30 minutes ago, Fred W. Hargis Jr said:

Barb, if the plastic feedstock for that thing very expensive?

Not too bad. A spool is about $22. I think the benefit is a cost savings on an item plus the convenience. Then the ability to create a custom solution (I'm not there yet). For example, dust hose fittings. I have a box of "almost works" that I've bought over the years. Folks with printers can design simple solutions for low cost in comparison. Right now I'm just using the free files available. Has been interesting to see the items people have designed.

@BB1 You might want to be careful... Guys with broken plastic NLA bits and pieces from their old 60s cars will be waiting on your doorstep. 😁

@John Morris, @lew could we move this topic to either Hand Tools or probably better CNC? Might need to create a new sub forum, but I'd hate to see all of Barbara's good work and ideas get "lost" in the Free for All. Others like @Ozzie have also shared 3D printed shop ideas. Seems to be a growing trend for the woodshop. Just my $.05 rounded up from $.02 worth😜

23 minutes ago, Grandpadave52 said:

@John Morris, @lew could we move this topic to either Hand Tools or probably better CNC? Might need to create a new sub forum, but I'd hate to see all of Barbara's good work and ideas get "lost" in the Free for All. Others like @Ozzie have also shared 3D printed shop ideas. Seems to be a growing trend for the woodshop. Just my $.05 rounded up from $.02 worth😜

We might need a sub-topic for 3D printing. @John Morris would have to do that.

57 minutes ago, Grandpadave52 said:

Might need to create a new sub forum, but I'd hate to see all of Barbara's good work and ideas get "lost" in the Free for All

I wasn't sure where (or even if!) this was an appropriate topic for the forum. There are many woodworking and shop items though, so even if not made from wood, are helpful in that area. Just let me know what area would be the best.

2 minutes ago, BB1 said:

I wasn't sure where (or even if!) this was an appropriate topic for the forum. There are many woodworking and shop items though, so even if not made from wood, are helpful in that area. Just let me know what area would be the best.

As soon as John makes the decision/change I will let you know. Thanks for taking the time to share your sources and printed pieces!

On another forum where I'm an admin there was so much activity for 3D printing and laser printer work that we initially created a subforum. Later we created an entire forum dedicated to both. It's an outside forum so I won't link it here.

I've thought about adding one of these to my shop but I have good friends with both and they'll print whatever I need/want so I have yet to make that purchase (and since I haven't decided which yet I like having them print for me 😊).

Just to add my opinion, not that it counts. But there's already 6 sub forums under CNC, and several just don't have very many posts.

2 minutes ago, Fred W. Hargis Jr said:

Just to add my opinion, not that it counts. But there's already 6 sub forums under CNC, and several just don't have very many posts.

And, unfortunately, given my back issues and recent back surgery I haven't contributed anything to these like I use to. Ugh!!! 😬

58 minutes ago, BB1 said:

I wasn't sure where (or even if!) this was an appropriate topic for the forum. There are many woodworking and shop items though, so even if not made from wood, are helpful in that area. Just let me know what area would be the best.

Sorry Barbara, I didn't intend to suggest you shouldn't post nor the thread was inappropriate; in fact, just the opposite. My apologies. A great topic showing creativity and alternative solutions for the shop.

Good content such as this just gets lost in the Free for All as opposed to one of the Topic specific forums. I personally believe and agree the thread is relevant, helpful and may in fact draw others to TPW looking for ideas and solutions. The topic just needs the visibility that Free for All really doesn't afford IMO.

So, keep the thread going with your out of the box creations. Thanks in advance.

Edited February 21Feb 21 by Grandpadave52

2 hours ago, Grandpadave52 said:

Sorry Barbara, I didn't intend to suggest you shouldn't post nor the thread was inappropriate; in fact, just the opposite.

Yes, I understood what you meant! If there's a better spot, just let me know and I can do a re-start on the content.

Over lunch today, watched this video from Fisher's Shop that gives a fun look at 3D printing for woodworking.

1 hour ago, BB1 said:

Over lunch today, watched this video from Fisher's Shop that gives a fun look at 3D printing for woodworking.

Watched the video and saw that he was using Autodesk Fusion 360 software for design and export/import into the printer software. If you decide to start designing your own stuff, Autodesk has a version that is free for personal use-

Autodesk

1 hour ago, lew said:

Autodesk has a version that is free for personal use-

It's basically the same as the paid version. Rapids and a couple of other features are very basic but the overall capabilities are still very strong. I have a couple of friends using the free version and they've had no problem getting their designs accomplished.

3 hours ago, lew said:

If you decide to start designing your own stuff, Autodesk has a version that is free for personal use

Thanks - I'll have to look into that. At this point, I have basically no background in design software. I tried Sketchup one time but found it frustrating and went back to my pencil plans on scrap paper for my woodworking projects. Unfortunately, not an option if I want a 3D item customized!! Part of the draw of my shop has been a time to be out of my office and away from a computer. so will need to find a workable balance (or convince my husband to give the design part a try!). I don't see that I'll need to do a lot of designing from scratch, but see that option would be a good skill to add.

34 minutes ago, BB1 said:

I tried Sketchup one time but found it frustrating

It can be!

The free version of Sketchup- 2017 also known a Sketchup Make, can create files for 3D printing by adding the extension called Sketchup STL and making sure the Sketchup drawing is a solid. Solid Inspector 2 can check for that

Moved topic to Machinery and Tools forum, great subject Barb! Thanks for expanding our horizons, between you and @Ozzie we are getting some fresh skill sets in the mix here.

4 minutes ago, John Morris said:

Moved topic to Machinery and Tools forum, great subject Barb! Thanks for expanding our horizons, between you and @Ozzie we are getting some fresh skill sets in the mix here.

Thanks John for giving this topic a home. I honestly see it growing as a complimentary tool for woodworking.

Edited February 22Feb 22 by Grandpadave52
Grammar. Smart phones aren't all that bright

3D printed coat hooks meet walnut to add some class in my shop. Reorganization continues and all the big stuff can start to feel daunting so decided I needed a quick to complete project! Still ended up using multiple tools, and had to go with keyhole slots so no fasteners would show, but the "coat rack" is up and functional. My favorite is walnut, so extra smile on that too. Finished with Odie's Oil as I love the warmth that finish adds to walnut.

Few pictures...

Front

Back with keyhole slots

In use

The hooks are straight even though they look off in the photo