> ## Content Index > Fetch the complete content index at: https://blog.snapmaker.com/llms.txt > Use this file to discover other available public pages before exploring further. # From Wish to Masterpiece: Robert's Journey into 3D Printing with Snapmaker - URL: https://blog.snapmaker.com/blog/from-dream-to-reality-my-snapmaker-maker-journey-2/ - Published: 2025-06-14T06:53:06.000Z - Updated: 2025-06-16T04:40:15.000Z - Author: The Snapmaker Team - Tags: User Stories --- Hi Happy Snapmaker Makers, My name is Robert, 45 years old, and I am a happy Snapmaker maker. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/de/c4/dec4f18f-7220-4328-9e05-f4e130626473/content/images/2025/06/image1-1.jpg) --- My printing story began over 9 years ago, when I was browsing the internet and searching for 3D printers. I came across a lot of different brands and then the **Snapmaker Original** popped up and immediately stood out to me — a small 3-in-1 machine with the looks of an Apple computer. > My first thought was: "This is amazing!" ("I want it"). I really liked the idea of having multiple options in one machine. And as an Apple enthusiast, I was really attracted to the clean and simplistic design. I wanted to have one. One day. As these were the early stages of 3D printing, I wanted to wait just a little longer and see where developments would go. --- Over the following years, I kept reading a lot about **3D printing, CNC, and lasering**. I saw how these devices finally found a way into the homes of hobbyists and other enthusiasts like myself. But because I'm not the type of guy that just buys cool stuff on a whim, I bided my time. In 2019, development truly took off and **Snapmaker received significant financial backing through Kickstarter** to create an even bigger machine. Now I was REALLY interested — but still, I needed a little more patience. Then came **Snapmaker 2.0**, with its larger build volume, enclosure, and rotary module. I watched the reviews closely. It looked great! > But still, it wasn't my time… --- Around 2022, the **Snapmaker Artisan** was launched: an even bigger build volume, new control unit, faster linear rail system — and an even cleaner design. So, this was it. **December 2023**. I decided to give myself the best Christmas present ever. As we Dutchies say: "**De kogel is door de kerk*" (The bullet was through the church.)* I got myself the **Snapmaker Artisan full kit**. The unboxing of my Christmas present was glorious. I was incredibly impressed by the clean, high-quality design of every part — just wow! --- So now the journey really begins with building the machine and printing my first-ever 3D print. At least, that's what I thought...I really thought I had done my homework, but quickly found out there is way more to it. I realised I needed **more than the standard calibrations** that came with the machine to get the quality output I wanted. There are so much variables at play that you need to understand to get it right. It's a steep learning curve and there was no one around to educate me, so I had to do it myself. But I like a good challenge! I found some really useful resources on the [***Teaching Tech 3D Printer Site***](https://teachingtechyt.github.io/). I highly recommend it for any 3D printing newbie — it helps build a better understanding of the whole process. --- After finally setting things up correctly, I started my first real print. It was **fascinating and exciting** to watch it grow on the print bed. Over the next few weeks/months, I printed several small and simple projects. Just trying out different things to get a better feel for it. I printed ….. and …. and… I tested the **laser** and **CNC**. With every little project, my enthusiasm grew. I wanted more. > I was ready for the next phase of my 3D journey. --- ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/de/c4/dec4f18f-7220-4328-9e05-f4e130626473/content/images/2025/06/------1.jpg) **First big functional heated dry box* | **Second big print: Deadpool* --- I joined the **Snapmaker Facebook page** where I connected with some great people, **Barry Rathbone** being one of them. Barry and I started posting some interesting print designs to each other to raise the bar for each other. It became a challenge for me to learn how to do more impressive 3D prints and how to use the slicer in a proper way. After every print we made, we posted it on the Snapmaker Facebook page. Then one day, to my surprise, **Snapmaker reached out to me** and explained that our posts were elevating their Facebook page and helping to grow the community. This was crazy! I had never thought about that. I was just having fun with friends and learning more about 3D printing! --- From this moment on, Snapmaker HQ and I stayed in touch and I feel like we have developed a **warm relationship**. I find Snapmaker is a really accessible company with great customer support and superb service. > In my opinion, this is the way to run a company. --- Right now, I'm two years into my Snapmaker journey. I've made some **crazy prints** already, and I keep learning new things every day. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/de/c4/dec4f18f-7220-4328-9e05-f4e130626473/content/images/2025/06/------2.jpg) **Black Spiderman* | **Mando and Deadpool* **Mando Helmet - First Big Print* | *My all time biggest print IG 12* --- I want to thank all the people from the **Snapmaker Facebook group** for their **patience and support** to me and the rest of our community. Newcomers are treated with respect and never laughed at for the stupid mistakes we all sometimes make in our learning process. A big **thank you to Snapmaker** for this great journey into **3D printing, lasering, and CNC**. I hope the development will take us all to a higher level. > **Last word:** Sharing is caring — and bundling forces together will bring even more wonderful things. --- — Robert Saas