What would your home hobby 3D print area 'must-have' list be?
I am saving for a Prusa 3D printer. But right now, we are doing renovations and I have the opportunity to set up my hobby/3D printing area from scratch. I don't plan on turning 3D printing into a business and I can't imagine ever having more than two printers (one filament, *maybe* a resin printer later on). I have a space about 6' wide x 2' deep, and I do plan on putting an ethernet port in. I'm aware of noise and vibration issues, and we're partly addressing those by building the 6' wall with staggered studs and insulation. I plan on incorporating cushioning pads and concrete pavers on the printer stand as well.
I'm wondering about things like lighting types, ventilation, electrical outlet numbers, and I'm sure there's other things I'm not considering that I should be. What would be *your* 'must-have' list for a space like mine? Photos of your setups welcome, of course!
RE: What would your home hobby 3D print area 'must-have' list be?
- Easy-to-reach space on the bench or in a drawer for small hand tools (cutter, tweezers, knife, ethanol & wipes, ...) and accessories (nozzles, build plates),
- Bench space and power outlet for a filament dryer,
- Ample shelf space for filament spools in sealed (dry) boxes or bags.
RE:
My setup:
- Core One
- 45kg work table with 40mm thick maple top
- PID controlled annealing oven (formally a toaster oven)
- Tool boxes
- Mini vacuum
- Air Filter (the round gray and white thing)
- Hair Dryer for "active" chamber heating
- OctoPrint Raspberry PI
- Filament storage with PolyMaker dry boxes
- Not in photo - Creality Space Pi X4 Filament Dryer (too noisy for my office room)
- Window off to the left with a fan for exhaust
RE: What would your home hobby 3D print area 'must-have' list be?
Thanks for this; I learned about somethings I hadn't yet encountered in reading about 3D printing so far like controlling temperature outside the enclosure of the printer itself. Also, an air purifier is a logical addition to a 3D printing set-up that I hadn't thought of.
That maple top is something I could do; we 'inherited' a significant amount of dried lumber when we bought our house. if I understand your set-up, the weight of the table itself is enough to dampen a lot of the vibrations?
I'm presently waffling between the Core One and the MK4S. My understanding is that the Core One has a smaller footprint, though, and that may sway me.
RE: What would your home hobby 3D print area 'must-have' list be?
Thanks for your input. You've added a few things I hadn't thought of, as well.
RE:
Thanks for this; I learned about somethings I hadn't yet encountered in reading about 3D printing so far like controlling temperature outside the enclosure of the printer itself. Also, an air purifier is a logical addition to a 3D printing set-up that I hadn't thought of.
That maple top is something I could do; we 'inherited' a significant amount of dried lumber when we bought our house. if I understand your set-up, the weight of the table itself is enough to dampen a lot of the vibrations?
I'm presently waffling between the Core One and the MK4S. My understanding is that the Core One has a smaller footprint, though, and that may sway me.
With a very sturdy table and Hula feet there is a noticeable improvement in print quality as well as noise reduction. A filament dryer is a must, especially if you live in a humid climate. People tend to skip out on that when first starting out. No matter what printer you get, start with PLA filament since it's very forgiving. Also, extra nozzles and heat blocks. You will ruin one or two when first learning how to print. At least that's what happened to me...
As for a resin printer (as you mentioned in the first post), I own one. They are unmatched for precision and detail but a MAJOR pain to work with. Just be prepared to work with toxic messy chemicals.