Hey guys, I really look forward to your podcasts!  I have been listening since the very early days finding you via Guy’s work with woodworking.  Yet, I have not bought a printer.   I am a 72 year old retired Chemical Engineer that made chemicals and plastics but nothing from plastics.    I have come to realize that as much as I enjoy polymer chemistry and  learning new things and solving problems, I think my desire to make things is my main driver.    I want to use 3D printing to make useful things in mine and my friend’s lives. Cost is not a big factor.  Beautiful, unique looking things that sit around are of no interest.  As evidenced by my many vehicles and few collectibles or art objects!

I have been encouraged by the expansion of functional printable models on web sites.  I expect this will only grow.   For my use case, I think I need to get into 3D modeling to be able to make the things I want to make.  Being able to modify a shared model would be great and I may need to start a model from scratch.  

Two questions: First, do you agree that the 3D modeling route is the correct one?  And second, If so, what application(s) should I consider for 3D modeling?  

To further define my interests and capabilities, I got a decent drone to take photos on vacations around the property fueled by my love of YouTube creators.   I like using it but getting the footage edited in the form I’m willing to share with others is too much non-satisfying work on the computer.   The view isn’t worth the climb for me.   Thus the drone sits!  Will my 3D printer sit with it?

Bill the Wood Butcher

Joe