New Toy

[DWSudekum]

I got me a new toy to play with,,, when I have time of course It is a low end 3d printer and it has been an experience and a half getting it set up properly. I will post some pictures as I get things made with it. The process is not fast

DW

[meflick]

Leet us know how it goes. I got hubby one for Christmas. He mentioned he would like one and since I had been eyeing one myself - was a great "excuse" to get "him" one. Love when that works out like that. He hasn't had a lot of time to mess with it and I have left it to him to figure out then teach me. I may have to do it myself if he doesn't soon.

[hotshot]

I got me a new toy to play with,,,

DW

Which printer did you settle on? I think Steve D Good has been playing with his "Monoprice" brand. Those printer are getting down to the "Impulse Buy" buying point. There are so many to chose from, it hurts my brain.

[DWSudekum]

That is the one that I got as well. I found the price point well worth it. There is a VERY steep learning curve on how to make the 3d printer files however there are a TON of them all ready out there ready to use.

DW

[Rolf]

I do love new toys! I agree that the prices are getting so low for these things. What will you be making with it.? Now it seems you can't buy the parts and build one for less than one that is ready to go. Looking forward to seeing what you create.

So many toys so little time. I want either a 3d printer, a laser writer (for engraving Don't burn me at the stake) build a CNC router (X-Carve) or buy a TIG welder.

[DWSudekum]

I do love new toys! I agree that the prices are getting so low for these things. What will you be making with it.? Now it seems you can't buy the parts and build one for less than one that is ready to go. Looking forward to seeing what you create.

So many toys so little time. I want either a 3d printer, a laser writer (for engraving Don't burn me at the stake) build a CNC router (X-Carve) or buy a TIG welder.

Your toys sound a lot like my wish list Of course I need an 1100 sq foot shop... but that is another story.

DW

[Rolf]

OH yea, I forgot about space, I have none.

[hotshot]

or buy a TIG welder.

I was already short on space, but got the welding bug, and bought a cheap lotus tig/plasma cutter. Playing with fire, now that is fun. It actually works pretty good, but should have bought the AHP as it is the best feature rich TIG in that price range and it does AC so you can do aluminum if you wish. Also has pulse and a lots of "knobs" to play with.

The lasers capable of doing the deep cutting are still cost prohibitive. Saw some at the show, and they are impressive, but didn't see anyone lining up to buy them. The part of the laser that appeals to me is recessed inlay or marquetry. We have a maker space in our community, but not sure what they have available yet. I suspect they do not have a laser capable of the deeper cutting required for inlay.

$215 for a 3d printer, or perhaps the model right above it might be doable. Plus, the 3d printer can go in the house, so it doesn't take shop space.

[DWSudekum]

I have been looking into building a small foundry,,,, but then I am interested in so many things hehe

DW

[Rolf]

And of course there is glass blowing, sigh.
Randy I have a Mig welder (gas) but want to sell it and buy the AHP, seems to have the best reviews. I have a tube chassis and some aluminum bits in my TVR that I want to repair.

[evilbadger]

You guys are going to get me in trouble now I'll have to look at 3D printers again. I might see if I can build a laser head for the CNC router table. If I can just swap the router with the laser it would save room. Not sure what other tools you have DW but I know my 1100 sq ft garage has gotten pretty tight so you may want to go bigger.

[Rolf]

1100 sq ft! WOW It is a good thing I don't have anywhere near that much space. Tim you could just add the laser next to the router and just put in an offset. It would be nice to be able to laser engrave, some of my work

[evilbadger]

Hmm never thought about doing an offset thanks for the idea Rolf. I think my next project is going to be building the 4th axis for the router. The router will do engraving also Rolf figuring out how to clamp the pieces can be tricky though. I've been turning pens more than anything lately and getting a few requests to engrave names on them so figured if I do a 4th axis I can rotate the pens.

The 1100 sq ft has pretty much the complete woodworking tools and also the metal working tools. The lathe and mill take up a lot of space. I had a small foundry but ended up selling it. I did get a few good castings in but found out the hard way that trying to recycle old material is better left to the professionals, When I used new stock and melted it down the castings came out great but no matter how hard I tried with old stuff it didn't work so well.

I guess I should post some pictures of some of the more recent projects even though they weren't scrolling.

[Wood Dog]

Right on target topic.....this video came into my view this morning. A CNC, Laser, and 3D Printer all in one machine. Cost ??????

[DWSudekum]

Right on target topic.....this video came into my view this morning. A CNC, Laser, and 3D Printer all in one machine. Cost ??????

BOXZY can be gotten for ~$3000