A Different Direction..............

[Dave Ward]

I've been pondering about 3D printing for a while - I have the over 15 years experience of CAD modelling to draw on and I've been doing a lot of research & watching videos on the subject.
I've considered UV Resin curing resin printers, but the post printing clean up and curing, make it rather impractical in my flat. This really leaves FDM machines & I've been been reading reviews & looking at prices. I've looked at & discounted pre-owned printers - they're complicated machines & troubleshooting an iffy second hand machine isn't for a first time user!
I've finally ordered an Anet A6 printer. This comes as a complete DIY assembly kit, and there's nothing like getting familiar with a gadget, than building it yourself. I'll be using PLA filament initially, then PET-G, if all works out.
I used 3D rapid prototyping services during my workdays & I know the principles, but translating them into solid objects may be a different matter.
The thing should be here next week, so I'll hopefully be able to post some updates!
Dave

[Tim Marlow]

I've been pondering about 3D printing for a while - I have the over 15 years experience of CAD modelling to draw on and I've been doing a lot of research & watching videos on the subject.
I've considered UV Resin curing resin printers, but the post printing clean up and curing, make it rather impractical in my flat. This really leaves FDM machines & I've been been reading reviews & looking at prices. I've looked at & discounted pre-owned printers - they're complicated machines & troubleshooting an iffy second hand machine isn't for a first time user!
I've finally ordered an Anet C6 printer. This comes as a complete DIY assembly kit, and there's nothing like getting familiar with a gadget, than building it yourself. I'll be using PLA filament initially, then PET-G, if all works out.
I used 3D rapid prototyping services during my workdays & I know the principles, but translating them into solid objects may be a different matter.
The thing should be here next week, so I'll hopefully be able to post some updates!
Dave

Good luck with it Dave. I’m sure you will find it an absorbing interest that will compliment your modelling.

[Gary MacKenzie]

I've been pondering about 3D printing for a while - I have the over 15 years experience of CAD modelling to draw on and I've been doing a lot of research & watching videos on the subject.
I've considered UV Resin curing resin printers, but the post printing clean up and curing, make it rather impractical in my flat. This really leaves FDM machines & I've been been reading reviews & looking at prices. I've looked at & discounted pre-owned printers - they're complicated machines & troubleshooting an iffy second hand machine isn't for a first time user!
I've finally ordered an Anet C6 printer. This comes as a complete DIY assembly kit, and there's nothing like getting familiar with a gadget, than building it yourself. I'll be using PLA filament initially, then PET-G, if all works out.
I used 3D rapid prototyping services during my workdays & I know the principles, but translating them into solid objects may be a different matter.
The thing should be here next week, so I'll hopefully be able to post some updates!
Dave

if you are looking for inspiration/help look on youtube for

unclejessy
vegoilguy ( vogman )
modbot
3dprintingpro

I find them all very interesting and honest about what can and cant be done, or how to get a printer to do something it maybe wasn't supposed to be able to do.

[wotan]

Dave

You're a brave man. I look forward to seeing how you get on with assembly of the device and the printing.

John

[Neil Merryweather]

Good luck, Dave, especially with the PETG. I've had very little success with it.
For what it's worth, my opinion is that resin is the more useful process for our hobby, just wait till you start trying to post process the build layers in an fdm print -have a look at my steampunk gun...
With careful placement Iof supports and judicious separation of parts,there's a lot less work with resin,and much better resolution for small parts

[Dave Ward]

I may have given the impression this was instead of modelmaking, far from it - it's going to supplement it. Whilst I was doing the Inbox Review of the HobbyBoss HMS Agamemnon, I noted that it had no methods of display, several times I've thought that a simple custom made base would be ideal for a subject. Hence the interest in 3D printing ( at least one reason ) - I'm not expecting to be able to produce detailed models, maybe just additions/jigs/aids.
I know that printing is a slow business, times more in hours than minutes, so there should be plenty of benchtime.

For what it's worth, my opinion is that resin is the more useful process

Yes, but having buckets of IPA for post-processing, not to mention the resin itself & fumes associated isn't really feasible in my flat ( assuming I still want to live in it at the same time.! ) I know that water washable resins are available, but you still have the problem of disposing of contaminated water.............

Dave

[Neil Merryweather]

Good luck, Dave, especially with the PETG. I've had very little success with it.
For what it's worth, my opinion is that resin is the more useful process for our hobby, just wait till you start trying to post process the build layers in an fdm print -have a look at my steampunk gun...
With careful placement Iof supports and judicious separation of parts,there's a lot less work with resin,and much better resolution for small parts

Sorry Dave, I just re-read your post, and your point about the smell of resin in your flat is very valid

[Neil Merryweather]

FDM is very good for things like display bases, as you say.
You could easily create custom trays for your waterline models, with a moulded frame surrounds integrally printed. And I personally don't find the build layers irritating in that context.
Here's what I did with my Scots Grey Base https://www.scale-models.co.uk/threa....33190/page-27

I look forward to seeing what you come up with.

[Dave Ward]

Sorry Dave, I just re-read your post, and your point about the smell of resin in your flat is very valid

I only moved to an airbrush properly after I started using acrylics! Solvent based paints left a lingering aroma - especially using Alclad II - I'm sure I could taste that weeks afterwards. If I had a garage, or shed, then yes, UV printing would be my choice, but moving house is a bit extreme! :tongue-out3:
Dave

[Guest]

I know that water washable resins are available, but you still have the problem of disposing of contaminated water.............

Though I have exactly zero experience with it, can’t you leave the pot of water in front of a UV light (or in the sunshine) so that the resin in it hardens and comes out, then pour it through a fine sieve (like a piece of fine-woven cloth) to get the bits out?

[stillp]

Good luck with it Dave.
Pete

[Jim R]

Good luck Dave. Keep us informed with how you get on. Most interesting.

[The Smythe Meister]

I've been pondering about 3D printing for a while - I have the over 15 years experience of CAD modelling to draw on and I've been doing a lot of research & watching videos on the subject.
I've considered UV Resin curing resin printers, but the post printing clean up and curing, make it rather impractical in my flat. This really leaves FDM machines & I've been been reading reviews & looking at prices. I've looked at & discounted pre-owned printers - they're complicated machines & troubleshooting an iffy second hand machine isn't for a first time user!
I've finally ordered an Anet A6 printer. This comes as a complete DIY assembly kit, and there's nothing like getting familiar with a gadget, than building it yourself. I'll be using PLA filament initially, then PET-G, if all works out.
I used 3D rapid prototyping services during my workdays & I know the principles, but translating them into solid objects may be a different matter.
The thing should be here next week, so I'll hopefully be able to post some updates!
Dave

Mmmm,
I see what you mean Dave,
... However,where exactly do you go with this?!!..
I've seen pretty much ALL of your purchases over the last few years,and been astounded by just how much you've acquired ..
.... Are you seriously going to move on and leave all those behind? ... Surely you already have enough to keep you going for ever?!!

[Dave Ward]

Mmmm,
I see what you mean Dave,
... However,where exactly do you go with this?!!..
I've seen pretty much ALL of your purchases over the last few years,and been astounded by just how much you've acquired ..
.... Are you seriously going to move on and leave all those behind? ... Surely you already have enough to keep you going for ever?!!

No, the 3D printing will hopefully be an extension of the model making, the stash is too extensive to abandon it!
Dave

[Dave Ward]

Had a spool of 1 kg of PLA filament delivered today - wasn't expecting this until next week. I had an email confirming that the 3D printer will be delivered tomorrow - actually quite excited about this! Shows how mundane my life is in the Autumn/Winter!
Dave