3D Printer Thread

Daniel Fairly Knives

Daniel Fairly Knives

Full Time Knifemaker
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Knifemaker / Craftsman / Service Provider
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Jan 9, 2011
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Do you guys use 3D printers for anything knife related? Have any cool stl files to share?
 
I keep my printers running quite a lot... have a Bambulab A1 multicolor unit and a Prusa MK4 I am using the most right now.

I'm converting my Ender 3 Pro to a wire EDM machine right now, that is kind of a use for them too. I also run a resin printer for stuff like beads, got it for casting jewelry (making the positives for molds). I made some beads that were in tire rubber resin.

They were designed for prototyping originally and that is still my favorite thing. I draw everything in CAD because can't draw so it helps a lot especially with really small changes on production runs.

I'm also making 2 part sheaths with TPU (rubbery stuff) and fiber reinforced PLA in multicolor. Packaging/storage for knives, little boxes, freebie scales in cool materials like glow in the dark, beads,

Printing is just now good enough without too huge of a buy in to make functional, tough products with the right materials. Cheaper printers can do it too, especially for prototyping or simple packaging.
 
I 3d print knife handles, jigs, and sharpening systems. I prefer my TPE handles to any other knife handles I've ever tried, especially for large choppers.

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An interesting process that could be useful for knifemakers is printing metal parts. There are filaments which are mostly metal, which after printing are fired in a furnace producing a fully metal part. Considering most knifemakers have a furnace which can reach the required temperatures, this is promising process for intricate parts. The only company I know with DIY kits right now is "The Virtual Foundry"
 
I'd love to get a 3d printer and a laser and/or a waterjet...

Right now, I'd like one so I can make a metal/plastic template for a guard on the bowie I'm making...
 
A.McPherson said:
I'd love to get a 3d printer and a laser and/or a waterjet...

Right now, I'd like one so I can make a metal/plastic template for a guard on the bowie I'm making...
Click to expand...

As far as prototyping printers go you should be able to get something good for $100 range. Ender 3 pro's are an example, not sure with the tarriffs now.

Upgrade with glass bed and maybe some bigger bed leveling knobs. CAD-->STL file
 
Daniel Fairly Knives said:
As far as prototyping printers go you should be able to get something good for $100 range. Ender 3 pro's are an example, not sure with the tarriffs now.

Upgrade with glass bed and maybe some bigger bed leveling knobs. CAD-->STL file
Click to expand...
I had an ender 3 for a while and then got the Bambu Labs A1 mini. Much easier to use with the auto bed leveling and at the time last year it was $199 new
 
Timothy Lindblom said:
I had an ender 3 for a while and then got the Bambu Labs A1 mini. Much easier to use with the auto bed leveling and at the time last year it was $199 new
Click to expand...
WAY better choice, I forgot they were that cheap. My A1 is my favorite. No way I'd get another ender for the price difference.
 
I haven't done this myself, but a 3d print can be used for a canister damascus 'insert' used to make arbitrary patterns. The right filament effectively burns away.

Searching for "canister damascus 3d print" can explain it better than my text. I believe credit goes to Steve Schwarzer for original presentation of the idea.
 
Yes rackrobo is where I got mine. I wish they had been more up front, it is a parts kit and requires a lot of assembly. I'm vision impared so having a hard time, it should be easy for most people I think.
 
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