3D Printers and Lasers
Discuss computer driven 3D printers, engraving and milling machines, laser cutters and their software and resources
150 topics in this forum
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Johanna and I have created this new category under Fabrication for people to discuss computer driven 3D printers, engravers, mills and laser cutters. You can also share information about software, drawing tablets, file formats, apps and shared CAD file resources. I have moved some existing topics into this forum to get it going. If you are not yet a member of Leatherworker.net and want to join the discussions, please sign up to become a member! It's free to join. If you do, please fill in the details field for your location. At this time, this is not a place for selling equipment. Please post any equipment for sale somewhere under the Marketplace section of…
Last reply by dikman, -
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I love shooting and I’d like to get into making holsters. I was looking at prop guns, which are readily available for almost any model. Prop guns are approx $50 each and some models I may only use once and that seems like a big chunk of the profit for one holster. I started looking at 3D printers to make my own props. Hobby printers seem to be around $1500-$2000 and the material (filament?) can be pretty cheap. In the back of my head, I’m thinking it will take 20 or so holsters to pay for the printer. The risk is not finding a specific 3D model for the pistol. I guess then you fall back on buying a prop? I’m doing some w.a.g. on the cost/profit numbers but it …
Last reply by fredk, -
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does anyone have 1, if so can you tell me how to increase engraving size.
Last reply by Bert03241, -
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New to the forum. A few basic 3D prints for my Pfaff machines. Basic PLA used. Collar to fit a 3/4" bore 8" cast iron pulley as a larger hand wheel on a Pfaff 195. Pfaff shaft is 0.501", just a little big for a half inch bore pulley so adapted a larger bore to fit with longer set screws. With a brushed servo motor mounted 1-3/4" pulley, I can get as slow as about 20 stitches per minute. Also, bought a generic roller guide which doesn't fit all machines directly. Printed an adapter with brass heat inserts for my Pfaff 1245. I was very happy with how easy this was. Still learning best hole sizing for the inserts. Pfaff 1245 uses M5…
Last reply by photonashville, -
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I've been thinking of making a dress belt but I'd like to have another go at carving at the same time. Stohlman's book Belts Galore has an oak leaves and acorns pattern which looked nice. Then I thought (always dangerous!) could I use my new laser engraver to very lightly etch the pattern to use as a cutting guide, rather than the usual tracing method? My Stohlman book is a .pdf so it wasn't too hard to copy and paste the pattern into photoshop to make it a suitable size and get rid of the stippling that he draws in. A trial run on some cardboard shows that it should work. There are two problems, however, the pattern is only a short section and has to be repeated s…
Last reply by Ferg, -
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Hey everyone, I’ve been working on some custom fabrication ideas to make my leather belt projects a bit easier and more repeatable. So far, I’ve used a 3D printer to make edge beveling guides and a punch spacing jig, and I’m thinking of using a laser cutter to create acrylic templates for consistent belt tip shapes and buckle slots. Curious—anyone else using 3D printing or laser cutting to assist with leather belts or other projects? Would love to see how others are blending tech with traditional work!
Last reply by Dwight, -
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Hey friends! 👋 I finally filmed a video about the XTOOL M1 (10W) laser engraver that I bought 10 months ago. If you're thinking about getting one, this review might be helpful for you. Enjoy watching! 🎥👜
Last reply by kgg, -
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I filmed this video last year, but I thought some of you might still find it interesting! This is the TwoTrees TTS-20PRO laser engraver that I borrowed from a friend to test. Since more and more people were asking for patterns with laser cutting file formats, I just had to give it a try! After these tests, I ended up buying my own xTool M1 — so I guess another video about that one is coming soon!
Last reply by dikman, -
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Many beginners think laser engraving is difficult because it involves complex software and a wide variety of materials. In reality, the core principle is simple: a focused laser beam etches or cuts material according to preset parameters. Compared to CNC milling, which requires mastering toolpaths and cutting forces, or 3D printing, which depends on layer adhesion and print speed, laser engraver is much easier to get started with. Tools Make Learning Easy Popular control software like LightBurn, RDWorks, and EZCAD provides preset settings for common materials such as wood, leather, acrylic, and metals. LightBurn, in particular, is widely favored for its versatili…
Last reply by Dwight, -
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Recently had a client ask for a cross draw holster. Instead of just making it, I also created a template for future use. Anyhoo, if anyone may be interested, here is a link to it. https://pastorbobleather.com/product/cross-draw-j-frame-revolver-2-barrel-holster-template-acrylic/
Last reply by CdK,
