nnascati | 20 Apr 2021 8:41 a.m. PST |
All, Please explain for the totally ignorant but intrigued, how thingiverse works. I don't own a 3D printer, but I am getting tempted. |
Dave Jackson | 20 Apr 2021 8:48 a.m. PST |
Hi Nic. So, from what I understand, having asked this a few times of those providing the file…..you buy the files from whomever is selling them….eg…Thingiverse or what-have-you…then, if you don't have a printer you need to find someone who provides that service and you then provide them with the files and they will print them for you….with a charge of course. |
Editor in Chief Bill | 20 Apr 2021 8:54 a.m. PST |
STL files on Thingiverse are generally free. Download and print what you like. |
Ran The Cid | 20 Apr 2021 9:34 a.m. PST |
Check your local library, most in the US will have 3D printing services. Prices around here are based on the amount of filament used. Might take a few days to get the print. |
Andrew Walters | 20 Apr 2021 9:45 a.m. PST |
You can just go to thingiverse.com and look around. You'll figure it out pretty quick. It's got a social media aspect where you an "follow" designers and keep you own lists of designs you like. But more essentially it's just a big library of stuff people made you can download. You can download STLs and preview them on your computer without owning a 3D printer. There are a bunch of sites like thingiverse, though it is probably the easiest to use. |
dapeters | 20 Apr 2021 9:45 a.m. PST |
Okay I don't have printer either (but I am temped) you don't simply download and print (not yet.) I think there are two things you need to do, particularly with thingiverse, the first is some sort of conversion and then you have to figure out how to print it and how it is supported while printing. Maybe someone can explain this who knows the process. |
Bashytubits | 20 Apr 2021 9:54 a.m. PST |
Be forewarned that many of the STL files on Thingiverse are broken and will result in a bizarre pile of plastic on your 3D printer. They can be repaired, but it requires certain software and knowledge of how to use it. |
phssthpok | 20 Apr 2021 10:11 a.m. PST |
Got a 3d resin printer for Christmas. Now my most favorite toy ever! There is a learning curve. Resin is better for finer detail such as wargame figures.Filament works for larger stuff like terrain, buildings, ships,etc. Check out the online blogs and tutorials for different models of printers. |
Stoppage | 20 Apr 2021 11:18 a.m. PST |
This youtuber offers excellent primer and advice: Youtube – Project Wargaming – 3d printing 6mm I want to get a 3d resin printer, but, I want to be able to design and cut my own models – means learning about Blender, skeletons, skinning, etc. A whole new world.
|
Lone Eagle | 20 Apr 2021 6:33 p.m. PST |
I recently bought a resin printer and I have print several items from Thingiverse, mostly GI Joe vehicles in 15mm. As stated above some models will have issues. I have found a few that are not good, but if it is a model people really want someone might have fixed the model. Just keep looking. Some files will have other issues that might not be apparent at first. I looked at Gundam file last night. It is a model from a video game. The shield looks like it is attached to the arm until you zoom in close and find that it is not. My slicer program will add supports to the print so it will print, but it will not be attached to the arm. Thingiverse is free files for printing. Other sites that you pay for models only you can print the file but as many as you want. You might also find files with an option to print for sale. These are significantly more expensive usually. I highly suggest watching Youtube videos on people printing and what they have run into. Uncle Jessy and Nerdtronic are the ones that I would suggest. With these printers you will quickly find that printing items on odd angles is going to result in the best prints. Also just be aware that with resin printers especially it is suggested to get a few more items. Along with my printer I also have an ultrasonic cleaner to get rid of the excess resin, and a light box for curing. This along with the cleaners, towels, gloves, rubber mats, trays etc… Some of this is not required but makes this hobby easier and more enjoyable. I would suggest getting one if you can. |
McWong73 | 21 Apr 2021 1:32 a.m. PST |
I've also made the leap recently, and I strongly advise you look at getting a dedicated wash and cure machine, like the Anycobic or Elegoo ones. Compliments my Saturn, makes post print processing an absolute breeze. Also found the steepest learning curve is with the software, not the printer itself. |
Camcleod | 23 Apr 2021 8:13 p.m. PST |
Main thing is that Thingiverse is FREE. Cults 3D also has many free files. The files are sometimes only as good as the designer. If you are interested beyond that – download 'Cura' which is the slicer that converts the .stl files into something the printer uses. Cura is free and a few extensions can be added to fix some of the problem files. You can load files and manipulate scale, orientation and print time. I've had a filament printer for a few years. It's most useful for terrain or larger figures or tanks and such. |