I have an Ender 3 v2 that I got for less than $200 about 9 months ago. I had no 3d experience before then.
In that short time, I've learned simple CAD (TinkerCAD) and with that have designed and printed...
Many lens boards
+12 5x7 double-sided plate holders
several unusual size Step-ring filter adapters - (press-fit / slip-on)
new plate holders for my enlargers
Many parts / adapters for Dry Plate making and processing
A sensitometer device
I have a 5x7 camera spring-back printing as I type this...
It has more than paid for itself in a very short time
Even monkeys fall from trees -- Japanese proverb
I have been using SUNLU's PLA+ filament a lot lately. It is a little stronger than regular PLA and has a higher glass temperature. PETG tends to be finicky for me - I just don't have it dialed in fully, I expect. I still use ABS variants when I need to do acetone vapour smoothing.
My printer was my retirement present to myself - it came out of my sick leave back-payment, so I sort of earned it 8-) Now I just have to cover materials, some maintenance, and electricity costs. Within the limitations of an FDM device it is a fairly compact way to make smallish parts. But I'll use wood or metal if it is better suited and my limited tools are adequate.
I tend to use OpenSCAD a lot, but then I am more of a programmer than engineer by background.
I also use openSCAD, I have designed and printed several parts, including a replacement part of my grafmatic, a cover part of my M.P.P., since I removed the rangefinder, the gears of my omega enlarger, the holders, etc.
I think it is important that, as any other tool, it is good for some things, and not so good for others.
I made some lens boards for Horseman 970.
You can download them from thinkinverse here:
https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:6166858
I think just the software cost more than ten lensboards. Assuming one send the file away for printing.
Maybe I'm mistaken. Which software is needed to make these?
I have bought about 15 or so (for my Plaubel Peco Jr) from the Guy in Italy $10 each. Like 'em a lot
Flikr Photos Here: https://www.flickr.com/photos/18134483@N04/
“The secret of getting ahead is getting started.”
― Mark Twain
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