Wanting to get into 3d printing

docque

Senior Member
Joined
Apr 14, 2022
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I am interested in getting into 3D printing. Chances are we will be taking it on the road. Anyone else have experience with them? What are some good models?

Any tips that you have would be appreciated. Is there some sort of 3d scanner out there that you can scan items to print?
 
I have a Creality SE. I have not had any issues with it. It stays in the sticks and bricks however. There is a web site called thingiverse that has many many files you can download to print. Also there are a few free CAD programs that you can use to create your own files. Not sure about scanners. We had a couple at work but they would be way to larger to bring in a camper.

3D printing is a fun hobby and I have made many useful and practical items.
 
I have a Creality SE. I have not had any issues with it. It stays in the sticks and bricks however. There is a web site called thingiverse that has many many files you can download to print. Also there are a few free CAD programs that you can use to create your own files. Not sure about scanners. We had a couple at work but they would be way to larger to bring in a camper.

3D printing is a fun hobby and I have made many useful and practical items.

I was hoping more were into this hobby. I do need to look around a bit. Would have to be a printer that has replacement parts readily available due to the rolling earthquake.
 
I would look for one that has self leveling. Creality is a pretty popular brand so I would think parts should be pretty available. I have only ever had to replace the nozzle a couple times. I always have a few spares. They are pretty inexpensive.

Good luck!

Mark
 
I got a Bambu Labs X1c. Not cheap but it has the ability to change color/material without any work on my part. It prints most materials and is very fast. I bought the rubber pieces for each support so vibration is pretty much gone. I really like having my own setup so I can design parts, quickly print a very low quality version (to save on material and faster prints) then check for fit/form and redo with better quality settings once I nail down the final design. For things bigger than the print plate, the "slicer" software you use has options to automatically chop up your part and put registration marks so you can easily assemble.

I recommend you look at youtube for Prusa slicer and Bambu slicer. That will explain the above. The next question is what will you print. You can download a zillion things from Thingiverse and printables dot com. I always find those items are quite close to what I want, but I want to modify a bit. That takes some learning curve. Next, to design from scratch, many like FreeCad and Fusion360. Both are no cost to use if you are not a business. Learning curve is a bit steep for both. You might consider downloading FreeCad and follow a few youtubes on how to use it. Once you get the hang of designing or modifying existing, you have option to either purchase a printer or just goto the plethora of website where you upload your design and choose materials you want to print with and the website will send you bids/quotes for vendors all over the world who will print for you. That is not expensive either.

Good luck, Tom

I am interested in getting into 3D printing. Chances are we will be taking it on the road. Anyone else have experience with them? What are some good models?

Any tips that you have would be appreciated. Is there some sort of 3d scanner out there that you can scan items to print?
 
Thanks for asking that question. I have thought about trying to get into it too but didn't know where to start. Would be great for all the RV and boat stuff I work on. Following along with you...
 
I never really thought about 3d printing until I saw a dragon made by 3D with moving parts...was intriguing and pretty cool..made me go hmmmmm maybe some day
 
I made these to solve a problem with how to keep toothpaste and brush clean, accessible and secured during travel. I made it in 2 parts, one is wall mount (white) and the other is black holder. This makes it easy to remove for cleaning. Its just 1 example of what my 3d printing journey has produced.

20240421_174227.jpg20240421_174215.jpg
 
I got a Bambu Labs X1c. Not cheap but it has the ability to change color/material without any work on my part. It prints most materials and is very fast. I bought the rubber pieces for each support so vibration is pretty much gone. I really like having my own setup so I can design parts, quickly print a very low quality version (to save on material and faster prints) then check for fit/form and redo with better quality settings once I nail down the final design. For things bigger than the print plate, the "slicer" software you use has options to automatically chop up your part and put registration marks so you can easily assemble.

I recommend you look at youtube for Prusa slicer and Bambu slicer. That will explain the above. The next question is what will you print. You can download a zillion things from Thingiverse and printables dot com. I always find those items are quite close to what I want, but I want to modify a bit. That takes some learning curve. Next, to design from scratch, many like FreeCad and Fusion360. Both are no cost to use if you are not a business. Learning curve is a bit steep for both. You might consider downloading FreeCad and follow a few youtubes on how to use it. Once you get the hang of designing or modifying existing, you have option to either purchase a printer or just goto the plethora of website where you upload your design and choose materials you want to print with and the website will send you bids/quotes for vendors all over the world who will print for you. That is not expensive either.

Good luck, Tom

I have done a fair amount of research so far. I was looking at the Bambu printers but many people say how horrible the customer support is. That and the parts availability is not the greatest. I was looking at the Creality. It is inexpensive and has tons of upgrade parts. But I think it may get bounced around a bit.

I do know that I have to think about what I am printing in and will have to make sure what I choose can print in many mediums.

I have an idea for some lights for the awning. Not string lights but lanterns on chains that slide into the awning slots. That and I have ideas for hangers in the RV because most household solutions don't always work in the RV.

Oh, and a Hitch cover that is in two pieces and has magnets to hold to together.
 
I never really thought about 3d printing until I saw a dragon made by 3D with moving parts...was intriguing and pretty cool..made me go hmmmmm maybe some day

Marcy, one other first things I printed was an articulated dragon. In addition to many practical and useful items, I’ll print various toys for kids. 3D printers are also great for crafts. I’ll print whatever my wife asks me to and then she will paint them using acrylic paints. Take a look at thingiverse.com and you will see many useful and useless items to print. It might even give you some ideas for your wood working.

Mark
 
Marcy, one other first things I printed was an articulated dragon. In addition to many practical and useful items, I’ll print various toys for kids. 3D printers are also great for crafts. I’ll print whatever my wife asks me to and then she will paint them using acrylic paints. Take a look at thingiverse.com and you will see many useful and useless items to print. It might even give you some ideas for your wood working.

Mark

I'm curioius, I know what the outlay is for the machines...they vary with quality but to make , lets say that dragon Not counting the machine how much is the materials cost to make something on that order.

That website is or could be dangerous!
On edit: The last thing I need is another hobby, we'll need a MB model soon just for hobby supplies! as it is the whole back cabinet is full of carving tools, table cloth and a spare coffee pot(priorities ya know) and another small cabinet above the TV full of painting and sewing supplies...where the heck would I put one of those printers!
 
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I'm curioius, I know what the outlay is for the machines...they vary with quality but to make , lets say that dragon Not counting the machine how much is the materials cost to make something on that order.

That website is or could be dangerous!
On edit: The last thing I need is another hobby, we'll need a MB model soon just for hobby supplies! as it is the whole back cabinet is full of carving tools, table cloth and a spare coffee pot(priorities ya know) and another small cabinet above the TV full of painting and sewing supplies...where the heck would I put one of those printers!

The cost of the 3D filament is pretty inexpensive. I think a 2 1/2 pound spool is maybe $20. So the dragon would probably cost around $0.50 or so.

What’s wrong with another hobby? And if it helps you justify a newer bigger camper, even better!��
 
Marcy, one other first things I printed was an articulated dragon. In addition to many practical and useful items, I’ll print various toys for kids. 3D printers are also great for crafts. I’ll print whatever my wife asks me to and then she will paint them using acrylic paints. Take a look at thingiverse.com and you will see many useful and useless items to print. It might even give you some ideas for your wood working.

Mark

There is a small 3D printer called Toybox I believe. Very plug and play and it has an extensive library. I also think there is a kid friendly app that allows them to choose and print out little toys. Not really something that you would be making the more complex items but for a child it would be great.
https://www.amazon.com/Toybox-Printer-Kids-Software-Needed/dp/B07KK71G3C/ref=asc_df_B07KK71G3C/?tag=hyprod-20&linkCode=df0&hvadid=509506212156&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=12865030073911330784&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=1023416&hvtargid=pla-1253241754523&psc=1&mcid=f0b04f7fd2b130f9a9c6183413d13d60&gclid=CjwKCAjwuJ2xBhA3EiwAMVjkVPpxEukg7GKP1TK1_LY3iDxWKyzShKPYsEOrOxMx-y20HTcoC7rrqBoCWx0QAvD_BwE
 
I got the Prusa kit: https://www.prusa3d.com/product/original-prusa-mk4-kit-2/

I wanted to have the kit (instead of the already assembled printer), so that putting it together was a learning experience and I would know what all the parts were (plus they give you a pack of gummy bears and you are instructed to eat a certain number after successfully completing certain steps). It did take something like 10 or 12 hours. The printer is on the more expensive side, but I have found customer support to be outstanding. Prusa seems to be a bit of a leader in the 3D space, but I admit, I'm not an expert. I'm a big DIYer and have found myself using this more than I thought. Just starting to get into the prints for RV (the RV is much newer than the 3D printer). I made two main things so far:

1. I wanted a way to easily secure my wastebasket in the pantry, designed and printed two holder, which I used command strips to hold in place (up against a wall). Works great
2. 3D printed some custom holders to mount in my pass-through storage to have a place to put my sway bars. This wouldn't be anything I'd use when moving, so it didn't need to handle the bumps of travel (I could just set the sway bars in the truck or pass-through, but it's nicer if everything has it's place).

I use tinkercad.com to do designs, it's pretty easy to learn (and free), export STL files, and import them into prusaslicer (avail from Prusa free) to create the print files.

Attached are some pics.
Tim
PXL_20240228_154056036.jpg
PXL_20240228_154232226.jpg
sbh2.jpg
 
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I was President of SPE last year when we bought this company:

https://www.3dnatives.com/en/

Geared more for business, but you may find some useful information particularly about filament comparison. There is a tool to compare 3D printers too.

My son has a Bambu and loves it.

I assume you would print outside due to the fumes?
 
3D printing is really cool and we use it a lot to build our model railroad BUT decided not to take it in the trailer mainly due to dust concerns. Dust can really screw up your print.


Spend time in the trailer designing things to make when we get home. It is all part of camping...I think!

Len
 
I'm on my second FDM printer and also have a resin printer. FDM, no issues being inside...resin is another story so mine is in the garage (fumes). I have printed a couple things for the trailer; bins for toiletries to fit in the weird spaces next to the shower; plates to convert the LED toggle switch to summer knobs for the interior and exterior lights, "bigger" knobbed screws for the LP cover, rows of hooks for keys (secured with 3M Command adhesive), hooks to hold things on the sloped front wall of the basement (ax, level jack "handle", equil-i-zer weight distribution bar lever, etc.).

The resin printer is mostly for fun and figurines.
 
I recommend the Creality Ender 3 V2 for its reliability and portability. For 3D scanning, the Revopoint POP 2 is a great choice
 
I love that you're already making various things for your home. I can't wait to do the same, but for now, I'm working through some software issues. I also have some experience with Blender and would like to know if there's any way to use it for 3D printing?
 

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