Not sure where to put this one! 3-D Printers anybody?

[OCtoolguy]

It seems like we are being pushed on a daily basis into buying, using, understanding 3-D printers. There are a number of things I'd love to make but it requires me to print something or another to complete the project. So, I was just wondering how many of the Villagers have dipped their toes into the 3-D printer water. Maybe Travis needs to create another forum for the different types of technology that we are being flooded with. Even us old codgers will find a need to at least understand some of it. I finally broke down and bought a laser engraver and have interested in learning all about them but now it seems like I need a 3-D printer also. I'd like to know if I'm late boarding the train. How many of you folks have got one and know how to use it?

 

[Sycamore67]

It is really easy to take an image and burn it on something with a Laser engraver.  It is not that easy with a 3D printer.

I have a small 3D printer and it is MUCH more involved to print something.  You first have to design your part which means learning a program.  Yes, there are some designs you can download but even then there are a lot of things to know.  Also, the printing is not fast and can actually take hours to print something.  

I have designed and printed a couple very simple dust extractor adapters and took a long time.  If I did it more often, I would get better.

[OCtoolguy]

Thanks for that input. I'm well aware about the learning curve and have no desire to learn how to write a program. If I can't find one already written, I don't need the part bad enough. But, it would be nice to know how. I tried learning Basic and C++ way back when my brain was much active. I didn't do well.

 

[kmmcrafts]

Travis had a 3D printer and I think they are mixed in with the "laser / cnc" group in the group sections here in the village. I've toyed with the idea of getting a small one like my daughters boyfriend has. I just have him make the stuff I want, LOL. Larry is right, they are not fast at all.. my daughters boyfriend is a mechanical engineer so he can draw up anything one would need, LOL. He's all the time showing me hooks he made to hang the mops / brooms etc in their closet. power tool hangers for his garage etc.. really neat stuff. 

I want one but I want to learn to better use my CNC router etc first. Trying to learn pattern making on one program, using the laser program, learning the CNC program etc etc. I just don't need another tool & program to learn right now, LOL. 

Daughters boyfriend said they have some sort of scan tool that you can take a scan of a item you want to make and it'll pretty much make the pattern file for you.. don't know what that cost but that could be an option for us less knowledgeable folks.. 

[OCtoolguy]

2 hours ago, kmmcrafts said:

Travis had a 3D printer and I think they are mixed in with the "laser / cnc" group in the group sections here in the village. I've toyed with the idea of getting a small one like my daughters boyfriend has. I just have him make the stuff I want, LOL. Larry is right, they are not fast at all.. my daughters boyfriend is a mechanical engineer so he can draw up anything one would need, LOL. He's all the time showing me hooks he made to hang the mops / brooms etc in their closet. power tool hangers for his garage etc.. really neat stuff. 

I want one but I want to learn to better use my CNC router etc first. Trying to learn pattern making on one program, using the laser program, learning the CNC program etc etc. I just don't need another tool & program to learn right now, LOL. 

Daughters boyfriend said they have some sort of scan tool that you can take a scan of a item you want to make and it'll pretty much make the pattern file for you.. don't know what that cost but that could be an option for us less knowledgeable folks.. 

That's what I am hoping for.

[kmmcrafts]

23 minutes ago, OCtoolguy said:

That's what I am hoping for.

If you get a 3D printer there are a lot of free designs on a site called thingiverse? or something like that.. some things can be used as scroll work too.. Like I said, I've thought a lot about getting one and just using already made files. There are parts for the laser that burn up or wear out that I have to buy from folks who have a printer... or get my daughters boyfriend to make it, LOL

[TAIrving]

@kmmcrafts Is this the site you were talking about?

Thingiverse - Digital Designs for Physical Objects 

[kmmcrafts]

4 minutes ago, TAIrving said:

@kmmcrafts Is this the site you were talking about?

Thingiverse - Digital Designs for Physical Objects 

Yes that is it, I haven't been on the site in a very long time. They've changed it up a bit but yes that is where you can get many free patterns / files.  

[TAIrving]

I suspect that it is a matter of learning to use a program to create patterns, not actually writing programs.  Can any users comment on this?  

I too have looked at 3D printers but have not yet taken the step.  

[Bill WIlson]

Don't have one and don't see myself ever getting one.  I'm 63 years old, looking forward to retirement in a couple years and divorcing myself from as much technology as I possibly can.  Heck, I might become a complete cave man and convert to all hand tools once I retire.  

[James E. Welch]

I currently have 8 - 3d printers and along with my daughter run a little shop of mostly 3d printed items on Etsy. If anyone needs any help in this department, I'd be glad to help. 

[cooldavion]

I am thinking of getting one for model railroading once I can make space for a layout.