A Beginner’s Guide to Owning a 3D Printer in Urban England

Posted on by Mark Myers Leave a comment

 

3D printers are quickly becoming as common in our homes as any other domestic appliance, at least, that’s how it feels these days. I’ve had one for about a year now and use it about as often as I use a jigsaw or a carpet cleaner.
If you’re just starting out on your 3D printing journey (or deciding if you even want to), here are some practical, real-world tips, especially for those living in England’s urban areas.

1) Treat It Like a Domestic Appliance

Yes, you can take 3D printing up as a hobby, tweaking every setting, experimenting with exotic filaments, and chasing the cutting edge. But don’t stress if your printer isn’t revolutionising your life immediately. For many people,
it’s simply another tool in the home. Use it for everyday tasks, quick fixes, or other hobbies. You don’t have to turn it into your entire world.

2) If It’s Broken, It’s Probably You

Failed print? Weird warping or stringing? Nine times out of ten, the culprit is user error. Maybe you forgot to clean the print bed, left greasy fingerprints all over it, or fiddled with software settings that you didn’t fully understand.
3D printers are more reliable than we give them credit for, most problems trace back to how we set them up or maintain them.

3) Essential Accessories (Don’t Go Overboard)

It’s tempting to buy every accessory under the sun. If you want just the essentials, however, here’s a short list:

A paving stone: Putting your printer on a paving stone helps reduce vibrations and keeps it stable. It’s cheap, nearly indestructible, and incredibly effective.

Isopropyl alcohol (IPA) in a spray bottle: Ideal for cleaning your print bed and other parts of the printer. Buy it in bulk and decant it into a smaller spray bottle for daily use poarticually for cleaning the filament bed.

Callipers: Handy for measuring the thickness of parts or filament and checking dimensions of areas you want your print jobs to fit into.

A decent steel ruler: Because bad measurements are the murder of all fun.

Other add-ons depend on your environment. If you have a cupboard or closed space for your printer, you might not need a filament dryer. i just store my part-used filament above the printer and that keeps it dry enough in England

4) Noise Is a Factor

3D printers can be loud, and long print jobs sometimes run overnight. If you’re in an urban setting with close neighbours, or if you work from home and worry about background noise on calls, consider placing your printer in a cupboard or enclosed space.
A simple trick is to hang towels in front of the cupboard door to help dampen the sound. Fancier enclosures are nice, but towels are cheaper and surprisingly effective.

5) Don’t Overcomplicate Filaments

For FDM or filament printing, which is the most common kind you will see, just find a reliable filament brand (for instance, eSun PLA+), pick a couple of colours you like (black and white often cover most household needs), and stick with them.
You can certainly go wild with speciality filaments, but for daily, practical prints, you don’t need an entire rainbow or a dozen exotic materials.

6) Resin Printing? Probably Not

If you’re in a small urban space (particularly with kids or pets), resin printing is likely off the table, much as they are awesome for highly detailed printing for things like models. Resin is toxic, the fumes are unpleasant, and disposing of resin waste responsibly can be a nightmare.
Unless you have a dedicated, well-ventilated workshop or shed (far from common in many city flats and terrace houses), an FDM printer is your safest bet.

7) Ignore the “Arms Race”

The 3D printing market is full of new “game-changing” models every other month. Don’t get caught in the hype. Choose a printer that’s well-supported, does what you need, and fits your budget. Treat it like buying a car: you want reliability, availability of spare parts, and basic features that meet your needs.
Also, 3D printers are great for helping out friends who don’t have one. Filament is relatively cheap, and you can ask them to buy you a spool if you end up printing a lot for them.

8) Be Realistic About Recycling

PLA and other common 3D filaments are technically recyclable, but don’t put it with your other recycling plastic, as the centres can’t tell them apart.
You’ll likely end up with a bin of wasted prints and supports. If you truly want to recycle, you may have to pay a specialist service. Be aware that “biodegradable” doesn’t mean it vanishes in weeks or months—it can take years. I use a propper dedicated recycling company and fill up a box which i have to have paid to be taken away (3dprintingwaste.co.uk)

9) Beware of Supports

Supports can help print more complex designs, but they waste filament, increase print time, and can be frustrating to remove cleanly. Wherever possible, seek out support-free designs or modify models to minimise the need for them. Your printer will thank you, and so will your recycling bin.

10) Finishing Touches (Without Overdoing It)

Super Glue: Works brilliantly for bonding PLA prints. The resulting join is often stronger than the original piece.
Sanding: Go easy, sanding creates microplastics. A good filler primer (e.g., Genolite Original Primer) can smooth out surfaces if you care about the final finish.
Painting: If you’re painting, a basic primer plus acrylic paints do the job nicely. Again, keep an eye on fumes and ventilation.

11) Choosing a Brand

Plenty of manufacturers want you to treat your 3D printer like a vacuum cleaner: buy replacement parts at their schedule and pay a premium for “official” bits. If that puts you off, consider something more open-source friendly like Prusa.
They’re pricier and not as “plug-and-play” polished, but you’ll have more freedom to upgrade and maintain your printer without feeling like the company is constantly trying to sell you more parts.
In the end, the brand you pick should be one that you trust to give you decent support (whether official or community-based), reasonable spare-part availability, and a long service life. If you don’t mind the consumerist approach, pick whatever brand suits your budget and tolerance for maintenance.

Final Thoughts

3D printing has grown beyond the realm of hardcore hobbyists tinkering in their sheds. It’s now a practical, everyday tool, especially for quick home fixes or small, personalised projects for those in an urban environment.
You do have to think about noise, ventilation, and space more than someone in a big house with a sprawling workshop. But once you have those sorted, a 3D printer can be a wonderful addition to your home.
Just remember: keep it clean, keep it stable (hello, paving stone!), buy good filament, and don’t worry if you’re not pushing the cutting edge of 3D printing technology. Sometimes, a simple printer that “just works” is all you need.

Corporate term: “PowerPoint Overhead”

Posted on by Mark Myers Leave a comment

Definition:

PowerPoint Overhead refers to the time and effort spent transforming actual work or progress into PowerPoint presentations.

Explanation:

Often colleagues or stakeholders only appreciate information in the form of PowerPoint slides and then only in the summary form, and even worse, they may not fully review or value them.

This phrase is a somewhat cynical acknowledgment of the “lost” productivity in creating visually appealing slides rather than focusing on substantive tasks themselves. This phenomenon can be measured by tracking how many hours are devoted to drafting, reviewing, and polishing slides that, in many cases, receive minimal attention or appreciation.

Disclaimer: As always these posts are not aimed at anyone client or employer and are just my personal observations over a lifetime of dealing with both management and frontline associates.

 

The Starving Project Manager

Posted on by Mark Myers Leave a comment

Have you ever witnessed a moment where a team spends ages perfecting a deliverable, pouring their heart and soul into it, only to present it to a project manager or senior leader who responds with a perfunctory “Great, now next I want you to…”

I’ve seen this from both sides throughout my career, but on a previous client I watched the entire scenario unfold in real time, and recently it clicked in a new way.

When this happens, the team is often stunned at how quickly their hard work is glossed over.

The project manager, from the team’s vantage point, seems impatient, never satisfied, and always hungry for more.

I like to call this situation “Starving Project Manager syndrome.” Here’s why it happens:

Remote Progress is Invisible

In a remote or distributed work setting, project managers might not witness the day-to-day grind. They see tasks stuck in limbo and get harassed by senior stakeholders for updates. From their perspective, progress looks stagnant.

Mounting Pressure

Because nothing outwardly changes for days or weeks, the manager faces constant pressure. Stakeholders demand progress and question why tasks are still open. This increases the project manager’s anxiety and eagerness to “move the needle.”

Ravenous for Results

When the deliverable finally arrives, the project manager is “starving.” It’s as if they’ve been waiting hours at a restaurant, unaware of the intricacy of the chef’s (the team’s) cooking process. The moment that “meal” arrives, they devour it and immediately want more.

The solution lies in finding balance in communication:

Project managers should make a conscious effort to acknowledge the work done even if they don’t know the details of how it is achieved, celebrate wins, even small ones, and communicate the value of what the team has delivered.

Teams might consider providing more frequent progress updates so the project manager (and stakeholders) can see and appreciate the ongoing effort, rather than waiting until the very end.

When both sides understand each other’s perspectives, it becomes easier to manage expectations, celebrate milestones, and maintain morale.

After all, a well-fed, well-informed project manager is less likely to be impatient or “starving” for the next big deliverable, and a recognised, appreciated team is more motivated to deliver quality work.

Final Thoughts

The “Starving Project Manager” phenomenon highlights the importance of communication and empathy in collaborative work.

While it’s natural for a project manager to push for results, it’s equally vital to acknowledge and celebrate the achievements of the team. By doing so, we foster a healthier work environment, one where everyone feels seen, heard, and valued.

Contracting vs. Permanent Employment

Posted on by Mark Myers Leave a comment

 

I’ve spent most of my career working as a contractor. Early on, I moved into contracting after my second job because it offered the skill growth opportunities I wanted.
Since then, I’ve accumulated around 25 years of experience as a contractor, consultant, and vendor. During that time, I only spent two years in a permanent position, and even that was something I did reluctantly.

From my perspective, whether to go permanent or remain a contractor depends entirely on what you want out of your job and your life. Below, I’ll walk through the pros and cons I’ve encountered, in the hope that it helps you make the right decision for yourself.

Why Contracting Can Be Rewarding

Varied Experience
As a contractor or consultant, you often get to work with different companies, cultures, and technologies. This variety accelerates your growth and widens your skill set far more quickly than many permanent roles.

Higher Immediate Earning Potential
Contractors are typically paid more on a day-to-day basis because they forgo benefits such as holiday pay, pension contributions, and company perks. If you’re comfortable managing your own benefits like pension plans and health coverage, contracting can be financially rewarding.

Autonomy
Contractors can usually say “no” more easily. Well, that is not exactly right; everybody can say no, but the ramifications are not normally as extreme for a contractor. You’re not as tied to a single job, and if a project or client doesn’t fit your style, you have the option to move on even at the risk of your reputation.
You also escape the often rigid performance reviews that can happen in permanent roles.

Direct Recognition
In many permanent positions, outstanding work can be overshadowed by bureaucratic performance review processes, like forced ranking and “bell curves.”, this is particularly true for people that do consistently good work year on year.
As a contractor, your performance is judged more on individual tangible results: if you do well, you keep the contract (or earn more); if not, you’re replaced.

Why Permanent Roles Still Appeal

Stability and Security
While contractors may earn more up front, permanent employees usually have stronger legal and social protections, along with a built-in support system for pensions, benefits, and paid holidays.

Goodwill and Longevity
As a permanent employee, you build a reservoir of goodwill within an organization. If you eventually slow down or need flexibility, it’s often easier to negotiate within a

long-term employment relationship.
As a contractor, if you’re not “up to date” or performing at the required level, you can be let go much more quickly, and a client is right to do this after all. “Angels have no memories.”

Reduced Administrative Burden
Pension plans, paid time off, training, and other HR-managed benefits are typically handled for you. If managing the “business side” of your career, taxes, insurance, finding new gigs, doesn’t appeal to you, a permanent role can be much more comfortable.

Camaraderie and Team Culture
Some people thrive in a stable team environment and enjoy growing with colleagues over time. While you can build meaningful friendships as a contractor, permanents often participate more fully in corporate culture and team-building activities.

Making the Right Choice for You

Ultimately, there’s no universal “better” path, only the path that aligns with your goals, preferences, and circumstances. If someone tells you one is unequivocally better, it could mean it’s better for them (or for their organization) rather than for you.

If you value autonomy, variety, and immediate recognition for your work, and if you’re comfortable handling your own finances and benefits, contracting might be a perfect fit.

If you prefer stability, comprehensive benefits, and a long-term growth path (hopefully) within a single organization , a permanent role might suit you better.

Before you decide, take the time to:

Reflect on your career goals: Do you want variety and frequent changes of scenery, or do you want to focus on growth within a single organization?

Evaluate Your Financial Habits: Can you responsibly manage your own benefits, or do you prefer a structure where that’s taken care of for you?

Consider Your Lifestyle Needs: How important is predictability versus flexibility?

Talk to Those Close to You: Personal circumstances and family considerations can heavily influence which path is more sensible.

No one else can make this decision for you. By weighing the trade-offs honestly and thinking about what matters most to you, you’ll be more likely to choose a path that leads to satisfaction and success, whether that means going permanent or being a contractor.

Deadline via Meeting: A Sneaky Management Tactic

Posted on by Mark Myers Leave a comment

 

Have you ever had a manager or customer request something on an impossible timeline, then try to make it official by scheduling a meeting to “go through your solution”? It’s a newer variation on an old management trick, made even more prevalent now that so many of our meetings are virtual.

Here’s how it typically goes: they say, “I need this done by X date.” You push back, explaining you’re fully committed or simply can’t meet that deadline. In response, they book a meeting with the client (or other stakeholders) on that exact date, framing it as a status update or progress report. This sets the stage for them to publicly ask, “So, have you completed the work?”

Why They Do It

By scheduling the meeting, they’re applying social pressure. They know that if you miss the deadline, it’ll be embarrassing, especially with an audience. It’s an implicit “shame threat” designed to force compliance.

The Best Way to Respond

In my experience, the best countermeasure is to be completely straightforward, even coldly formal. When they first propose the meeting, immediately reply with something like,

“Yes, I accept the invite, but as stated, I won’t have the work completed by that time due to other commitments.” Put it in writing. That way, if they still follow through with the meeting and call on you in front of everyone, you can calmly respond with,

“No, I don’t have the work done yet, just as I explained in our prior conversation and in my email. I had other priorities that couldn’t be shifted.”
If they try to shift blame or push the issue, stand firm. Offer to include the other stakeholders or teams you’re already committed to, so it’s clear where your time and energy have been allocated. The point is to make sure there’s a record of your prior warning and to be prepared to defend your work.

Having Thick Skin

Let’s be honest, this can feel uncomfortable. No one likes to be confronted or called out publicly. But often, you just have to endure that discomfort once with each manager who tries this tactic. Once they see you’re not afraid to stand your ground, they usually don’t try it again.

Wrapping Up

Deadlines are a reality of work, but forcing them through “shame meetings” is both unprofessional and disrespectful. If you find yourself in that situation, don’t back down.

Communicate your constraints, hold your ground, and let them know you won’t be pressured into an impossible timeline. It might be awkward in the moment, but in the long run, it establishes a working boundary.