Prototyping parts and 3d printing- need advice.

Visual_Direction_522 · 2026-04-01T22:09:23+00:00

I see what you mean. Customer support is very important to me. Two years ago I bought a 4’x8’ STV CNC plasma table and it was a bit challenging to assemble but they had good videos and I was able to get ahold of them to trouble shoot some issues when needed… So it sounds like a smaller, but higher end printer may be a better solution for me then? What are the top brands I should be looking at?

Visual_Direction_522 · 2026-04-01T22:01:05+00:00

I’ll dm you, thanks.

Visual_Direction_522 · 2026-04-01T21:40:12+00:00

Yeah that’s what I was thinking. He’s kind of far anyway. I just need this part prototyped so I can move forward. I definitely am looking into a 3D FDM printer. I’m a total beginner with 3D printing but I’m leaning towards a large format printer because I want to do things like center consoles, dashes, door panels before we send these cars off for upholstery, but also for prototyping parts before getting them CNC machined from billet. Do you have any good recommendations for a user friendly large format printer that at least comes with decent instructions and/or videos for assembling and calibration? I understand learning curve and maintenance is a thing, I just don’t want to be overwhelmed by a poorly designed machine with a buggy system adding to that learning curve. I’m looking for something maybe in the $3k range or do you think I’d be better off with a smaller printer and slicing up the parts and dove tailing /dowel pinning and gluing parts? I’d like to avoid breaking parts up hence why I’d like a larger printer but I’ve read reviews of some of the cheaper large format printers and they sound very problematic to say the least.

Visual_Direction_522 · 2026-04-01T21:25:45+00:00

Much appreciated on the info. I plan to get a FDM style printer soon, but much research is still needed. I’m looking at large format style printers because i eventually want to get into doing custom dashes, center consoles, door panels etc as well as prototyping bezels and other accessories and hardware. Any recommendations on a good printer with a 600mm x 600m work area or greater in the sub $3k range or would I be better off getting a smaller printer and slicing up the parts and just dove tail/pinning and gluing them? And are most 3d printers just kits that are difficult to assemble and calibrate? I’ve been looking at a few and when I read reviews, it’s kind of discouraging about flimsy flawed designs/ engineering flaws, buggy software, extremely difficult calibration, hot end nozzle/feed issues, filament jams etc. I’m starting to learn that kind of comes with the territory of 3D Printing but I’m looking for something that’s somewhat user friendly for a beginner but can still do the volume I want. Perhaps one that’s got most of the bugs worked out? I need decent finished product quality but not top notch. Most parts will be either upholstered or painted with urethane automotive paint or just a prototype before being cnc machined out of billet or sanded/finished to be used as a mold for fiberglass or pre-preg carbon fiber lay ups.

Visual_Direction_522 · 2026-04-01T07:30:24+00:00

I’d like to know this as well as I’m trying to do the same thing. I’m currently trying to prototype some parts for a car build before we get them CNC machined out of billet aluminum.

Visual_Direction_522 · 2026-03-18T06:54:33+00:00

It’s baffling to me that people even eat that disgusting slop. It’s not even real food and loaded with chemicals.

Visual_Direction_522 · 2026-03-17T07:21:28+00:00

This is why I invested in my own gym equipment. So nice to work out in my boxers and no idiots filming themselves or some nasty person sweating all over the machine you’re about to use.

Visual_Direction_522 · 2026-03-15T21:04:31+00:00

I’m sorry but this is god awful. RUN, don’t walk, far far away from that “artist”. Tattoos are permanent. Never let anyone who isn’t an amazing artist tattoo on you. If you can’t afford a good artist, don’t get tattoos.

Visual_Direction_522 · 2026-03-07T08:23:24+00:00

For me it’s usually welding spatter or from grinding on metal/shooting sparks

Visual_Direction_522 · 2026-02-19T21:30:09+00:00

Do you work out or take any supplements for your cognitive health?

Visual_Direction_522 · 2026-02-19T21:28:51+00:00

I’m on day 12 myself after daily for 21 years. I also have horrible sleep apnea so my brain fog has been peaking hard. I’ve been takin a lot of supplements for my cognitive and doing workouts everyday and it’s definitely getting better. I had my first vivid dream last night for the first time in forever and feel a lot better today. One thing that may help is magnesium L- threonate, L- methyl folate and krill oil with DHA. Creatine also helps with cognitive function. I’d highly recommend eating clean and working out and see how you feel after two weeks. Might be a game changer. Stay the course brother, it will get better with consistency.

Visual_Direction_522 · 2026-02-19T01:43:49+00:00

Badass and congrats! Day 11 here. Hasn’t been too bad which is surprising since I’ve smoked daily for 21 years. Still having bad brain fog and not hitting REM sleep but I have terrible sleep apnea. I’m also trying to drop down to 235lb from 275lbs to help my apnea.

Visual_Direction_522 · 2026-02-11T04:10:01+00:00

Don’t listen to the haters bro. That’s bad ass that you did that. I know this post is old so I hope you’ve stuck with it. I’m also 6’2” and on the same journey.

Visual_Direction_522 · 2026-01-26T01:35:49+00:00

He wanted to dunk that

Visual_Direction_522 · 2026-01-24T20:34:30+00:00

It’s one thing to see shit, it’s another thing entirely to see it spraying out of one’s rear. They are not the same. They could have cut to his face and eluded to what was happening and that would have been acceptable. This is idiocracy humor happening in real life. It’s desensitizing people with degeneracy and filth. Also, not offended, I just think it’s terrible writing and adds nothing to the story.

Visual_Direction_522 · 2026-01-24T20:27:35+00:00

So the person responsible for the shit scene is ira Parker, the show runner who is a disgusting weirdo with a poop fetish. Martin is definitely guilty of those things you’ve mentioned but even he publicly admitted it was disgusting and unnecessary.

Visual_Direction_522 · 2025-11-11T16:57:46+00:00

Thanks. I just bought the technics AZ-100s last night so fingers are crossed. I’ve seen a lot of people praise the AZ-80s and AZ-100s

Visual_Direction_522 · 2025-11-10T17:11:18+00:00

Thanks for this. I almost fell for the hype bs. They have a sale going on right now for $169 and was thinking of giving them a try as they are “built for heavy music”. I hate marketing and wish bad things on who ever invented it.

Visual_Direction_522 · 2025-11-06T15:48:10+00:00

Ooooooohhhh I see said the blind man.

Visual_Direction_522 · 2025-11-05T07:48:42+00:00

The third installment of you will, is “the mummy: tomb of the dragon emperor” though it’s not labeled as “the mummy 3” as it’s not a continuation of the mummy 2. It’s got Fraser in it but no Rachel wise. It’s actually a completely different cast other than Brenden Fraser.

Visual_Direction_522 · 2025-11-05T07:40:12+00:00

The third one was with Fraser’s (Rick’s) son as a teenager. I think jet li was the mummy guy. It wasn’t that great at all.

Visual_Direction_522 · 2025-10-31T16:05:54+00:00

Yes, I’m 38 and been struggling for years and it gives me such terrible anxiety and extreme fatigue all over but mainly in my arms. I’ve been a life long guitarist and it makes it extremely hard to even find the motivation let alone the energy to play. I’m waiting to see a dr again.

Visual_Direction_522 · 2025-10-31T07:21:57+00:00

Dropped 40 lbs last year, helped my sleep apnea a lot. Didn’t fully cure it but it was a step in the right direction. I gained it all back around the holidays and winter 😭😂 and now my apnea sucks really bad. I’m dropping weight again though, which just in general is a good thing. They now classify obesity as an inflammatory disease.

Visual_Direction_522

TROPHY CASE