A gentleman asked Kevin recently, “Why in the world would I want [a 3D printer] in my house? What practical applications are there for a man like me?”

Kevin uses his primarily to make art. He creates full-size 4 foot tall 3D-printed sculptures. He also uses his 3D printers to make maquettes (small models). He can bring a 3D-printed maquette to his metalworking studio where he can get measurements from it and see all the twists and turns.

But of course, there are practical applications for 3D printing, too. Kevin shows his Dayton 52″ slip roll, which he uses to make metal curl. He shows an adjustment knob on the front of it that moves the drive roller up and down. One day, 1 of the 2 knobs broke off in his hand. Dayton doesn’t make these slip rolls or have those knobs in stock anymore.

Enter a 3D printer!

Kevin redesigned the knob to make it a little bit bigger and added some texture to make it easier to grasp. He 3D printed a new knob using ABS filament to make it strong and tough. Now he can use both knobs again. The 3D-printed knob is now about three years old and still going.

Next Kevin shows a few other things he’s used 3D printing for. He made a small box to carry vitamins on – and a long one, too.

Then he shows his motorcycle rack bag. It was made for a different motorcycle and a different style of rack, so the Velcro straps that held it on didn’t match up to the new motorcycle’s rack. He printed some small hooks and now the rack bag works fine.

Next Kevin shows a pot lid from the kitchen. The plastic knob broke when someone dropped the lid, so he printed a new one using a food-safe filament. He “rescued” something – he doesn’t have to throw it away or get a new one.

And that just helps open the possibilities. Look around your house. See what’s broken. You thought you have to go to the big orange box store to get one little thing. Maybe not!

Maybe all you need is a 3-D printer, the right kind of filament, and a little bit of knowledge. You can work on the computer in a CAD program to design, or redesign, your own part

Kevin hopes that answers John’s question and appreciates you watching. While you’re here, please reach down and hit that “subscribe” button. And please give this video a “like” if you like it. Don’t forget to click on an ad or two, if you see something you like.

Before you go, you might want to stick around and see whether something is REALLY fixed ….

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