3D Printer at the Reloading Bench?

GreenBob

GreenBob

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Is there a place for modern 3D printer at your reloading bench?


A number of cool projects for dillion, rcbs, lee, etc can be found here;

https://www.thingiverse.com/search/page:13?q=reloading&sa=&dwh=745a485e7b4b044

Thoughts?
 
A friends kid has an entry level 3D printer and it always amazes me when embedded planetary gears and such come out of the thing.

I'll have to find out if his software uses stl files..... pretty interesting, thanks.
 
Paul_T said:
A friends kid has an entry level 3D printer and it always amazes me when embedded planetary gears and such come out of the thing.

I'll have to find out if his software uses stl files..... pretty interesting, thanks.
Click to expand...

I have two entry level 3D printers, both have had about 5 bucks worth of upgrades done to them to bring up the quality and cosmetic appearance of my prints. Reloading parts, IPSC gear, CQB gear, replace broken plastic parts (radios, dishwashers). You can find what you need on Yeggi or Thingiverse, or learn some CAD and model your own.

Almost all 3D printer software uses STL files, the gcode is the machine code that can be used with SD cards. I use a direct USB connection, much easier and better control. Both the Free Cura shown and the commercial Simplify3D use USB.

In the video the author says that 3D printing is fast, in my experience small prints can be fast, my average print takes 4 - 8 hours.
 
I plan to get one in the next 3 months. The initial plan is to make primer captures for the presses I have. Just making those will offset the price of the printer by over $100. I also tinker with Raspberry Pi's and Arduino's so being able to make custom cases for those will save me tons too. Who knows what else I may get into. I know one of my kids would have me building parts for robots. I am pretty sure I will start with the Monoprice Maker Select V2.
 
I have posted a few of my printed projects here. Very usefull tool. I have repaired so many things around my house. And the list of projects just keeps growing.

In the next 10 years I think 3d printers will be household appliances.
 
I'm glad you guys agree.
I think this could be my next large purchase of 2018.

coreyd said:
I plan to get one in the next 3 months. The initial plan is to make primer captures for the presses I have. Just making those will offset the price of the printer by over $100. I also tinker with Raspberry Pi's and Arduino's so being able to make custom cases for those will save me tons too. Who knows what else I may get into. I know one of my kids would have me building parts for robots. I am pretty sure I will start with the Monoprice Maker Select V2.
Click to expand...

If you don't mind Coreyd... feel free to come back here and keep us updated about ur 3d journey.
 
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I really have to get a 3D Printer for cool stuff like this.

I keep getting hung up on what size to get though... Don't want to get one so small it's useless but can't justify the coin for a big one.
 
The day i would be golden, would be the day my plumbing business could justify purchasing one for replacement service parts.
It is far from being that mainstream, but as someone suggested give it 5-10 years and will be much more mainstream.
In the meantime, i find it creative what people and have even paid for 3D printed parts (i.e. autotrickler.ca)

Edit : just browsed site reload section more closely, i have spent dollars on stuff like dillon 650 spent primer chutes, that just could of been printed.
Also like the die tray holders
 
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With entry level units that have good reviews starting at $300ish, I see one of these in my near future. But first some practice with programming and machine code.
 
I have been using a laser cutter engraver for a few years and it is a great machine to have in my shop. All of my other machines are manual, it is a treat to write a program, load a machine and then walk away as it works. A 3D printer will be around the corner! Great tutorial, thanks for sharing it with us.
 
My second printer is a folgertech ft-5. Larger print surface really comes in handy. I've printed lots of addons for my reloading presses. Probably the most notable is an arm that kicks brass off my Lee single stage. I use it to deprime brass and it makes it sooo much faster.
 
Bugout said:
I have two entry level 3D printers, both have had about 5 bucks worth of upgrades done to them to bring up the quality and cosmetic appearance of my prints. Reloading parts, IPSC gear, CQB gear, replace broken plastic parts (radios, dishwashers). You can find what you need on Yeggi or Thingiverse, or learn some CAD and model your own.

Almost all 3D printer software uses STL files, the gcode is the machine code that can be used with SD cards. I use a direct USB connection, much easier and better control. Both the Free Cura shown and the commercial Simplify3D use USB.

In the video the author says that 3D printing is fast, in my experience small prints can be fast, my average print takes 4 - 8 hours.
Click to expand...

Daver_II said:
I have posted a few of my printed projects here. Very usefull tool. I have repaired so many things around my house. And the list of projects just keeps growing.

In the next 10 years I think 3d printers will be household appliances.
Click to expand...

dirtybarry said:
With entry level units that have good reviews starting at $300ish, I see one of these in my near future. But first some practice with programming and machine code.
Click to expand...

Shooter1971 said:
Thanks OP...ANET A8 on the way lol

https://pevly.com/anet-a8-3d-printer-review/
Click to expand...

For the 2 persons above 'with' printers what would you consider to be a good overall entry level unit - or should someone dive in and get something around the mid level mark?

What are we looking at for prices: entry $200-500 with mid $600-1000 ??

Thx

$300-500 is certainly not out of my range - what about the $140USD Anet unit posted above??
 
Honestly I recommend getting a cheap entry level printer from aliexpress when they are on sale cheap.

Tinkering and learning on a cheap machine will give you much more patience for better machines.

There are also a lot of reviews on YouTube and 3d printing forums.

My machine is a tronxy prusia I3 (I think)

And it does surprising print quality acurate to .003" over 1"
It does require some tinkering to work up to its potential.

Also. Buy the best quality filiment that you can. Mg chemicals premium gen 2 I am happy with at a good value.

Learning CAD is the big step... you can do a lot with thingiverse but it is better when you can design your own custom parts.

I am at the point where my $400 max investment as cheap as I can get away with, has lead me as far as I am able to go.

And I am now looking at $2000+ machines.... or possibly a complete home build of the same value.
 
This is the entry level kit I bought to get started ... cost me Under 300 bucks delivered, but I did buy more filament.

IoMCSjy.jpg



This is a prototype may release for the t97 I was working on... unfortunately the project is on the back burner...

EiY6erz.jpg

pv2FX4K.jpg

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And another fun project a tablet holder for my car (I have since printed it again in black)

n7BJuyV.jpg

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jdYRHlT.jpg
 
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I am so happy to find fellows that are into 3D printing!
Don't get me wrong, it it great when it it fine tuned!

Just join to the ante A8 Facebook group and you'll see why.....
I had prior model Zonestar ( they all copy each other) and yes it is a lot of fun! But just word of caution: it is highly dangerous as it might get into fire!!

It requires you to monitor and verify connectors' state for signs of arc or burn marks before it melts down!
My advice: not leave it unattended ; not leave it at the same room you have the reloading supplies ( powders); install fire extinguisher near to your printer and printer to be in a ventilated room ( if printing in ABS for toxic fumes) with smoke detector above.
As reloading itself is for many, a hobby apart , so it is the 3D printing!
I have my printer off line for about ten month now, just because I wanted to upgrade it to a different printing head......( time time needed)

Anyway, hope my input helps a little.
Cheers
 
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