Why I like having 3D printers

[mmayo]

I use a laser engraver/cutter to make ornaments and coasters. Without an enclosure and smoke removal fans these machines make a lot of smoke. It can drive you out of your shop. I printed several 4" hose flanges and vent covers to route the exhaust fans outside of my shop. I bought one when I purchased the laser engraver before thinking to just print them. The printed covers were $1.29 each. The printed 4" hose flanges were $1.30 each. I remember that the purchased one was $5 on Amazon. Not a huge savings but, I like making what I need whenever possible. They are tough enough for this use and could be used on another machine to connect to my Laguna dust collector.

I've included the .stl files if you want to play with them.

 

[d_bondi]

Nice. I'm with you, sometimes I just like to design and print my own solutions. I'm pretty sure that when I figure in my time, I'm not saving anything, but then, that isn't the point is it.

Did you design these or find them out on the web (Thingiverse, GetHub, etc...)?

 

[SteveJ]

After we got a Bambu P1S my wife said the 3D printing is so much more fun and less smelly that she wishes we would have skipped the laser. I've been printing hueforge magnets and puzzles of the grandkids and they like then so much more than the laser ones. Exhausting outdoors is a great idea.

 

[mmayo]

Nice. I'm with you, sometimes I just like to design and print my own solutions. I'm pretty sure that when I figure in my time, I'm not saving anything, but then, that isn't the point is it.

Did you design these or find them out on the web (Thingiverse, GetHub, etc...)?

I like to design my own, but these were on Printables and Bambu.

 

[moke]

I bought a X1C about 8 months ago...I dont think it has stopped much since I got it....my family has gotten bowls, Barbie Beds, seasonal decor, and my shop has gotten tons of stuff...I don't recall a machine that I have ever used or had as much fun with.
Now they have come out with the H2D...its working on me.....