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You still on the fence to get a 3d printer?

Janger

Janger

(John)
Vendor
Premium Member
Are you still on the fence to get a printer? If you like machining I'm sure you'll like a 3d printer too. Which one - how much - omg too many options. ??? Well just stop and buy this bambu one, Bambu A1 mini, to get started. $249 CAD. Cheap enough to put your toe in and they work surprisingly well. I've got this one with AMS (auto colour/material change) and often I'm running this printer and other printers at the same time. It's pretty speedy, does a nice job, and most things don't actually need a big bed on the larger units. Get a couple nozzles and some filament. like metal machines you'll want another one, bigger or something, but this is like a mini mill functional and a great place to start. Here I am printing some 2.25" 4TPI threads for a test fitment, you can see my recent prints in the foreground. 3d printed thrust bearing, a phone stand.
@Dabbler @Susquatch !?!!!


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I've only printed in PLA and PETG, but I do have those filaments on hand for when I need them. Just got a roll of TPU in as well to make some seals. So, no, i'm definitly not using it to its full potential, but i'm sure I will at some point.
 
What do you need to know to run a 3d printer and what are most of you using? Fusion? FreeCAD? Others? I started learning FreeCAD a couple of years ago for the plasma cutter that has yet to happen, but recently, tried it. It has been updated from a 0.19 to a 1.0 and I think I am at the bottom of the learning curve again. I know you can download projects from various sites, which is cool, (I have benefited already thanks to @Darren ) but I think my projects would be of my own needs, therefore, would need to design something in a CAD, I think.....?
 
Dont listen to that John, he's talking out his behind, listen to this John. Seriously entry level printers are the minilathe of 3D printers.
Would you go out and buy a minilathe?

Put that $250 into a Bambu X1 and you wont regret it. I guarantee it.

Put that $250 into a Prusa Core one kit, you wont regret it. I guarantee it*.


*if not you can sell it. Haha.
 
ShawnR said:
What do you need to know to run a 3d printer and what are most of you using? Fusion? FreeCAD? Others? I started learning FreeCAD a couple of years ago for the plasma cutter that has yet to happen, but recently, tried it. It has been updated from a 0.19 to a 1.0 and I think I am at the bottom of the learning curve again. I know you can download projects from various sites, which is cool, (I have benefited already thanks to @Darren ) but I think my projects would be of my own needs, therefore, would need to design something in a CAD, I think.....?
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I thought I would need to design a lot of my own projects as well but it turns out that somebody already invented the wheel. :D
I can nearly always find either something close enough to work or something that is editable because it is a parametric model or easy to replicate with slightly altered measurements. Tinkercad works for simple parts and a lot of the F360 files can be edited. Don't let the software hold you back.
 
Man this could start into a full out flame war. ;)
I started with a $250 printer. Actually a nozzle (and temperature controller) mounted on my CNC router. I'd already been doing CAD with Alibre so that part wasn't an issue.

The $250 printer has been amazing and I'm kind of sad that the controller board died and the repair costs aren't worth it. Although I guess I could buy a new processor and reprogram it but it's not worth the time I think.

The SOVOL is much superior to the original and has a larger build bed but when I started making Herbus and treated myself to the Bambu X1C (because it's enclosed and can do ABS etc) I saw the difference printing identical or mating pieces on both the SOVOL and Bambu. The quality of the Bambu is amazing even if the user interface on the PC is a bit of a pain.

But I started with a small Unimat DB200 other than what I used in Grade 8 Shop. From there to my Gingery and finally to the South Bend.

So if you don't want to be disappointed in quality then it's important to use the South Bend Heavy 10L. If vibration marks, rough finish and size aren't an issue then my Gingery Lathe is adequate.

The same goes for 3D printers. They all do the same thing. Some just do it better.
 
Right or wrong I bought a Bambu A1 this week. Not the mini, next model up (mostly for print volume considerations). I deferred on the multi-color spooler but that's an option, the printer head has 4 color ports (actually price discount if purchased together). I'm sure its a gateway drug to other printers but it should keep this Novice busy learning for a while. I'm now doing YouTube tutorial grazing on Bambu Studio. The related slicer app is another important aspect to this stuff. David got me pointed to the Bambu community forum & that has proven valuable already. I'm sure the other 3DP teams have something comparable. And so the madness begins LOL.
forum.bambulab.com

Welcome to Bambu Lab Forum - Read Me!

Welcome to the Bambu Lab Forum! We are happy to see you as part of our Bambu Lab Comunity! If you own a Bambu Lab printer, we recommend joining the groups accordingly: Bambu Lab X1 Owner Bambu Lab X1-Carbon Owner Bambu Lab AMS Owner How can I create a post? Please take your time to...
forum.bambulab.com forum.bambulab.com

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Doggggboy said:
I thought I would need to design a lot of my own projects as well but it turns out that somebody already invented the wheel. :D
I can nearly always find either something close enough to work or something that is editable because it is a parametric model or easy to replicate with slightly altered measurements. Tinkercad works for simple parts and a lot of the F360 files can be edited. Don't let the software hold you back.
Click to expand...

Working on a chevy the other day, had water leaking on the floor. Cab vents were leaking, decided to see if there was a fix, and sure enough:

www.thingiverse.com

Sierra / Silverado Cab Vent Cover by jsmith24

For all my brothers and sisters with GM trucks (GM, GMC, Chevrolet, etc.) that have had leaking rear cab vents, I offer you this! In many cases, not only does the outer seal on the cab vent dry rot and start to leak, the rubberized vent flaps also tend to break, fall apart, or otherwise fall...
www.thingiverse.com www.thingiverse.com

Couple hours of printing and I had a pair of covers and a set of new petals, better than new.
 
I'm still squeezing the life out of an Creality Ender 3 v2. Started with the failed Kickstarter Tiko 3D printer (I was one of the few who got one), then onto a Geeetech (rerap clone), then on to the Ender. @YYCHM, cancel that order and get the Bambu. You will not regret having a printer. I used mine almost daily, and I'm not making trinkets. I print shims, spacers, prototypes, couplers, brackets, bushings, HVAC connectors etc. My dad is also requesting parts for things he breaks around the house. And if HE sees the merit.......
 
YYCHM said:
If this order fall through it will probably sour me for good and I'll just abandon the idea all together. Took me 2-3 years to taking the plunge in the first place.
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I'd look hard at a Bambu A1. For the money it's hard to beat. I know I counselled you to get the Sovol SV06 with Klippper and it is an excellent printer for the money but Sovol has d!icked you around for ages now.
Having a printer is a shop game changer. I have printed exactly one Benchy and countless shop items. My CNC router would not exist were it not for my Ender3V2.
 
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