While refinishing wood windows I needed to replace some valance clips - some were missing completely, others I broke while removing or reinstalling the valance. 3D printer to the rescue!
There are a couple clip designs on printables.com, it's great being able to manufacture my own replacement parts!
6 Comments
orbit@beehaw.org · 2 pts · 3y
Its things like this that make me want a 3d printer. I've currently got a broken valance that just barely holds the top cover and it drives me nuts. I'm just to proud to go and buy a $4 bag of replacements :p
spicymayo@sh.itjust.works · 2 pts · 3y
It's the main reason I bought one. There are so many obscure plastic parts/hardware that are hard to find or stupidly expensive. Pretty easy to create replacements in your CAD program of choice or find a free design on printables or thingiverse.
orbit@beehaw.org · 0 pts · 3y
So as a complete layman I'm interested in the cost to get into it. Like if you had to estimate the initial upfront investment how much would you say it is?
spicymayo@sh.itjust.works · 1 pts · 3y
You can get a basic Ender 3 printer for around $100 if you look for deals (Microcenter has a coupon if they have a store near you, or look for used). After that it's just purchasing filament which is $15-$30 per spool depending on the type and quality. Typically a 1kg spool has about 300 meters of filament. PLA filament is typically the cheapest and most beginner friendly. It works for most things but will sag/deform in hot environments (car interiors, direct sun, etc.).
angrylittlekitty@lemmy.one · 1 pts · 3y
great idea-i've been toying with the idea of buying a 3d printer but struggling to justify it. more things like this might change that.