3D printer can help with DIY home projects

Dennis Hill was looking for a reason to use the Maker Studio's 3D printer.

A retired printer, he'd had an interest in this new technology for several years, but had yet to land on a project worth pursuing. At the same time, he was working on a home project to renovate his three-season porch. In particular, a ceiling fan needed new grommets because they had deteriorated. He'd found grommets at hardware stores that would work, but they were priced too high for his liking.

One day it struck him that he'd found the 3D printing project he was looking for: he would make his own grommets. Still, he wasn't sure the Maker Studio had what he needed, thinking that the plastic material would be too rigid to work well for grommets. But, after talking with and getting instruction from the Maker Studio staff, Dennis found there was a softer, more pliable plastic available.

"The people working in the Maker Studio were always so nice and stepped in to help whenever I needed them," Dennis said. T

he grommets did the trick, too. Dennis says the fan is working great again and he has enjoyed telling others about his 3D printing project.

Thank you to the IPPL Foundation & Friends for donating the 3D printer.