# From the Workbench > Printed controls, a soldering fan, and other small workshop builds where CAD becomes something physical. Canonical page: [From the Workbench]() Project date: 2020–2021 Updated: 2026-10-16 Category: Making & fabrication Status: Physical builds Tags: 3D printing, CAD, Electronics, Video - **My work:** Printing, assembly, electronics integration, and videos - **Builds:** Arcade controller · workshop fan · small printed parts - **Parts:** Printed housings, controls, mounts, and grilles ## In short I built an arcade-style controller, a soldering fan, and other small workshop projects using printed parts. Custom housings and mounts bring buttons, motors, and other components together into physical builds. ![A custom black 3D-printed arcade-style controller with large gray buttons.]() An arcade-style controller build, with a printed enclosure and button caps. ## Small workshop builds These are some of my smaller workshop builds: an arcade-style controller, a soldering fan, and printed parts for other projects. Most combine a custom printed part with buttons, a motor, or another component that needs a housing or mount. CAD (computer-aided design) means using software to work out a part’s shape before printing it. ## Arcade-style controller I built the controller with a black printed enclosure, large buttons, and gray printed caps. The enclosure holds the controls together in an arcade-style layout. ## Soldering fan The soldering fan has a printed casing, front grille, motor mount, and wide feet. The mount holds the fan inside the body, while the feet support it at an angle on the workbench. ## Shop tools and fixtures I printed and assembled a small disc sander with an orange housing for my workshop. I also printed pegboard hooks and spool holders to hold electrical tape and solder. For my desk, I printed and assembled a hinged monitor bracket and a speaker front plate that holds two drivers. ## Printed violin experiment I also printed and assembled a rainbow violin using Hova Labs’ Hovalin design. Its [project page]() has the CR-10 (3D printer) build details, my first sound test with guitar strings, and a clip of early bow practice. ## Other printed parts Other experiments include: - A printed mallet. - Bike-light mounts. - Organizers. - Parts for RC (radio-controlled) cars and robot builds. The [Catan organizers](), [dice boxes and counters](), and [LED sculptures]() each have a page with more photos and build details. ## FAQ ### What workshop builds are included? The page includes an arcade-style controller, soldering fan, small disc sander, pegboard hooks and spool holders, a hinged monitor bracket, and a speaker front plate. ### How was the arcade-style controller constructed? It uses a black printed enclosure, large buttons, and gray printed caps arranged in an arcade-style layout. ### Which parts of the soldering fan are printed? The fan has a printed casing, front grille, motor mount, and wide feet. The mount holds the fan inside the body, and the feet support it at an angle. ## Build photos ![A workshop fan with a white printed housing, front grille, and wide feet on a cutting mat.]() The soldering-fan build combines a printed housing, motor mount, grille, and feet. ![A desktop disc sander with an orange printed housing, a sanding disc on top, and wires leading out.]() A small disc sander I assembled with a printed housing. ![Blue printed hooks and green printed spool holders holding electrical tape and solder on a brown pegboard, with pliers below.]() Printed hooks and spool holders keep supplies on my pegboard. ![A blue printed hinged bracket clamped to the back edge of a monitor.]() A printed monitor bracket I assembled for my desk. ![A speaker cabinet with a green printed front plate holding two drivers.]() A printed front plate I assembled with two speaker drivers. ## Related reading - [Printed LED Sculptures]() - [3D-Printed Rainbow Violin]() - [Catan Organizers]()