The conditions are riper than ever to learn about 3-D printing, especially thanks to a new video training program called Mastering 3D Printing LiveLessons from Addison-Wesley Professional. What's special for our readers is that the instructor, Dave Seff, is a modern-day Goethe-esque geek, a Linux/UNIX engineer who also has mastered topics as varied as computer and mechanical design, machining, electronics and computer programming. Seff has even built several of his own 3-D printers and other CNC machines. In the videos, Seff not only teaches the fundamentals of 3-D printing but also does so utilizing the open-source modeling software, Blender. Seff explores how to create a 3-D model (beginner and advanced lessons), how to slice (prepare for printing) and then how to print a 3-D model. Seff also covers troubleshooting problems when they arise.
