How Are You Utilizing 3D Printer in Your Woodworking?

[onocoffee]

During Black Friday, I bought the Bambu P1S 3D printer to replace the Creality Ender 3 printer I got the year before, and I've been printing in earnest. Partly because I need the items (I think) and partly because I want to get the most out of the expense.

But I was talking with another woodworker last week about 3D printers in the woodshop and he remarked that he didn't want to "just be printing random stuff" which got me thinking on how I'm utilizing the printer for my woodworking. Sure, I've printed a series of Gridfinity inserts to "organize" my toolbox, doghole covers to stop parts and dust falling through the bench, Sliding Sys Rails, Systainer labels, tape roll dispensers, chisel holders, clamp holders, battery sleds, router rests, Domino Pez dispenser, MFT Hinge, rail angle guide and dust port adapters to fit a D27 to the RS2 - but has any of it really been FOR the effort of making a piece? It's mainly been workshop gadgetry stuff and a couple fun prints, like the Exocomp Peanut Hamper.

For those of you who have 3D printers, how are you utilizing them in your workshop? Have you found a use that actually assists in making projects? Or are you also just printing random things for the workshop?

 

[cdconey]

I primarily use mine for printing accessories for tools, tool organization, organization, parts/jigs for the CNC, dust collection adapters, and /wall hangers.

Gridfinity has its place, I use it in the house but find that it's not so great in the shop.

One big plus is hardware organization - printing smaller bins for the De Walt Pro Organizers - it makes them much more efficient for storing smaller hardware. I prefer the Stanley organizers, but the availability is scarce and price is about 3-4X the De Walt after you add shipping.

As far as using 3D printed parts in a finished projects-

I did use my Bambu X1C to print some hardware for a stair baluster install. Saved hours of frustration and made the install much easier.

And made a vertical plant stand for my daughter ( floor to ceiling ) so she can take it when she moves and won't damage her rental units.

 

[ChuckS]

I don't have a 3D printer but have got some 3D printed accessories for my workshop. Etsy has tons of 3D printed products for sale to woodworkers in case you're looking inspirations.

 

[bobtskutter]

I use a 3d printer to make stuff when I can't. I can design a router template when I'm waiting for my kids somewhere, then print it overnight and use it the next day. I also regularly make vacuum adapters to connect tool A to vac B. I've 3rd printed at the tube fittings for my garage air filter.
Printing stuff is the easy bit, designing stuff is the hard bit.

Bob

 

[WillAdams]

Gridfinity for organizing tools and hardware.

I also make custom jigs/fixtures for cuts where it isn't an option to hit a surface w/ a plane.

 

[WillAdams]

Oh, also, a Jog Pendant was recently added to our lineup by my employer:

First Batch of Jog Pendants

We just put our first batch of jeg pendants in stock as an unlisted product (so you can only get it from this link, not via site search). A couple of users on the forum have tried them and might be persuaded to share their experiences. (@Ed.E and @SLCJedi ) We’re not sure how popular these...

community.carbide3d.com

and I 3D printed a slightly modified shell:

 

[Michael Kellough]

@ WillAdams, this looks really cool! I’m assuming it’s for control of your CNC.

 

[WillAdams]

Thanks! Correct, a Jog pendant allows one to jog a CNC machine around.