I have never done any 3D printing. I am looking to take a class at the library in January. I am a flight simulator hobbyist and looking for some help printing what they call a MIP (Main
Instrument Panel) using mdf. I have all the measurements for 3d printing but don’t know where to start. I figured this would be a good place to start.
I have attached what I would like to print
You may have some terminology mixed up. MDF is a wood product. It can be cut but not 3D printed. 3D prints are usually done with some sort of plastic, whether it is a resin that must cure or just a filament that gets heated up and extruded. Your project looks like it might be suitable for MDF, but that would be either a laser cutting project or a CNC router project. Can you please clarify your intent?
Very true. My project is wood (mdf) , Laser cutting or CNC would be ideal as you have suggested. Sorry about the terminology. I’m all new in this and can’t make heads or tails yet. That is why I need advice on the right direction. I would like to cut wood and build a home cockpit like in the pictures.
I have the materials required already but don’t have any idea as to the costs involved in cutting using laser or CNC. Any ideas on the costs involved can/will give me an idea of the feasibility of the overall project. Thanks
As a member of MakeICT the cost is minimal. $25 per month membership and then authorization classes for the Shopbot CNC and the Laser Cutters and 3D printer, which run between $20 and $30 each. Once you are a member and authorized you can use the machines without additional charge, though you will need to pay for consumables or bring your own, ie. wood, printer filament, milling bits. Our next open house is January 12th. You can come in and tour the shops and ask questions about the tools and even sign up for membership. MakeICT - Maker Monday
To complete the project in your picture you’ll likely need the following classes: New Member Orientation, Wood Shop Authorization, Shopbot CNC, Laser Cutters Basics, 3D Printer intro. These classes will get you acquainted with the tools and basics of using them, from there the sky is the limit.
Thanks for the detailed explanation. I will sign up for all of them plus the membership. This looks like a lively group too so it would also be a nice place to just come and hung out and help out. I think I will start with the Monday orientation and probably sign up for membership and the first classes. As far as the project and your explanation it seems to me like it is something doable. So I will go that route.
Again, thanks.
I was looking at the schedule of classes and can’t see any of the above classes to register for. I wanted to start asap, if I may. So the sooner the better. If you can point me to a page with the classes and the dates I would appreciate. Thanks
Do you have experience with CAD/CAM?
New Member Orientation: You can join online ( MakeICT | How to Join )and come to new member orientation without attending a Maker Monday first.
It looks like both Woodshop and Fab Lab haven’t posted any classes for January or Authorizations. I expect that will change in the next week.
@whateg01 is our excellent wood shop lead. He is correct in asking if you have any experience with computer aided design programs like AutoCad, Sketchup, Draftsight, Blender, Fusion or Inkscape? Most of the machines that you’ll need for this project start with a computer design, unless you’re going old school and using large format prints and a scroll saw.
lol, I am starting from the ground floor. I have zero experience. I am a Software Engineer though so I hope I can learn , I’m always open to learning new skills.
Ok. I will be patient and wait for the classes. I have both time and patience to take all the relevant classes to get my skills up to a point where I can make this project a reality.
I forgot, I do have some experience with blender when I dabbled in some game programming. I wouldn’t call myself an expert though as I didn’t delve deep enough.
There will probably be a 3D printing class on the calendar in the next couple of weeks. I was going to do one this week with everyone off work but wound up catching some bug at Christmas.
I need to take a 3D printing class too but there isn’t one on the calendar, let us know when something is scheduled!
