A 3D-printed model of my basement, made to help me figure out my shop layout. It was remarkably handy.
Why print it (June 2025)
I'd been making (slow) progress on the basement shop remodel, and in early June 2025 I was edging closer to when I'd have to move things into their new space. I tried modeling and working with the layout virtually, but I find that kind of annoying. I've done it before by cutting out paper outlines, and that works really well for me: very quick to produce, tactile, visceral. But this time I already had all the models, so I figured, why not print them out?
The biggest thing to place is the Bridgeport mill, a 2J Series 1 from around 1976. It weighs about a ton, and it was fun to get it into the basement. It shouldn't be too bad to move from one room to the other, but we'll see.
Moving things (June 2025)
A week later it was on to the actual moving. The printed model, with its little labeled machines and furniture, has turned out to be a really useful way to visualize arrangements.
