Imagine a CNC machine with a hot glue gun pushing out weed whacker string in layers to build up an item into 3 Dimensions, that’s how I normally describe it.
3 Likes
ask around at church. I guarantee someone has one. 
our library charges 10c/gram for a 3d printed parts which I think is barely enough to cover the cost of the filament. But offer to at least buy the filament.
I am not saying don’t get a 3d printer, but it is another hobby. you are probably better off spending your time learning to design the parts you want on the computer. Then all the ins and outs of 3d printing unless you decide you are going to go crazy with it or have some special requirement.
6 Likes
I GESS it just interest me, I like making things with welder, being able to make parts with 3D printing is a good thing if SHTF. AND with an SD card loaded, no internet connection needed.
1 Like
I don’t blame you. Obviously looking at the Ukraine war, it is handy in SHTF situations. It isn’t like a welder it is more like a CNC mill, except one is additive and the other is subtractive manufacturing. The mill has it’s own learning curve based on materials, tooling, etc. as does the 3d printer. It is similar to metals and alloys, between the various types of plastics. What you don’t normally see is all the failed prints getting the thing tuned in. I am NOT saying don’t get one. The technology is improving and the technology is getting less expensive fairly rapidly, and it is becoming more user friendly. The closer it gets to push a button and go, the easier it will be.
I suggest starting with design is because it is free using FreeCAD, which will do everything you want, and it has it’s own steep learning curve. No matter what, you need a file. and in shtf situations knowing how to create the file is as important as having and knowing how to use the printer.
The calibration or tuning of the printer is like a 40 step process and pretty finicky. The newer printers are starting to autocalibrate but even a bare bones Bambu lab P1P is around 500 bucks. It will come down in price in 1-2 years and more manufacturers will copy the design and functionality. Creality is already doing some of it and a lot of other companies knock off creality.
It is a lot closer to the set it up and forget it that is desirable.
Especially if you can find someone local to print stuff off for you, you will most likely save money by waiting, and end up with a better printer. The technology is just moving that fast, which is probably the largest difference between the cnc mill and the 3d printer.
The other thing you may look at is recycling plastic for 3d print filament which is it’s own art, but that is more straightfoward, and could also come in handy during a SHTF situation.
3 Likes
THANKS FOR the info into 3D printing- I think I will look for one of you guys with experiance, and trade labor welding for your expertee 3D parts if I need any,THANKS I should keep studying any way.
1 Like