Here are some tools I find useful.
3D Printing:
- Monoprice MP Select Mini 3D Printer V2. Here are links to it at Amazon and at Monoprice. When I purchased my printer, Monoprice was offering the better deal, so check both. Monoprice has a new version with auto bed-leveling: Monoprice MP Select Mini Pro 3D Printer.
- Digital Calipers: I remember as a grad student thinking that one day I might own such a wonderful instrument of precision. They are actually surprisingly affordable at <$20. If you want to translate between the digital world and the real one, it helps to know actual dimensions. I use them on every CAD design.
Monoprice Select Mini3D V2
Digital Calipers
Computing:
- Processing: You don’t really need to buy the textbook — you can learn it all online. I was learning Processing on long flights without good access to the Internet, so a book format worked for me. I initially checked the text out of the library. Then I renewed it as long as I could. When they finally wrested it out of my hands, I broke down and purchased a copy. I bought the newer edition, only to realize it was missing some of the materials from the first edition. So I bought a first edition, too. It’s the only book that I own in two editions. Used copies are very affordable at <$10.
Processing: First Edition
Processing: Second Edition
Cross Stitch:
- Fiskars Micro-Tip Scissors: OK any scissors will do, but these are really nice and <$7. On airplanes, I use nail clippers. There are TSA-approved scissors, but they are only good within the US. Coming back from Taiwan, I had my TSA-approved scissors confiscated because Taiwan does not allow any scissors on board. I was impressed that the Taiwanese security found them, as they are really teeny. I didn’t really mind to lose them – I had backup clippers for the flight.
- Donna Kooler’s 999 Fabulous Cross-Stitch Patterns: This collection of “over 999 patterns” was published circa 1999. It is great for cartoonish designs without a lot of detailed shading, which I tend to prefer. The designs are whimsical without being too cutesy. The book is spiral bound, so the pages lie flat. There are always a bunch of used copies available on Amazon for <$10.
- Better Homes and Gardens 2001 Cross Stitch Designs: This collection was also published in 1999. Its designs can be a bit more detailed than Kooler’s, but they are still relatively simplistic and stylized. It has a great collection of flowers, which have stitched up nicely. Used copies are always available on Amazon. The sticker on the front of the book says that it was once on sale for $0.79. I think I paid a bit more, but definitely <$10.
Fiskars
Donna Kooler’s Cross Stitch
Better Homes and Gardens Cross Stitch
Amazon Affiliate:
At this point I am not an Amazon affiliate. I do not receive any compensation from Amazon (or anyone else) for my recommendations. I created this list of resources because I find other people’s recommendations helpful. I do plan to register with Amazon in the near future. Not because I think I will make any significant money, but because I’d like to see what is of interest to others.