What are some (realistic) things you wanted to get for a while, just for fun?

u/lukmly013 💾 (lemmy.sdf.org)@lemmy.sdf.org to

Asklemmy@lemmy.ml – 126 points – 10 months ago

I've got 3 on my list.

BT-PAN Access Point - Kinda ridiculous, but I'd like to have one. I've also found a few BT-PAN-enabled dial-up modems, but I'd have no way to connect those up. Some of those could even be connected to USB printers for wireless printing. Not particularly useful anymore, I just find those devices interesting.
Dot matrix printer - This one isn't even as ridiculous. I really love that sound and how the text they print looks. Sadly, if I am looking for new ones, a basic 9-pin Epson dot matrix is around €200. But the ribbons are cheap as chips. In fact, often even cheaper. Just imagine casually handing out a document printed on dot matrix to someone nowdays.
Nano pocket drone - Something like FQ777-124. Maybe a toy like that is a bit childish, but it still can be fun. In fact I already tried to order this one. From 4 different sellers, twice on AliExpress, twice on Amazon. I never got it :(

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A 3D Printer, I think I'd enjoy making small "functional" things.

I thought that, too but I mostly make small non-functional things, which is also nice

I like the idea, but I fear that I would quickly run out of things to print that I actually need. After then I'd start looking for applications. And the one thing I don't need in my life are more small (or large) plastic things.

Fixing and adapting things around the house is what I like most about having a 3d printer.

I'm pretty sure the first printer is now paid for itself by doing that. Just because of things I haven't had to pay to replace. As of this summer I'm up to 3 printers and I can't claim I've paid for all 3.

Can you give some examples of things you've replaced? I'm just curious

Sure.

Feet for my keyboard
Some shims for an over door set of hooks that were too wide for all our doors
A knob for my garage door
A chock for the same garage door
The screw rings that hold the shades on a floor lamp
A cap for some antique bellows that my grandfather made (so it can go in storage and not end up full of rodents)
All sorts of screws and rods and covers of various sorts.

I'm about to design a new ceiling lamp nut for our kitchen, because the original has gone missing after a light bulb change. I'll use a spare metal nut then print a cover to go on it so it looks intentional.

That's amazing, thanks!

I have a CNC router for work, but I do use it for random things around the house occasionally. Building shelves is suddenly a lot easier...

Me too until I had access to one through work. I've found PLA to be quite brittle and not very useful for anything other than items that sit on a shelf

A lot of it is just knowing how to design around the limitations. I 3D print practical parts all the time and usually don't have any issues with them. If PLA doesn't work for what you want to print PETG is pretty easy to print as well and is a bit more resilient.

Polymaker pla pro is a great pla. I have printed plenty of functional things with it and they all hold up really well. If you really need something more durable nylon 6 would be a good option to look at.

Same, but I would be picky and not want a small one. But still would end up as a decorative object, so...

Do it! I recently purchased one and love it. Feel free to ask questions if you have any.

What are everyday uses for a 3D printer?

Great for fixing items around the house. Anything that is plastic or could be replaced with plastic can usually be printed. Also great for hardware and jigs. I've had mine for a bit over a month now and have been constantly running it. Check out printables or thingiverse to get an idea of what people are printing. Both are websites people upload models to.

it's not a priority right now, maybe when I get extra money.

I'm looking forward to it though

Check your library. Mine has one available to use at many of the branches in my area. If I ever come up with something to print instead of buying one I'm going to try that out. Then if I decide to get really into it, I'll have practical knowledge to know what I'd actually want to buy.

Instead, I've just never done any 3D printing, which is also fine.

is this a US thing? I don't think we have these in our country.

I don't think it's necessarily universal in US libraries either. I'm not in a big city, but overall our library system is pretty good. They have a number of branches with "maker labs" so there are things like Cricuts, sewing machines, laser cutters, audio recording/production equipment and 3D printers you can rent. I'd recommend at least checking around.

I want one too but I'm scared I won't use it. I'm holding off until I meet someone with one and see it in person

somebody said try your local library (this is probably a US thing)