3D Printing

[Trophy1200]

We finally decided to bite the bullet and buy a 3D printer after a long time of just thinking about it. Hopefully it will arrive on Wednesday.

I know that there are at least a couple of members that own these printers, just wondered how many there actually are, and how many have printed items for their MH.

We’re hoping to print some adapters for the oversize cupholders in our Windsport, plus another couple of items that we’ve already identified as “useful”.

We’ve found some websites for sharing design files and will be investigating those for ideas as we learn how to use the printer and adjust settings etc..

If any members have files or even pictures of items that they have found useful and printed, we would appreciate it if you would be willing to share.

I promise that I won’t bombard any members with questions for advice, but may ask the occasional question if members are willing to share their knowledge and experience with a couple of newbies.

Thanks in advance,

Kev & Mandy

[16ACE27]

I bought a 3D printer early last year after I retired from owning my own computer/networking business for the previous 22 years. First obstacle I ran into was assembling the printer, quite an erector set project. I found the best way was to find a Youtube video that gave step-by-step instructions on how to assemble and properly adjust the printer. Youtube University will be quite helpful as you navigate learning this new toy.

https://thangs.com/ is a good search engine for 3D things and better than the search engine on https://www.thingiverse.com/ which is where most of the files are found.

As far as editing/creating your own projects I use Tinkercad although there are other programs that probably work just as well.

I just completed a BusyBox for my youngest grandkids that utilized a lot of 3D printed items, many that I designed myself:


I have not really used the 3D printer for much with my RV. I did print a water fill hose adapter that was discusses in this thread:

https://www.thorforums.com/forums/f2...der-29648.html

Post #21 forward.

Good luck with your new toy and let us know what you come up with.

[ducksface]

I have a habit of giving a thing away if the thing perturbed me.

The mid-line 3d printer and 12kilos of filament went to someone with a model train fetish/obsession.
He can now build trees and lamp poles and logs for the log cars to his hearts content(for more money than he can buy them).

I can buy any part I want, cheaper than printing it, by sending a custom file to an eBay or etsy vendor or just telling them the thingaverse project number.

I found myself printing things for 2hrs and $6 in wasted filament that could be bought for $3 or even at the dollar store.

I'm perfectly capable and outfitted:
mig, tig, metal mill, lathe, jd2, 5x10ft cnc wood router, you name it.
Practicality ruled on the 3d printer.

They're fun(if you need that sort of fun/torment).

[Trophy1200]

Thanks Ted, your Busybox project looks amazing, brilliant job.

I’ve had a look at thingiverse for some ideas, I may just try a simple hollow cylinder design for the adapter as a starting point. I’ll have a look at thangs as well.

I’ve downloaded tinkercad ready for when my (our) new toy arrives.

Thankfully the construction consists of only 8 screws and 3 plugs, the set up will take longer as we experiment.

The water fill adapter is also on my list as I remember seeing it when it was posted.

Anything I find or design will be shared here if other members show an interest.

Thanks again for the response and info.

[Trophy1200]

Originally Posted by ducksface

I found myself printing things for 2hrs and $6 in wasted filament that could be bought for $3 or even at the dollar store.


They're fun(if you need that sort of fun/torment).

That’s part of the expected fun

[Trophy1200]

Printed this as a test piece for the printer.
Original file from thingiverse, I just adjusted the size for larger leashes for my two great pyrenees.

[Trophy1200]

Water fill adapter for filling tank from garden hose, both sides shown.

Cupholder insert for oversized cupholders on doghouse.

Dog leash holder in black.

Still have to check that everything fits when the weather is warmer on my days off from work.

[dkoldman]

I wish to bump this thread as it fulfills a request of forums rules to align on topic of 3D Printers.

While there are numerous discussions about 3D Printers going back years, this thread was dedicated on 3D Printing and the most current I could find.

I make the Note: 3D Printing 2024 because a lot may have changed over the last few years.

The current topic or focus today in the forum is if one might have a 3D Printer what type of parts might they be able to print for their RV?

The suggested 3D Printers are welcomed.

I found this one https://www.amazon.com/Creality-V3-S..._source=1&th=1

The Chateau Nomad suggested to buy this one https://us.store.bambulab.com/produc...caAiz2EALw_wcB

One poster (I will leave it up to your imagination as to who) says ...
just buy one, play with it, and then donate to charity once you have learned how to use it.

But for me, I just like learning so all input and help is appreciated. I hope this is the right place to discuss as this thread already existed.

[dkoldman]

https://www.thorforums.com/forums/f8...ork-36844.html

[Chateau_Nomad]

As an example:

I'm rewiring a few things in the motorhome - changes made after installing the third LiFePO4 battery. I needed a 4 lug busbar.

I COULD have cranked up FreeCad and designed exactly what I needed. I already have the stainless bolts, nuts & washers. I COULD have printed out the plastic block using PETG to my exact specs.

But I didn't. I found exactly what I needed on Amazon for $18. Delivered Saturday. I just wasn't in the mood... and I have a TON of other stuff to do.

Now... I'm going to need a couple grommets for cable holes. I think TPU is a good material for that... think flexible like those rubbery phone cases. Easy!

I printed a little strap to hold our motorhome broom from falling over. Those are fun little projects... much more fun than going to the dollar store for Velcro strips!

Still prototyping a phone holder with various attachment/support methods. That MIGHT interest dkoldmam.

[ducksface]

https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B07C6...b_b_asin_image

These are my junction to move batteries.
I tried printing them a couple of years ago.
Too easy to just buy them.
But
If I needed 5 lugs or a bend, I'd have someone print them.

I can put batteries back under the steps if needed.

[Chateau_Nomad]

Originally Posted by ducksface

https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B07C6...b_b_asin_image

These are my junction to move batteries.
I tried printing them a couple of years ago.
Too easy to just buy them.
But
If I needed 5 lugs or a bend, I'd have someone print them.

I can put batteries back under the steps if needed.

EXACTLY what I bought... except I only got the red positive bus.

The thing is I'll likely NEVER need another one.

A consideration before spending gobs of time designing... how likely will I need another one? Can it be found on Thingiverse etc.? Or... I don't have anything else to do right now so... go learn a new skill in FreeCad.

[ducksface]

I have a red one mounted under the dash where my chassis battery used to be.
I replaced one of the lugs with this.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B0BJQ...b_b_asin_image

And didn't mess with cutting the positive battery cable.

I use a LOT of hot glue with my 18v ryobi glue gun for precise, and with my harbor freight heat gun for bulk.

A ROUGH print so to speak, I'll melt it in a sandwich bag type bag and mold it around stuff I need protected. The sandwich bag keeps it from sticking and allows it to be removeable. It's great for bedding flat things onto ripply things and leveling.
Kind of a 3d
Gutenberg
Print press process.

One of my 24.1 screens is hotglued in place due to those nasty little clips breaking.

Punchline;
Hand made crude parts vs printed precision parts

[Chateau_Nomad]

Out of curiosity I searched Thingyverse. Up pops Busbar_M8.stl.

But I don't have any 5mm copper flat bar. And there's no cap/lid.

[atreis]

Originally Posted by dkoldman

I found this one https://www.amazon.com/Creality-V3-S..._source=1&th=1

My son (24 y.o.) has the one above and has been very happy with it. He designs professionally but doesn't have a huge amount of money for his personal projects. Those mainly consist of working, motorized, models of King's Island rides. It seems like a really good value and his has been reliable. Much more reliable than his older Ender 3 Pro.

I use a somewhat older version of this one: https://www.formbot3d.com/products/t...riantsId=10542
It has a much larger bed and is capable of reliable higher speed printing (being CoreXY helps a lot), thus the price. There are less expensive Voron-style CoreXY options too, especially for someone who doesn't mind assembling the printer from parts.