Ep. 79: Michael Laws of Teaching Tech on Closing a Chapter After 8 Years of Maker Education

In this episode, we are joined by Michael Laws of Teaching Tech. Brought to you by Sovol. Get $10-20 OFF on Sovol 3D Printers: https://jle.vi/sovol (use code NEXTLAYER)

Michael Laws, the creator behind Teaching Tech, returns to The Infill Podcast for a powerful and reflective conversation about his decision to step away from full-time YouTube after 8 years and return to being a full-time school teacher.

As a former Industrial Designer and experienced STEM educator, Michael built Teaching Tech into one of the most trusted resources in the 3D printing and maker community. From detailed 3D printer calibration guides and slicer tuning tutorials, to upgrades, firmware configuration, linear advance calibration, flow rate tuning, and troubleshooting common print failures — his work has helped thousands of makers improve their print quality and understand the “why” behind their machines.

📺 Check out Michael’s final video on the Teaching Tech channel where he reflects on his journey, the growth of the 3D printing industry, and the incredible global community that supported him along the way: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rr8woTpD-uk

In this episode of The Infill Podcast, we go deeper — into identity, transition, and what it means to step away at the top of your game.

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🎥 IN THIS EPISODE: 🎥

00:00 Introduction

01:11 SV08 Tool Changer Status

01:51 Reliability And Motivation

05:35 Community Builds And Troubleshooting

08:30 Back To Teaching Announcement

09:13 YouTube Burnout And Pressure

14:08 Racing Channel Roadblocks

18:33 Teaching Life And Audience Q&A

20:45 Calibration Page And Courses

28:02 Onshape And Purge Waste Debate

30:35 Labor Versus Landfill

31:57 Reality Check Shredder

33:30 Hobby Ethics Motivation

34:45 Tools That Save Time

36:00 Skipping Dehydration

36:39 Shredder Heat Problems

38:04 Cooling Fixes Physics

40:55 Sponsorship Ethics Trust

42:52 Review Policy Protection

50:11 AI Tools Versus Slop

54:00 Proving Real Footage

57:56 Farewell Keep In Touch

🔗 CONNECT WITH MICHAEL: 🔗

👉 Support Michael: https://www.patreon.com/teachingtech

👉 Subscribe to Teaching Tech: https://www.youtube.com/teachingtech

👉 Teaching Tech's website: https://teachingtechyt.github.io/

🛒 RECOMMENDED GEAR: 🛒

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📍My favorite thing to 3D Print: https://jle.vi/multiboard

📍My recommended electronics & control boards: https://jle.vi/bigtreetech

📍 My favorite 3D printing "accessory": https://jle.vi/magigoo | https://jle.vi/whambam

📍 My favorite 3D printing filament: https://jle.vi/polymaker

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