Making a (fake) Neon Sign for my (very real) YouTube Channel Name Change!

There's never a good time to change a channel name, so why not now?
I'll be transitioning the channel from the unpronounceable "Thomas Sanladerer" to the easy-to-remember "Made with Layers" name, and to celebrate the start of the journey, we're making an incredibly believable fake neon sign (with lots of trickery to make it look good)!
Materials:
LED Neon strip go.toms3d.org/l...
Tools:
Shaper Origin go.toms3d.org/s...
Hakko soldering iron go.toms3d.org/f...
HVLP Spray gun toms3d.org/hvlp
Product links are affiliate links - I may earn a commission on qualifying purchases (at no extra cost to you)
Watch my Shaper Origin Video here: • First look at the Shap...
🎥 All my video gear toms3d.org/my-...
I use Epidemic Sound, sign up for a 30-day free trial here share.epidemics...
🎧 Check out the Meltzone Podcast (with CNC Kitchen)! / @themeltzone
👐 Enjoying the videos? Support my work on Patreon! / toms3dp

[@marty4286]

Your name has become iconic in this space, but Made with Layers is very good too

[@androiduberalles]

It's so long it just gets "..."ed , lol. I can't say I feel like that was a good move.

[@leestons]

@@androiduberalles Get a bigger screen.

[@freescape08]

​@@androiduberallesI'm curious what you mean by "..."ed Would that be ellipsis-ed? Or "Made with Layers"-ed? Or is there something else?

[@xcruell]

@@freescape08 He means that Thomas' channel name is so long that, maybe due to his screen size/device hes using youtube from, the name "Thomas Sanladerer: Made with Layers" is showing shorter for him like "Thomas Sanladerer: Mad..." With "...ed" he means like shorten-ed, ...-ed.

[@Naugrimsilvertree]

@@androiduberalles I reckon after some time the "Thomas Sanladerer:" part will be removed and "Made with Layers" will be the full name, so it will be short enough to fit on small screens after the transition period

[@edumaker-alexgibson]

Having followed your content from the beginning, I have every confidence the newest of new looks for the channel will work, and if you're doing things that interest you, it's going to show in the content. Yay for 450K!

[@testpilotmafia862]

Love this channel, "educational" is an honor you deserve. Most KZbin channels are of dubious value to society.

[@JohnOCFII]

The new channel name is a good one. Good idea to focus on a range of projects that appeal to you - your enthusiasm shines through!

[@247printing]

Awesome to see you back from your summer pause and with great news, too!

[@jimisanchez5362]

Wow the results came out amazing ! Made with layers really pops when you plug it in!

[@pacificcoastminiatures]

Nice sign and I agree with the channel name branding. Fits perfectly.

[@JasonGrissom]

When I 1st got into 3D printing your channel was one that I leaned on a lot and it continues to be. Thanks so much for all you've done for this community and I look forward to the new channel branding!

[@computer1up]

I love it. Putting the dot on the i in Dutch “het puntje op de i zetten” means putting in the finishing touches. And that was exactly what you were doing here

[@tombuck]

Love the new channel name! And the “neon” design is super smart. The painted glow effect will be so much easier to avoid overexposing on camera than an actual bright glow. So many neon signs end up just looking like bright blobs 😁

[@devhammer]

I like the brand, and the sign is awesome. I find paint sprayers pretty intimidating, so it's great to see someone use them to good effect, and just try different things to see how they work. Also really appreciate the attitude that it doesn't need to be perfect...a good reminder for those of us who can tend to let the lack of perfection keep us from just getting a project done. Good luck with the new channel brand, and keep up the great work!

[@bridevalley]

The neon sign looks superb! Good luck with the transition to Made with Layers - but please promise us that you'll keep wearing the crazy shirts!!!

[@ThantiK]

Honestly man, when I tell people your name - most of them not being native germans - they always have trouble spelling your last name. I'm so glad I can tell them to look up "Made with Layers" now. You're one of the top content creators in this space. You have a moral fiber that many others don't.

[@polycrystallinecandy]

I call him Thomas Salamander 🦎

[@SianaGearz]

It's funny. First everyone had fantasy names that they found the most descriptive of the topic they want to do. Then everyone started renaming themselves into their full real name. Now it's back to actually naming KZbin channels again.

[@andybrice2711]

Maybe KZbin needs two fields, for channel name and creator name.

[@FilamentStories]

Congratulations Tom! Love the new name; can't wait to see what's next! -Courtney

[@onstr]

You've helped guide our whole journey with 3d printing. My wife and I have sought your videos for years for entertainment and ideas. It's so cool and satisfying seeing your channel grow to the point where you're (finally) considering branding. We wish you all the luck!

[@MadeWithLayers]

Thank you!

[@333donutboy]

The sign looks great. Looking forward to the new "branded" projects.

[@lezbriddon]

Great project, I love neon effects and i think this is fairly accurate to the old glass tubes

[@willwebbjr]

All that matters is that you ollow your heart. The sign is cool and they way you built it will make it easy-ish if you revisit to add RGBWs.

[@iandollery1230]

You mentioning the history of your channel reminded me that I built my first printer, following along with you (dolly) because you made it possible. Thank you. Still hanging out and enjoying everything you do. Have fun with the new name, as you have layers too.

[@KevinDo94]

I've created a few LED neon signs and I faced the same LED spacing issue too. What I ended up doing was cutting the LED strip short, and leaving extra sheathing on both ends. There's very minimal fading at the edges since the sheathing does a great job at diffusion. It gives you more room for error when fitting it to your design.

[@bubbasplants189]

That sparkle to the paint job is so nice.

[@blkhackr]

i think this name change is a good thing, its better to have a brand that can stand out or be recognized.

[@CrazyCat229]

I like the logo! It looks really good too. That airbrushed effect really does trick the eye into seeing it as an older neon style light.

[@pseudotasuki]

My cousin has a bizarre lip-shaped mirror with a red neon backlight. When the neon died (as they like to do) she asked for my help. Lacking the equipment to test the absurdly high voltage of its transformer, I suggested replacing the backlight with the same type of LED strips you're using. The result is fantastic. I think it's even slightly brighter than before.

[@3DPrintTechDesign]

As always, things you say make sense Thomas! Looking forward to what’s to come, and very nice logo and full rebranding, it’s inspiring 🙌🤘

[@wykonczeni]

With some letters you could left more sleeves on led stripes to avoid these gaps, but still it looks so nice 👌

[@tristin5723]

I can't believe it's been almost ten years! Glad to see you are doing more projects, I always loved those videos.

[@KeithOlson]

For anyone else using these LED neon strips, while the *LED strip* may only be trimmed at 3cm, the neon cover, itself, can be cut longer, to completely fill the channel end to end. Cheers!

[@ChazBword]

Congratulations on the number and great new name.

[@rcmaniac25]

Awesome and congrats on starting (finally?) doing the rename.

[@wattswheelhouse]

This channel has inspired me to take on many projects I never would have before. Your out of the box problem solving techniques are great! The name change and logo are both wonderful.

[@SeamusHarper1234]

Awesome project! 2 years in the making...

[@stanleydegraef4442]

I have all the confidence that this will help you do even greater things.

[@nhand42]

Love the channel and the new name. The sign looks great I would have thought it was proper neon if you hadn't explained otherwise.

[@frankb5728]

It's looking great considering the design and limitations of the "fake neon" LED. I think I would have used a backlight instead but the results you got are super satisfying.

[@_gamma.]

Love the channel name, and that sign is incredible!

[@JMFuller227]

I was starting to think that the “2 years ago” screen was just your way of saying that wiring the LED strips took longer than you’d expected/hoped it would. Then you explained why it had taken so long. I’m glad I’m not the only one who had projects that seem to get lost 😂

[@brucedubois9200]

Looking forward to the new brand love the sign. And the last shirt

[@jeandrenortje5082]

This looks amazing Thomas!

[@Zachary3DPrints]

Thomas, that is looking amazing! Indeed the neon sign was made in layers.

[@JonS]

That looks fabulous. I’m impressed by your patience with the LED strips. I think I would have 3D printed some PETG diffusers and then backlit them.

[@radicalphil1871]

I love this change! Being absolutely curious about what comes next and after that. Love it!

[@JamesSleeman]

In the last couple years (after you made the sign) a new 2-part type of led faux-neon has come out which is easier to work with, the led tape is separate to the strip so you can jusf lay it into your routed out tracks how you want, it can be folded and smooshed around corners and such, then the silicone neon bit just presses in over the top, the silicone has ridges that you can use to key it into the routed trench. Big clive has done a video on it.

[@DustinGorman]

Hey Tom, nice of you to post an update for us. Been a supporter for a while now, and glad to see this being implemented. Now post a much of aff links on a website. Rather have my purchase contributions going to you to help support your efforts.

[@matthewdolman]

Really excited about this new direction

[@KenColangelo]

Earth is made with layers. Your branding is spot on. 😁

[@RomanoPRODUCTION]

Thomas the Witcher will need only "organic" blue shirts to match the new logo. Thomas the Blue Witcher Made with Layers :) AWESOME. Thanks Thomas.

[@TopDedCenter]

I'm sure it can be rough for any established youtuber to change their channel name. I appreciate that you kept your name in the mix for the transition period so your existing followers have something to recognize from the past associated with your new name for the future.

[@CliveBagley]

Good luck Tom!

[@mcorrade]

GREAT name for a 3d printing channel. Surprised no one else though of it. Good job mate

[@MMuraseofSandvich]

0:45 This is why I made business cards for myself and not for the companies I worked for. I could pronounce my name and no one outside of Japan (and possibly Korea) would have any idea how to spell it. It sounds kinda weird, but it is a very effective way to promote yourself in meatspace: "Hey, are you doing a KZbin video? What's your channel?" and whip out a card with a QR code that goes straight to your channel or website.

[@janeblogs324]

Personal promotion is OK, but word of mouth is better when selling. Nothing will ever beat a clickable link

[@Sleighbells96]

Love the synthwave and the rebrand so far!

[@gonzoribbons]

You can cut the LED strips to the nearest inch, then take away the silicon exterior and fold back the overlap on itself, so that you don’t have to use short, segments or figure out a way of wiring a shorter segment as you are using the full segment folded back on itself

[@gonzoribbons]

Should have added the fact that you also cut the end of the retained silicone along the bottom edge and tuck the folded overlap led tape back inside the silicone sleeve.

[@f1hotrod527]

Great job on the airbrushing. It really does look like neon. The only thing is, it does not look like a neon sign when it is not on. Very cool project.

[@hassosigbjoernson5738]

It's kinda "nostalgic" to see old footage or even the stuff from 2 years ago. I do like that especially with that "chaos computer club"-ish music in the background! Originally found you via some learning DVDs which name I already forgot... To boldly go where the newest layers are made! Herzlichen Glücksstrumpf!

[@sortofsmarter]

I have seen the past videos where you talked about brand relabeling. I think your passion for what you do and the careful decision to finally do it is awesome. Good luck on the next step..

[@bradolsen4061]

Looks awesome! Congrats on the rebrand! Makes sense.

[@frogmandave1]

Congrats on the 450k subs. Quite an achievement. I really like the name change. I have often wondered why you didn't do this sooner. The sign turned out quite well. Keep up the good work Tom.

[@renaat1960]

You can drill an extra hole and put the a part of the cutted off led strip in it, no problem anymore about the lenght.

[@Blue_4-2]

Congrats, Tom! I've gleaned a lot of knowledge from your channel over the years. Thanks for that and keep it up! ⭐🙂👍

[@Zombull73]

Sign looks amazing. Great work!

[@peterdocter4659]

Great choice for the channel! Spot on about how 3d printer has changed, now 9 out of 10 stuff just works. And DO WHAT YOU LIKE, otherwise, what's the point! And when out of ideas, just ask the audience!

[@LarsEwe]

Wow, I didn't get this chanel doesn't have subscribtion in milions because production quality is there already

[@jerrymartin9323]

Love it! Cool project and the "rebrand" is...on brand!

[@KeithOlson]

Your channel may be now known as 'Made With Layers', but you'll always be 'Thom-San' to us!

[@dineshvyas]

Getting better getting brighter. Always loved your contents.

[@MD_Builds]

Really hope the name change goes well. Looks like a good brand to go with :) Also that router that auto corrects your movement... That is SOOOOO cool!

[@MadeWithLayers]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/n4iZcnuiZbqpfZI

[@SixOThree]

I like the font. I love the little glitch text. Hope you keep that in the intros or what have you.

[@z6t6z6d]

Der neue Name ist sehr gut gewählt! Ich gratuliere auch zum coolen Eigenbau-Logo 🤩 Das ist dir wirklich gelungen, sieht hammermäßig aus! Danke auch von mir für all deinen informativen und hilfreichen content!

[@TheLycanThroope]

For the end pieces that fell short you can hot glue an empty piece of the pvc wraping of the led strip without the led, via the hot glue it should refract pretty much without any visible artifact and the non lit version would also hide the ends as well

[@erikringwalters]

This is awesome Thomas 😎 love to see evolution

[@ellabun]

Not sure if you realized but "MWL" connected/semi-connected with curves like your font makes a very 3D pinting-esque figure!

[@StephenBoyd21]

That sign looks dope, the lighter paint really looks like glow.

[@hanslain9729]

Awesome results to make those lightweight paint passes with that paint gun!

[@TFlorian]

17:36 this is a nice approach ! didn't expect that way for external squares

[@punishedprops]

It looks so good! Great work. =D

[@shadows555555]

I've been watching your vids for years and just realized i forgot to to subscribe a long time ago. Love your videos. Came across your channel when i got my first printer in 2021 and have loved your old and new content since then.

[@yammyguy78]

To this day, I still reference the video of the clip you included when it comes to calibrating your extruder. I love this channel - Thank you for everything, and congratulations on your success. Here's to the next chapter! :D

[@grayfaux_]

You are so right that a printer out of the box in 2023 can be a solution. I use a slew of SV06s to run my business and I love them. They are an example of putting you material dollars where they count, and not in fluff.

[@savoongasol-sgdfrr8865]

AWESOME project !! 👍👍 ... Great idea to use the lighter color to accentuate the 'glow" ... Well done !!!

[@formandojuntos]

How cool! Hope all goes well in this new phase of your channel! 🙌🏼😁

[@Lord_Whiteley]

Maybe " Thomas 3D" ?? But you are right, changing your channel name is a great idea to something easy remember 😊

[@ZakLeek]

This is a really good looking sign! I like the new name too, congrats on the change! 💙

[@KurtSchwind]

Congratulations on a nice project and a nice branding effort. Really enjoy your channel and looking forward to what comes next.

[@StackingLayers]

Yay! Layers rock! 😁

[@radiestesista]

IT'S PERFECT! ❤

[@zarster]

Very nice sign. A really like your new channelname. ❤️

[@spedi6721]

Are you kidding!? This not only looks nice, this looks awesome!!! If you use the logo for intro, film the real one with a flickering effect when turning on. Congrats to your 450k! Hats off Thomas!

[@imdeaded]

This was pretty cool.

[@curiouscatlabincgetsworrie7755]

Keeeeeeeeeeewwwwl facelift !!! Congratulations to a real channel! :D

[@pecilijevelicanstveni4973]

Well done! One suggestion: move the power cord to go out (hang) at the bottom corner. Less visible and more natural.

[@KimHarderFog]

Good luck with the second chapter of the channel :)

[@ethansdad3d]

Great looking sign, and congrats on the new branding!

[@andyg80]

This looks awesome!

[@pułkownikkaczodziobyzpodlasia]

Hey, as long as you’re the one who’s hosting this thing, I will be a proud member. You could even call it sheep’s butt and I’d still wear the merch

[@HawkWorley]

Branding is weird; I just had to set up mine. I like your Channel Name, and I look forward to seeing what you do with it. I went crazy with my logo once I set it up, its fun.

[@AndrewHelgeCox]

Not trolling but the disk next to your comment here is just brown and grey and black noise viewed on my phone display. Anyway, will click on it and queue a video for later!

[@HawkWorley]

@@AndrewHelgeCox i have a very small Channel that does cosplay stuff, and the costume community tends to have busy logos. I over did it, and I'm sure I'll slowly scale it back over time. I wasn't trying to drum up interest in me, I just did branding.

[@AndrewHelgeCox]

@@HawkWorley I just started a video of yours and it was good. I think you deserve attention from the Cosplay and Prop people in here!

[@simontopley4771]

Like it, really effective. I'd have been a geek and made one of the sections blink like neons can do sometimes. I was sort of surprised you didn't make a cnc router table to cut these out. Keep up the good work, really enjoying your videos.

Well made! And really good looking!

[@drpainsjourney]

That is an insane price for that Shaper Origin!!!! I did not see that coming at all. No way I would ever be able to buy it. :-/