I got the round meter into my first test print, then couldn't get it out without risking damage to the plastic. A more complicated cradle followed. This time the meter just spun round.
Technically, it fit. I wanted the simpler design back.
I've been using Wispr Flow to dictate designs and changes to Codex, then printing them. This particular conversation was about interchangeable meter inserts for my CrowdLox 4L cereal-box filament spool holder. The holder has a removable desiccant tray and inserts for square, round and rectangular meters.
A printed version of the cereal-box spool holder, assembled with its tray and square meter.
These are photographs of my real prints, with AI used to clean up the backgrounds.
The round and rectangular meters both had retaining clips that made removal awkward. Getting a body through a hole was only part of what I needed. After trying the prints, I could explain the change:
I'd rather make something more akin to the first one, but just with slots for the bits that grip to be able to pull in and out.
I also wanted the frames deeper. That simpler slotted frame worked beautifully for the round meter. The rectangle needed another adjustment: one version was too loose; the tighter one held nicely, but there was too much friction when taking it out.
I asked for halfway between the two and moved on to printing the complete round and rectangular inserts. Both held securely and came out comfortably. Those are the sorts of specifications I can now work towards by talking, printing and trying the actual object.
The rectangular-meter version, with the tray visible between the spool supports. The photos show the printed predecessors of the later simplified mount.
There is another change after these prints: I asked to remove the awkward front pedestal because cleaning up its supports was annoying. That mounting revision has been checked digitally, but I haven't printed it yet.
I'd never done CAD modelling before any of this. I could learn it, and still could. Making the models with AI was a natural choice for me because I'm so AI-forward, and the results are more than good enough for the kinds of modelling I'm trying to do.
The Minirig 3 holder is another result I have around me now: an adjustable cradle on my IKEA SKÅDIS board, with a cable channel and real bolts and nuts. It's printed, installed and holding my speaker.
The printed Minirig holder installed on my SKÅDIS board.
I can also change something that already exists. My Gridfinity resistor organiser is a taller, customisable 6U remix of dmc_faLl's CC0 original.
I became a software engineer because I wanted to make things. Roughly three months ago, I didn't even have a 3D printer. Now I have the printer, Wispr Flow and models capable enough to get physical objects made to my specification. I'm not just a vibe coder anymore.
That's what excites me: how much more I can make across software, physical objects, hardware and their crossover with microcontrollers. The conversation can now end with something I can pick up and use. It's crazy. It feels like the future.
Want to talk about something I’ve written or built? Get in touch. This article was adapted with AI assistance from an original article on billiem.uk. The original article was reviewed before publication.