Reviews

Welcome to the Reviews section of PHP Systems Blog. Here, I share honest, hands-on evaluations of hardware, software, and tools I’ve actually used in my projects. No affiliate fluff, no copied specs - just real-world impressions, performance testing, and whether I’d actually recommend it.

Book Review: 3D Printing and Maker Lab for Kids

3D Printing and Maker Lab for Kids is a hands-on guide that blends creativity with STEM. Packed with projects, visuals, and kid-friendly explanations, it’s perfect for families, educators, and beginners looking to explore 3D printing in a fun, approachable way.

Filament Dryer - Sunlu S4 review.

Struggling with damp filament prints? I tested the Sunlu S4 filament dryer on year-old spools and humid UK conditions - discover how it revived prints, supported dual printers, and what automation features could make it even better.

DSPIAE Electric model sander review

Looking for a compact electric sander for your 3D-printed models? This DSPIAE mini sander delivers smooth, effective results for resin details—easy to set up, ergonomic, and priced under £30. Here’s how it performs out of the box.

Resin printer setup

I get asked from time to time what I use for 3D resin printing. While I am still getting to grips with all the ins and outs, I have had some good results.

Troubleshooting Glow-in-the-Dark (GITD) Filament: My Real-World Experience

A couple of years ago I bought a roll of glow in the dark filament from the company Amolen. As I have only 1 roll, I have no idea if my experiences are indicative of the filament in general, or just a one off.

Troubleshooting Rainbow Silk PLA: Tips & Lessons Learned

Rainbow silk PLA looks stunning but comes with quirks - stringing, tangles, and poor adhesion. Here’s what I learned while troubleshooting this filament and how to fix common issues to unlock vibrant, reliable 3D prints.

Building the Batmobile

Dive into father-son tinkering with the CircuitMess DIY Batmobile. This post walks you through assembly, lessons learned, test driving—and sparks a love for making. Memories guaranteed.

About the author

Tim Wilkes is a UK-based security architect with over 15 years of experience in electronics, Linux, and Unix systems administration. Since 2021, he's been designing secure systems for a telecom company while indulging his passions for programming, automation, and 3D printing. Tim shares his projects, tinkering adventures, and tech insights here - partly as a personal log, and partly in the hopes that others will find them useful.

Want to connect or follow along?

LinkedIn: [phpsytems]
Twitter / X: [@timmehwimmy]
Mastodon: [@timmehwimmy@infosec.exchange]

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