I haven’t been using my 3D printer much lately. It’s not that I’ve lost interest; I just haven’t felt motivated to switch it on.
I’ve spent more time designing and browsing models from around the world, thinking about how long they’d take to print, whether I could split them into smaller parts, and how difficult it can be to gather all the filaments needed for multicolor prints. Before long, I find myself wondering whether it would be easier to buy the item instead of making it. Once I start weighing up the cost and print time, it’s hard to enjoy the process.
I haven’t made anything especially significant, but I’ve found the printer particularly useful for making jigs and small fishing-rod accessories. Since I enjoy building and modifying fishing rods, I’ve printed holders for long items, along with decorative rings and rod-end caps.
The original rings are aluminum and cost around 500 yen each. With a spool of filament, I can make as many as I need. They may sound cheap-looking, but the knurling came out surprisingly well. The right filament can also improve their appearance, and some turned out better than inexpensive aluminum versions.
I also discovered that you can add patterns to the surface that touches the build plate. The original parts have a rough finish, which may explain why the underside of so many 3D-printed objects is rough.
Genuine build plates cost around 2,000 yen, so I’m considering compatible alternatives. If you have a recommendation for a plate that works with the A1 mini, I’d love to hear it.