3D printers

[PredatoryProwler]

Do any of you guys have 3d printers? What do you use them for?

 

[Curmudgeon]

I have a good friend who has one. He’s done the following that I know of.

Custom ammo boxes and shell holders. Has caliber and a cool logo.
Attachments/accessories for backpacks
Attachments/accessories for spotting and digiscoping
Workbench racks for cordless tools and batteries
Change caddies with names and logos.

 

[Nicaburns]

Yes
I use mine all the time. I make bino adapters, arca plates for rifles, choke tube holders, battery compartments, general household items, all kinds of things in the shop. Currently using it to prototype two inventions I’m working on. Basically, if you can dream it up, you can make it.

 

[BBob]

Yes
I use mine all the time. I make bino adapters, arca plates for rifles, choke tube holders, battery compartments, general household items, all kinds of things in the shop. Currently using it to prototype two inventions I’m working on. Basically, if you can dream it up, you can make it.

What machine do you use? What machine, software, etc...would you recommend for new users? Tips? Things to do and not to do?

 

[Brendan]

I personally just took the jump on a new Prusa after thinking about it forever. Waiting for it now. (The new Core One)

Workshop and tool organization of all sorts is a big one for me. Drawer and toolbox inserts, tool holders, wall mounts, etc.

Have a couple of things for the truck I may design, have the idea, need to teach myself Fusion - there's a free version. I've heard Fusion360 and OnShape recommended as the "Best" Free 3D CAD / Modeling programs if you're going to try to teach yourself and get into real design and customization of models.

 

[Nicaburns]

Bambu Labs P1S, hands down if you want good and simple! (No need for the kit unless you are doing creative stuff like models or cosplay and want colors.)

https://us.store.bambulab.com/products/p1s

I do all my design on Tinkercad and use the Orca slicer program for everything. I’m not a cad designer so I like the “building block” approach of Tinkercad.

Don’t buy a cheap printer and try and “make do”, Don’t fail to be imaginative in how you use it. I even make adapters for my flextail pump in order to use it on other inflatables… a good set of calipers will let you custom fit anything! I have a couple of threads on here of adapters I have made for sig stabilized binos and a few other things.

 

[BBob]

Looking at the Bambu printers is there any advantage or need for the carbon, glass fiber capable model? At what point would you want or need the strength of the carbon or glass fiber?

 

[Nicaburns]

Looking at the Bambu printers is there any advantage or need for the carbon, glass fiber capable model? At what point would you want or need the strength of the carbon or glass fiber?

I couldn’t speak to that… I use mostly PETG. I’m not using mine for anything structural but haven’t had strength issues with the things I am making. I do make changes in internal fill structure, external layer count, and fill density but haven’t had any issues that weren’t easy to resolve.

 

[PredatoryProwler]

Looking at the Bambu printers is there any advantage or need for the carbon, glass fiber capable model? At what point would you want or need the strength of the carbon or glass fiber?

I generally use PLA because PETG is a pain for me to print due to warping. For most things materials like carbon or PC and some of the others are overkill. CNC Kitchen on youtube has some interesting videos on strength tests.

 

[BBob]

^^^ Thanks, I’ll check them out.

 

[dirtshooter]

Ender 3 here, I need to learn how to use a cad program as the only stuff I have printed were files found on thingiverse

 

[PredatoryProwler]

Ender 3 here, I need to learn how to use a cad program as the only stuff I have printed were files found on thingiverse

For cad programs I can vouch for fusion 360 which you can get as a hobbyist for free. There is a bit of a learning curve but I found a good set of YouTube tutorials a while ago so once you know the basic controls it becomes rather intuitive.

 

[Nicaburns]

I started with an Ender 3 Pro… it is the equivalent of having an entry level rifle that you try and “make do with” until you get a real one.
A good printer will completely change how you view the process!