qwerty2008

39 minutes ago, CDW said:

Looking at all the various 3D printers out there on the market, one of the most obvious differences is in the size of the maximum print dimensions. 

Is the limitation to print dimension due to the size of the printer itself, or is it a limitation due to other hardware/software? What limits the size of print?

The size limitations are mostly due to the size of the machine. Time is also a factor. If you are printing something huge, it can take a very long time to do. I shudder to think of how long a print would take if I maxed out my build volume of 300mm by 220mm by 500mm. Also I should note that my the printer was only 280mm by 200mm by 200mm when I first got it. All you need to do to increase build volume is make the frame larger and reflect the new size in the firmware. 

The main difference I see in the machines is build quality and safety features. Take the Anet A8 for example: though its a decent size it has a flimsy acrylic frame and lack of thermal runaway protection. Thermal runaway protection is very important as thermal runaway is the leading cause of fires with printers. With the A8 this commonly happens if its improperly assembled or poorly maintained. The heater block has little to secure the heater cartridge and thermistor. If one or both works its way out of the block, the heater will continued to get hotter until it sets something on fire. The Ender3 on the other hand has a similar build volume but that frame is made from 2040 and 4040 aluminum extrusions making it very stiff. The Ender3 also has thermal runaway protection and a better designed heatblock.

One thing that's good to look for is the upgradeability of the machine. Extrusion frames are nice, open source firmware is good to have, and if it uses a proprietary slicing software that's an instant no-go for me. Basically, the ones that look less like a kitchen appliance are usually better.

9 hours ago, Haze Gray said:

Well, the Taz I have should be doing better in my opinion - I'm already planning on building a core x/y  for the next printer.   All in all, considering the boat anchor of a head on the Taz6, it does okay. 

You could plop a Titan Aero on it. That would allow you to significantly up the speed. Lulzbot sells a head with the Titan Aero, so you can probably get the files for the new X carriage off their site.

How's that lulzbot treating you?. I've used a taz6 before but wasn't too impressed. Perhaps I didn't have enough time to get to know it though. All my personal printers have been cheap ones. One I built from scraps and only cost me $30.

4 hours ago, CDW said:

I just searched for Fusion 360 software and found that I can have my college student daughter download the program for me for free. Cool.

You can actually get it for free if you're a hobbyist or a startup. No need to get a student licence. 

I wonder when my airbags will go off, ooh that must have been them, am I upside down? I wonder if my door still works, no, I guess not, I'll kick it open, well that didn't work, I'm gonna have to climb out the window.

Essentially my whole thought process.

What is this guy doing? oh s$!% he's not going to stop.

Rolling your car is always fun. think about the best roller coaster you've been on then add it the middle of a trip to Harbor Freight.

No one was hurt, but my car has seen better days. There was a construction zone where the stoplights were messed up and I got hit. It was however the funnest thing that has happened to me recently.

Well I wrecked my car today, but on the bright side I now have all three of my 3D printers op and running.

Thanks for the comments. I don't get on here much but hopefully that will change soon as I have acquired a new piece of tech. The  device in question is a 3D printer. The filament I ordered won't arrive until Tuesday but the machine did come with enough to make a few prints.

Lextin.

Not an update on my model, but more an update on me. A couple weeks ago I went out and bought myself a car. funny thing is that I went in looking at Honda Civics and came out with a jeep.

Lextin.

Nope, I left the batteries out.

The sadness sets in, knowing that I've sealed the Byzantium into a grey tomb that knows no light and it will not be seen again for several years.

Lextin.

I just graduated Tech school and am heading home. I will probably crate up the Byzantium while I'm there.

Lextin

Ps I am no longer an airmen basic. A got airmen first class today.

Mark: I am at Sheppard AFB Texas. And am getting trained in aircraft hydrolic systems.

Patrick: Yes AB is my rank, it stands for airmen basic.

Lextin.

I have finished basic training and am now in tech school. Though I can't work on my models here I can finally use the internet so I will pop in here from time to time.

AB Hayes.

Will do.

I realize it's been over 9 months since my last post. I seem to have lost track of time as it feels like it was just yesterday that I put the Byzantium in my closet. Since my last update, I have had some setbacks in joining the Air Force but everything has been sorted out. I'm currently getting ready to leave as I ship out to basic this Monday. I managed to get aircraft hydraulic systems (2A6X5) which was my number 2 pick so I'm pretty happy.

In other news, my cat Chica died a few months ago due to fluid build up in her abdominal cavity. I loved that cat and hated to see her go but, the timing was good as now I don't have anything holding me back from leaving.

Lextin.

I use the Harbor Freight mini planes. Besides sharpening my complaint would be that they are rather unpleasant to use due to sharp corners. I rounded the corners off with the Dremel, now they are much nicer to use.

Lextin.

My Model building will take a hit, but to kickstart my life it would be worth it. After my first enlistment, I can do Air reserves and get a civilian job using skills learned in the military. I wouldn't have any major bills/expenses while on active duty so a large portion of my pay could be set aside for when I get out.

Lextin.

I am leaving for Vegas today to work at a tech convention. The money I make will go towards a missions trip my church is planning so I won't be getting paid.
A small update on the National guard, I decided to join the Airforce instead and am thinking about going active duty.

Lextin.

Mark:

I took the ASVAB yesterday and scored an 83. They haven't told me what positions I qualify for yet.

Lextin.

Patrick:

The Masters Comission is a 9-month discipleship program that my church does every year. Sadly it was canceled this year due to not enough interest, as only two people (including myself) signed up.

Lextin.

I just realized I had not posted the completed port side ratlines.
The Masters Comission was canceled for this year. My whole year was planned around that, I even canceled my college app to go. Now I have nothing planned for the next year so I decided to apply for the National guard instead. I am going to take the  ASVAB Wednesday.

Lextin.