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Topic starter
21/10/2026 9:24 am
My partner and I have been discussing the idea of purchasing a 3D printing apparatus to produce figures for my dioramas, among other things, and neither of us have any experience with such a beast. I noticed several members have mentioned creating parts for their models and if anyone has a 3D contraption your experience can help us avoid common pitfalls and mistakes. One of the questions that came up was which CAD software is best to create figures such as the ones below, or even a wheel for a model car? And, what computer equipment would we need to support it? Any information would be very helpful.
21/10/2026 12:30 pm
I wish I could help. As I've noted before, many local Libraries (including mine ) offer FREE 3-D printing, but YOU must supply the files. I know nothing about writing script or creating such files. Quite frankly, that puts me "behind the times."
I'm an antiquated hobbyist who MUST still build things from scratch IF I want them. 😔 😔 😔
I wish you the BEST of luck. 👍 🤓 👍 🧐 👍
21/10/2026 5:24 pm
GDH, I do have a basic 3D printer and some experience. What would be the reason you are contemplating this endeavor? You don't find what you are looking for? You want to save money? You want to learn new skills and money is not a problem?
Topic starter
22/10/2026 11:08 am
@chav Firstly, the time between ordering and receiving decent quality figures from overseas has doubled to two months, and in some cases can take up to 100 days, and there are very few resources for period figures, such as Edwardian. Yes, we want to save money where we can, without sacrificing quality, and learning new skills is important at our age, though the budget is not infinite. We are both computer literate and my partner is heavily involved in AI and 3D imaging. Hopefully, some of that experience will be transferable.
Tony Perrone and John Kuvakas reacted
22/10/2026 8:43 pm
We are both computer literate and my partner is heavily involved in AI and 3D imaging. Hopefully, some of that experience will be transferable.
That would be a key because designing human figures would be challenging I guess. I assume there is software with libraries, or AI tools, or you can buy ready made digital models for printing. I would make few points, 1) use AI to clarify the process (software needed, printers, etc.), AI can search forums and all sort of other sources; 2) find a Facebook group that does this, I follow a Facebook group for 3D car modeling (link bellow, remove [remove me]); 3) design something that you want to print and send it to a print shop (there are many print shops online), just to test the concept prior to buying a printer; 4) if you decide to buy a printer and you want to build small figurines, you need a resin printer, these are more expensive and harder to work with; 5) you wont be able to print in color (on a resin printer), these printers use different technology and are several thousand dollars but you can send digital files to a shop and they can print in color (all this will still take forever to complete, unless you have all tools in house). Hopefully this help.
http://www.facebook.com[remove me]/groups/aladdinmodel
PS: wow, the resin printers are getting cheaper and cheaper, many options bellow $1000
This post was modified 1 day ago 5 times by Chav
GDH reacted
Topic starter
23/10/2026 2:03 pm
@chav Thank you, Chav, and this information is very helpful. I will do a bit of homework over the weekend, if I am feeling better.
Tony Perrone reacted