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Other Stuff => Workbench => Topic started by: JollyBob on 30 December 2019, 09:39:24 PM

Title: Tackling 3D print lines - How?
Post by: JollyBob on 30 December 2019, 09:39:24 PM
As the title says really.

Just got a couple  of pieces off eBay, and while they are really cool they have some awkward print lines that I'm struggling to shift.

From arms length they don't look bad, but I know if I leave them they will show up when painted. And I do just like making work for myself, see...  ::)

I've tried getting an Emery board in but it's fiddly. Do you think a careful Dremel could work?

Not familiar with the material at all so thought I'd better ask before I ruin them...
Title: Re: Tackling 3D print lines - How?
Post by: Burgundavia on 30 December 2019, 10:11:07 PM
Depends what they are printed with. I assume it is PLA, which is fairly temperature sensitive. I would recommend wet sanding with fine grit sandpaper.
Title: Re: Tackling 3D print lines - How?
Post by: FifteensAway on 31 December 2019, 01:53:15 AM
I'd go with a chisel - or an X-acto chisel blade if too small for a real chisel.  I would NOT use a Dremel, generates a lot of heat and likely to distort your model - unless you are really brave.  I have used a dremel on resin but it was chancey at best. 
Title: Re: Tackling 3D print lines - How?
Post by: Fitz on 31 December 2019, 02:42:34 AM
I've found files and scrapers to be the best options, They're faster than sandpaper, and give me better results. I wrote a brief blog post about it here: http://mojobob.blogspot.com/2019/11/cleaning-up-fdm-prints.html (http://mojobob.blogspot.com/2019/11/cleaning-up-fdm-prints.html)
Title: Re: Tackling 3D print lines - How?
Post by: FreakyFenton on 31 December 2019, 03:07:13 AM
Oh nice, how fitting, might use these tips for some stuff I ordered. Will post my experiences with some files I have here! :)
Title: Re: Tackling 3D print lines - How?
Post by: JollyBob on 31 December 2019, 09:20:00 AM
Thanks for the ideas, I hadn't considered the heat produced by the Dremel.
Slow and steady wins the race, then.  :)
Title: Re: Tackling 3D print lines - How?
Post by: fitterpete on 31 December 2019, 12:57:25 PM
Somewhere on LAF I read a thread about a guy printing his own WW2 vehicles. There was a mention of some kind of filler primer?????  I just got a couple tanks off ebay that I need to "deline" so if anyone knows about this primer I'd be grateful.
Title: Re: Tackling 3D print lines - How?
Post by: Poiter50 on 31 December 2019, 01:40:26 PM
Not sure about my spelling but Gunze Sangyo filler.
Title: Re: Tackling 3D print lines - How?
Post by: YPU on 31 December 2019, 02:10:01 PM
Not sure about my spelling but Gunze Sangyo filler.

Gunze is also sold as Mr. Hobby. Most model building stores should be able to provide you with filler primer in a variety of grits.
Title: Re: Tackling 3D print lines - How?
Post by: fitterpete on 31 December 2019, 07:24:22 PM
Watching YouTube that stuff seems kinda nasty to work with but thanks. Anyone ever tried a thin coat of PVA spread with a flat piece of plastic, like a base edge?
Title: Re: Tackling 3D print lines - How?
Post by: zemjw on 31 December 2019, 08:57:40 PM
There was a thread on this back in November (didn't realise it had been that long ago) - http://leadadventureforum.com/index.php?topic=121032.msg1518425

I did get good results on one model with Mr Surfacer, but it took several coats and sanding between - and the stuff is very stinky. I have seen suggestions to use thick household varnish, but haven't tried it. Apart from anything else, that sounds like it would cover too much detail.
Title: Re: Tackling 3D print lines - How?
Post by: JollyBob on 31 December 2019, 10:37:28 PM
Once again, thanks for the input.

I've had a bit of a go with sanding and scraping, and also tried a quick brush over with liquid poly cement, which has helped a bit.

While I really like the models and the variety of things coming out now is quite stunning, I am starting to wonder if all this extra prep is really worth it...
Title: Re: Tackling 3D print lines - How?
Post by: fitterpete on 31 December 2019, 10:51:49 PM
I hear ya JBob. But where else can I get a A30 challenger or Hungarian tanks in my chosen scale if 1/48?  :?
Title: Re: Tackling 3D print lines - How?
Post by: JollyBob on 31 December 2019, 11:29:29 PM
I hear ya JBob. But where else can I get a A30 challenger or Hungarian tanks in my chosen scale if 1/48?  :?

Yes, but you see, fundamentally... I'm really fucking lazy!  lol
Title: Re: Tackling 3D print lines - How?
Post by: fitterpete on 31 December 2019, 11:33:55 PM
 lol lol lol lol