What is stopping you from getting a 3D printer?

[Projects with Sam]

What is stopping you from getting a 3D printer?

 

[Sean Clark]

I voted "I don't want another hobby" but I would clearify... I know people with printers so I just lean on them when nessacary. I think having my own printer would be fun though.

 

[Karen00]

I'm trying to better understand the different types of printers and their uses. From my understanding the different printers only allow for a specific printing liquid to be used so I'm trying to determine which printer will give me the most bang for my buck. I also want to print stuff to use in my tank so I think I need a resin printer? It's a lot to take in.

 

[Projects with Sam]

I voted "I don't want another hobby" but I would clearify... I know people with printers so I just lean on them when nessacary. I think having my own printer would be fun though.

To be honest, I didn't really start having fun with it till I sat down and figured out Fusion360.
Probably TinkerCAD would be an easier starting point for folks without prior 3D modeling experience.
But, In the 2 years I've had mine, Its paid for itself in fidgets for my kids! :)

 

[Connorw]

I'm trying to better understand the different types of printers and their uses. From my understanding the different printers only allow for a specific printing liquid to be used so I'm trying to determine which printer will give me the most bang for my buck. I also want to print stuff to use in my tank so I think I need a resin printer? It's a lot to take in.

I regularly use 3D printers at work and I have to say I would not recommend a SLA/DLP resin printer. For a first time printer I find them a bit more challenging to use as the troubleshooting of failed prints is a lot harder. In addition, you really need a large space for cleanup and post processing of the prints. The resins they use are sticky and make a giant mess. Most aren’t very healthy either and they stink. FDM printers, or filament printers, are a lot easier to get into. You’ll get more bang for your buck, troubleshooting is easier, and you can print some really nice parts with them. SLA is better for smaller, higher resolution prints. I haven’t printed anything for my tank before but it is my understanding that there are multiple reef safe plastics that can be used with filament printers.

To answer the thread, I’m not sure I would want to deal with one at home after working with them so much, although I’ve definitely thought about it. Cost is probably the largest factor as I would definitely want something nicer and I don’t have that cash floating around.

 

[Projects with Sam]

I'm trying to better understand the different types of printers and their uses. From my understanding the different printers only allow for a specific printing liquid to be used so I'm trying to determine which printer will give me the most bang for my buck. I also want to print stuff to use in my tank so I think I need a resin printer? It's a lot to take in.

I think most use filament printers for their tanks.
I am unsure of the resin prints safety but I haven't looked into them - I know there is a lengthy post-process of cleaning the part after printing though.
I know resin prints are really good with fine detail. Think miniature dragon painting crew.
filament printers are easier for the beginner and I think will do most everything you want for this hobby. Unless you have very specific reasons to go resin printer, I'd stick with filament to start.

The Creality Ender 3 is a great, easy printer with a huge installed base...
wow amazon has a special on them now... $190
There are better out there and I didn't look around; If you're serious, we can chat more.

 

[Sean Clark]

I was looking at the ender 5 pro? I may be wrong. But something with a larger base and vertical printing properties. Any recommendations?

 

[Projects with Sam]

I got an original CR-10 for the build volume then DIY upgraded the heck out of it.
I would totally get an ender 5 pro if you are spending the scratch; that has a lot of nice features.

 

[Sean Clark]

I got an original CR-10 for the build volume then DIY upgraded the heck out of it.
I would totally get an ender 5 pro if you are spending the scratch; that has a lot of nice features.

You are not even trying to talk me out of it. Lol. Other options?

 

[monkeyCmonkeyDo]

Honestly. Cuz I just don't care. Lol.
Yes it's the new thing. Yes all the guys at work rave about the 3d printers and the bosses get em for them... are they actually using them to make actual tools or aids? No they are making pen holders and pop can caps. Lol.

Again. I'm maybe to old to get the hype but I just don't really care. 3d print me something worth while and maybe I will actually show intrest but currently I'm just not impressed. Hopefully the ppl figure it out. Lol. I know we have metal 3d printing capabilities but again I'm not seeing any of it anywhere. Lol
D

 

[dvgyfresh]

You are not even trying to talk me out of it. Lol. Other options?

Think articially made coral rocks , or QT setups for bacteria or coral plugs , so many applications.

 

[Projects with Sam]

Well, Creality hasn't really innovated that much, or as much as others. The Enders and CR-10s (save for v3 cr-10) all use the same/similar hot end and extruder for 10 years. some of the really cool stuff out there are the dual or multi extruders, or the hot-swappable hot-end printers that allow you to print in different colors, or in lite PLA and carbon reinforced PLA in the same model - great for RC planes... Or print water soluble support material so the plastic printed model doesn't need to be cleaned up.

Some of the DIY printers are great - like the Voron2.4
That's my next printer...

Those separate the steppers from the print area and enclose the print area so you can print novel plastics that produce fumes and need venting and stable printing temps that you get with enclosures.

 

[damsels are not mean]

I've had a lot of uses for one over the years but it's always I would rather spend the money on something else.

 

[Projects with Sam]

Honestly. Cuz I just don't care. Lol.
Yes it's the new thing. Yes all the guys at work rave about the 3d printers and the bosses get em for them... are they actually using them to make actual tools or aids? No they are making pen holders and pop can caps. Lol.

Again. I'm maybe to old to get the hype but I just don't really care. 3d print me something worth while and maybe I will actually show intrest but currently I'm just not impressed. Hopefully the ppl figure it out. Lol. I know we have metal 3d printing capabilities but again I'm not seeing any of it anywhere. Lol
D

Checkout my YouTube channel - I printed out a CNC that I'll soon be using to cut a bunch of acrylic to make a filter floss roller. And a ton of other stuff.

 

[monkeyCmonkeyDo]

Yes we do all that. We 3d print the feed holders. The boxes to keep the temp stable ect.
We have multiple feeds. Different colors.
Small diy put together 3d printers and large diy 3d printers. With a decent size bed. Still...not seeing the benefit or profit. Lol.
D

 

[Sean Clark]

You are on the YouTubes?

 

[monkeyCmonkeyDo]

My co worker just last week showed me a video of them 3d printing a house. Basically a cement 3d printer that did walls by stitching back and forth motion.
I do think it's the future. Just not their yet.
Robots! Incorporate the robots!!lol
D

 

[Projects with Sam]

also checkjout the Sidewinder Artillery because it has a larger bed, and comes with a direct extruder already.

 

[dvgyfresh]

Lamp shades , overflow protection, nem guards..

 

[Projects with Sam]

My co worker just last week showed me a video of them 3d printing a house. Basically a cement 3d printer that did walls by stitching back and forth motion.
I do think it's the future. Just not their yet.
Robots! Incorporate the robots!!lol
D

I've seen guys on YouTube swap out their hot ends for peanut butter and jelly making ends to make their sandwiches for them.