About

Troy Vinson (TinkerTroy)

Maker, Tech Pro, & Occasional Mad Scientist

Most people see a 3D printer as a tool or a toy. To me, it’s the ultimate expression of a lifelong “tinkerer” syndrome.

I’ve spent my life taking things apart just to see if I could put them back together (usually with fewer “extra” screws left over). Over the years, I’ve jumped from hobby to hobby, mastering the “shiny object” of the month. But when I bought my first inexpensive, painfully manual 3D printer, something finally stuck.

I didn’t just want to print things; I wanted to understand the how and the why.

From Dungeons to Droids

My first real “win” was a castle dice tower. I didn’t just print it; I remixed the STL files, tweaked the design, and realized that 3D printing wasn’t just about hitting a “Go” button—it was about design, precision, and a bit of trial and error.

What you’ll find in my workshop:

  • FDM Dominance: While I have resin printers, I prefer the versatility and “cleaner” nature of FDM. It’s better for the home, better for the lungs, and the material options are endless.
  • The Specialty: I specialize in things that bring a bit of joy or utility—household decor, intricate toys, articulated dragons (the gateway drug of 3D printing), and a healthy amount of Star Wars fanboy stuff. I’m also learning about cosplay design and painting, so stay tuned!
  • Custom Design: I’ve moved beyond just downloading files. I love the challenge of 3D design—taking an idea from my head and turning it into a physical object you can hold.

Faith, Family, & Filament

When I’m not neck-deep in a technical challenge or troubleshooting a bed-leveling issue, I’m a husband of 33 years and a father to two adult sons.

My faith is the cornerstone of who I am. I’m very active in my church, and I truly believe that being a “Maker” is a small way of reflecting the image of the Creator. Whether it’s printing fidget spinners and sliding puzzles for VBS, custom decorations for the fellowship areas or a gift for someone who needs a little extra something, I love using this hobby to serve my community.

Why the Website?

Honestly? I went to my first craft fair and people kept asking for my URL so they could show my work to their friends. Since my professional background is in the technical space, I figured I should probably have a “digital home” for my portfolio that looks better than a pile of half-finished prints on my desk. While not everything on this website is my personal design, I do have several commercial licenses for models where applicable.

Whether you’re here to browse my portfolio, look for a custom gift, or just see what a technical professional does when he has too much caffeine and a spool of PLA, I’m glad you’re here.

My Maker’s Manifesto (My Values)

When you ask me to create something, you’re not just getting a 3D print. You’re getting the result of a professional technical background applied to a creative passion. Here is what I stand by:

  • Precision Over “Good Enough”: In my professional life, “close” doesn’t cut it. I apply that same technical rigor to my prints. If a print has a layer shift or a structural flaw, it goes in the scrap bin—not in your hands.
  • The “Tinker” Standard: I don’t just hit print and walk away. I obsess over the calibration, the filament quality, and the post-processing. If it’s not something I’d proudly display in my own home (or my wife’s office), I won’t send it to yours.
  • Integrity in the Craft: My faith guides how I do business. I believe in being upfront about what 3D printing can (and can’t) do. If a project isn’t a good fit for 3D printing, I’ll tell you—even if it means losing a project.
  • Designed for a Purpose: Whether it’s a Star Wars collectible for a shelf or a functional sliding puzzle for VBS, I design and print with the end user in mind. Items should be durable, tactile, and—most importantly—fun.
  • Embracing the Difficult: I don’t shy away from complex geometries or multi-part assemblies. If you have an idea that seems “too hard” for a standard printer, those are exactly the projects that get me excited to head into the lab.

“I don’t tackle ‘easy’ projects. If it isn’t a challenge, it probably isn’t worth the filament.”