I know several of you own a 3D printer and my question is, if you were to buy another one which one would you buy and why. Also, what software would you buy to support it?
3D PRINTER
- Thread starter Yooper
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Runs With Scissors
Well-known member
Equipment
L2501 TLB , Grappel, Brush Hog, Box Blade, Ballast box, Forks, Tiller, PH digger
My first experience with one at work was a Creality K1.
It is a “bare bones” model, but it was good for a beginer/non-tech’y guy like myself, especially for the price. I had to return my first one within the 30 day return window and had some minor issues, but nothing too bad after that.
It did a very good job, and was very reasonably priced (250-350’ish)
I don't have access to it any longer, but have/will consider getting a “personal one”
My SIL has a Bambu Labs and he likes it alot, but it is about 1,000 bucks.
The design software was an entirely different story.
I had a hell of a time with multiple formats. All of the 3D software is/was very difficult for me to use. Truth be told, it still remains my "Achilles Heel”. I did invest in the “full version” called "Alibre Design Expert” ; However I would suggest using their “free 30 day trail” upgrading from there. I started off with their “base model” called Alibre Atom 3d for 199 bucks then “upgraded as I progressed”
There are some “free softwares” available but they did not work for me; However, looking back I think I am blaming the software’s for stuff that was actaully due to my inexperience.
The computer that would actually run it “mostly good” cost me another nearly $2K…But at the time I HAD to have a laptop and that made things quite expensive.
If you can use a “desk top” you can get away a lot cheaper.
All in all, I am liking my overall “3d printing experience”.
Lastly, my SIL finds all of his design programs “online” so he avoided all of the hardware/software BS….But I like being “self reliant”….(but maybe to a detriment?)
Good Luck!!!!
EDIT: After re-reading my post and reflecting, I might even suggest reversing things.
Maybe get the software and the hardware FIRST…..then after beating your head against the wall for hours and hours, the printer will be an easier choice. SERIOUSLY….the design software is kind of a nightmare….just sayin…..
DOUBLE EDIT: Oh yea, I forgot to add that you can absolutly forget using an Apple computer for anything CAD related….What an "absolute shit-show, f’ing nightmare” that was….ONLY WINDOWS…..
It is a “bare bones” model, but it was good for a beginer/non-tech’y guy like myself, especially for the price. I had to return my first one within the 30 day return window and had some minor issues, but nothing too bad after that.
It did a very good job, and was very reasonably priced (250-350’ish)
I don't have access to it any longer, but have/will consider getting a “personal one”
My SIL has a Bambu Labs and he likes it alot, but it is about 1,000 bucks.
The design software was an entirely different story.
I had a hell of a time with multiple formats. All of the 3D software is/was very difficult for me to use. Truth be told, it still remains my "Achilles Heel”. I did invest in the “full version” called "Alibre Design Expert” ; However I would suggest using their “free 30 day trail” upgrading from there. I started off with their “base model” called Alibre Atom 3d for 199 bucks then “upgraded as I progressed”
There are some “free softwares” available but they did not work for me; However, looking back I think I am blaming the software’s for stuff that was actaully due to my inexperience.
The computer that would actually run it “mostly good” cost me another nearly $2K…But at the time I HAD to have a laptop and that made things quite expensive.
If you can use a “desk top” you can get away a lot cheaper.
All in all, I am liking my overall “3d printing experience”.
Lastly, my SIL finds all of his design programs “online” so he avoided all of the hardware/software BS….But I like being “self reliant”….(but maybe to a detriment?)
Good Luck!!!!
EDIT: After re-reading my post and reflecting, I might even suggest reversing things.
Maybe get the software and the hardware FIRST…..then after beating your head against the wall for hours and hours, the printer will be an easier choice. SERIOUSLY….the design software is kind of a nightmare….just sayin…..
DOUBLE EDIT: Oh yea, I forgot to add that you can absolutly forget using an Apple computer for anything CAD related….What an "absolute shit-show, f’ing nightmare” that was….ONLY WINDOWS…..
Last edited:
airbiscuit
Well-known member
Equipment
New Holland T2310, New Holland TC21D, Kubota l3010 GST, Farmall H
Hard to go wrong with Bambu Lab. I've purchased 2 for grandchildren. Ready to go, right out of the box.
airbiscuit
Well-known member
Equipment
New Holland T2310, New Holland TC21D, Kubota l3010 GST, Farmall H
PHPaul
Well-known member
Equipment
B2650, Pronovost snow blower, Landpride rotary mower, Howard tiller, box blade
I have a Bambu Lab A1 which is my second printer. $400-ish so relatively affordable.
It includes access to Bambu's slicer (more on that in a minute) and I use TinkerCAD for 3D design. It's free for home use and reasonably powerful.
Now for the bad news: Both Bambu's slicer and TinkerCAD operate via "the cloud", ie the software is not on your computer. It's seamless, but it DOES require a good Internet connection. I managed for years on a 200MB/Sec DSL connection but since fiber came to town a couple of years ago, the 1 gigabyte/sec connection makes life simpler. Short version: Best if you have a fast connection.
You can design your own stuff using TinkerCAD which I found to be very intuitive (Fusion 360 kicked my wrinkled old ass...) OR you can download free stuff from Thingiverse or you can pay a small fee to download other folks designs.
Once you have the .STL (Stereo Lithography, I think) file it needs to be translated into language the printer understands, or "sliced". As I said, Bambu has it's own, or you can use a freeware program called "Cura" to do the same thing. Some setup is required so it works for the specific printer you're using, but it's pretty much automatic.
Then it's just upload the sliced file to your printer, either via the cloud like Bambu, or via a micro-SD card, hit start and go do something else while it prints. Depending on the size and complexity of the file and the capabilities of your printer, it can take anywhere from a few minutes to several hours.
I'm big into model building and I use my printer a LOT. I'm also into 1:64 scale farm toys and have a diorama of a late 50's/early 60's farm. A lot of the equipment I wanted for my farm isn't available in 1:64, so I designed and printed my own. I'll link to a couple examples.
John Deere Forage Harvester
My page on Thingiverse
EDIT: There are two basic varieties of printer: Filament such as PLA, and resin. I recommend starting with a filament printer. Cheaper, less of a learning curve.
It includes access to Bambu's slicer (more on that in a minute) and I use TinkerCAD for 3D design. It's free for home use and reasonably powerful.
Now for the bad news: Both Bambu's slicer and TinkerCAD operate via "the cloud", ie the software is not on your computer. It's seamless, but it DOES require a good Internet connection. I managed for years on a 200MB/Sec DSL connection but since fiber came to town a couple of years ago, the 1 gigabyte/sec connection makes life simpler. Short version: Best if you have a fast connection.
You can design your own stuff using TinkerCAD which I found to be very intuitive (Fusion 360 kicked my wrinkled old ass...) OR you can download free stuff from Thingiverse or you can pay a small fee to download other folks designs.
Once you have the .STL (Stereo Lithography, I think) file it needs to be translated into language the printer understands, or "sliced". As I said, Bambu has it's own, or you can use a freeware program called "Cura" to do the same thing. Some setup is required so it works for the specific printer you're using, but it's pretty much automatic.
Then it's just upload the sliced file to your printer, either via the cloud like Bambu, or via a micro-SD card, hit start and go do something else while it prints. Depending on the size and complexity of the file and the capabilities of your printer, it can take anywhere from a few minutes to several hours.
I'm big into model building and I use my printer a LOT. I'm also into 1:64 scale farm toys and have a diorama of a late 50's/early 60's farm. A lot of the equipment I wanted for my farm isn't available in 1:64, so I designed and printed my own. I'll link to a couple examples.
John Deere Forage Harvester
My page on Thingiverse
EDIT: There are two basic varieties of printer: Filament such as PLA, and resin. I recommend starting with a filament printer. Cheaper, less of a learning curve.
shelkol
Active member
Lifetime Member
Equipment
bx-2200, Woods BH6000 backhoe, Tach-N-Go quick attach bucket, snow blower
I just bought a Bambu A1 and love it. I have played with Fusion 360 and have pulled out what little hair I have left. Thanks to this thread I have two other programs to try. People also suggest onshape
Runs With Scissors
Well-known member
Equipment
L2501 TLB , Grappel, Brush Hog, Box Blade, Ballast box, Forks, Tiller, PH digger
Yes sir!
I forgot about that.
That was very problematic for one of the CAD programs I tried….Fusion 360 (I think)
I hated that part, since my connection was less than stellar, and as a life long “conspiracy theorist” I dislike “cloud based” stuff, and since we are a "generally distrustful people"….…..Just something about having my stuff, on my machine makes me feel better.