3D Printing Question

[theGinsue]

I know many here have and use 3D Printers, so this question is for them.

I'm curious how difficult it would be to 3D print an Oakeshott Type XVIII Longsword, like the one pictured below. This would be for a wall mount with zero intention of attempting to use it, even for cosplay. Even so, I'd want it fairly durable (in case it gets knocked off the wall and to avoid damage as it gets finished.

I recognize that this would need to be printed in several parts which would then need to be assembled, sanded and finished. But, is it doable? If so, what would it cost for the printing (not the finishing)?

The dimensions of the sword would need to be:

Overall length: 33 1/2 inches
Blade length: 27 inches
Blade width: 2 inches at base tapering to 3/4 inch
Grip length: 4 inches
Guard width: 7 inches

[sportbikeco]

My printer build area is about 10x10x10 (inches) to give you an idea for size.

The actual printing is easy, getting all the models set up to print correctly and assemble would take time.

This example longsword on Bambu shows 274g filament, 17h print time.

[theGinsue]

So it looks like it would cost approximately, or less than, $10 for filament like ABS, PLA or PETG.

The pics shown show something very close to what I'd be looking for, with some changes to the hand guard and perhaps pommel (can't see the finished pommel in the pics).

Is there an average expected rate for set-up time ($x/hr)?

Do folks charge for print time?

[sportbikeco]

I think there are places that will print for you and mail it but can't recommend any.

The filament cost is not much, like you say >$10. The printers are very user friendly these days and prices aren't bad, check out the bambu

[HoneyBadger]

Maybe be able to find someone on Etsy to print it for you.

[DFBrews]

If you find an existing print file of exactly what you want then the process is pretty inexpensive and a someone with a printer may charge a set rate per hour of printing time. If the file needs to be modified to meet your vision or started from scratch then charging for the 3d modeling work in a CAD program would push the cost up.
A good place to start searching through forums or subreddits for other people that have printed something close to what you want and see if they have an .stl (the file the printer uses) or a cad drawing/rendering.

[DFBrews]

https://cults3d.com/en/3d-model/vari...ht-swords-pack

[Little Dutch]

Factoring in the time and energy to paint it and realizing the finished product is unlikely to be satisfactory, my recommendation is to bite the bullet and buy a metal cosplay sword from eBay. It is likely to save a lot of grief in the long run. I'm not an artist though, and I wouldn't even know where to start on making one of my 3d prints looks like a realistic sword. I will also caution that my kids quickly broke every sword I printed for them for halloween.

I don't have the skills to create that sword in my 3d modeling software, but if you find the file one of us could probably print it for you relatively cheaply. I'd probably be willing to print it for you if you go that route. Remember that I will be handing you 10 pieces of plastic (based on the file DFBrews linked) that you'll then need to glue together and finish.

For information purposes since you asked how people charge for print time; there are several online calculators to determine what to charge for prints, includes time and materials and such. I don't know if people who sell prints actually use them but it wouldn't surprise me. Selling prints is something I've never been interested in getting into, selling dragon eggs on the side of the road seems like a bum deal to me. Maybe I just haven't stumbled across the next viral print to sell and make my fortune though...
https://blog.prusa3d.com/3d-printing...culator_38905/

I use my Bambu Labs X1C for toys and useful things around the house, basically treating it as an expensive hobby with a net negative ROI.

[theGinsue]

The printers are very user friendly these days and prices aren't bad, check out the bambu

I've been looking at printers for several years now but I'm looking for one that can do larger prints - fewer pieces for the things I want to do. Those cost a lot more than my retired butt can afford without saving for months (plus, I've gotta answer to the bride).

Maybe be able to find someone on Etsy to print it for you.

Etsy is one of the sites I avoid like the plague (Etsy, Temu, and eBay are typically no-go's for me).

If you find an existing print file of exactly what you want then the process is pretty inexpensive and a someone with a printer may charge a set rate per hour of printing time. If the file needs to be modified to meet your vision or started from scratch then charging for the 3d modeling work in a CAD program would push the cost up.
A good place to start searching through forums or subreddits for other people that have printed something close to what you want and see if they have an .stl (the file the printer uses) or a cad drawing/rendering.

I actually have the .stl files for one that is close enough to what I want to satisfy me. I probably should have said that up front.


(stock image from the .stl file creator)

https://cults3d.com/en/3d-model/vari...ht-swords-pack

That looks pretty good, but $48.07 for the files. Nope. (I'm hella cheap)



As to the comment about time & energy of finishing the sword vice just buying a metal sword. I'd considered that, but now that I'm retired I have much more time than money.

Because I've been looking to get myself a 3D printer for several years, I've been collecting .stl files for projects and reading and watching tons of videos on things to do and not to do, etc. I'm aware that there'll still be a big learning curve once I finally bite the bullet, but I should at least be able to start on my feet versus crawling.

This whole thing was just a thought exercise into a potential project combining the sword with some wood working objects and LED lighting. I'll keep thinking about things for a bit and see if it's something I really want to start.

Thank you everyone for your input. It has been helpful.

[HoneyBadger]

For the record - maybe you should give etsy a second thought. It's almost entirely hobbyists and craftsmen working from their homes and trying to make some money from their usually expensive equipment investment (like workworking equipment, laser cutters, CNCs, etc). We've bought lots of home decor, customized signs for our front door, a set of laser-engraved custom whiskey glasses, customized American flag military coin holders made of wood and metal, farewell gifts for friends and coworkers, metalwork decor for outside, etc and had great experiences every time. Every time it has been made in America and arrived exactly as we envisioned. Sellers have been easy to work with for customization.

Temu on the other hand is total cancer. Just the absolute worst quality chinese trinkets. None of it will last more than 1-2 uses. It's 100 times worse than Harbor Freight.