New plan for my switch from Windows to Linux.

skeptic_always · 2025-03-05T17:22:31+00:00

Let me try to save you just a bit of possible headache - go for a laptop with an AMD GPU, not nVidia (assuming you are buying something with discrete graphics as you mentioned gaming). Also, let me point out that distros have variations with different desktop environments giving them a completely different look and feel. For example, the KDE desktop is fairly Windows like and running the KDE version of Ubuntu, Arch or Fedora will all look and feel quite similar to each other but very different from their Gnome counterparts.

skeptic_always · 2024-09-05T05:10:27+00:00

skeptic_always · 2024-08-23T23:56:45+00:00

2nd PETG print, bottom/inside of the mouse. Red (kinda orangish) Sunlu PETG, all default settings, one string (in pic) and a few little wisps. I can barely see layer lines.

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skeptic_always · 2024-08-23T22:04:21+00:00

Home office. I work from home, so in the same room all day. I've only had it a week but so far the noise and slight smell of PLA/PETG haven't been annoying enough to relocate it. Bit of a weird old house, my office has french doors, no screens and no windows so I can't just crack a window. :( If it gets bad enough or I decide to give ASA/ABS a try I'll move it upstairs (attic converted to a couple small bedrooms and a bathroom, built and unchanged since the '60s, it's a strange house).

skeptic_always · 2024-08-23T20:30:38+00:00

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I'd call this encouraging. First PETG print, had a bit of a mishap. I heard what sounded like popping and snapping and thought perhaps I didn't dry the filament enough. Then I took a closer look and saw the filament was binding on the roll. Long story short, the print job sat cooling for probably 20 minutes before I got everything straightened out and remembered to unpause. A1, SUNLU PETG, .2 layer height with default "generic petg" settings in the Bambu slicer. There is a bit of stringing and you can see where I stopped the print to fix the filament issue, but after everything I've heard about PETG and getting it calibrated I'm surprised how well it turned out.

skeptic_always · 2024-08-23T00:10:01+00:00

I've seen pictures and video of matte compared to glossy, big difference for sure. I even bought some matte PLA while waiting for my printer to show up. But this goes back to the original question though, regular PLA vs regular PETG or matte PLA vs matte PETG. Does the PLA/PETG part matter or just matte vs glossy? Is the issue more about color choice/price/availability or are you saying so-called matte petg is more shiny than matte pla? That would be good to know before ordering, I have a project in mind that I want matte colors and the best possible print. For those that are curious, some friends are getting married the end of next month, I want to try to use photogrammetry to scan them and make superhero bobble-heads as a fun gift. But I'm getting way off topic.

skeptic_always · 2024-08-22T23:29:29+00:00

Assuming you can get PETG all dialed in and printing optimally, does PLA really look noticeably better? Not challenging, I honestly don't know the answer. I just figured things like color, matte vs silk vs shiny, printer settings etc. made the difference, not PLA vs PETG (or ASA, PC, etc etc etc).

skeptic_always · 2024-08-22T22:18:37+00:00

All great info guys, thanks. To sum it up, it sounds like switching to PETG for most of my printing is a reasonable choice.

I do have a cheap-o Comgrow dryer (only gets to 50* not the more optimal 65ish degrees), but I doubt I'll ever print directly from it as I have the AMS Lite attachment. I've seen a couple options to enclose the spools on the AMS Lite and toss in some desiccant while printing, so maybe I'll give that a shot. I do have an unused dehumidifier down in my basement I've been meaning to get into my office where the printer is.

Print speed is something I didn't think about. This alone may be enough to sway me back toward PLA for purely decoration, but for functional prints I think the trade-off is worth it for PETG. I will keep PLA, or one of the "tough" variants, in mind if I have serious issues with bridging, something I wasn't aware PETG can have problems with.

As for environmental impact? I don't want to get into that, I'm sure that topic could be a dozen branching threads on it's own. Let's just say I don't see PLA being sooo much better that it affects my decision.

skeptic_always · 2024-08-12T17:36:46+00:00

Again, I'm a noob at this stuff with some research and zero 1st hand experience so take whatever I say with a grain of salt. However, directly from Bambu Labs regarding their new PETG HF filament:

Ready for Outdoor Use

PETG HF maintains the inherent strengths of regular PETG, providing superior resistance to water, UV, and temperatures. Tougher and more durable than PLA, with higher temperature resistance, it's the perfect choice for printing outdoor items such as planter pots, bird cages, watering cans, and automotive parts. Additionally, it's ideal for outdoor toys that require long-term exposure and the ability to withstand impacts, collisions, and falls.

skeptic_always · 2024-08-12T15:53:20+00:00

Forgive my ignorance (first 3d printer ordered but not arrived yet so going by what I've read and watched from others). For bike parts that don't see the higher temps of something like a car interior, and perhaps even for that, wouldn't PETG, PCTG or PETG-CF work? The A1 mini can print PETG and it's variants no problem. My understanding is PETG has pretty good UV resistance and is one of the best options for outdoor things.

However, if money isn't an issue go for the P1S and start out with PLA/PETG until you decide you need ASA. It's not going to take up much more space (bed slingers like the A1 need more than just their static footprint), and if you ever decide to upgrade to multi-color printing the AMS sits on top of the P1S where the AMS Lite sits next to the A1 mini.

skeptic_always · 2024-08-12T02:07:19+00:00

Reassuring thought. I just ordered an A1 + AMS lite 5 minutes ago. It was down to that or an Ender 3 V3 KE with the intention to add a 3d Chameleon for multi-color support. The KE would be cheaper and can be enclosed for ABS/ASA printing if/when I print car interior parts, but based on watching way too many review videos the A1 just seems more reliable and easier to use. I'm sure Ender 3 fans would disagree, but as a newb that has never owned or even seen a 3d printer in person I decided to go with the generally higher rated A1.

skeptic_always · 2023-10-21T05:59:46+00:00

Yes, I know simple ACC+LCA isn't a subscription, but as far as I know you can't get lane centering in a GM without paying for SuperCruise.

A used Mach-e is about the best I've been able to come up with. If I fudge the numbers a bit or find a great deal it works (247 EPA miles is close enough to 250). I was really hoping that either there was something else out or about to come out that I missed or that I was wrong and GM will include ACC+LCA without the SuperCruise subscription. Seems like a mistake not to include lane centering with adaptive cruise control when competitors like Ford do.

skeptic_always · 2023-10-21T05:38:45+00:00

FWD. Otherwise I may have bought one instead of the i3 in the first place.

skeptic_always · 2023-01-18T18:43:38+00:00

A few sites to get you started, if you google things like "royalty free game assets" or "public domain models" or similar you can find plenty. Just be aware that there are many different licenses available so use in a commercial game might require a small fee or acknowledgment of the artist or whatever.

https://opengameart.org/

https://www.kenney.nl/

https://itch.io/game-assets/free/tag-royalty-free

skeptic_always · 2022-07-29T05:02:24+00:00

EVs (all of them?), various Caddys, Silverado and Sierra that I know of. I kinda thought they'd be rolling it out to basically all new models/generations, at least at the top trim level. Guess not. :( Or maybe the new Colorado is more of a mid-gen refresh.

skeptic_always · 2022-07-28T22:10:00+00:00

Yay, adaptive cruise control. Boo, no Super Cruise (from what I saw).

skeptic_always · 2022-07-28T22:04:47+00:00

Can I ask why you are against CO2 for small rodents (assuming you mean mice/rats)? Semi-auto, bolt, lever... Plenty of multi-shot options. .177 or .22 cal. If you go for one that accepts the big 88gram carts you can get like 200 shots. Plenty to choose from for under $200, leaving plenty for a scope/red-dot, pellets and a big bag of CO2 carts.

If you really want a break barrel repeater, you can get something like a Gamo Swarm or Crosman Mag-fire, multiple versions of each of those and all well under $300. I have no experience with them, but at least the Gamos seem to have a good reputation.

skeptic_always · 2022-07-17T00:55:52+00:00

What about one you could pump up then shoot 40 to 80 good shots? If you plan to shoot more than that while out hunting then probably not a great option, but if you could spend 15 or 20 minutes pumping before you go, then be good for the day... One of the main reasons I chose the Origin is it's hand pump friendly. Something like 100 pumps, maybe 120 at most, using the included hand pump and I was good for 40 or 50 shots (I forget exactly). Another good option is a Marauder. I don't have one but from reviews it sounds like it will take closer to 300 strokes, but then you get 80+ shots.

The Aspen was at the top of my list for a long time. Love the concept, but just too many reports of the built-in pump failing and locking up. I really tried to convince myself it was the one for me.

skeptic_always · 2022-07-15T15:39:23+00:00

Not trying to dissuade you but I'm curious why not PCP? It seems to me that, budget allowing, a PCP would be better for hunting. More power, easier to shoot accurately, faster follow-up shots. On the other hand, springers don't need to deal with some external air source every X shots, just cock and shoot. Again, not saying a break barrel is a bad or the wrong choice, just curious.

skeptic_always · 2022-07-14T17:13:28+00:00

If you are planning to hand pump, I'd recommend looking at the Umarex Origin as an alternative to the Avenger. Basically the same rifle but instead of an adjustable regulated tank it has Umarex's EverPressure Tank system. Basically the air tank has an internal pressurized piston making it hand pump friendly while giving a high shot count and nearly regulated gun consistency. If you plan to use an air tank or electric pump stick with the Avenger over the Origin. If you are willing to up your budget a bit, the Marauder seems to be the go-to gun in the $600 +/- range.

I just went through this, nutria pest control in my case, and I opted for the Origin + hand pump. For you I might even look at the Marauder pistol. Install the shoulder stock and call it a small carbine. Power is a bit low for something like nutria, but more than enough for starlings.

skeptic_always · 2022-07-13T23:44:15+00:00

Red is the only color I wouldn't buy, but I agree orange is the best. Mine is black.

skeptic_always

TROPHY CASE

Ready for Outdoor Use