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
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Runs With Scissors
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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
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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
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New Holland T2310, New Holland TC21D, Kubota l3010 GST, Farmall H
PHPaul
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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
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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
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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.
airbiscuit
Well-known member
Equipment
New Holland T2310, New Holland TC21D, Kubota l3010 GST, Farmall H
Thank you all for taking the time to educate me!
RWS: I think you are correct for suggesting to find a cad program before investing in a printer. I have used Autocad LT since the mid 90’s and taught myself 3D using Spaceclaim, which was about as intuitive as you could get. But at 3k per year that’s not going to happen. I’m going to start experimenting with a couple of different programs to see what I can handle. Most of them offer a 30 day trial which is perfect.
airbiscuit: Thanks for the link to the Bambu unit. It eventually led me to the X2 model but I am still researching. It was like purchasing a computer at Best Buy. The model next to the one you were looking at has some nice features for “just a few dollars more”
PHPaul: That is an impressive array of parts that you have made! Those tracks for the JD dozer blew me away! I’ll be checking out your suggestions on the software. Thank you!
RWS: I think you are correct for suggesting to find a cad program before investing in a printer. I have used Autocad LT since the mid 90’s and taught myself 3D using Spaceclaim, which was about as intuitive as you could get. But at 3k per year that’s not going to happen. I’m going to start experimenting with a couple of different programs to see what I can handle. Most of them offer a 30 day trial which is perfect.
airbiscuit: Thanks for the link to the Bambu unit. It eventually led me to the X2 model but I am still researching. It was like purchasing a computer at Best Buy. The model next to the one you were looking at has some nice features for “just a few dollars more”
PHPaul: That is an impressive array of parts that you have made! Those tracks for the JD dozer blew me away! I’ll be checking out your suggestions on the software. Thank you!
Runs With Scissors
Well-known member
Equipment
L2501 TLB , Grappel, Brush Hog, Box Blade, Ballast box, Forks, Tiller, PH digger
If you have some previous CAD experience, you are “light years” ahead of me.
There are some “free” ones too.
I believe they call them “open source”?? (Not a name brand, just a “free for everyone” name)
I tried 2 of them, but couldn’t "get the hang of them”….Can’t remember the names….maybe someone else could chime in?
My SIL really likes his Bambu unit, and I have heard good things about them as well.
The price point of these ‘beginner units” units tends to make them a “toss up” in my opinion…..I mean most of us on this board, have tools that value into the 10’s or even 100’s of thousands of dollars, so 350-450 bucks is kind of a “chip shot”
But to answer your original question, I think I would/am going to go the "Bambu route" in a few months………But Creality still has a shot
Good luck and let us know which way you go!!!!
There are some “free” ones too.
I believe they call them “open source”?? (Not a name brand, just a “free for everyone” name)
I tried 2 of them, but couldn’t "get the hang of them”….Can’t remember the names….maybe someone else could chime in?
My SIL really likes his Bambu unit, and I have heard good things about them as well.
The price point of these ‘beginner units” units tends to make them a “toss up” in my opinion…..I mean most of us on this board, have tools that value into the 10’s or even 100’s of thousands of dollars, so 350-450 bucks is kind of a “chip shot”
But to answer your original question, I think I would/am going to go the "Bambu route" in a few months………But Creality still has a shot
Good luck and let us know which way you go!!!!
He and countless others (some very well respected) have voiced their concerns regarding BamBu Labs, they were in the hot seat awhile back for good reason. For me, I feel if I purchase something, it's mine and I shouldn't have to connect to the cloud (just someone else's computer) to operate my printer. I'm not absolutely confident that anything that I'm trying to print ( design I've created) will not be viewed/copied, especially from someone in another country, we all know China never rips off designs and then sells them.
Louis and many others as well have also been putting out many videos of new legislation introduced in Washington State (HB2320) and I believe in other state as well (guess which ones) that could significantly change 3d printing. They're looking to force 3D printer manufacturers to incorporate technology that will scan/recognize guns parts, they're also looking to force this onto anyone that has metal working (I assume CNCs) equipment.
If this is signed into law, my opinion is that they're opening pandoras box. Just a thought, what's to keep other OEMs from requesting that one of their products be placed on the unauthorized list of items that can be printed. The widget broke on my tractor, the dealer wants $50 for a new one, I decide to create one myself and then print it, nope, the software recognizes that it's a widget from company X and it's a proprietary part and if you want to print it, the cost $10.
Just saying
I started 3D printing over 10 years ago with a Prusa, great machine, still have it and it still works well. 30 yrs ago when I started in engineering, we worked with multi-million element 3d models that were used in wind tunnel simulations, these closed, watertight STL models are exactly what is needed for 3D printing. I had 30 years' experience using professional CAD/meshing software, so I was already a master of the basics when I begun 3D printing and ended up starting a printing operation at work. I have many years of experience with both small and large (4 ft square build volumes $100K machines.) I retired last year and I estimate that I had used over 9K pounds of filament.
About 10 years ago I started 3D scanning, the scanners were $100K and with he 3D printers, it was a match made in heaven. I could convert any physical part into a 3 D digital model and I could convert any 3D digital model into a physical part.
During all the years at work, everyone came to me with questions about 3D printers. Countless times, a person purchased a machine, then it ended up just sitting in their basement or they sold it. Printers are a far cry better than what they were 10 plus years ago, but they're not for everyone. People thought they were really cool to watch run and got really frustrated when the print failed, not realizing that it was their filament was the issue, depending on the type, it is very hygroscopic. Prints not sticking to the build plate, warping, etc., etc.
Just a thought, there's many, many good used machines on Facebook Marketplace. Maybe consider used before going out and spending $500, $1000 or more on a new machine and then realizing that it's not your cup of tea or that the learning curve of the CAD aspect is more than what you want to deal with.
Attached is a couple of T-Rex items I printed, the full skeleton is 6.5 ft long, the large skull is two pieces and is 28 inches long.
About 10 years ago I started 3D scanning, the scanners were $100K and with he 3D printers, it was a match made in heaven. I could convert any physical part into a 3 D digital model and I could convert any 3D digital model into a physical part.
During all the years at work, everyone came to me with questions about 3D printers. Countless times, a person purchased a machine, then it ended up just sitting in their basement or they sold it. Printers are a far cry better than what they were 10 plus years ago, but they're not for everyone. People thought they were really cool to watch run and got really frustrated when the print failed, not realizing that it was their filament was the issue, depending on the type, it is very hygroscopic. Prints not sticking to the build plate, warping, etc., etc.
Just a thought, there's many, many good used machines on Facebook Marketplace. Maybe consider used before going out and spending $500, $1000 or more on a new machine and then realizing that it's not your cup of tea or that the learning curve of the CAD aspect is more than what you want to deal with.
Attached is a couple of T-Rex items I printed, the full skeleton is 6.5 ft long, the large skull is two pieces and is 28 inches long.
