Welcome Sam! I don't know much about 3d printing (I use the library's printer) but there are a lot of nice machines under $800 now. Hopefully someone with more information can make a recommendation
Fun First? Long and Boring
Before talking about me I want to say reading the few threads I've seen so far has been both informative and entertaining. I've seen animated and subdued, and I want to assure you I couldn't be less animated.
In 2013 I was 56 and after fighting as long as I could, I had to agree disability was the right way to go. We owned a hospice that at one time operated in multiple states with a staff of just over 1,000. There was apparently a mistake made at our home office and as the owner I had to take responsibility. A very expensive one involving the IRS that took more than just my pride.
I have been blessed with a curious mind and the aptitude of a fast learner. Eight years is a long time trapped inside your head watching your wife take a job at Walmart so we could keep our home. Our son, now 20 years old, has had to pay his own college because when the IRS gets mad at you they take everything they can including money put aside for college. Then they deny you the opportunity to appeal by threatening more losses even if you win such hypothetical reversals of opinion.
So here I am, spiritually deflated but having first hand witnessed God provide from nowhere without ever once failing to meet our needs. I have developed an interest in working with acrylic, plexiglass, etc doing small things for a local charity and, with any luck, perhaps a dollar or two will come in from here or there. My greatest passion is anything Christmas. In year one or two of my exile I designed an 8 feet wide, 9 foot tall angel with 1,200 lights. I had to teach myself how to weld and the results were unbelievably reaffirming. I have been doing computerized Christmas lights almost 20 years and taught myself the newest protocol so now I can pick any one LED pixel from the 42,000 the insurance company bought us after a house flood, turn that one green for 1 1,000th of a second without any other light changing unless I program it to do so. A few years ago we had an opportunity to purchase a 3D printer and I learned CAD by studying various websites online while waiting for it to be delivered.
Then it got stolen and we've never recovered.
Forgive me for being so long winded, but can anyone kindly advise us as to whether or not a machine in the hundreds (not thousands) of dollars can produce a commercially viable product such as Christmas tree ornaments, duplicates of our son and his friends diplomas etched in acrylic, or small to medium replicas of our angel that is already designed in component form? I should mention that I developed a very odd side effect from my disability. I sometimes struggle intensely with adult onset attention deficit. It is maddening, and may or may not slow me down, but when all is said and done we hope to replace the money we use to buy a functional machine and any money we are able to generate is more than we had.
Again, apologies for the lengthy diatribe, but I came here for the sincerity and honesty I saw in your forum. I've asked probably a dozen "pros" about our menial requirements and received twice that many answers. None of them match. If it's not realistic to provide a few quality pieces per month then I can't and won't ask my family to sacrifice more than they already have so I can have a hobby.
To anyone who has taken the time to read my note, thank you, and to everyone I wish you and yours health, safety, and happiness during these difficult days.
Very Sincerely,
---Sam
PS--at my age I don't worry about proof reading for egregious errors I'm sure I missed. Hopefully, I've made some sense.
In 2013 I was 56 and after fighting as long as I could, I had to agree disability was the right way to go. We owned a hospice that at one time operated in multiple states with a staff of just over 1,000. There was apparently a mistake made at our home office and as the owner I had to take responsibility. A very expensive one involving the IRS that took more than just my pride.
I have been blessed with a curious mind and the aptitude of a fast learner. Eight years is a long time trapped inside your head watching your wife take a job at Walmart so we could keep our home. Our son, now 20 years old, has had to pay his own college because when the IRS gets mad at you they take everything they can including money put aside for college. Then they deny you the opportunity to appeal by threatening more losses even if you win such hypothetical reversals of opinion.
So here I am, spiritually deflated but having first hand witnessed God provide from nowhere without ever once failing to meet our needs. I have developed an interest in working with acrylic, plexiglass, etc doing small things for a local charity and, with any luck, perhaps a dollar or two will come in from here or there. My greatest passion is anything Christmas. In year one or two of my exile I designed an 8 feet wide, 9 foot tall angel with 1,200 lights. I had to teach myself how to weld and the results were unbelievably reaffirming. I have been doing computerized Christmas lights almost 20 years and taught myself the newest protocol so now I can pick any one LED pixel from the 42,000 the insurance company bought us after a house flood, turn that one green for 1 1,000th of a second without any other light changing unless I program it to do so. A few years ago we had an opportunity to purchase a 3D printer and I learned CAD by studying various websites online while waiting for it to be delivered.
Then it got stolen and we've never recovered.
Forgive me for being so long winded, but can anyone kindly advise us as to whether or not a machine in the hundreds (not thousands) of dollars can produce a commercially viable product such as Christmas tree ornaments, duplicates of our son and his friends diplomas etched in acrylic, or small to medium replicas of our angel that is already designed in component form? I should mention that I developed a very odd side effect from my disability. I sometimes struggle intensely with adult onset attention deficit. It is maddening, and may or may not slow me down, but when all is said and done we hope to replace the money we use to buy a functional machine and any money we are able to generate is more than we had.
Again, apologies for the lengthy diatribe, but I came here for the sincerity and honesty I saw in your forum. I've asked probably a dozen "pros" about our menial requirements and received twice that many answers. None of them match. If it's not realistic to provide a few quality pieces per month then I can't and won't ask my family to sacrifice more than they already have so I can have a hobby.
To anyone who has taken the time to read my note, thank you, and to everyone I wish you and yours health, safety, and happiness during these difficult days.
Very Sincerely,
---Sam
PS--at my age I don't worry about proof reading for egregious errors I'm sure I missed. Hopefully, I've made some sense.
1 - 13 of 13 Posts
Doug, thank you for your time. I see the verse in your signature and wholeheartedly agree. My favorite is John 15:16. It goes well with Mathew 21:22. I believe the secret to answered prayer is in those two verses. Certainly makes a difference for my family and I.
Thanks again and best wishes to you and yours.
Thanks again and best wishes to you and yours.
Hi Sam, We've had lots of discussions here on CNC and making money doing so. I think some of this applies to 3D printing as well. Here's a pdf on how I would go about making a living with a CNC. It's one thing to have a hobby, quite another to make it pay. I spend almost four decades teaching eye doctors how to market and make money, and this reflects my thinking on the topic. There are a number of guys on here who are making money in very specialized markets, for example, one has a 3D design for Polish eagles and he has tapped that community very nicely through Polish gatherings in his region.
Good luck with your enterprise.
Good luck with your enterprise.
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Sam, thanks for your post. Like Doug, I have no experience with 3d printers other than to want one from afar. I suspect some of the lower cost machines could do this, as long as you pick one that works with acrylic well (some don't, check reviews).
Perhaps something like this can help you navigate the field a little, or give you links to other reputable sites to help also: Best 3D Printer for Beginners 2021 [The Ultimate 3D Printer Guide]
I started looking based on their site, but have not settled on a machine. I did learn there are differences and some handle certain materials better than others.
On the more serious side, God's unfailing love never stops, and nor does his provision for us. I'm so glad to see that through even these trials, you have clung to your faith. In the worst of times, it is important to "Be still and know that I am God", and also "And we know that in all thing God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to His purpose"
Stand firm in your trust, be assured He is walking with you. One of my favourite pics attached.
![398541]()
Perhaps something like this can help you navigate the field a little, or give you links to other reputable sites to help also: Best 3D Printer for Beginners 2021 [The Ultimate 3D Printer Guide]
I started looking based on their site, but have not settled on a machine. I did learn there are differences and some handle certain materials better than others.
On the more serious side, God's unfailing love never stops, and nor does his provision for us. I'm so glad to see that through even these trials, you have clung to your faith. In the worst of times, it is important to "Be still and know that I am God", and also "And we know that in all thing God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to His purpose"
Stand firm in your trust, be assured He is walking with you. One of my favourite pics attached.
Thank you for reaching out. I have seen your work and specifically a lot of the attachment before and, frankly, you're one of the reasons I'm here. I, too, spent years consulting in healthcare (continuous care hospice) but came here knowing the challenges will not be the same. I've always been comfortable in speaking with hourly employees, CEOs, one or one thousand people but it would be wrong if I didn't admit my ego has apparently been surgically removed. I believe everything happens for a reason and if I can learn from my setbacks there's a chance for something good to come from it.Hi Sam, We've had lots of discussions here on CNC and making money doing so. I think some of this applies to 3D printing as well. Here's a pdf on how I would go about making a living with a CNC. It's one thing to have a hobby, quite another to make it pay. I spend almost four decades teaching eye doctors how to market and make money, and this reflects my thinking on the topic. There are a number of guys on here who are making money in very specialized markets, for example, one has a 3D design for Polish eagles and he has tapped that community very nicely through Polish gatherings in his region.
Good luck with your enterprise.
I very much look forward to learning and growing. There's a great degree of altruistic sharing in this forum, and I want you to know I recognize and genuinely respect your time.
Thanks again for the welcome.
Marco,Sam, thanks for your post. Like Doug, I have no experience with 3d printers other than to want one from afar. I suspect some of the lower cost machines could do this, as long as you pick one that works with acrylic well (some don't, check reviews).
Perhaps something like this can help you navigate the field a little, or give you links to other reputable sites to help also: Best 3D Printer for Beginners 2021 [The Ultimate 3D Printer Guide]
I started looking based on their site, but have not settled on a machine. I did learn there are differences and some handle certain materials better than others.
On the more serious side, God's unfailing love never stops, and nor does his provision for us. I'm so glad to see that through even these trials, you have clung to your faith. In the worst of times, it is important to "Be still and know that I am God", and also "And we know that in all thing God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to His purpose"
Stand firm in your trust, be assured He is walking with you. One of my favourite pics attached.
View attachment 398541
Thank you for your generosity. I will not let it go to waste.
I don't know the general rules for the forum but I feel it's extremely important to tell you about a monumental failure I had just this afternoon. Over the last five years I've had five visits to the ER each with life changing after effects. I won't waste your time with the details, but just this afternoon my son was helping me with a simple chore that was impossible to go wrong but somehow I managed to get hurt badly enough I had to beg my way out of visit number six. Sure, my hand is going to hurt a while but I have more reason than ever to be thankful for Grace and Mercy. Today, to my shame, I got angry with God. I don't curse, but even if I did I doubt I could have been more ungrateful for all the good things in my life. I have asked for His forgiveness and the strength to never again let anything close to my attitude today happen again. Then I came inside and saw your words and the gracious welcome from others which confirmed a couple of things for me. 1) Clearly God forgives, and 2) this forum was the right choice for me to be.
Thanks again for helping me to cling to both.
Sam, sorry to hear about your trauma. The shop can be a dangerous place and requires full attention as you do any procedure. Glad you're OK.
I am a pretty steady contributor around here, but haven't been doing many projects since dealing with severe pheumonia around Christmas. Still not fully recovered, but I really enjoy contributing where I can.
The theme of the new testament is forgiveness, which suggests that the Lord has broad shoulders and has a sense of what it's like to be human.
Take some time to study safety procedures, most are printed in books or instruction manuals. I have often thought through a cut or other procedure with an eye on how to avoid any risks. That and a deep respect for spinning sharp things have kept me safe so far.
I am a pretty steady contributor around here, but haven't been doing many projects since dealing with severe pheumonia around Christmas. Still not fully recovered, but I really enjoy contributing where I can.
The theme of the new testament is forgiveness, which suggests that the Lord has broad shoulders and has a sense of what it's like to be human.
Take some time to study safety procedures, most are printed in books or instruction manuals. I have often thought through a cut or other procedure with an eye on how to avoid any risks. That and a deep respect for spinning sharp things have kept me safe so far.
Thank you, Tom. I'm very sorry to hear about your illness but you can know there's someone in Fort Worth who will be praying for you tonight.
You are, of course, correct about the New Testament. My prayer life includes acknowledging undeserved Grace and Mercy while doing my best to comprehend the Sacrifice that makes it all possible. Knowing I am incapable of earning forgiveness I lean on accepting the literal Cross as more than words in a book. In comparison, if the entire universe depended on me giving up my son I'm afraid we're all out of luck.
I'm seriously looking at CNC because the possibilities are as endless as they are fascinating and I'm old, not dead. I still feel creative and as long as we don't lose dollars in the end, any tiny bit I get to contribute to the family beats just sitting around. I'm comfortable knowing we can only afford a small investment and we certainly don't expect the income I used to have. When the government lets go of us in a couple of years I have open invitations to return to a ministry in hospice, but maybe after a little practice and a bunch of learning God may open a door for us in this industry. I won't ever know if I don't try and I have no doubt I will enjoy learning about you guys and your work.
When we were building our hospice, God always laid the steps right in front of us and because He knows me so well, He always locked all the doors and windows. Unfortunately, it looks like I missed the signal when He said it was time to move on. Regarding my accidents, I can honestly say I took every safety precaution I would take today. They just happened and I accept it all as His Will. I used to say He allows adversity so He could see how we would handle it. I now know how wrong that is. He already knows. He wants US to see what we do when things don't go the way we want. I tell my son God occasionally calls a few angels over in a corner and says something like "Watch what I'm going to let him do wrong this time!"
I wish you could all meet my wife and son. They've never looked back or complained about the extra burdens even though no one would have blamed them if they had run for the hills.
Like you and the other members of this forum, my family is a blessing. There is always a reason for everything and If I'm lucky enough that God allows me to stay and grow, I hope to return the favor someday.
I talk too much
Thanks again
Sorry I talk so much
Love the character of this group
Always remember I don't like to proof read
And did I say I talk too much?
Thanks, - - - - Sam
You are, of course, correct about the New Testament. My prayer life includes acknowledging undeserved Grace and Mercy while doing my best to comprehend the Sacrifice that makes it all possible. Knowing I am incapable of earning forgiveness I lean on accepting the literal Cross as more than words in a book. In comparison, if the entire universe depended on me giving up my son I'm afraid we're all out of luck.
I'm seriously looking at CNC because the possibilities are as endless as they are fascinating and I'm old, not dead. I still feel creative and as long as we don't lose dollars in the end, any tiny bit I get to contribute to the family beats just sitting around. I'm comfortable knowing we can only afford a small investment and we certainly don't expect the income I used to have. When the government lets go of us in a couple of years I have open invitations to return to a ministry in hospice, but maybe after a little practice and a bunch of learning God may open a door for us in this industry. I won't ever know if I don't try and I have no doubt I will enjoy learning about you guys and your work.
When we were building our hospice, God always laid the steps right in front of us and because He knows me so well, He always locked all the doors and windows. Unfortunately, it looks like I missed the signal when He said it was time to move on. Regarding my accidents, I can honestly say I took every safety precaution I would take today. They just happened and I accept it all as His Will. I used to say He allows adversity so He could see how we would handle it. I now know how wrong that is. He already knows. He wants US to see what we do when things don't go the way we want. I tell my son God occasionally calls a few angels over in a corner and says something like "Watch what I'm going to let him do wrong this time!"
I wish you could all meet my wife and son. They've never looked back or complained about the extra burdens even though no one would have blamed them if they had run for the hills.
Like you and the other members of this forum, my family is a blessing. There is always a reason for everything and If I'm lucky enough that God allows me to stay and grow, I hope to return the favor someday.
I talk too much
Thanks again
Sorry I talk so much
Love the character of this group
Always remember I don't like to proof read
And did I say I talk too much?
Thanks, - - - - Sam
Nice communication Sam. I think you have to dive in what feels like the deep end to know how you'll do with something new. It took me some time to find my groove in consulting, but it was quite obvious that the arena I chose was where I was meant to serve. I was a little slow in realizing it was time to hand off, but I finally got a couple of bashes in the head and lungs and figured it out. This group is one of the places where I can contribute using my writing gifts. Can't write fiction worth a darn, but how to turn out just fine. Practical really appeals to me.
Tom, Thank you as always. Everyone here is much appreciated. I need to ask a direct question. Is there such a machine you can recommend where a beginner-novice-village idiot like myself can purchase without a second mortgage for learning purposes and still make trinkets at a level worthy of marketing? Assuming, of course, I develop an appropriate skill set? I see DIY kits that seem to have unrealistically low prices, but on paper claim to be adequate for now. I believe a guy can learn a lot more with DIY. Probably slower, but more informed and familiar with the mechanics involved.Nice communication Sam. I think you have to dive in what feels like the deep end to know how you'll do with something new. It took me some time to find my groove in consulting, but it was quite obvious that the arena I chose was where I was meant to serve. I was a little slow in realizing it was time to hand off, but I finally got a couple of bashes in the head and lungs and figured it out. This group is one of the places where I can contribute using my writing gifts. Can't write fiction worth a darn, but how to turn out just fine. Practical really appeals to me.
Can you or anyone tell me if these guys from a cursory Google and Amazon search are toys or machines?
-Ortur Laser Master 2
-Maslow CNC router kit (quite interesting approach, but maybe too much learning curve out of the box?)
-Bob's CNC Router Kit
While I'm learning I'm sure I'll churn out some pretty unattractive stuph, so I need to ask about incidentals such as an additional axis, bits(?), kryptonite, more accident insurance, etc. I've seen the $200 imitators and the $200,000 never going to happen models. I promise not to hold anyone accountable for what has to be my decision, but I'm just like most people who can't afford to make unforced errors because I'm too proud to ask the question.
Tried to make it shorter than usual, but not without saying "Thanks" again. BTW, rightin' are my goodest subject.
---Sam
1 - 13 of 13 Posts
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