Published: May 27, 2026
Explore the latest 3D printing controversies, dive into high-paying welding career paths, and learn how to turn your weekend DIY projects into a profitable side hustle.
Welcome back to the Den!
Happy Wednesday, TigerDen fam! Whether you are clocking in at the shop, scaling your side hustle, or warming up the 3D printer in your garage, we’ve got a massive mid-week update for you. Today, we’re diving into the drama and tech of the 3D printing world, exploring the high-stakes world of certified welding, and figuring out how to turn your passion into a paycheck.
Let’s get into it!
🔧 Cool New Tools: PETG & The Bambu Lab Controversy
The 3D printing landscape is shifting under our feet this week. If you’ve been looking for the perfect balance between the ease of PLA and the strength of ABS, PETG filament is still the reigning king. New high-speed blends are hitting the market, allowing you to print functional parts—like tool organizers or custom brackets—faster than ever without sacrificing layer adhesion.
However, it’s not all smooth layers in the community. Bambu Lab is currently in the hot seat regarding its relationship with the open-source community. After tensions rose over a fork of OrcaSlicer, the company is standing its ground. For makers, this highlights a vital choice: do you prioritize the "it just works" ecosystem of closed-source tech, or the freedom and community-driven updates of open-source software?
🏗️ Trade Career Spotlight: Mastering the Weld
For those in The Trades path, the May 2026 issue of the AWS Welding Journal is out, and it’s a must-read. If you want to move from "someone who can weld" to a "highly-paid specialist," the Certified Welding Inspector (CWI) path is your golden ticket.
The industry is seeing a massive demand for:
- Pipeliner Welder: High travel, high pay.
- Welder Fabricator: Peak creativity in a shop environment.
- Underwater Welder: For the adrenaline junkies (and those who want the biggest paychecks).
Pro-Tip: Don't let your certifications lapse! The CWI renewal process is simpler than the initial test, but missing your window can set your career back years.
💰 Maker Mogul Corner: Escaping the Rat Race
We often talk about how to build things, but Side Hustle Nation reminds us why we do it: freedom. For the Maker Moguls out there, the biggest hurdle isn't building the product; it's building the business.
One of the most effective ways to monetize your craft in 2026 is moving away from low-margin one-offs and focusing on repeatable digital assets or niche physical goods. Instead of just selling a cutting board, sell the specialized jigs or the plans that help others make them. Focus on high-value "boring" problems that people will pay to have solved.
🛠️ DIY Mastery: Workshop Evolutions
Our DIY Mastery path is buzzing with some incredible project inspiration this week:
- The Ultimate Cutting Board: It’s the classic maker rite of passage. If you’re trying wood-bending with exotic species like Chechen Wood, be warned: it’s stubborn! Use steam longer than you think you need to.
- New Shop Layouts: A major creator is rebuilding their shop from the ground up. This is a great reminder to audit your own space. Is your workflow efficient?
- Steam Bending Tips: When wood refuses to bend (looking at you, Chechen), check your moisture content. Sometimes a "failure" is just a lesson in wood chemistry.
Ready to level up?
Whether you're looking for a career change in The Trades, trying to grow your Maker Mogul empire, or seeking DIY Mastery, we have a path for you.Which path are you taking today? Tell us in the comments!