Bringing along my 3D Printer, great tool!

[osanmat]

I know I’m trying to disconnect, but I’ll have to pace myself. I’m bringing along my 3D Printer and filament to see if I can design/print any parts/pieces that anyone might need to fix or upgrade their rigs, (knobs, chip clips, curtain clips... the list is endless). I plan on having it at the RTR if anyone will be interested.

 

[lenny flank]

3d printing is like having a Star Trek replicator.

That technology will change the world just as much as computers have.

 

[Bud Smiley]

3D Printers are awesome. My main concern would be stability in a vehicle. I don't have much personal experience with them but I wonder how much they would be affected by the vehicle rocking when you move around in it. But no matter what, that's badass. I want one.

 

[WanderingBiker]

that's cool, wish I had one.... I will be bringing my sign making equipment... designed a foam supported cabinet to house the cutter... so vibrations will not affect it....

decals, vehicle lettering, etc.

got to build cabinets and shelving for all the materials....

Also bringing my T-Shirt press for basic custom T-shirts...

will be doing sand etching also....

Gezzzz been in the sign industry since 1974, its hard to break a life long addiction LOL

jT

 

[osanmat]

That’s awesome, I’m sure you will have quite a bit of interest with so many people on YouTube, Twitter, etc. I had a small vinyl cutter a few years ago, and it was a blast. Call me crazy, but I really enjoyed weeding after a cut, (almost like a Zen garden I guess).

 

[WanderingBiker]

That’s awesome, I’m sure you will have quite a bit of interest with so many people on YouTube, Twitter, etc. I had a small vinyl cutter a few years ago, and it was a blast. Call me crazy, but I really enjoyed weeding after a cut, (almost like a Zen garden I guess).

true unless your blade is dull, then its like being in hell LOL

jT

 

[Dingfelder]

That sounds amazingly cool. There are sites where you can order up bids on what you need, but that still takes mailing. If you're right there on the spot ... you probably got the job!

Unfortunately, temperature fluctuations can really mess with that, from what I understand. I find it hard to picture a stable enough situation in anything mobile. Still wish you the best of luck. I imagine your potential customers would be almost anyone you meet.

 

[WanderingBiker]

thanks,  I am using the original packing foam and constructing a cabinet to match the shipping box, this will isolate the vibrations and bumps... when time to use the cutter, I will slide it out, remove the molded foam panels, when job is done, re-install foam blocks and secure.  Temps are not to much of a problem unless its freezing and below or 120 degrees,  I hope to follow the comfortable tempertures

Yes, anyone on the road that would need lettering, striping, license plates, koozies, t-shirts, custom logos, banners, sand etching etc... will be a no waiting situation and no shipping costs

 

[Dingfelder]

People make custom bike and unicycle accessories too. Things like fenders and mudguards don't come with every bike/uni, but lots of people want them so they don't get mud and road grease up their back every time it rains. Then there are things like rear-view mirrors that people mount on helmets or glasses or wrist bands ... so many things ...

I bet you'd meet a lot of people at, say, the RTR who have electric bikes and would happily pay for some accessory created for them.

 

[WanderingBiker]

Im working hard to get to the RTR,  Im booked for a 2 week trip to Tx to see my sister and when I get back I will be doubling down and finding a toy hauler and start the mods.... lots of work and not a whole lot of time....

 

[dklassen]

Interesting topic. I have several 3D printers and although we're only weekend warriors, I can't imagine giving up my 3D printing hobby / business for full time van life. Not much info out there on folks who have gone mobile with their printers.

 

[QinReno]

How you gonna power the 3D printer? Looks like they commonly draw on the order of 170W. That's 14 Amp-Hr at 12V, not counting inefficiency loss in an inverter.
https://reprage.com/post/39698552378/how-much-power-does-a-3d-printer-use

 

[dklassen]

You'd pretty much have to run it on shore power or a generator. 3D prints generally take hours and hours.

 

[QinReno]

I imagine there will be no shore power at RTR. ???

 

[highdesertranger]

please remember to vend on public land you need a permit from the BLM or Forest Service. at RTR it's a no vending area. please no buying and selling anything at RTR. in AZ to vend anything you must have a business license and a tax ID number. the authorities do aggressively enforce the rules around Quartzsite. offering goods and services for free is fine, but watch out you could be overwhelmed. last year I gave away gold pay dirt bags, cost me about 500 bucks. highdesertranger

 

[maki2]

It is very much possible to have a 3D printer as well as other tools such as a laser cutter or small cnc milling machine set up in a mobile workshop space. My friend has had one for quite a few years now with all of the above tools in it. His workshop is in a cargo trailer.

To keep a mobile workshop stable you use stabilizer jacks. That is what constrains the movement. Be it a van, RV or cargo trailer the stabilizer jacks are an essential for creating that steady work platform. You can have the bolt on or welded in place type or just use portable stabilizer jack stands. So don't worry about the rocking interfering with 3D printing as that is an easy to solve issue.

As to temperature control, most of the newer commercially produced 3D printers have surrounds on them for controlling the temperature. It is also possible to fabricate surrounds. But if it is cold out then you will need to heat your RV.

You would need to have 110 power for most work that involves longer periods of time for cutting or printing. But some things can be done with generator power. Of course the generator has to be sized for the tasks.

I used a 3D printer to create a few parts for my vintage travel trailer remodel, replacing items that could no longer be purchased or for creating new parts that have a better functional design. But I don't have enough need for one to travel with one. I do travel with a vinyl cutter and also model making tools for generating income.

It is true that you need a vending license to sell on the BLM lands. But you are not prohibited in sharing a business card or sharing a website address with someone who is interested in what you make while your travel in your RV.

KC