to reassemble with the new parts:
IMG_5459.JPG

Comparing the old and new:
IMG_5462.JPG

Installed:
IMG_5465.JPG
IMG_5468.JPG
IMG_5470.JPG

I haven't performed a print since I completed the mod yesterday, but everything appears to be working as if it hadn't been modified.
 
OP
M

MadeByMiller

Well-known member
Joined
Dec 29, 2018
Messages
1,230
Location
Rapid City, SD
We've been blessed with some really gorgeous weather lately, and yesterday was the warmest day we've had in months being up in the low 60's. I took the opportunity to give the family hauler a desperately needed hand wash while the kids were out playing. It washed up great and I was glad too see that the corrosive winter conditions didn't appear to have worsened the existing rust problems. I need to get a fresh coat of wax on it and it appears that we're going to need tires somewhat soon as these are getting some weather checking, which stinks because they still have quite a bit of tread life left. The interior is in real need of a detail, but yesterday was not the day. It cleans up pretty decent for an '08!

IMG_20230409_143438537_HDR.jpg
IMG_20230409_143406178_HDR.jpg
IMG_20230409_143517725_HDR.jpg

On a related note, I'm in the market for a new pressure washer! My current electric unit is laughable and basically worthless, with about as much pressure as sticking your thumb over the hose and quite a small fan which makes the wash take about four times larger than it should. Please drop your pressure washer recommendations!! I would like a nice quality unit with an approximate budget of $1,000. It would be ideal if the pump could handle hot water as I'd really like to be able to do some cold weather washing at home as well.
 
OP
M

MadeByMiller

Well-known member
Joined
Dec 29, 2018
Messages
1,230
Location
Rapid City, SD
Well, I decided to pull the trigger on an AR Blue Clean AR630-TSS with basic accessory kit from Obsessed Garage. Really excited about this unit and it should be leaps and bounds ahead of the free curb find pressure washer I've been using. The description on the Obsessed website says that the standard, non hot water unit is capable of handling up to 140* water temps, so that should be just fine with my home water heater (I'll have to get hot water plumbed to my outdoor spigot). I went with the basic accessory kit because the advanced and ultimate were out of stock, I can always upgrade components later if needed. If this pressure washer unit is good enough for Larry with AMMO NYC, then it should be good enough for me!

HERE is a link to the kit I bought if you're interested.
1681235907285.png
 

phred

Well-known member
Joined
Apr 23, 2009
Messages
525
Location
NC
I can’t say enough good things about Austin’s work on the Ranger badge. I’ve been Crazy busy and this is the first
Time I’ve been on GJ in weeks. The badge fits perfectly. I’m looking into having a couple resin versions printed. This is a long term project for me and Austin’s contribution is going to make the next steps so much easier. Thanks again Austin!!!
 
OP
M

MadeByMiller

Well-known member
Joined
Dec 29, 2018
Messages
1,230
Location
Rapid City, SD
I can’t say enough good things about Austin’s work on the Ranger badge. I’ve been Crazy busy and this is the first
Time I’ve been on GJ in weeks. The badge fits perfectly. I’m looking into having a couple resin versions printed. This is a long term project for me and Austin’s contribution is going to make the next steps so much easier. Thanks again Austin!!!
Thank you for the kind words Brett! Looking forward to watching the project progress.
 

Denwood

Well-known member
Joined
Sep 22, 2014
Messages
4,180
Location
Thunder Bay, Ontario, Canada
Wow, on that spool print...the machines are replicating themselves with hacks..ha. Well, almost. Give it a year.

On the Bamboo unit, are you using these for business or just playing? I think my 3d printer budget just got eaten by a full suspension MTB, but I remain quite interested in jumping in the 3d printer world again.
 
OP
M

MadeByMiller

Well-known member
Joined
Dec 29, 2018
Messages
1,230
Location
Rapid City, SD
Wow, on that spool print...the machines are replicating themselves with hacks..ha. Well, almost. Give it a year.
Yes, this is one of the best parts about 3D printing. The closed source nature of Bambu Lab as a company I don't appreciate, but fortunately the community of users can overcome this.

On the Bamboo unit, are you using these for business or just playing? I think my 3d printer budget just got eaten by a full suspension MTB, but I remain quite interested in jumping in the 3d printer world again.
Technically they are business purchases. They aren't running making me money all that often. I'd like to utilize them more for the business, but I'm sort of turning into a 3D printing nerd and I just really enjoy the process.
 

Denwood

Well-known member
Joined
Sep 22, 2014
Messages
4,180
Location
Thunder Bay, Ontario, Canada
I had occasion to attend on additive machining seminar which we were looking at as a limited run manufacturing option a few years back. Something tells me that sooner than later an affordable sintered metal, carbon matrix or similar 3D setup will be an option for small business. Maybe that Star Trek replicator was not so science fiction after all...
 

nicholam77

Well-known member
Joined
Dec 18, 2016
Messages
2,655
Location
Minneapolis, MN
The Bambu looks sweet. That AMS mod part looks really tidy.

Does the Bambu have proprietary slicing software for the AMS or do you just use Prusa slicer (I assume that's your go-to?)?

If this pressure washer unit is good enough for Larry with AMMO NYC, then it should be good enough for me!

Lol I used to watch Larry's vids years ago. Good stuff.
 
OP
M

MadeByMiller

Well-known member
Joined
Dec 29, 2018
Messages
1,230
Location
Rapid City, SD
The Bambu looks sweet. That AMS mod part looks really tidy.

Does the Bambu have proprietary slicing software for the AMS or do you just use Prusa slicer (I assume that's your go-to?)?



Lol I used to watch Larry's vids years ago. Good stuff.
Since Prusaslicer is open source, Bambu's slicer is basically just a re-skinned version.
 

LeonardY

Well-known member
Joined
Apr 16, 2011
Messages
5,022
Location
Southern California
Don't know if you have seen this.
QIDI has just released Bamboo style printers. They lack the AMS. But one of them is 325x325x325. They are using the Klipper Master
It tells me that the market is going to get competitive and were likely to see some lower prices.

I already have the QIDI X-Max and I don't need the speed. (Yet.) I am not likely upgrade for a few years. (Yeah...Then why am I still looking?)
 
OP
M

MadeByMiller

Well-known member
Joined
Dec 29, 2018
Messages
1,230
Location
Rapid City, SD
Don't know if you have seen this.
QIDI has just released Bamboo style printers. They lack the AMS. But one of them is 325x325x325. They are using the Klipper Master
It tells me that the market is going to get competitive and were likely to see some lower prices.

I already have the QIDI X-Max and I don't need the speed. (Yet.) I am not likely upgrade for a few years. (Yeah...Then why am I still looking?)
No, I have not seen that. Probably made in the same factory as the Bambu and the new Creality K1. Once my Prusa XL arrives I think I'll be set on printers for a long time. I think...
 

loganb

ALLIANCE MEMBER
Joined
Dec 29, 2011
Messages
5,496
Location
Omaha, NE
Once my Prusa XL arrives I think I'll be set on printers for a long time. I think...

Uh huh....heard that one before LOL!

Excited to see what you do with the Bambu and XL! I'm really interested in seeing some honest reviews and teardowns of the K1 and how good or bad the Creality team copied things....I've got a lot to learn on mine before I can start mentally justifying scratching that itch of buying a different one....until I find one I can't pass up :)
 
To avoid these ads, REGISTER NOW!
Top Bottom