3D Printer for 75 bucks. (Page 3/10)
TheDigitalAlchemist SEP 15, 11:34 AM
One other item you will need is a filament holder. just anything that can hold it and allow it to freely spin. Like a wooden dowel or a baseball bat or paper towel holder or somethin'

You can even print one up. My favorite one is one we made outta pvc some pipe. Adjustable and collapsible.
Used a pencil stuck though a box inna pinch once. Taped it down.
TheDigitalAlchemist SEP 15, 11:41 AM
Loading and unloading the filament isn't too difficult, If it doesn't fully load the first time, you can do it a second time (don't need to "unload it"). Can also tell it to print and then cancel it once it starts comin' out. I dunno, things kinda make more sense after ya mess with it some. I hate to oversimplify, especially here, where folks swap freakin' care engines and whatnot.

There are some "upgrades you can print: https://www.thingiverse.com...things&sort=relevant

I recommend printing the "top mod" (there are two - I like the "open" one) https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:4579082
it allows you to "get at the filament" a bit if ya need to...
Fiero_Adam SEP 15, 03:48 PM
I'm guessing you'll be spending quite a bit more than 75 when you're actually printing stuff, right?
So can this actually make useful items, parts/fasteners, or is it mainly just a toy? I don't know anything about 3D printing because I haven't looked into it. First heard about it years ago and figured it was kind of just for fun to make GI joe figurines or something.
Is there different types of plastic that can be used? Like maybe something more rigid, or something with some flex that could be used as a 'spring' or similar? From the limited info I have previously read, the finished product doesn't come out as a smooth part, but is more jagged or rough. Can it be sanded and buffed to be smooth?
TheDigitalAlchemist SEP 15, 03:59 PM

quote
Originally posted by Fiero_Adam:

I'm guessing you'll be spending quite a bit more than 75 when you're actually printing stuff, right?
So can this actually make useful items, parts/fasteners, or is it mainly just a toy? I don't know anything about 3D printing because I haven't looked into it. First heard about it years ago and figured it was kind of just for fun to make GI joe figurines or something.
Is there different types of plastic that can be used? Like maybe something more rigid, or something with some flex that could be used as a 'spring' or similar? From the limited info I have previously read, the finished product doesn't come out as a smooth part, but is more jagged or rough. Can it be sanded and buffed to be smooth?



bucks invested:
70 for the printer (free shipping - usually that's about 50-150)
12 for the magnetic bed
10-30 for the filament

Here are some "practical" prints:
https://www.thingiverse.com...things&sort=relevant

or google "practical 3d prints" to see some of the stuff you can make.

We used ours to make a lot of custom pegboard stuff, and enclosures and some other "actually useful" stuff.

This printer really only uses PLA. You CAN use it with others, (with mixed results)

ABS plastic is "LEGO" plastic. its smelly when you print with it. PLA used to smell like maple syrup, but most don't smell at all now...

There are a lot of other materials (a "wood" a "carbon fiber" several "flexible" materials like "NINJAFLEX", etc) this printer is just good to get you started. Not bad for prototyping and mold-making too...

[This message has been edited by TheDigitalAlchemist (edited 09-15-2022).]

MidEngineManiac SEP 15, 04:14 PM

quote
Originally posted by TheDigitalAlchemist:

Not bad for prototyping and mold-making too...




Peni candle molds sell really well.

Dont ask how I know.
williegoat SEP 15, 05:14 PM


It took me a little while to get it working. I figured out the tube was clogged. There is a little plastic C clip that you have to slide out, then push down on the fitting and pull the tube out. Once I removed the obstruction, I was on my way. I uploaded the file to my google drive and then down to the machine. It is now almost done and looks good.



A little less than three hour after FedEx dropped it on my doorstep.



Looks like a stick of butter.

[This message has been edited by williegoat (edited 09-15-2022).]

MidEngineManiac SEP 15, 07:33 PM
This one is a benchy. Kind of a "torture test" to see what the printer will do.

Curves, angles, overhangs, bridging, it's got them all.

https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:4739346

[This message has been edited by MidEngineManiac (edited 09-15-2022).]

williegoat SEP 15, 07:45 PM
Can I just turn the machine off now, or is there anything I need to do first?
MidEngineManiac SEP 15, 08:13 PM
Should be able to just turn it off. If you arent going to use it for a while you might want to unload the filament and put it back in the package with the dessicant pack. Stuff is hydroscopic and moisture will really screw with your print quality.

If thats what it looks like, its a calibration cube. Check it with your verneers, and all dimensions should be the same (actually, I am happy within 0.01mm)
williegoat SEP 15, 09:12 PM
The very next thing I print is going to be the open lid that TDA recommended. I found that after my first few failed attempts, the filament gear was covered with little shavings. I took it out and cleaned it.

Now that I understand the machine a little better, I will order a spool of filament.