3D Files and 3D Printing

[Kiwi3]

Okay, I finally went and got a hobbyist 3D printer.
Pretty amazed at some of the things that you can make, and the quality of the prints. Of course this is now morphing into photogrammetry (using photos to create 3D models).

Just wondering if anyone else is using 3d printing and if you have any STL files for parts? I'm still learning my printer, so nothing really useful for the bus yet (mostly little items for my server rack and some small tools). I'm also working my way through learning Fusion 360 CAD to edit/create models.

I guess the first thing I'm making is those dang motorized curtain drive wheels.

But yeah, wondering if anyone else is doing 3D printing?

[wandermore]

I really enjoy it. I did some CAD and CNC design work (making mostly race car and race bike parts) about 25 years ago when it was gaining popularity. Been 3d modeling and printing for about 6 years now. Once you figure out the best materials to use, how best to layout a part, etc. it is a really handy tool. I have made countless parts for my own and friends' projects. Some of the parts have been in daily service for many years. Some of the early efforts failed the first try and it took quite a bit of learning to figure out what I was doing wrong!

Here is a recent project for the bus. If you have a microphor toilet you may want to consider these shims:

https://www.wanderlodgeownersgroup.c...ad.php?t=40867

Next up is a hitch cover with a hidden box in it for spare keys.

https://www.wanderlodgeownersgroup.c...ad.php?t=40605

[jberger]

I have a new 3d printer in the workshop, but still in the box. Just too many projects in front of it, but looking forward to using it.

[Dieselbird01]

Originally Posted by Kiwi3

Okay, I finally went and got a hobbyist 3D printer.
Pretty amazed at some of the things that you can make, and the quality of the prints. Of course this is now morphing into photogrammetry (using photos to create 3D models).

Just wondering if anyone else is using 3d printing and if you have any STL files for parts? I'm still learning my printer, so nothing really useful for the bus yet (mostly little items for my server rack and some small tools). I'm also working my way through learning Fusion 360 CAD to edit/create models.

I guess the first thing I'm making is those dang motorized curtain drive wheels.

But yeah, wondering if anyone else is doing 3D printing?

Nothing exciting but I occasionally do some 3d drawing and printing. Here's a cabinet drawer pull repair project that I did a few years ago:

My Wanderlodge parts cabinets needed end caps on the sharp edges of the draw pulls:


The caps needed to fit on these extrusions:


3d Drawing I made for a cap:


3d printed cap:


3d Caps installed on drawer pulls:


Also printed some hole plugs:




Just for fun - printed an 8V92 that I found on the internet:

[Kiwi3]

John, not sure if you've seen Hubs.com, they are similar to Shapeways but seem less expensive with more options for companies to machine things. Basically both of them do 3D printing (large scale), CNC, and metal fabrication. Both are fairly affordable if you provide the STL file. Companies like them might make keeping our Wonderlodges going a little easier as the new-old stock gradually disappears.

To bad there weren't CAD files in all the Wanderlodge documents but back then everything was on paper.

Like this guy restoring a 1970's Datsun> 3D scanning + 3D printing to complete a classic car restoration

[Randy Dupree]

Nice stuff,i have no desire to have a printer,but my hats off to you guys that want one and can run one!

[Gene Mehr]

I'm still carving things with a knife and stick.

[wandermore]

Originally Posted by Kiwi3

John, not sure if you've seen Hubs.com, they are similar to Shapeways but seem less expensive with more options for companies to machine things. Basically both of them do 3D printing (large scale), CNC, and metal fabrication. Both are fairly affordable if you provide the STL file. Companies like them might make keeping our Wonderlodges going a little easier as the new-old stock gradually disappears.

Don't forget bigbluesaw.com for water jet cut parts. About 3-5 times per year they have some really good discounts off their normal prices when things get slow for them or they have extra metal stock.

[CrashTestDummy]

Originally Posted by jberger

I have a new 3d printer in the workshop, but still in the box. Just too many projects in front of it, but looking forward to using it.

Same here. That, plus it's a pretty large-bed printer. I know where I want to put it, just need to move some other stuff out of the way. Already have a couple of things I want to print, plus it may be cool to print my own parts for scale modeling. There are a LOT of files on thingiverse.

[Kiwi3]

I have to keep mine in the house.
To humid in the garage shop and I'm not willing to buy filament dryers.

Fun part is that once you assemble the printer, the first 'educational' batch of things to print -- are for the printer. Wire guides, cable chains, drawers, and tool holders. By the time you finish printing those you have the print bed dialed in for the real projects.

If you don't have one, the little automatic bed level sensor is a no brainer buy at $30 to save tons of bad prints from happening.