Angus from Maker's Muse shares his experience at Open Sauce 2024, highlighting innovative projects and the vibrant creator community. The event, held at the massive Cow Palace, showcased diverse creations from automated chessboards to advanced 3D printing technologies. Key insights include an inside look at Adam Savage's workshop philosophy and the evolution of combat robots. The experience reinvigorated Angus's passion for content creation, inspiring new directions for his channel focusing on accessible 3D printing tutorials and creative projects.
Cow Palace venue exterior and car park.
[
00:11:30
]
The trip was a 12-13 hour non-stop flight from Sydney directly to San Francisco, a route specifically arranged by the Open Sauce team, bypassing the usual LAX layover.
Angus described the economy class experience as "forced Zen" after about 5-6 hours, accepting the cramped discomfort.
He arrived Thursday night, leaving no time to adjust to jet lag, leading to minimal sleep throughout the weekend.
A unique aspect of Open Sauce is that all creators stay in the same hotel, fostering an unparalleled networking environment.
Angus found immense value in meeting and connecting with creators he had long admired, such as Colin Furze and Tom Scott, which was especially significant given Australia's geographical isolation.
In-person interactions facilitated collaboration, idea sharing, and personal connections not possible online.
Angus had a smooth experience with US Customs, declaring his purpose as attending a "convention" as he wasn't paid for his attendance, avoiding work visa complications.
He noted that other creators encountered issues when disclosing their sponsored flights or paid work, leading to longer questioning.
He brought 3D printed items and lithium-polymer batteries (in carry-on, in a clear plastic bag), which were not an issue.
Creators were invited to Adam Savage's "Tested" workshop, a legendary and highly secret location.
Angus, as a fellow workshop owner, focused on studying Adam's tool organization philosophy: "first-order retrievability."
Adam's workshop, while appearing cluttered, is highly organized by keeping frequently used tools (like pliers, clamps) out in the open and readily accessible, rather than hidden in drawers.
Open Sauce 2024 was held at the Cow Palace in an industrial part of San Francisco.
Described as a "Soviet brutalist" concrete mega-structure, it's a massive building historically used for cattle auctions, concerts, and even ice hockey.
Its remote, industrial location was deemed "perfect" for hosting a large maker event, contrasting with last year's more touristy pier location.
Cow Palace venue exterior and car park.
[
00:11:30
]
A team hacked a Bambu Lab A1 Mini 3D printer to play a word puzzle game (similar to Wordle).
They achieved this by "hijacking" 3MF files, replacing the G-code with their own script to control the printer's movements for gameplay. This demonstrates a method to inject custom G-code into Bambu printers despite their closed-source nature.
A 3D-printed marble track art piece, dubbed "Track Stacker," fascinated Angus with its efficient vertical carousel marble return system, creating a continuous loop of kinetic art.
Another project was an illuminated sand sculpture table (by V1 Engineering), using a CNC gantry to draw patterns in sand with a magnetic ball, similar to a computer-controlled Zen garden.
An illuminated sand sculpture table, utilizing a magnetic ball and CNC gantry to create patterns.
[
00:55:26
]
An open-source version of a commercial handheld CNC router (like the Shaper Origin).
The device provides "compliance," allowing the user to guide it by hand while the tool maintains precise cuts based on a digital model, offering accurate results without a large CNC machine.
Sign for an open-source handheld CNC router project, aiming to replicate the Shaper Origin.
[
00:30:46
]
This highly unique and complex 3D printer, evolved from the Pyron, folds down into a compact unit that fits into a filament box for portability.
The unique, compact Positron 3D printer displayed at the event.
[
00:33:36
]
Developed by the Positron team in collaboration with LDO Motors, it features an upside-down printing mechanism with a right-angled hotend and a transparent, heated glass print bed that is heated by a thin conductive coating.
A close-up of the Positron 3D printer's unique right-angled hotend design.
[
00:35:41
]
Angus praised its intellectual curiosity, innovative solutions (e.g., diagonal belts), and premium components, considering it an "art piece of a 3D printer." He plans to build a kit version for his channel.
HueForge creates full-color images by precisely layering different colored filaments, building up a tactile, textured print.
Examples of vibrant, full-color images created with HueForge 3D printing and the associated software interface.
[
00:36:10
]
The process relies on scientifically calculating the "TP value" (transmissibility) of each filament to achieve accurate color mixing through translucent layers. A new device streamlines this measurement.
Angus was particularly impressed by prints with dark backgrounds and fluorescent colors, and plans to try this technique.
Alex's detailed 3D printed escalator models, including a large motorized version with a conveyor belt for moving ducks, impressed Angus. These are available on Etsy and known for their quality.
MyChronicS is developing a low-cost Selective Laser Sintering (SLS) 3D printer that produces nylon parts without support material, as the powder itself supports the print.
A small, intricate 3D printed maker coin produced by an SLS printer.
[
00:43:28
]
The challenge lies in handling the fine nylon powder (microplastics), requiring proper PPE and ventilation for cleanup.
Their innovative "3D nesting" software uses Unreal Engine physics to efficiently pack parts within the print volume.
The 3D nesting software interface for MyChronicS SLS printer, showing parts packed within the build volume.
[
00:50:24
]
The MyChronicS 3D nesting software dynamically arranging parts for efficient SLS printing.
[
00:50:27
]
Miscellaneous Projects
Giant Keyboard [1:02:16] - A large, stomp-on keyboard made from cardboard with micro switches, designed for cost-effectiveness.
A giant, stomp-on keyboard made from cardboard and micro switches, designed for cost-effectiveness.
[
01:03:32
]
Combat Robots [56:13] - A display of heavy-weight combat robots from BattleBots (e.g., Mad Catter, Malice, Tombstone, Manta), showcasing the evolution of high-voltage, brushless motor systems.
The Manta combat robot, showcasing its large drum spinner and internal components.
[
00:57:48
]
A component of the Mad Catter combat robot, showcasing its robust mechanical design.
[
00:57:50
]
A closer view of the Manta combat robot's powerful brushless motors and weapon system.
[
00:58:25
]
CafeX Robot Arm Coffee Bar [1:16:21] - An automated robot arm that prepares and serves drinks at San Francisco airport.
Dalek Remote-Controlled Chair [1:05:27] - A prop replica of a Dalek's chair that is remote-controlled, highlighting the blend of engineering and prop-making at the event.
A remote-controlled prop replica of Davros's chair (Dalek leader), demonstrating prop-making and engineering.
[
01:05:51
]
Voron Printers [1:06:20] - Showcase of the latest Voron printers, including an IDEX (Independent Dual Extruder) model, which allows for dual-material printing or simultaneous printing of two identical parts.
The Voron IDEX (Independent Dual Extruder) 3D printer, allowing for dual-material or simultaneous part printing.
[
01:06:24
]
Internal wiring and power supply units of a Voron 3D printer.
[
01:06:29
]
The print bed of a Voron IDEX printer, featuring a test print.
[
01:07:42
]
Bowler Studio [1:10:23] - A code-driven modeling workspace for robotics, similar to OpenSCAD but more advanced, used for simulating robot kinematics and movements. Angus is interested in exploring it for future videos.
A banner for Bowler Studio, an open-source, code-driven modeling and simulation workspace for robotics.
[
01:10:27
]
A user interacting with Bowler Studio on a laptop, demonstrating the software's capabilities in designing robotic limbs.
[
01:11:24
]
Other notable projects:
Cocoa Press [0:50:30] - An edible chocolate 3D printer.
"Purge Homophobia & Print with Pride" pins from Cocoa Press and E3D.
[
00:50:43
]
Vertical Takeoff Aircraft Design [1:05:11] - A 3D printed model of a vertical takeoff aircraft.
A 3D printed model of a vertical takeoff aircraft design.
[
01:05:16
]
Ride-on Walking Table [1:09:19] - An over-engineered table capable of walking, powered by numerous motors and batteries.
The complex internal mechanisms and electronics of an over-engineered ride-on walking table.
[
01:09:43
]
Attending the event and participating in panels (e.g., with Michael Reeves, James Bruton) provided a sense of community and renewed motivation despite the draining social interaction for an introvert.
Conversations with peers helped address struggles in content creation and the evolving landscape of platforms.
Angus received various "maker coins" from other creators, noting the increasing sophistication of multicolor 3D printing techniques used for these tokens.
Reflections and Future Content Direction [1:26:08]
Angus shares his renewed perspective on content creation and future plans for Maker's Muse.
The event provided immense inspiration, clarifying a new direction for his channel.
He aims to focus on creating accessible, up-to-date tutorials for newcomers to 3D printing, addressing common issues that are no longer hardware-related (e.g., slicer settings, model preparation).
He wants to emphasize 3D printing as a creative tool rather than just a technology.
Peer pressure from other creators at the event convinced him to start creating YouTube Shorts to reach new audiences, by linking them to longer-form videos.
