Discussion » Questions » Science and Technology » Money is no object but you only have the space for one. Would you rather have a small CNC machine or a 3D printer?
Benedict Arnold

Money is no object but you only have the space for one. Would you rather have a small CNC machine or a 3D printer?

Posted - January 17, 2017
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Responses


  • 2960
    I'll just stick with Smooth-On products and do everything by hand.
      January 17, 2017 7:47 AM MST
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  • You still need something to make the  molds with.

    Come to think of it making molds for Smooth-on silicone is one of the best uses for a 3d printer.
      January 17, 2017 7:56 AM MST
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  • 2960
    I just sculpt with Castilene. I've tried Cx5, but can't get a hang of it. But there is Cx5 filament now or will be at some point.

    But I'm not trying to start a business. It is just something to do sometimes.


      January 17, 2017 9:24 AM MST
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  • Nice.

    What are making?
      January 17, 2017 9:29 AM MST
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  • 2960
    Just little sculptures/figures. Nothing functional.
      January 17, 2017 9:45 AM MST
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  • Cool beans.

    Ever thought of making a sarcastic line of ______ figures?   You know, kinda like Homies? Might be a hit. This post was edited by Benedict Arnold at January 17, 2017 9:59 AM MST
      January 17, 2017 9:50 AM MST
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  • 2960
    Ha ha! Yes! I shall become rich!!!
      January 17, 2017 9:56 AM MST
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  • I wanna see these happen.  I better change my reply so no one else sees it.
      January 17, 2017 9:58 AM MST
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  • 2960
    Hopefully nobody took a screenshot! This idea is GOLD! GOLD!
      January 17, 2017 10:33 AM MST
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  • I really wouldn't have any real use for a CNC machine but a 3D printer might be kind of fun to play with! 
      January 17, 2017 7:49 AM MST
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  • Personally I think I would take a machinists lath and a mill over either.
      January 17, 2017 8:24 AM MST
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  • 2960
    The only thing is that low end 3D printers don't seem to make very smooth objects. I saw one at Barnes & Noble of all places, and the sample objects were very rough.
      January 17, 2017 10:34 AM MST
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  • Interesting!
      January 17, 2017 10:39 AM MST
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  • 17261
    Don't know the one and cabt see use of the other. Saves the space for something else.
      January 17, 2017 7:50 AM MST
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  • "3D Printer" ... because I don't know enough about programming to setup the CNC machine.
      January 17, 2017 7:50 AM MST
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  • 34253
    Which ever would make a better product. At a reasonable cost.
      January 17, 2017 8:34 AM MST
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  • 2960
    Then you better keep your business in China.
      January 17, 2017 10:34 AM MST
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  • 34253
    My business is here is America, in fact I manufacture my own product. And a excellent quality model to make molds on is very important to my business but there is a limit to the acceptable cost.
      January 17, 2017 2:15 PM MST
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  • 3719
    Intriguing question!

    You can't really compare them though because while there is some overlap in potential they are complimentary, not competitive, machines.

    I'd rather have the NC machining-centre I think, but because I machine metal for a hobby not business, and I've found I cannot learn CAD anyway so would not be able to produce work-files for, or programme, either the CNC mill or the 3D printer.

    So I'll stick with conventional machine-tools, thank you. 
      February 15, 2017 6:10 PM MST
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  • Retired machinist?
      February 15, 2017 6:28 PM MST
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  • 3719

    Retired yes but machinist no, apart from some fairly brief spells as a semi-skilled operator and 8 years running the metal store for a factory making specialist engineering products. I'm largely self-taught, with a lot of help in person and from books.  

      February 16, 2017 3:45 PM MST
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