So I've been seeing a lot of cool clever things online designed by people who sell the print files but don't sell the items they design directly. Does anyone know how I'd go about getting stuff without investing in a 3D printer of my own? I'm highly unlikely to purchase one.
Wait for Doctor Professor @NOCV to get the particular printer he’s been eyeing and start buying his fabulous original legends figures.
Got it! The final piece arrives tomorrow and then I'll be spending all weekend fine-tuning its setup. You might want to check to see if you have any "maker-spaces" local to you, where you can buy time on a printer to print stuff, or check with your friends, workmates, and your local community facebook groups to see if any of them have a printer that they would print items for you on. Beyond those options, which would be cheapest for you, your other options would be to look into an online 3d printing service like Shapeways.com. There's a couple different ones that you can upload models to (.STL files), and order prints in various materials. These sites come at a cost, as they're a consumer-focused business trying to make a profit off of the service they're providing. Sometimes designers also sell prints of their works, which you'd need to inquire about with each designer. They may offer them directly or through a 3rd party service/site like etsy or ebay. I myself have a shapeways shop, but am transitioning to etsy where I'll be selling completed prints. My work is focused on legends scale, but I am always open to considering commissions for anything.
I am the opposite, I really, REALLY want to invest in one, but I don't know which one should I buy...
Determine your budget and what you plan on printing in regards to size. There are so many options available.
I havent tried it, but my city library apparently has 3D printers that can be used by locals. I am in Toronto, Canada. Not sure how it works however, but I heard it exists as a part of their service.
All3dp.com allows you to upload a file, pick a material and color. It tells you a price, and you can order it to be delivered to your house. Cheaper than Shapeways.
Has technology gotten to the point yet where prints come out smooth, or do prints still have a furrowed surface texture?
