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!

 

[Theurbanhomestead]

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

And contribute any cool ideas you have. Even if you have not printed them yet.

I also see you have bees, how hard are they to get started with? That's the next thing I want to start