I know nothing! Where is the place to start on 3-D printing? I called
some of my old friends in my old business and they said that they knew
nothing but had a whole bunch of projects that 3-D printing would
benefit. Things like simple representations of prototypes and such. I
need to make some parts for one of my wacky inventions. So, can I learn
enough and make a good purchase decision? I wouldn't mind having a
little desk-top business for a few clients that I know have a LOT of
money and do things by throwing it around.

On Sat, 9 Dec 2017 04:22:28 -0500, Tom Gardner wrote:

I know nothing! Where is the place to start on 3-D printing? I called
some of my old friends in my old business and they said that they knew
nothing but had a whole bunch of projects that 3-D printing would
benefit. Things like simple representations of prototypes and such. I
need to make some parts for one of my wacky inventions. So, can I learn
enough and make a good purchase decision? I wouldn't mind having a
little desk-top business for a few clients that I know have a LOT of
money and do things by throwing it around.

Start by reading. I'd say read some of my articles but they're a year
behind, and that's a lifetime in 3D printing.

Seriously, there's no way around it. There are so many different
technologies for it now that you have to read a variety of info to
know what the hell is going on.

--
Ed Huntress

On Sat, 9 Dec 2017 04:22:28 -0500, Tom Gardner wrote:

I know nothing! Where is the place to start on 3-D printing? I called
some of my old friends in my old business and they said that they knew
nothing but had a whole bunch of projects that 3-D printing would
benefit. Things like simple representations of prototypes and such. I
need to make some parts for one of my wacky inventions. So, can I learn
enough and make a good purchase decision? I wouldn't mind having a
little desk-top business for a few clients that I know have a LOT of
money and do things by throwing it around.

The current issue of Make magazine has a desktop machine roundup,
including 3d printers, laser cutters, etc. Previous issues of the
magazine have had articles on printing issues like adherence of the
base layer, polymer choices, slow print speed, etc.

I've considered building one, but just have a few parts so far.

Pete Keillor

On Sat, 9 Dec 2017 04:22:28 -0500
Tom Gardner wrote:

I know nothing! Where is the place to start on 3-D printing? I called
some of my old friends in my old business and they said that they knew
nothing but had a whole bunch of projects that 3-D printing would
benefit. Things like simple representations of prototypes and such. I
need to make some parts for one of my wacky inventions. So, can I learn
enough and make a good purchase decision? I wouldn't mind having a
little desk-top business for a few clients that I know have a LOT of
money and do things by throwing it around.

The Cleveland Library has a 3D printer and a few other goodies too:
https://cpl.org/subjectscollections/...al/makerspace/

You're probably paying for it so why not check it out

--
Leon Fisk
Grand Rapids MI/Zone 5b
Remove no.spam for email

On Sat, 09 Dec 2017 04:22:28 -0500, Tom Gardner wrote:

I know nothing! Where is the place to start on 3-D printing? I called
some of my old friends in my old business and they said that they knew
nothing but had a whole bunch of projects that 3-D printing would
benefit. Things like simple representations of prototypes and such. I
need to make some parts for one of my wacky inventions. So, can I learn
enough and make a good purchase decision? I wouldn't mind having a
little desk-top business for a few clients that I know have a LOT of
money and do things by throwing it around.

I just went through this about a month ago from the basis of complete
ignorance. Curiosity was the primary motivator. Other that a couple of
doodads I didnt have any needs.

Considering only low end desk top printers:

The Creality CR-10 seems to have the best reviews. It is about $350 from
china with a coupon - like buying something from Harbor Freight.

The Wanhao duplicator seems to have a good reputation as a work horse. It
is about $300 from MicroCenter and elsewhere.

Going on down:

The Anet A8 is very popular. About $150 - $200. There are millions of
gimcracks to pimp up your printer (www.thingiverse.com)

I bought the Tronxy p802MA with automatic bed leveling (About $170)
because the two reviews I looked at said it was only good for spare
parts. Seemed appropriate for me. It is a kit. Everything was there.
The instructions, in retrospect, were adequate but sparse. It took a long
time to assemble and requires a good Erector Set background. It works
just fine although it took another day or so to figure out how to use it.
No actual problems other than numerous cockpit problems.

A bit of advice: Automatic bed leveling is a must! A heated bed is also
advisable.

Also, it takes forever (hours) to print something. I suppose that is
logical since you print at 0.004" per layer. There is no instant
gratification.

Good luck.

On Sat, 9 Dec 2017 04:22:28 -0500, Tom Gardner wrote:

I know nothing! Where is the place to start on 3-D printing? I called
some of my old friends in my old business and they said that they knew
nothing but had a whole bunch of projects that 3-D printing would
benefit. Things like simple representations of prototypes and such. I
need to make some parts for one of my wacky inventions. So, can I learn
enough and make a good purchase decision? I wouldn't mind having a
little desk-top business for a few clients that I know have a LOT of
money and do things by throwing it around.

I know nothing, either, so maybe start here?
Amazon.com: 3d printing handbook https://is.gd/bEXM6l

getting started 3d printing - YouTube https://is.gd/sPhJ30

Wow, 3D printing of brushes. Whoda thunk?

--
Silence is more musical than any song.
-- Christina Rossetti

On Saturday, December 9, 2017 at 7:44:11 AM UTC-5, Leon Fisk wrote:
On Sat, 9 Dec 2017 04:22:28 -0500
Tom Gardner wrote:

I know nothing! Where is the place to start on 3-D printing? I called
some of my old friends in my old business and they said that they knew
nothing but had a whole bunch of projects that 3-D printing would
benefit. Things like simple representations of prototypes and such. I
need to make some parts for one of my wacky inventions. So, can I learn
enough and make a good purchase decision? I wouldn't mind having a
little desk-top business for a few clients that I know have a LOT of
money and do things by throwing it around.

The Cleveland Library has a 3D printer and a few other goodies too:
https://cpl.org/subjectscollections/...al/makerspace/

You're probably paying for it so why not check it out

Some dealers starting out in the the industry may actually qualify for government subsidies.

Tom Gardner on Sat, 9 Dec 2017 04:22:28 -0500 typed
in rec.crafts.metalworking the following:
I know nothing! Where is the place to start on 3-D printing? I called
some of my old friends in my old business and they said that they knew
nothing but had a whole bunch of projects that 3-D printing would
benefit. Things like simple representations of prototypes and such. I
need to make some parts for one of my wacky inventions. So, can I learn
enough and make a good purchase decision? I wouldn't mind having a
little desk-top business for a few clients that I know have a LOT of
money and do things by throwing it around.

I'd say one place to start looking is Make Magazine - and their
website.
--
pyotr filipivich
"With Age comes Wisdom. Although far too often, Age travels alone."

On 2017-12-09, Tom Gardner wrote:
I know nothing! Where is the place to start on 3-D printing? I called
some of my old friends in my old business and they said that they knew
nothing but had a whole bunch of projects that 3-D printing would
benefit. Things like simple representations of prototypes and such. I
need to make some parts for one of my wacky inventions. So, can I learn
enough and make a good purchase decision? I wouldn't mind having a
little desk-top business for a few clients that I know have a LOT of
money and do things by throwing it around.

I own a 3D printer and I am very happy. It is called MakerGear M2.

It makes only certain types of objects that can be printed.

The plastic is strong but not heat resistant.

i

If you are a 3-D cad type - should be a shoe in. If you are 2-D it is
a pain to gear up unless you are ready.

There are so many out there and I would suggest you get a small startup
version that works.

I have a 3-D with 3 heads (colors). Sounds right on. But the design
flaw is G-Forces are excessive with servo's the size of your fist.
Three in the head.

The company is large - and pro stuff good - this was a step down and
they only tested 2 head units in applications. That works. I'm going
to downgrade mine and take out the 3rd head and keep the parts for
spares, and see if it will fly with two like the factories.

I spent to much on it to find out the bad news. stumble before you walk
and walk before you run. The low end no-box and not fancy generally
function as expected. Buy what you see working in youtube or web video.

Martin


On 12/9/2017 9:08 AM, Larry Jaques wrote:
On Sat, 9 Dec 2017 04:22:28 -0500, Tom Gardner wrote:

I know nothing! Where is the place to start on 3-D printing? I called
some of my old friends in my old business and they said that they knew
nothing but had a whole bunch of projects that 3-D printing would
benefit. Things like simple representations of prototypes and such. I
need to make some parts for one of my wacky inventions. So, can I learn
enough and make a good purchase decision? I wouldn't mind having a
little desk-top business for a few clients that I know have a LOT of
money and do things by throwing it around.

I know nothing, either, so maybe start here?
Amazon.com: 3d printing handbook https://is.gd/bEXM6l

getting started 3d printing - YouTube https://is.gd/sPhJ30

Wow, 3D printing of brushes. Whoda thunk?

--
Silence is more musical than any song.
-- Christina Rossetti

On 12/10/2017 9:41 PM, Martin Eastburn wrote:
If you are a 3-D cad type - should be a shoe in.Â* If you are 2-D it is
a pain to gear up unless you are ready.

I've used SolidWorks for many years. I only know enough to be
productive in my old industry...no space shuttles here!

On 12/10/2017 9:11 AM, Ignoramus13548 wrote:

I own a 3D printer and I am very happy. It is called MakerGear M2.

It makes only certain types of objects that can be printed.

The plastic is strong but not heat resistant.

i


The parts I need are similar to a Dymo label gun. A left half and a
right half and some internal components.