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Started By
Message
3D printing is boring and pointless. Am I missing something?
Posted on 2/8/26 at 9:06 am
Posted on 2/8/26 at 9:06 am
I bought a large lot of stuff at an auction, and in it was a 3D printer that I was pretty excited about at first. However, after a few prints, the excitement quickly wore off for a few reasons.
Of the few useful files I have found, I realized I can buy things more quickly, and the money saved by printing something isn't worth the trouble and hours it takes
Most files online are fidget toys or comic book/video game models that don't interest me, and I would still have to sand, prime, and paint to make them look decent
Someone like Darth, who makes models, might enjoy it, but I don't see the usefulness of spending money on a printer and filament.
Outside of maybe occasionally needing to design and print a small part that you can't find online to repair something, what am I missing?
Of the few useful files I have found, I realized I can buy things more quickly, and the money saved by printing something isn't worth the trouble and hours it takes
Most files online are fidget toys or comic book/video game models that don't interest me, and I would still have to sand, prime, and paint to make them look decent
Someone like Darth, who makes models, might enjoy it, but I don't see the usefulness of spending money on a printer and filament.
Outside of maybe occasionally needing to design and print a small part that you can't find online to repair something, what am I missing?
37
Posted on 2/8/26 at 9:09 am to stout
We use it at work to model buildings, but I have no real personal use for one.
Posted on 2/8/26 at 9:09 am to stout
If you can acquire something from someone else who is taking advantage of economies of scale, of course you should simply do so. 3D printing is for things you can’t.
Posted on 2/8/26 at 9:10 am to LSUBoo
quote:
We use it at work to model buildings
Yea as a utility I can see the usefulness but as a hobby its pretty lame
Posted on 2/8/26 at 9:12 am to stout
Seems like it would be great to make Christmas ornaments but other than that…
Posted on 2/8/26 at 9:13 am to stout
We bought a Bambu a ways back... made some purposeful items, some toys. Now it's a dust collector.
The fidget toys you can make are pretty cool.
The fidget toys you can make are pretty cool.
Posted on 2/8/26 at 9:13 am to GeorgeTheGreek
quote:
Seems like it would be great to make Christmas ornaments but other than that…
At a few hours per ornament, you would have to start in January to have a whole tree's worth by December
Posted on 2/8/26 at 9:13 am to stout
Rapid prototyping, casting and moulding, making temporary parts....lot of applications. I'd like to get one along with a CNC router and maybe a benchtop CNC mill and a mini-lathe.
Posted on 2/8/26 at 9:16 am to Clames
quote:
CNC router and maybe a benchtop CNC mill and a mini-lathe.
Don't forget a laser cutter
Posted on 2/8/26 at 9:16 am to stout
Posted on 2/8/26 at 9:16 am to stout
quote:
what am I missing?
It’s for experiencing the process of design and creating products on your own. It’s like LEGOs - someone could go buy a toy or a model, but they enjoy the experience of building it.
If you don’t like that experience, then it’s not for you.
It’s also great for kids to learn about engineering and design.
Posted on 2/8/26 at 9:18 am to stout
They are nice to have, come in handy when you need something custom.
The main thing is solving problems you didn't know were problems. Why yes I didn't need a custom cup holder for my lawn mower, but now I have one that fits perfectly. It's come in handy quite a few times for things that were broken.
The main thing is solving problems you didn't know were problems. Why yes I didn't need a custom cup holder for my lawn mower, but now I have one that fits perfectly. It's come in handy quite a few times for things that were broken.
Posted on 2/8/26 at 9:19 am to StringedInstruments
quote:
It’s for experiencing the process of design and creating products on your own. It’s like LEGO
LEGOs these days are just following instructions. It's pretty watered down vs when I was a kid and you just had a bucket of parts.
BTW, when I was a kid Construx >>>> Lego
Posted on 2/8/26 at 9:20 am to BoogaBear
quote:
It's come in handy quite a few times for things that were broken.
Yea I will keep it around for the rare instances this may happen
Posted on 2/8/26 at 9:23 am to stout
quote:
It's pretty watered down vs when I was a kid and you just had a bucket of parts.
You can still buy buckets of bricks.. I have 4 large bins full from my youth waiting on my son to get really into creating his own things.
Posted on 2/8/26 at 9:23 am to stout
We used it last night to make table decorations for our Mardi gras ball
Printed old school radio microphones, music notes, candelabra…
I’ve printed airplanes
Commercially I’ve printed carbon fiber embedded vortex blades for chemists. Also did custom jigs
Printed old school radio microphones, music notes, candelabra…
I’ve printed airplanes
Commercially I’ve printed carbon fiber embedded vortex blades for chemists. Also did custom jigs
Posted on 2/8/26 at 9:24 am to LSUBoo
quote:
You can still buy buckets of bricks..
Yea I know, but a lot of people opt for the kits instead
Posted on 2/8/26 at 9:25 am to stout
quote:
Yea as a utility I can see the usefulness but as a hobby its pretty lame
You can do your own design work and create just about anything you can imagine.
Think about it from a use case perspective as a child hobby: you can teach them design, CAD and computer skills while they create actual usable toys and other functional items.
For adults I understand exactly what you mean unless you’re into printing obscure items for a hobby or have some really advanced setup that lets you make car parts or something.
Posted on 2/8/26 at 9:25 am to Tigeralum2008
quote:
We used it last night to make table decorations for our Mardi gras ball
Printed old school radio microphones, music notes, candelabra…
Couldn't you have bought this from Amazon or Temu for not much more?
Posted on 2/8/26 at 9:28 am to stout
I'd say 95% or more get the kits... I never see just bricks at a kids birthday party. Maybe older kids or adults go that route? 
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