3d printing to solve problems

[Theurbanhomestead]

I know there is a 3d printing thread in the hobby section but I was wondering more about things you all have done with a 3d printer to solve problems or make DIY things. I really like making the toys and stuff too but the whole reason I got a 3d printer was to make things either cheaper than it would cost to buy them or to fix problems that need a little thought or that cant be fixed with off the shelf parts.
So hopefully this thread will be a place for people to share what they have made and what problems they fixed. Maybe we can share files and ideas or something too.

 

[Theurbanhomestead]

So I will start with some of the stuff I have made. First thing I built and have continued to improve as time goes by is a walker for my son. The whole reason I got a 3d printer was that my son has CP and needed a walker to get around. We were having a little problem with insurance (its mostly solved now) and couldn't get a walker quickly so I was like screw it I bet I can build one. Using free CAD software and my brand new shiny 3d printer I started printing. Here are some pictures of that project.

I ended up using 3d printed parts along with an aluminum walker parts that someone gave us to make a functional walker. While not perfect and he does have a new one that is better for a lot of things this walker has become his off road walker.

 

[Theurbanhomestead]

A dewalt battery was another project that I found to be a huge money saver. While it does cost a few dollars to buy the battery cells and the BMS board it was still way cheaper than buying a battery at the store. This one actually only cost like 2 dollars to build as I salvaged the batteries from an old scooter.

 

[BigBlueHen53]

WOw, Urb that is AMAZING! I guess I am still of the mindset that 3D printing is slow and expensive. I'm really impressed! Keep em coming!.

 

[Theurbanhomestead]

WOw, Urb that is AMAZING! I guess I am still of the mindset that 3D printing is slow and expensive. I'm really impressed! Keep em coming!.

I might get some disagreement with this depending on who is on this site but Bambu labs printers really changed a lot of that. While getting the initial printer is a cost hurdle once you have the printer the filament doesn't cost that much. The newer printers are very plug and play and don't take a lot of calibration every print. As far as speed, they are a lot faster than they used to be but a large print can still take a good amount of time. I think the wheel that I put a picture of above took about 3 or 4 hours to print.

 

[asorum]

I know there is a 3d printing thread in the hobby section but I was wondering more about things you all have done with a 3d printer to solve problems or make DIY things. I really like making the toys and stuff too but the whole reason I got a 3d printer was to make things either cheaper than it would cost to buy them or to fix problems that need a little thought or that cant be fixed with off the shelf parts.
So hopefully this thread will be a place for people to share what they have made and what problems they fixed. Maybe we can share files and ideas or something too.

I have a Prusa and plan to watch this thread. It would be great to see what ideas there are in use!