3d Printer ideas needed

[derf]

I'm thinking (not too hard) about taking the plunge and buying a reprap 3d printer kit. What use full stuff (max 8" cube) could I make with one, bike or non bike related that would make it worth the $300-$500 investment?

I want one for the cool I can make stuff in 3d but I can't seem to think of anything that would actually justify the purchase other than another hobby that I would spend money on that I would drop in a year or so.

Ideas people, I want ideas.

[pauldun170]

http://www.wired.co.uk/news/archive/2012-01/24/pirate-bay-introduces-physibles

[No Worries]

Enter this contest, I did: techbriefs.com/uprintSE

[derf]

Enter this contest, I did: techbriefs.com/uprintSE

I entered thrice!

[Trip]

Considering how brittle the stuff that you make with them is, not really much you can do with it besides making display models.

[Gas Man]

Considering how brittle the stuff that you make with them is, not really much you can do with it besides making display models.
That's my point... what the hell would I use it for.

[EpyonXero]

Considering how brittle the stuff that you make with them is, not really much you can do with it besides making display models.

Im not familiar with the powder types but we have a laser-resin 3D printer (stereolithography) that makes makes some pretty tough pieces.

For some reason Ive always thought it would be fun to make a set of dishes and eating utensils with it although Im not sure how safe the resin would be to eat off of.

[Trip]

Im not familiar with the powder types but we have a laser-resin 3D printer (stereolithography) that makes makes some pretty tough pieces.

For some reason Ive always thought it would be fun to make a set of dishes and eating utensils with it although Im not sure how safe the resin would be to eat off of.

Oh you can get ones that make good stuff, but they arent going to be cost effective for general home use unless you got a ton of cash to put down. The ones you can get for home use and get powder cheap are going to not be the best as far as usability.

[Papa_Complex]

Considering how brittle the stuff that you make with them is, not really much you can do with it besides making display models.

Or positives for creating molds, when prototyping.

[Trip]

Or positives for creating molds, when prototyping.

Yeah molds would be another good use.

Or using it as the prototype pieces to see what things would look like on whatever you are trying to make before you make it.

For home use, i see it as a use once or twice to see how cool it is and then goes in yhe garage to sit for 10 years...then repeat.

[derf]

And that's what haas kept me from jumping into it, I don't want a paperweight h hanging around

[Papa_Complex]

Yeah molds would be another good use.

Or using it as the prototype pieces to see what things would look like on whatever you are trying to make before you make it.

For home use, i see it as a use once or twice to see how cool it is and then goes in yhe garage to sit for 10 years...then repeat.

You could use it to prototype billet motorcycle parts, to check fit, and then pass the models on to a machine shop for production.

[Trip]

You could use it to prototype billet motorcycle parts, to check fit, and then pass the models on to a machine shop for production.

which means you would have to have a cnc machine in your house too. We are looking at this from more of a Derf use instead professional,. there are a ton of good uses for professionals.

[Papa_Complex]

which means you would have to have a cnc machine in your house too. We are looking at this from more of a Derf use instead professional,. there are a ton of good uses for professionals.

Nope, not at all. Like I said, pass it on to a machine shop. This way you would be sure of the fit of your design, before committing it to production through someone else. One-offs are expensive enough, without having to get something done multiple times because of errors in design.

[Trip]

Nope, not at all. Like I said, pass it on to a machine shop. This way you would be sure of the fit of your design, before committing it to production through someone else. One-offs are expensive enough, without having to get something done multiple times because of errors in design.

screw that, I about gave my design for my sticker maps to a sign company, I'm glad I didn't.

[Papa_Complex]

Here's another idea:

http://www.gizmag.com/n12-3d-printed-bikini/18869/picture/135658/

[Ineffable]

Out of curiousity have you purchased one yet? I only ask because I almost took a job at Alibre (owned by 3DS) )and I know everyone that works there. They print stuff for me all the time for the random projects I work on. The rapman is a very solid entry level printer and if you have the ability to work on it then you can improve it a lot over time. If you do decide to take the plunge call my friend Pace ( 214.389.9068 ), he is the director of sales at alibre and tell him Tyrel sent you, can't promise you anything but he may hook you up or throw in some freebies.

[derf]

Out of curiousity have you purchased one yet? I only ask because I almost took a job at Alibre (owned by 3DS) )and I know everyone that works there. They print stuff for me all the time for the random projects I work on. The rapman is a very solid entry level printer and if you have the ability to work on it then you can improve it a lot over time. If you do decide to take the plunge call my friend Pace ( 214.389.9068 ), he is the director of sales at alibre and tell him Tyrel sent you, can't promise you anything but he may hook you up or throw in some freebies.

I want to, it looks like it would be cool and useful, but I just cant seem to justify the cost of investing in one without any real goal other than trinket toys.