Forum adverts like this one are shown to any user who is not logged in. Join us by filling out a tiny 3 field form and you will get your own, free, dakka user account which gives a good range of benefits to you: No adverts like this in the forums anymore. Times and dates in your local timezone. Full tracking of what you have read so you can skip to your first unread post, easily see what has changed since you last logged in, and easily see what is new at a glance. Email notifications for threads you want to watch closely. Being a part of the oldest wargaming community on the net. If you are already a member then feel free to login now.

@loborocket
Well I really wish I could use the printer at the college but its for prototyping stuff for businesses and stuff (new in our town supposed to be really good for the town idk tho haha) and I am pretty sure they wouldn't let random students print off miniatures which is to bad haha
Really awesome that you have taken the measurements and made the file yourself that is some really good work you've done!

Can I ask how much you paid for for your 3d printer and where you got it?

@Formosa
I had the same thoughts as you at the start when I first heard of 3d printers but you can't print everything in plastic
It sounds good that you can print off some forks and plates but who wants to spend $250 (when they go down) just to print stuff like that...I don't think it will be as rare as it is now but it won't be as commonplace as a laser-jet printer

Just my opinion though

This is the kind of 3d printer I saw for a decent price (still not out I don't think though)
http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/pirate3d/the-buccaneer-the-3d-printer-that-everyone-can-use

The printer I used is a Makerbot.

http://store.makerbot.com/replicator2

I went in with some guys at work and spent $100 for my "share". Total cost was about$1500.

Really just a toy to get an idea of what the technology is all about. If I print off a second Thunderfire i will have recovered my $100. I am thinking about posting some of my models to Shapeways where I can sell on demand printed objects and get back some of my $100 investment.

http://www.shapeways.com

I have seen that kickstarter printer before, but like a lot of kickstarter stuff I will not believe it until I actually see one. And sometimes the projects can't really scale. The Makerbot is real and seems to be making money. At least they are opening retail stores.