Getting into 3d printing

[FormTA]

So my 12 YO son really wanted a 3D printer. He's sold pumpkins the last 2 years and has mowed lawns to save up for one. He finally got a basic one, a Ender 3 V2 and a bunch of filament. He spen $357 of his own money on it and once he got it assembled and leveled he printer his first self designed in CAD ear bud case. I have to say I was pretty shocked and proud he figured all that out pretty much on his own at 12 years old. The case actually turned out pretty good. We us a $5K 3D printer at work so I knew what to expect. He will have to learn the engineering part as he made the hinge pin area too thin and broke the ear off the case but that is what it's all about. Anyway, I can't wait to see what else he designs but I know a phone mount for my truck is waiting for me when I get home!

[ryeguy2006a]

That's awesome Luke!! There is definitely money to be made there if he wanted. I've heard of people charging by the hour to print things. Could be a nice little side business for him.

[roadking77]

Thats too cool. And not a bad thing to learn about. My 9 yo is a computer geek as well. Thats about all he cares about. It kinda bothers me that he doesnt have a lot of interest in throwing a baseball around but I also believe that when it comes to computers and such, the more he knows the better he will be.

[Jack]

So how much is a basic 3D printer.

[FormTA]

You can get a cheaper version for under $200 but he bought an updated version and a bunch of filament for $357.

I particularly like the CAD part. He is using Fusion 360 and that can also be used with the built-in CAM software to create G code for CNC mills. Something else he (and I) want to get. The problem is they cost as much as my first house...

[Gene-73]

This is awesome! The Ender is a very capable machine and it's great that he is already into designing his own parts.

As Ryan mentioned he can make money by printing things for others. Your son is more than welcome to use any of my designs for Firebird parts to print and sell them to TAC members.
https://www.thingiverse.com/grcvisuals/designs.

BTW, now that you have a 3D printer, you can use it to make parts to build your own CNC machine.
https://www.instructables.com/G300-3D-Printed-CNC-Machine/

[FormTA]

Wow Gene! Thanks for that gracious offer. I will also show him that link you post for the cnc router, that's pretty cool. I was at one point looking to convert my mill to CNC but if I ever get to that point I'll probably buy a HASS TM or maybe a decked out Tormach to start. I know the HASS is better and I know the controller but $$$ is an issue unless I have a design (or my son does) that I can sell,  it may be a Tormach to start putzing around with.

[LeighP]

Amazing things......it’s great to encourage his creative and engineering sides.
There a guy on Facebook putting a Ferrari engine in an Alfa, he just made some new grill surrounds and 3D printed various honeycomb style inserts.....looks like something the factory would make.

[b3nny]

I have a 3d printer and have dabbled in Fusion 360 to make things i have needed. Its pretty impressive that your kids can use Fusion as its pretty darn complicated. For those that dont know its not a childs program. Wow. It may not be baseball but it sounds like he has drive and smarts so thats great! Myself well i have hobby adhd so i try everything then drop it for a while and start to do something new. If only i could stick to one thing....

[roadking77]

It may not be a 'kids program' but you may be surprised at how well kids are versed in computers. I am sure Lukes son knows his stuff as he is dabbling in this now. But some of the things my 9 yo comes up with leave me scratching my head. Its a different world now!