Would you be interested in seeing more 3D printer content on ToolGuyd? I was thinking of reviewing a couple of sample prints, but it doesn’t seem right to just end it there.
I’m thinking of ordering a Makerbot Replicator, and have a couple of ideas on what can be done with it.
- Hands-on review
- It can be used to produce others’ designs, such as stubby screwdriver handles, bit or tool organizers, and doodads
- I can worth out my own tool-related and storage accessory designs and document the entire process
The Replicator is expensive – about $2K, so regardless of how affordable Makerbot’s marketing team says it is, it’s still a very hefty investment. There are also other printer designs and less expensive models available, so what I’m thinking is that much of the content I develop could be of use to those interested in purchasing or building other types of 3D printers.
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Please let me know in comments or email about whether you’d like to see this type of content on ToolGuyd. Thanks!
Zia
Truthfully Stuart, that is quite a expensive product and quite bluntly sir, I personally am not interested in that. I much rather see (and I’ll probably be one of the few people here that would want this) updated reviews on products you bought years ago such your Made in USA vice grips and the Wiha model number 279 Chip lifter/mini pry bar.
Stuart
Your honesty is appreciated. One of the hurdles in reviewing some of my personal tools is finding the time for photography when there are so many other higher-demand tools in the queue, but I am working on it as part of a larger project.
About the USA-made Vise Grips, if you need locking pliers and can find them, it’s almost a sure bet. And something like the Wiha chip lifter, after using one here and there for about 2 years, I find it to be indispensable. I really wouldn’t call it a pry bar, though, even though Wiha does.
Allen
Sounds like someone is searching for a reason to buy one. I say go for it, although I would never be interested in one. Our local shop class has one, they do some work for small local businesses, building prototypes and such.
Stuart
That’s part of it. If just for personal interests, I couldn’t/wouldn’t justify the time, effort, or expense. I’m sure there’s enough general demand, but I’m looking to gauge reader demand.
Frankie
No.
Rodrigo Lima
I’m interested, i do a lot of prototypes and would be interested in your take and potential applications.
Regards,
Rodrigo
Mike
Nope
mnoswad1
I was just asking myself how I could get into that. Yes, would like to see some info on it.
But……as with any new tech, its useless if people are just printing small toy cars……I’m interested in solving problems with technology, not having technology that only pats it’s self on the back.
Daniel
Yes. I think the tech is fascinating – build your own tools, build custom parts – but I can’t actually tell what I need or how complex it really is to set up and use.
Ken Marsh
To be honest, I’m interested in the review, but probably wouldn’t buy one myself- at least, not for another decade, when I find one for closeout at the local Office store for $99!
SharkyTM
Heck yes. Rapid Prototyping is the future of design and R&D. Just imagine being able to make any handle design or and small tool that you want, in a matter of minutes, out of several materials (including sintered metals). I’d love to own one, and think it’d be a valuable addition to the ToolGuyd arsenal.
Stuart
Rapid prototyping isn’t really new – I remember receiving a crescent-style adjustable wrench sample from a company about 6-7 years ago. But personal machines are accessible to the public, and will continue to drop in price with increases capabilities.
At this point I’m leaning more towards buying one than not.
SharkyTM
I know RP as a whole isn’t new (large companies used to hire hoards of machinists/tool & die makers to RP new ideas immediately, back in the 20’s and 30’s), but wide-availability and low cost of machines that can spit out a part in an hour are new. I was talking about home shop use specifically. We’ve all got hair-brained ideas about new products, or want to try something out. I agree with others that the programming is really going to be the limiting factor for a while. I know there are plenty of model-warehouses out there, and there are plenty of opportunities to examine, analyze, and review those sites. Perfect TG territory.
Benjamen Johnson
Absolutely, I think a rapid prototyping machine would be a great addition to most shops. Anybody who says otherwise is either stuck in the past or has no imagination. If you can make a case for CNC machines in the modern workshop, I think the case may be stronger for rapid prototyping machines, especially with prices coming down below $1000.
You could test designs before you build them, print out specialized parts on the spot, and yes even though another commenter poo-poos it, print out little toy cars (I have a little boy that I already build toys for.) I’m thinking it would be a boon for parents with kids. Little brother ripped the arm off sisters doll and broke it, print up a new one.
Of course the machine is only as good as the software/models you can use with it, I see that and not the price being the major stumbling block. So if you do decide to buy it Stuart, I think that might be a good area to concentrate on in the review.
justin
I vote yes as well for many of the reasons above. I’ve been looking into them ever since I found out about the makerbot on another blog.
Mark Domansky
While I’m very interested in Makerbot, 3D printing, rapid prototyping, etc. I have dozens of blogs I don’t currently read because there is so much going on I can’t keep up. I would prefer to see more woodworking/tool related. There are lots of 3D printing blogs, not so many tool blogs.
DC
From a perspective of curiosity and interest in what i know would be a thorough review, I would say yes, but from a functional perspective I would say no since I will probably not ever buy one…
Fred
I would like to get one for myself eventually, and although competition is good, I would really like to see a little bit less variety out there to make the decision easier. My criteria for my searches has been based on a few factors
materials – what can they cut/shape/print?
size – especially expandability and portability for odd sized jobs or for working with existing large pieces (repairing moulding, fixing auto trim/parts are a few of the jobs I have wanted to use it for)
integration with existing shop tools
Nothing really does all of that well, I’m waiting for either a second generation of these to start coming out, or for someone who has one in a shop environment to find ways to make it fit in.
Deltalead
Yes, I am interested. My 3d printer is becoming another tool but each machine has strengths and weaknesses. It’s a very young capability and learning from others and getting input from many different areas and skills helps tremendously. Finally, while buying one is expensive, as we collaborate, building a machine oneself is becoming easier. We are all makers and this is an excellent tool.
Cheers
CJ
Yes… I would like to see some more functional uses of 3D printing. I mean everybody needs a 3D printed Yoda head… or at least 9 of them, but seriously I haven’t seen anything come out of a 3D printer yeah that makes me think dropping the coin is worth it…. but I think that could change with a 3D printer in the right hands. SO SHOW ME!
Stuart
At this time I’m still 50:50. 3D printing is fantastic, but I’m also not yet convinced that there will be a positive return on the time, effort, and monetary investment. Before I drop the coin for one, I’ll see if I can get my design skills up to speed.
Anton
Yes, for the simple reason its awesome.