So? What exactly do you use your 3d printer for? What things do you print?
In reading over this forum for the past few months, I've become aware that we're a very diverse group as to what we print and what we use the printers for.
I would be interested in hearing what you (yes, YOU!) 😉 use yours for, with photos of what you've made if you like.
I use mine mostly for model railroad items. Since I retired I finally have time to build an O scale model railroad, and I've been hooked after seeing a 3d printer in action at a train show a few years ago. I started out doing prints at our local 'makerspace' and finally ordered my own printer (MK3S) after all three of the 'good' printers in the lab were down for various reasons.
I just finished with a row of over/under residential/commercial buildings (photo below) and I'm currently drafting and making a set of row houses for the same side of the layout.
I've also done an O scale Elevated station, as those are very difficult to find as commercial products at a reasonable price. I've shared that in the download section here and on a couple of the other 'usual suspect' 3d printing sites. Again, photo below.
One of the other things I'm playing around with is a 'clone' of the well-known Lionel 6464 series box car. The below photo is a prototype and proof of concept, which actually turned out quite nicely and runs quite well on a running layout.
I've also done various odds and ends and projects, including a hands-free flush valve to replace a commercial one that turned out to be more trouble than it was worth.
Let's hear what you enjoy printing.
RE: So? What exactly do you use your 3d printer for? What things do you print?
I'm printing replacement parts for some appliances that had broken pieces. Dishwasher lower rack wheels and the backer plate for an oven/range knob.
RE: So? What exactly do you use your 3d printer for? What things do you print?
As mentioned in a different posting, I restore the mechanisms in old perforated paper roll operated self-playing pianos. A lot, in fact most parts for these mechanisms are simply not available, so 3D printing has been a boon for the restorers of these. But in addition to usable parts, I have also designed and printed a wide variety of items that are used as tools for various restoration tasks. The first item shown is a simple thickness gauge for a specific mechanism that also incorporates an open end wrench to adjust the spacing of parts to one of the four captioned values (in steps of 1/16").
The next picture is a semi-exploded view of a very complicated mold into which I pour a liquid two-part elastomer, producing four of the items shown in the third photo. These items are used as vibration and sound isolators for the electric motors used in another specific mechanism brand. The original mounts, made of natural rubber, turn rock-hard over the years and no longer absorb the vibrations. Not surprising since most of them date from the mid-1920s. I have modeled and printed almost 100 other parts and tools for this avocation.
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RE: So? What exactly do you use your 3d printer for? What things do you print?
@reddawg
That mould is fantastic. Bravo.