A few months ago, I bought my first 3D printer—a Bambu Lab A1 Mini. It was one of the most exciting decisions I’d made in a while and sparked countless ideas for building and customizing things around the house. Since then, I’ve used multiple filament spools to print custom desk drawers, game console stands, organization systems, and the list goes on (and on and on).
However, one major downside of the A1 Mini is that it’s, well, mini. While it works for most things, my projects and ambitions were demanding more. So, I went ahead and bought a Bambu Lab X1 Carbon, a full-sized professional 3D printer with mind-blowing print quality. The catch? It cost me 2000 CAD 🫠
Right around the time I got the printer, the algorithm gods suggested a video titled “Can I make my money back?” where the host bought the exact same printer and attempted to design, print, and sell a woodworking product on Etsy.
That idea stuck with me for months, and I’ve tried multiple designs I could potentially print and sell. From office tools to coffee gear to iPhone accessories, the ideas were flowing. But I faced one persistent problem: I couldn’t see any of them through to completion. I’d always stop midway when the idea lost its excitement for me.
I’m determined to change that this week. My partner, an amazing ceramicist, asked me to design and print a few ribs to shape her pieces when using the wheel. I made a couple, and while searching for shape inspiration, I noticed something: no single store on Etsy sells a full collection of different rib shapes. That was the spark. What if I made a variety of ribs and sold them all in one place at an affordable price?
I got to work. I modeled different versions of a bubble rib in Fusion 360 and printed a couple of them:
And this is where I’m at right now. This coming week, the goal is to:
- Model two other rib designs.
- Test them with Mariana on the wheel.
- Take product photos and videos.
- Create the “FG Ceramics” Etsy store.
- Publish the product!
My hope is that by writing this, I won’t be able to escape it. I have to finish a project this time—there’s no more space left in my personal project graveyard.
Thank you for listening. See you in part 2!
Matheus Mortatti.