RepRap festival: the reason Devon had to wear real pants for a change

Devon, right, got to meet one of our favorite YouTube makers, Zack Freeman from Voidstar Labs. Photo by Devon Jones

Devon attended the first Rocky Mountain RepRap Festival in Loveland, Colorado over the weekend. I missed out because of parenting obligations, but he described it as a science fair for 3D-printing nerds.

There were no fees to attend or set up at a table, making it accessible to hobbyists and businesses. Word is that the turnout was good enough that the event will move to a bigger room next year.

When you just can’t leave your printer behind. Photo by Devon Jones

3D printing is delicious. Photo by Devon Jones

The one where Devon can't let it go

A few years ago, Devon welded me a steampunk light switch for my studio. It was a sweet Mother’s Day present, but sadly, it kept falling apart. I didn’t want this well-intentioned gift to become a lifelong emotional burden for him, so I finally forced him to give up on it.

Or so I thought.

Apparently, he held on to that failure for years, because he surprised me recently with this 3D-printed version. He’s put more skill points into 3D printing than welding, and this one is solid.

Get the free design from 3dprintingworld. They paint it with iron paint, but Devon opted to print this light switch with iron-infused filament and rust it with hydrogen peroxide, salt and vinegar. Find the technique at Protopasta.

Now maybe he can find some peace.