Tim Brookes
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Articles by Tim Brookes
Resin 3D printing just got safer and easier to deal with
The consumer 3D printer market is dominated by filament deposition modeling (FDM) 3D printers that take spools of filament and turn them into objects by melting and reforming that material. Resin 3D printing works in a similar way, except objects are “grown” from a vat of liquid resin and hardened using light. Add How-To Geek on Google Add as Preferred Source Follow on Google Discover Traditionally, this has been a messy, smelly, and dangerous process. But things might finally be changing.
6 things you should always buy and never 3D print
Most 3D printer owners are probably familiar with the constant desire to design, download, and print anything and everything you can. While this shows an admirable commitment to the hobby, it’s not always the right call. Add How-To Geek on Google Add as Preferred Source Follow on Google Discover Here are some items that you should always shell out for (and a few very specific exemptions). Safety equipment It should come as no surprise that you can technically print a bicycle helmet.
7 handy 3D prints for your car to make this weekend (Nov 13 - 15)
Your 3D printer can enhance all manner of spaces, but the utility isn’t just limited to your home or work. Your car can also benefit from the 3D printing community’s ingenuity, and the prints below prove it. Add How-To Geek on Google Add as Preferred Source Follow on Google Discover Here we’ve focused on mostly one-size-fits-all or customizable prints, rather than vehicle-specific models and replacement parts (of which many more exist).
4 weekend ESP32 projects to help you focus and stop doomscrolling (Nov 13-15)
We live in an attention economy, where everything is pleading for your attention all of the time. This usually means that you spend way too much time on your phone and get distracted by social media feeds. Add How-To Geek on Google Add as Preferred Source Follow on Google Discover These ESP32 weekend builds are designed to combat this problem and keep you focused on the task at hand.
We got projectors that can replace TVs for gaming before GTA VI
Projectors are display devices like TVs and monitors, so you’ve always been able to use them for gaming. But until recently, buying a projector specifically to play games was a no-no. Thankfully, that’s all changing. Add How-To Geek on Google Add as Preferred Source Follow on Google Discover Here’s why you might be playing GTA VI on a 120-inch screen.
This $50 toy is shaking up an entire industry, and I'm hooked
When you think of synthesizers, a $50 USB-C rechargeable slab of plastic isn’t what normally springs to mind. But that’s exactly what has set the internet alight at the tail end of 2026, and it’s having big implications for an established market of music hardware manufacturers. Add How-To Geek on Google Add as Preferred Source Follow on Google Discover Introducing the M-VAVE FM1 The M-VAVE FM1 is a pocket-friendly FM synthesizer that retails for around $50.
Stop pointing Home Assistant automations at single devices and start doing this instead
Are you still designing scripts and automations that target single entities, or listing devices one by one? This might work, but you’re leaving functionality on the table and opening yourself up to more maintenance in the future when you inevitably replace devices or expand your smart home. Add How-To Geek on Google Add as Preferred Source Follow on Google Discover Take aim with better targeting and make your Home Assistant smart home the best it can be.
Why I think twice before buying used Ryobi tools from Facebook Marketplace
Facebook Marketplace is still probably the best place to buy and sell things within walking or driving distance of your home. For me, it’s the best reason to keep my Facebook account alive in 2026, but not everything listed is a bargain or even worth buying. Add How-To Geek on Google Add as Preferred Source Follow on Google Discover Used tools can be money savers, but not every purchase is the bargain it first seems.
This futuristic wearable exoskeleton makes me feel like RoboCop
I’ve had an exoskeleton under my desk for several months now. That’s not a sentence I ever expected to type, but 2026 is weird like that. It was sent to me by a company called Hypershell, and it’s quite the conversation starter. Add How-To Geek on Google Add as Preferred Source Follow on Google Discover Even after owning it for this long, I’m still trying to figure out who this thing is for.
7 weekend 3D printing projects for people who love books and reading (Nov 6 - 8)
Your 3D printer can be used to enhance a whole range of hobbies, reading included. This includes fun ways to display your books, keep track of your progress, or even enjoy reading more comfortably. Add How-To Geek on Google Add as Preferred Source Follow on Google Discover Here are some ideas to get you started. Bookends Credit: dastoole / MakerWorld Bookends do two things: they keep books upright and neat, and they look good while doing it.
6 weekend ESP32 projects for your car and driveway (Nov 6 - 8)
Looking for a good microcontroller project to spend some time on this weekend, or just stashing away some inspiration for a rainy day? Here are some ESP32-powered builds for your car, garage, and driveway. Some are useful, others are just for fun. Add How-To Geek on Google Add as Preferred Source Follow on Google Discover ESP32 speed camera Credit: Valar-Systems / GitHub MiniSpeedCam is an open-source project that will (eventually) be available to purchase from the MiniSpeedCam website.
“Japandi” models are so popular in the 3D printing world for one simple reason
The term “Japandi” is a portmanteau of “Japan” and “Scandi,” and models bearing this label are very well represented in 3D printing model repositories. But this popularity goes beyond aesthetics, since these models are particularly well-suited to this method of manufacturing. Here’s why. Add How-To Geek on Google Add as Preferred Source Follow on Google Discover What is Japandi?
You don’t need another 3D printer—buy these 5 maker tools instead
New 3D printer models keep coming thick and fast. This can lead to a feeling of FOMO that makes you want to upgrade, but your old printer probably has plenty of life left in it. Unless you’re specifically looking to boost your printing capacity, your money is better spent scratching that maker itch with something else.
Home Assistant's 2026.11 update is packed with features and a brand new Marketplace
As Home Assistant users, we’re spoiled by the project’s clockwork release cycle that sees a new major release arrive every month without fail. But not all updates are built equal, and November 2026 brings a very special community effort into the core release.
Using AI to stop your smart TV spying on you can be risky, but this is safer
The trend of “cleaning” your smart TV is growing in response to sluggish software filled with advertisements. But there’s risk involved when using coding assistants to poke around your TV, and the process might not go far enough to combat some of the industry’s dirtier tricks. Add How-To Geek on Google Add as Preferred Source Follow on Google Discover Why “clean” your TV in the first place?
People are 3D printing covers for Flock cameras in response to “indiscriminate mass surveillance"
Flock cameras have been in the news a lot in 2026, for all of the wrong reasons. This recently came to a head when the cameras were described as “indiscriminate mass surveillance” by a federal judge. Add How-To Geek on Google Add as Preferred Source Follow on Google Discover So is it any wonder that people are fighting back with their 3D printers?
Off-grid messaging: How to get started with LoRa and Meshtastic
You don’t need the internet or cellular reception in order to send and receive messages. With LoRa and a protocol like Meshtastic, you can send messages directly between devices even when none of the conventional networks are working properly. Add How-To Geek on Google Add as Preferred Source Follow on Google Discover This is what makes Meshtastic and technologies like it so favorable for off-grid communication.
7 companies that have embraced 3D printing by releasing models for free
Ever wonder why some products are so well represented on 3D printing model repositories? Popularity plays a part, but many get a helping hand from high above with official models and CAD references. Some of these are gimmicks, while others have fostered a vibrant community of model designers.
Your smart home needs spares of this sensor, I found out the hard way
I never move or deploy extra motion, presence, or contact sensors. Until recently, I never found a need to do the same for water leak sensors either. But I’ve a newfound appreciation for having a few spares around the house. Add How-To Geek on Google Add as Preferred Source Follow on Google Discover Water, water, everywhere Few smart home gadgets are anywhere near as good as a water leak sensor when it comes to potential return on investment.
8 weird and wonderful Benchy variations to 3D print this weekend (Oct 30 - Nov 1)
The original Benchy is a relic of the past, a benchmark print that no longer challenges modern printers. But Benchy occupies a special place within 3D printing lore as an unofficial mascot of sorts, an immediately-recognizable model that the community keeps coming back to. Add How-To Geek on Google Add as Preferred Source Follow on Google Discover So here are some delightfully pointless Benchy derivatives you might want to print this weekend.
Why I'm ditching my OLED TV (and what I'm replacing it with)
When I bought my OLED TV in 2020, I expected I would get a full decade or more out of it, just as I had the LCD model it replaced. Now, only six years later, the original LCD is still going strong, but the OLED has one foot in the grave. Add How-To Geek on Google Add as Preferred Source Follow on Google Discover Rather than just buying another, I thought I’d spice things up a bit. My OLED is dying I decided to buy an OLED right at the start of the COVID-19 pandemic.
3 ESP32 wireless audio projects to get stuck into this weekend (Oct 30 - Nov 1)
I’m constantly amazed by the projects I see shared online that make increasingly impressive use of cheap $5 microcontrollers like the ESP32. With built-in Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, plus the ability to interface with additional radio interfaces, the wireless possibilities are seemingly endless. Add How-To Geek on Google Add as Preferred Source Follow on Google Discover Here are some ideas to explore this weekend.
These are the most efficient ways to 3D print multi-colored objects
Multi-color 3D printing lets you combine multiple filaments into a single object in order to create ready-made items that don't require painting. Unless you've invested in a printer that features a tool-changer nozzle, this can be a wasteful and time-consuming process. Here are some tips to min-max waste and printer efficiency. The problem with multi-color 3D printing Most modern 3D printers support multi-color printing in some form.
This $2 model is the most practical thing I 3D printed in October
I’m always on the lookout for ways I can use my 3D printing to make life a little easier, usually for minimal filament cost. I’ve been taking more chances and printing more models recently, but one recent print has proved its worth more than others. Add How-To Geek on Google Add as Preferred Source Follow on Google Discover This stable laptop stand saves space on my desk A few weeks ago, another MacBook showed up on my desk, which is odd since I only use one.
These are the most efficient ways to 3D print multi-colored objects
Multi-color 3D printing lets you combine multiple filaments into a single object in order to create ready-made items that don’t require painting. Unless you’ve invested in a printer that features a tool-changer nozzle, this can be a wasteful and time-consuming process. Add How-To Geek on Google Add as Preferred Source Follow on Google Discover Here are some tips to min-max waste and printer efficiency.
13 things you can connect to your iPhone's USB-C port
Most people only ever plug a charger into the USB-C port on their iPhone, but the interface is compatible with so many more devices. These can help you work or play, circumvent limitations, and get more done when you’re away from a “proper” computer.
4 things I hate about 3D printing
3D printing can be fun, practical, and all-consuming. It can also be incredibly annoying, both to deal with and on a higher level. Here are some things that really irk me about this hobby, and I bet they annoy you too. Add How-To Geek on Google Add as Preferred Source Follow on Google Discover Supports Supports are a necessary evil in 3D printing due to the way that 3D printers build models layer by layer. For supported shapes, like a square, this is easy.
I hate smart home appliances, so I built these Home Assistant automations instead
Overpriced home appliances with lackluster smarts are a pet peeve of mine. I’d never upgrade a perfectly functioning fridge or dishwasher just to get access to half-baked smart features, and I’d choose value or performance over features I don’t need, or that might backfire on me down the line. Add How-To Geek on Google Add as Preferred Source Follow on Google Discover I can say this with confidence because I built my own automations to make “dumb” appliances smart using Home Assistant.
How to clean your DeWALT tools so they look new and last longer
Tools looking grimy from years of neglect? Thinking of selling a driver or sander and want to get top dollar for it? Here’s how to get your tools looking their best, with a proper clean. Add How-To Geek on Google Add as Preferred Source Follow on Google Discover This advice comes straight from DeWALT and applies to both power tools and regular tools.
This is the right way to weatherproof your 3D prints without using sealant or epoxy
Want to 3D print items that live outside? One option is to throw caution to the wind, print with whatever material you like, and seal everything up with an aftercoat. Unfortunately, this requires time and money, and things can still wear with time. Add How-To Geek on Google Add as Preferred Source Follow on Google Discover The better option is to do it right the first time around.
12 open-source tools I use every day on my Mac
Some of the best software in the world is produced entirely by volunteers and released for free. Over the years, I’ve come to rely on many of these tools to stay productive and in control of my Mac. Add How-To Geek on Google Add as Preferred Source Follow on Google Discover Here are some open-source must-haves that I use pretty much every single day. Maccy Of all the apps that make my job easier, Maccy is right at the top of the pile.
6 3D printing projects that make your home feel custom-built
A custom-built home is all about designing elements that feel perfectly adapted to your space and routine. With a 3D printer, you can retroactively apply this concept to the objects inside your home, to great effect. Add How-To Geek on Google Add as Preferred Source Follow on Google Discover Prints that hide and organize messy cables Few things ruin a clean setup quite like a rat’s nest of cables. Speaking from experience, it’s too easy to become desensitized to these wires.
5 power tools I refuse to buy from Ryobi (and what I’d get instead)
For the budget-conscious DIY enjoyer who occasionally needs to cut wood and drill holes, Ryobi tools are perfect. Like any power tool manufacturer, Ryobi isn’t infallible, and there are some tools that I’ve learned to stay away from. Add How-To Geek on Google Add as Preferred Source Follow on Google Discover Here’s what I’ve gleaned from the experiences of others (and one return that I had to make myself).
Gemini is making your Google smart home slower, it’s time to try Home Assistant
Gemini is Google’s big bet on AI that has made its way into the company’s search, mobile, and smart home offerings. The only issue is that Google doesn’t seem to have gotten the memo that new technologies are supposed to improve the user experience, not make it worse. Add How-To Geek on Google Add as Preferred Source Follow on Google Discover Google Home users have suffered enough Google Home Speaker with Gemini in berry color.
4 ESP32 weekend projects that are cheaper than buying ready-made products (Oct 23 - 25)
While many undertake ESP32-based electronics projects for fun, because they find building rewarding, or to learn, saving money is another valid reason to DIY a solution. It could be argued your own time has a price too, but if you find the build enjoyable, then you’re probably not going to mind the time commitment.
These Minecraft models make for perfect 3D printing weekend projects (Oct 23 - 25)
Minecraft_’s blocky, pixelated aesthetic transfers surprisingly well to 3D printing. You don’t need to worry about making models look realistic or be concerned with curves if you’re a Minecraft_ fan who wants to bring Mojang’s intoxicating world to life. I’ve been playing a lot of Minecraft Dungeons 2 lately, so I’ve caught the bug again. Here are some 3D models I’ve got lined up.
6 gloriously useless 3D printing projects that are way more fun than bedroom organizers
Not every 3D printing project needs to be practical. Sometimes you just want to burn through some filament in the interest of having fun. These projects might seem pointless and even verge on wasteful at times, but if they bring a bit of joy to your day, then they’ve done their job. Conduct a Launchy experiment Launchy is a model quite unlike any other.
DIY Zigbee sensors still beat Thread and Matter, but nobody talks about why
Zigbee is still the only mesh network protocol I use in my smart home. Though I know a switch to Matter over Thread is inevitable when I run out of IKEA’s color-changing bulbs, I’m still very much of the opinion that “if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.” That’s why if I were to buy or build a sensor tomorrow, I’d look at using Zigbee before I considered anything else.
These top 3D prints fix your robot vacuum cleaner’s biggest issues
Robot vacuums are supposed to save you time by keeping your house clean, so they shouldn’t require additional work on your part. Thankfully, a 3D printer can help solve some of the most common problems people encounter with robot vacuums. Ramps for navigating your home Credit: Dr.Peter / MakerWorld Robot vacuums have come a long way since the early days, but there are still limits to where they can go.
These top 3D prints fix your robot vacuum cleaner’s biggest issues
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These 3D-printed wall switches made my Home Assistant smart home feel more accessible
Faced with the prospect of having someone house-sit in a few weeks, I suddenly need to make my smart home a little more accessible to guests. Smart switches are something I’ve yet to install, so my smart home still doesn’t function like a dumb home with augmentations. Thankfully, my 3D printer can help. Credit: Tim Brookes / How-To Geek Confession time: I’m really bad at finding smart switches.
6 inexpensive ways a 3D printer can help upgrade your bathroom
Though a bathroom can be elegant and relaxing, it also has to be functional. With the help of your 3D printer, you can create both elegant and functional objects. Material choices matter One thing you should be aware of when printing any objects that are designed to live in humid environments (like a bathroom) is how moisture can affect the print over time. The most common 3D printing filament is PLA, since it’s cheap, relatively non-toxic, and easy to use.
How to add weight to your 3D prints the right way (and why)
3D printing opens up all sorts of possibilities for making a vast range of objects, but there are some glaring limitations as a result of material choice. While CNC machines and metal 3D printers pave the way for weightier industrial prints, the rest of us need to be a bit more inventive when it comes to adding weight to our creations. Why add weight to your prints? Adding weight to a 3D print helps to combat the flimsy nature of objects made from lightweight filament.
These are the 4 most common problems with Ryobi power tools
Ryobi tools strike a balance between cost and competence that weekend warriors love. That said, they’re not without their problems, and it pays to know what you’re getting yourself into before you invest in the ecosystem. The good news is that there’s nothing here that should shock you. Batteries that are past their prime It feels like most of the world runs on lithium-ion batteries today.
Bring your favorite video games to life this weekend with these official 3D printing projects (Oct 17 - 18)
There are all manner of video game-themed models contributed by a community of dedicated fans, but there are also occasions when the studios responsible for those games get in on the action too. Inspired by a recent Factorio release, this week we’ll take a look at some official 3D printing models for popular video games.
Build your own ESP32-powered fall lighting projects this weekend with WLED (Oct 17 - 18)
As the leaves start to turn and the days draw shorter, now is a great time to curl up on the sofa with horror films and hot drinks. But entertainment and liquid sugar can only get you so far; to really relax into fall, you also need the right ambiance. Not only are WLED projects fun to complete and easy for beginners, they’re also cheaper than buying ready-made LEDs and deliver amazing results.
You can now download and 3D print full-sized cars at home
You wouldn’t download a car, 3D print it at home, and then assemble the pieces into a life-size replica… right? That’s the idea behind Print Your Vehicle, a project with lofty ambitions of making life-sized 3D-printed car models a reality. The good news is that the project is completely free, open-source, and some cars are already available. The bad news is that there’s a long way to go yet.
Why you should never pause a 3D print to sprinkle glitter or sand inside (and what to do instead)
Stopping a 3D print midway in order to enclose an item—be it a weight, a magnet, or another printed object—is a neat trick. But you should never do this with glitter, sand, or similar loose items, or you’re risking a nasty surprise. Today we’re going to learn from other people’s mistakes. Why pause a print at all? 3D printers “grow” items from the bottom layer up by depositing layer after layer of filament.
I decided that my smart home should ask me more questions (here's why and how to set it up)
A smart home means different things to different people. Many of us want a home that takes care of itself quietly in the background, while others look at the concept as one that leverages technology to feel more like a helping hand. Having fallen more into the latter category of late, I decided it was time to make my Home Assistant-powered smart home feel a little more proactive.
8 Ryobi tools you didn't know were recalled (and what to do if you own them)
Product recalls are surprisingly easy to miss despite their relative importance. If you’ve added any Ryobi tools to your garage in the last few decades, it’s worth checking that none of them have any outstanding recalls. If they have, you can easily use Ryobi’s website to rectify the problem with a replacement, refund, or repair.
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