It’s true that you should not expect to save money in the short or long run with 3d printing as a hobby, but if it’s your thing then it’s nice to have a hobby that’s occasionally useful. Also, autodesk fusion is free for consumer use.
Software is free if you aren’t using it for commercial use. Fusion 360, onshape, etc. are all free for personal use. And that’s assuming someone didn’t make it already and share it free.
Filament costs $17 for 1kg of perfectly fine plastic. You’d probably use 100g at most for this, so $1.70.
A Bambu A1 mini is $200, and is a modern, high quality printer that would be fine for this project.
So you only need like a half dozen of these projects to come out ahead.
To be clear, I’m the last one to say one shouldn’t invest in money saving innovation. But the breaking even should be number one priority. I, for instance have all kinds of energy savers in my house that have cost me several hundreds. They’ll only be returned in a few years and I need to manage them properly.
If you do not have a 3D printer and CAD software, you are 100% right.
If you already have those things like OP, then why not just design / print one? I am also a 3D printer / CAD person, and I love designing replacement parts that are wither too expensive, or often impossible to find. Mostly though, I design and print things that make my and my families lives easier / nicer / more convenient. And they are customized to the exact item and function, something that you would most likely never be able to get in a store or online.
Still cheaper than getting a 3D printer and filament and stuff. And CAD/CAM software.
It’s true that you should not expect to save money in the short or long run with 3d printing as a hobby, but if it’s your thing then it’s nice to have a hobby that’s occasionally useful. Also, autodesk fusion is free for consumer use.
Software is free if you aren’t using it for commercial use. Fusion 360, onshape, etc. are all free for personal use. And that’s assuming someone didn’t make it already and share it free.
Filament costs $17 for 1kg of perfectly fine plastic. You’d probably use 100g at most for this, so $1.70.
A Bambu A1 mini is $200, and is a modern, high quality printer that would be fine for this project.
So you only need like a half dozen of these projects to come out ahead.
To be clear, I’m the last one to say one shouldn’t invest in money saving innovation. But the breaking even should be number one priority. I, for instance have all kinds of energy savers in my house that have cost me several hundreds. They’ll only be returned in a few years and I need to manage them properly.
If you do not have a 3D printer and CAD software, you are 100% right.
If you already have those things like OP, then why not just design / print one? I am also a 3D printer / CAD person, and I love designing replacement parts that are wither too expensive, or often impossible to find. Mostly though, I design and print things that make my and my families lives easier / nicer / more convenient. And they are customized to the exact item and function, something that you would most likely never be able to get in a store or online.
Stove Knob guards. https://www.printables.com/model/278668-stove-knob-guard
Salt / Pepper Grinder Holder. https://www.printables.com/model/155219-salt-and-pepper-grinder-caddy
Spice Jar Organizer. https://www.printables.com/model/151171-spice-jar-spacer-organizer
Just to name a few things.