3D Printer Can Be Used For Leather Work

[Beaverslayer]

I'm really considering getting one of those now that I see they are less than $1000.00. I bought an Alps MD5500 printer last year, and it cost $2300.00 and it won't make stamps, just prints on pretty much anything that will fit in it.

I can see endless possibilities with one of these. You could make fancy stamps for outlining "inlays" and such. Real fancy Celtic designs, intricate borders for wallets and such. As time goes on, my ability to use tools for tooling has been dwindling as I have a hard time holding them, being able to make intricate designs and just pressing them into the leather would be so much easier.

[cem]

Here's some info on the available hobby 3D printers http://blog.makezine.com/volume/make-ultimate-guide-to-3d-printing/

I saw the actual print magazine at a newsagent as well and it gives a good run down on 3D printing for those new to it.

[leatherkind]

Thank you everyone for comments and links.

Here is a little update which is a bit off topic.

I have an order to make a belt pouch for an iphone.

As I started setting up threat tension i realised that i can no longer stand the way the light was attached to the machine.

I had it zip tied and as i would stitch it would gradually get closer and closer to the needle and it was terrible.

I thought i should resolve this problem once and for all.

There was an unused flat landing with two 6mm threaded holes in the back of Cowboy 4500 and i decided to utilise it for a light bracket.

Made a model of a simple light bracket and 80 minutes later tah-dah!! Looks and works great.

You may ask why did not I order a real light from Bob or have I finished the pouch... but i know you would not ask because you would not want to spoil the fun

[billymac814]

That's really cool. I'm pretty sure if you post about 3 more things that you made with that I'm going to have to get one. I'm just worried I won't be able to do the computer part fast enough to make it worth doing.

You could basically print up an iPhone too to use it as a form right? It would be nice if you could just drag a picture of an iPhone into a box and it prints it out. Maybe in a few more years.

I have struggled with the light I have for my Cowboy 4500 as well. I finally just took it off as it would never stay anyway. I use one that I had bought for my Boss that is very small and mounts right up by the needle bar and shines right down to where it needs to be. It works out good. I also have a fluorescent light hanging down from the ceiling right above it.

[needles]

leatherkind, you want to be getting idea out into the web world and sell them little brackets to people like us that struggle with the lighting. you never know. the person who invented tie wraps must of done ok out of it. and not everyone has heard of 3d printing....

al

[Glendon]

Molding forms, that's another great use for a 3D printer. I know a lot of people will work up a wood form on a table saw or bandsaw, but for those of us in the city and can't do much woodworking this could be a nice alternative.

[leatherkind]

You are right Glendon making forms would be one of the good uses.

it may take couple of hours to print but that is far less then waiting for it to be mailed.

For now I have another 3d printing development: just made a custom stirrup plate and i like it!

http://leatherworker.net/forum/index.php?showtopic=46080&st=15#entry292694