3D Printing Question

[Little Dutch]

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).





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





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.

Attachment 99950
(stock image from the .stl file creator)





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.

Having the STL takes most of the work out of the equation. Have you considered which material you want to have the sword printed?
If you want to send me the file, I will take a look at what it will take to print it. Send me a direct message and I will send you my email.

The good news is the bambu printers don't really have a learning curve. You get the right material, run the file through the bambu slicer, and hit the Send to Printer button. The technology has come a long way in just the last few years.
I don't regret having to learn every detail about my old printer to make, and keep, it working correctly, I learned a lot, but the new bambu printers just work.

[Aloha_Shooter]

Ginsue, if you're just learning, maybe you could take some of your STL files and a laptop over to Library 21C and use the 3D printers there to start getting experience with printing. You've already paid for their printers with your tax dollars, may as well use them to learn what you like and what you don't.

[theGinsue]

If you want to send me the file, I will take a look at what it will take to print it. Send me a direct message and I will send you my email.

The good news is the bambu printers don't really have a learning curve. You get the right material, run the file through the bambu slicer, and hit the Send to Printer button. The technology has come a long way in just the last few years.
I don't regret having to learn every detail about my old printer to make, and keep, it working correctly, I learned a lot, but the new bambu printers just work.

It's mostly the tweaks..layers, infill, support types/gap etc. that I think the learning curve would come into play. Watched and downloaded many videos on those topics so I can get the best prints with the least waste and finishing effort.

Thanks for both the recommendation on the new Bambu printers (they all promise the moon, but until you hear from someone who's actually used one you never know for sure) and the offer to look at the .stl's to see hat it would take to print. If I may, I'd like to hld that option in reserve while I look at Aloha's option.

Ginsue, if you're just learning, maybe you could take some of your STL files and a laptop over to Library 21C and use the 3D printers there to start getting experience with printing. You've already paid for their printers with your tax dollars, may as well use them to learn what you like and what you don't.

Well shoot..... Looks like I need to become more familiar with what the local libraries have to offer - I had no idea that they have 3D printers there. Thank you.

Looks like I'll be taking a drive to the library soon.

[Little Dutch]

It's mostly the tweaks..layers, infill, support types/gap etc. that I think the learning curve would come into play. Watched and downloaded many videos on those topics so I can get the best prints with the least waste and finishing effort.

Thanks for both the recommendation on the new Bambu printers (they all promise the moon, but until you hear from someone who's actually used one you never know for sure) and the offer to look at the .stl's to see hat it would take to print. If I may, I'd like to hld that option in reserve while I look at Aloha's option.




Well shoot..... Looks like I need to become more familiar with what the local libraries have to offer - I had no idea that they have 3D printers there. Thank you.

Looks like I'll be taking a drive to the library soon.

No rush on my end. I think going down to 21C and giving it a shot is a great idea.