3d Printer ideas needed

[derf]

I'm thinking (not too hard) about taking the plunge and buying a reprap 3d printer kit. What use full stuff (max 8" cube) could I make with one, bike or non bike related that would make it worth the $300-$500 investment?

I want one for the cool I can make stuff in 3d but I can't seem to think of anything that would actually justify the purchase other than another hobby that I would spend money on that I would drop in a year or so.

Ideas people, I want ideas.

[pauldun170]

http://www.wired.co.uk/news/archive/...uces-physibles

[No Worries]

Enter this contest, I did: techbriefs.com/uprintSE

[derf]

Originally Posted by No Worries

Enter this contest, I did: techbriefs.com/uprintSE

I entered thrice!

[Trip]

Considering how brittle the stuff that you make with them is, not really much you can do with it besides making display models.

[Gas Man]

Originally Posted by Trip

Considering how brittle the stuff that you make with them is, not really much you can do with it besides making display models.

That's my point... what the hell would I use it for.

[EpyonXero]

Originally Posted by Trip

Considering how brittle the stuff that you make with them is, not really much you can do with it besides making display models.

Im not familiar with the powder types but we have a laser-resin 3D printer (stereolithography) that makes makes some pretty tough pieces.

For some reason Ive always thought it would be fun to make a set of dishes and eating utensils with it although Im not sure how safe the resin would be to eat off of.

[Trip]

Originally Posted by EpyonXero

Im not familiar with the powder types but we have a laser-resin 3D printer (stereolithography) that makes makes some pretty tough pieces.

For some reason Ive always thought it would be fun to make a set of dishes and eating utensils with it although Im not sure how safe the resin would be to eat off of.

Oh you can get ones that make good stuff, but they arent going to be cost effective for general home use unless you got a ton of cash to put down. The ones you can get for home use and get powder cheap are going to not be the best as far as usability.

[Papa_Complex]

Originally Posted by Trip

Considering how brittle the stuff that you make with them is, not really much you can do with it besides making display models.

Or positives for creating molds, when prototyping.

[Trip]

Originally Posted by Papa_Complex

Or positives for creating molds, when prototyping.

Yeah molds would be another good use.

Or using it as the prototype pieces to see what things would look like on whatever you are trying to make before you make it.

For home use, i see it as a use once or twice to see how cool it is and then goes in yhe garage to sit for 10 years...then repeat.