3D Printers, Recommendations?

[Atheling]

Hi,

I'm thinking of saving the pennies and buying (eventually) a 3D  Printer.

Does anyone have any experience of using them and would anyone out there be willing to recommend a model that is capable of printing in detail models of say 1/56th scale?

No need to worry, I won't be copying any companies work!

Darrell.

[Dewbakuk]

How much are you willing to spend?

[zemjw]

There's another 3d printer thread on the go at the moment - http://leadadventureforum.com/index.php?topic=76210.0. It may be worth asking the question there as well

It's something I see myself buying within the next few years, but I'm not sure that they're quite there yet for 28mm figures. Vehicles and buildings, however, are a definite possibility.

[Lowtardog]

Based on that thread you are looking at a startup cost of £3k

[Atheling]

Based on that thread you are looking at a startup cost of £3k

Ouch!! 

That's a lot of lead!! 

Darrell

[6milPhil]

I'd wait for the prices to fall if I were you.

Which software are you modelling in?

[YPU]

Based on that thread you are looking at a startup cost of £3k

You make it sound expansive.  

Joking aside, the big question is what you want. With printers right now you get what you pay for. The higher end extrusion printers are decent, and I think that with some acetone or green stuff and sanding paper could produce very high quality models.

It should be said that the 3d printing market is a rapidly shifting one. New techniques are being developed each year and waiting out for something new might not be a bad idea. My printer, a form 1 was something I had eyed for a decent time. they made claims during their kick starter I thought unlikely, but they delivered. that was more then two years ago and a decent competitor at their price/quality range has not presented itself as far as I know, so I took the plunge.

[Atheling]

You make it sound expansive.  

Joking aside, the big question is what you want. With printers right now you get what you pay for. The higher end extrusion printers are decent, and I think that with some acetone or green stuff and sanding paper could produce very high quality models.

It should be said that the 3d printing market is a rapidly shifting one. New techniques are being developed each year and waiting out for something new might not be a bad idea. My printer, a form 1 was something I had eyed for a decent time. they made claims during their kick starter I thought unlikely, but they delivered. that was more then two years ago and a decent competitor at their price/quality range has not presented itself as far as I know, so I took the plunge.

Yep, in view of the technology improving at a reasonable pace I reckon I'll be waiting a few years before forking any cash out!

Darrell.