Artist VERSUS 3D Printer: Making a Miniature Treasure Chest

[@BentleyHouseMinis]

**I want to add a note here: I have seen several comments making a VERY good point that I totally agree with but did not touch on well enough in the video: The 3D printers are probably best used making small, very detailed items. So I may do a rematch to show off this property to give the printer a fair review. Large furniture is not gonna be its best feature (but its what I like to make, and I wanted to make something useful for my Captains Quarters). Another video on this will be coming soon.... ;)

[@luvsdvds]

Thanks so much for such an interesting video ... you were clearly the WINNER of this match!!! :) It would be interesting to see how it prints furniture in 1:144th scale for your dollhouse's dollhouse. I think that is probably where the printer would have a big advantage. I really prefer the chest you made, it looks more like it has been around a long time. You did a great job. You have inspired me to use mat board more often. :)

[@barbaracerafici5612]

this is an excellent point. I have seen the very tiny characters used by "gamers" (D&D specifically) and they are fantastic.

[@LaraArt1]

It looks like all of us Artists in the world are still safe from a Terminator type technology takeover! Your creativity shines through on the handmade chest : )

[@BentleyHouseMinis]

Haha yes we are! At least for a few more years... I will do a rematch then ;)

[@josueduran6881]

Thats really slow resin printer. My mars 2 pro (budget consumer printer) can print something of 1500 layers (~10cm tall) in 5 hours. HOWEVER, even if it took half that time, I think artists are safe. Hand-crafted models just have a look about them that can't be beat. 3d modeling is its own art, but the resulting product is still made of plastic, as opposed to wood, fabric, metal, or a combination of those.

[@patmanchester8045]

If you are an artist, using a machine is a bit of a cheat. Isn't it? I quilt a lot and to me it is like buying pre cut quilt pieces.

[@Thicketworks]

Okay, first of all: we all knew that your piece would not only be faster to create, but that your artistry would completely eclipse the 3D printed version - foregone conclusion, Ara! 😘 But, I will admit to being very entertained by witnessing your build process (as always!) I learned so many things that have resulted in a cascade of ideas that will be worming their way into my work in the near future. I can't thank you enough for your generosity towards the Mini Community in general, AND toward me specifically. It never gets old to hear Ara say your name😅! (Thank you, darling). You ROCK. 😍

[@BentleyHouseMinis]

Haha thank you for having so much confidence in me! It is really fun to figure out how to use these new technological machines into our mini making isn't it? It had been so fun to share ideas and techniques with the this community and with you my friend!! And I always know things will turn out well when I start channeling my inner Heather😄💖💖

[@luvsdvds]

I am learning a lot from BOTH artists: @Heather Tracy AND Ara of @Bentley House Minis, it is so nice to be able to thank you both for your mini generosity! :) :)

[@anastasiasholeinthehollerc8697]

@@luvsdvds Amen, amen!

[@hmayonay]

@@luvsdvds So am I!! I'm enjoying it immensely

[@YakeemaTaleem]

You won. I love that yours look more realistic. I wanted a 3d printer now not so much.

[@BentleyHouseMinis]

Aww thank you Yakeema!!

[@wendywomyncakes2380]

I like the lid on the 3D but honestly love the look of yours better! I think there is much more detail on yours and looks more real 😊👍🏽💜

[@BentleyHouseMinis]

Thank you! Yes I thought the rounded top looked cool also ;)

[@creatrixcorvusarts876]

I can see where Bean has its applications, but bigger stuff like the chest is not it, imho. I’ve seen it used to good effect for more delicate, or rounded things, like barrels, or post lights, or other electronic things......but miniaturist have been creating things by their own skill for so long, it seems like the printer is just for making multiple replicas...? I think you won this, hands down! Yours is so much more “real”.

[@BentleyHouseMinis]

You are so right! I added a pinned comment kind of saying this same thing. I think I will probably do another video showing the small detail type items it has the capability to create which is such a benefit👍 Thank you!!

[@imsunnybaby]

hand made is where its at!!! you just cant replace that human creativity with a machine just running a program.

[@WhereTheGnomesLive]

love love love yours! You win, hands down. It looks more realistic, like you shrunk down my grandmother's old trunk. The 3d printer is amazing though, it kind of boggles the mind

[@BentleyHouseMinis]

Aww thank you so much💖💖 And yes its pretty amazing! Esp when printing little details items... it def shines them ;)

[@X45896]

First, Stormy is adorable :) Second the "inner Heather Tracy" moment with the super glue, I think of her every time I use it and baking soda lol! Your chest creation certainly has a much more authentic feel to me. I agree that a 3D printer is a nice companion, but not a necessary item. I have an FDM printer (Ender 3) and I love it because it so much less involved than the resin printers seem to be. I would still like to have a resin printer for super small smooth prints. I use Tinker CAD (free online) to make very small and precise original items that I work into my builds, like stained glass window leading or fireplace grates. I work in 1:24 so having help with very small details is nice. I would recommend to anyone that wants to print 3D miniatures on FDM printers to look for support-less, or minimal support prints. That alone cuts out almost all the cleanup time. I also saw a thread on a 3D Miniature Facebook page where there are some resins available that are soy based and non toxic. But I have not done any research into that yet. I really enjoyed this longer video Ara! Can't wait to see what you do next! :)

[@BentleyHouseMinis]

Thank you John and yes so true! Its strength is really in creating small detailed items. I think I will have to plan another video to show that property of the printer. And a soy based resin would be so amazing! I always feel on edge when messing around with the liquid resin😶 Thanks for all the info!

[@jmk729]

You won, “hands” down! Your chest has much more character and reality than the plastic one.

[@BentleyHouseMinis]

Thank you so much💖

[@ynnej001]

19 hours for a chest that looks printed, you could have made 3! YOU WIN! 🏆💐🏆💐🏆💐 I'll pocket the cash for the printer the learning curve, supply cost & time just don't seem practical for me. Thanks for all the info!

[@BentleyHouseMinis]

I am so glad you found it helpful! I have another 3D printer video planned that will add some more info too I hope. Thank you!

[@susankinney1302]

Maple leaf for the corners...genius!!!

[@wormholehead]

Ara, yours looks MUCH more detailed and realistic and SO MUCH better. I might still eventually get a 3D printer, but I do not think it can beat a TRUE miniature ARTIST like YOU!

[@pambrandon4186]

And the Artist wins! I think you not only one in the timing but in overall appeal and aesthetics. The details in the printed chest look chunkier and less refined to me. I love the little details that you added to your version with just thin layers of paper.

[@BentleyHouseMinis]

Thank you Pam! Part of the issue is finding pre-made files that have all the features you already want built in. Which is why I mentioned having the willingness to learn to use the program. I hope I can add a miniaturists viewpoint in the 3D printing world some day ;)

[@georgecunningham9175]

Like 'em both, your effort has the better (not necessarily more appropriate) design and finish. Of course durability is a consideration as well, and for a "toy" the printed is more appropriate. I wish for a 3-D printer to make those pesky little details for kitchen and pantry, bedroom and bath, library and salon, that can not be found to my exact specifications. Right now I am trying to find/create 1920s light switches (dual push-button) for each of my 34 rooms..............boy, a printer would be a dream for THAT! Thank you for another informative and entertaining video.

[@BentleyHouseMinis]

You are so right George! The printer's actual strength is printing the smaller details so I feel like I will make another video to highlight that feature. Large furniture is not its forte lol. And agreed on durability. If I gave both to my 5 yr old my money would be on the resin print to make it out in 1 piece!

[@maggiem4734]

WOW! Your chest looks AMAZING! The 3D version is, too, but, IMO, not worth the expense, for this specific project! Love you, Ara! 💕👌🏼

[@BentleyHouseMinis]

Thank you so much!! For me it will never replace hand made! ;)

[@slytheringingerwitch]

Obviously you are the winner not just in time but in creativity and in the details too. Yours is amazing, Bean's is okay.

[@tahrahetzer9816]

To me, yours is the clear winner. I love your chest. 😃 Maybe because I actually have one similar to your reference photo. Also congrats on your new fuzzy little tyke.

[@BentleyHouseMinis]

Those chests are so cool! How fun that you actually own one! Thanks... she's a hoot ;)

[@carmenm.4091]

Making things by hand is so rewarding, that’s why i do it. I enjoy making miniatures. I wouldn’t want a machine to do it. It’s the same reason why I hardly buy any ready made dollhouse miniatures, unless someone made it themselves, then I can admire their skills. The chest/ trunk you made is so nice! Love it!

[@BentleyHouseMinis]

I agree very much! I enjoy making things by hand too much to leave everything to a printer. I think that's part of the fun... figuring out how to make something!💖

[@carmenm.4091]

Bentley House Minis , and so you should. You’re great at it! 👍🏼👍🏼🍀

[@barbaracerafici5612]

I absolutely preferred the hand made trunk over the 3D printer one. I own several antique trunks and your hand made one certainly gives the feeling of one that was used and made by an artisan. LOVE LOVE LOVE yours. Great tutorial as well.

[@ImperialKneazle]

I loved the contrast with this video. Yes, 3D printers are undoubtedly very useful, esp with tiny and delicate items, however, unless, as you pointed out, you learn how to make & design your own items, your pieces will never be unique. I like the hand made element of a scratch built piece, it has more character and is totally unique. In this episode the chest you built and the techniques you used blew the printer away - loved it - a brilliant make x

[@BentleyHouseMinis]

Thank you so much and I am glad you enjoyed the video💖💖 And you're definitely right about the small items. It is way better at those than large clunky items😉

[@audrey5941]

Your steamer trunk has a lot of character, which I really like. The treasure chest is also great and has its place. Fun to watch how you create (as always) but interesting to see the process of a 3D creation too, as I have no experience with that.

[@BentleyHouseMinis]

Thank you Audrey! Playing around with new techniques and ideas is something that keeps me so excited about miniatures!

[@GenNairick1]

Both have their merits.. but yours looks more realistic. Plus you have the fun of creating it yourself. The length of time to produce the resin one, the cost of everything etc. is a hindrance. I think for small items it might be use full and fun, though. Check out Where the Gnomes Live video on dollar store remake steamer trunks.

[@BentleyHouseMinis]

Yes it definitely is more suited to small items so maybe I will make another video highlighting that fact too.... to be fair to the printer lol. I have seen her video and it was wonderful! 💖💖

[@danic7498]

I liked both of them, but the hand made one was my favourite. It looked easier and more creative. But it's always nice to see different methods. Oh, and your puppy is adorable!

[@BentleyHouseMinis]

Thank you Dani! I do think this video showed sometimes its easier and faster to just got for it and make it by hand lol ;)So glad you enjoyd it!

[@Wolfkins1972]

Nice job on the trunks 👍 I like your hand made version more 👍 Btw your new puppy Stormy is adorable😁💞

[@BentleyHouseMinis]

Thank you so much! on both :)

[@daphnelafave2418]

Always enjoy watching you create Ara. Your chest is definitely more detailed than the 3D is, but both would go nice in your ship. Keep up your amazing work Ara ❤

[@BentleyHouseMinis]

Thank you so much Daphne! I def like the printed one too so it will fun to see how they will work in the space ;)

[@happyjenny68]

I much prefer your version.....nothing beats hand made but I can see the benefits of 3D printing....I’ll definitely stick to hand made as I don’t have the patience to wait that long anyway! Lol Loving your work as always....and thanks for including Stormy, can’t get enough of that cuteness! ☺️❤️

[@BentleyHouseMinis]

Lol it can be hard to wait ;) I have to distract myself with other things or print over night. Thank you! Stormy will probably show up here and there in other videos!!

[@Annejuli]

The chest you made by hand has so much more character than the printed one. So I think it's safe to say you won that challenge. Stormy is absolutely gorgeous! Congratulations on the new family member :)

[@BentleyHouseMinis]

Thank you so much Annejuli! She has definitely brought a lot of joy into our family💖

[@JennyJenn050]

You definitely won this race! I like the one you made by hand better. Turned out great!

[@lali3486]

First of and foremost, all the hard work you’ve put into your channel has made covid19 shelter in place bearable, so a million thanks! Another time figure that seems appropriate to add is the time it would take you to write a program for an original design, since your mat board chest was designed by you, whereas the 3D was someone else’s pattern.

[@BentleyHouseMinis]

That is very true! Thank you so much for the kind words about my channel💖 That means a lot!

[@kat3910]

Of course I like your hand made one best! There is something that looks more genuine in yours that just doesn’t come through with the 3D print version. I have several actual antique trunks in my house, and now you’ve inspired me to make minis for one of my (many) projects!! I love it!

[@BentleyHouseMinis]

Fantastic! How great to make some minis of the trunks you own... you can see first hand all the detail! Happy creating!

[@susanpeachey575]

I think you definitely won. The 3D printed chest was great but I still preferred the one you made by hand. Maybe the 3D hinge was a bit ore sturdy. Just because it was a bit longer. Love your tutorials. Xx

[@heathertaylor-willockx3632]

Great job Ara! But I think we all knew you would win the race. You're so creative the machine didn't stand a chance. I think both chest turned out very well, but those supports did harm the final printed product a bit. It looks like overall the printed version was less active time for you, but not as much less as I would have thought. I did like the hinges on the printed chest. It might be useful to just print hinges and similar small parts and incorporate them into your final handmade product. I can also see the printer making some nice architectural details, like trim, molding, fleur de lis, etc. For instance, if you wanted a detail on the handmade chest that you didn't have a hole punch for. Thank you so much for showing us how much time really goes into making a miniature. I often feel discouraged about how long it takes me to make something, especially after watching a half hour video (with tons of time lapse), where the artist did so much more than I. It's nice to see that minis just take time! Stormy is adorable!

[@BentleyHouseMinis]

Thank you for your vote of confidence in me Heather! I wasn't sure I was going to win until the moment I saw the 14 hour mark and then I figured I'd be ok lol! And yes the printer is much better at smaller parts so I need to get into making those I think. Oh yes I typically end up with 6 - 8 hrs worth of video footage to edit down after making a mini. I am sure nobody wants to watch the full 8 hrs it takes lol! Maybe I should start adding in time stamps!?

[@heathertaylor-willockx3632]

@@BentleyHouseMinis I'm sorry I didn't see where you had addressed the small minis comment before I posted. You must be so sick of answering that comment! But hopefully I gave you an idea about architectural details. They are expensive to buy, but add so much to a project

[@tellyisdreaming]

OMG I'm trying to watch the entire Captain Quarter's playlist and this is when you got Stormy? Lovely baby gets introduced.

[@BentleyHouseMinis]

She was soooo tiny!

[@kathrynwass6422]

I think you won. I like the details of the trunk you made over the 3D printer trunk.

[@rachaelkasper5445]

That was amazing. I got a 3D printer and (once I learn everything) I plan to use it to make detailed 1:24 miniatures. The printing time will give me time to do other things that I'd usually blow off (because making miniatures by hand IS so much fun). I think the 3D printer will be a good time-management tool. The printer can print, I can do laundry, and when it's done, I can play with paint and whatnot. Thank you for this!! You teach me so much and I really enjoy your videos.

[@kristalburns3490]

Great minds...

[@BentleyHouseMinis]

This is so very true!! It is nice to know a miniature is in progress even if I have to go do real life things. And its pretty exciting to see something print out too ;) 1:24 is something I will get into soon with the Fairfield so that will be fun to play with! Thank you Rachael!

[@lorihogue5015]

Nothing can replace a miniature artist, but I can see a use for the 3D printer for highly detailed small items. Your trunk won hands down 😎👍

[@meganm6436]

3d printers must have had a massive revolution in just three years (since this video was posted). My Elegoo Mars 3 would have spit that chest out in under and hour and look far better. Tech grows so quickly!

[@sherry2836]

Stormy is adorable! Looks like a black and white yarn pom-pom, lol! Your design is definitely more realistic and it's more fun to make by your own hand. Easier to make immediate changes if needed. Oh, and if you still need them, Where the Gnomes Live just showed a vid on how to make the oil lamps for the Captains Quarters. Look forward to updates!

[@BentleyHouseMinis]

Haha yes she does! I think its because her face and eyes are all black and you can't even tell she has eyes lol! Oh thank you for letting me know and I will check it out!

[@heatherwise8450]

This was a great episode! I think your work was the most realistic but definitely enjoyed watching how the printer worked a bit. I think also which one you use would affect cost if you were trying to sell miniatures. I think it would be cool if you could use the printer for hinges, hardware, and ornamentation. But there is so much personalization that is part of you, the artist, making it that matches with the handmade qualities of things made by artisans long ago. It doesn’t look mass produced which antique trunks were not. The bottom line for me is I would have no patience to wait on the printer. But the printer trunk was cool. The two trunks would stack nicely. And I love Stormy! Oh my goodness. Her little run. Awwwww!

[@BentleyHouseMinis]

Thank you Heather and I definitely agree! The printer would do well to make small things like clasps and handles esp in multiples. I will have to try to make a hand made item with printed accessories or something like that ;)

[@sherrycapstraw5096]

Omg stormy....💚💜💙💝 so adorable!! I love your artwork!!

[@BentleyHouseMinis]

Thank you so much Sherry! 💖🐶

[@debbiejohnston8492]

Hands down, you win! Art vs technology is a no brainer but I do think the 3D will have it's place for mass production pieces such as if you waned to make let's say a dozen miniature mason jars for example. Thank you for sharing this experience. It's was most enjoyable to watch especially with the real Mr. Bean edited in. Love your sense of humor! And Stormy is too cute!

[@BentleyHouseMinis]

You are definitely right! Me making 12 jars by hand vs the printer making them (and them looking good) is definitely a different challenge. I may have to make another video to add this perspective to be fair to poor Bean ;) Thank you Debbie!💖

[@jojosmumdorothy2829]

It's a novelty I think would end up in the loft lol Id much rather have the enjoyment of making it myself. So in my humble opinion you win hands down 🤩

[@karengates7154]

Even if the 3-D printer could have beaten you, your craftsmanship will always win out.

[@anastasiasholeinthehollerc8697]

I definitely think you won because yours looks more authentic, more real. It just has more character.

[@BentleyHouseMinis]

Thank you!💖

[@renees766]

All of the details you added to the handmade version definitely set it far apart from the 3D resin printed version, though you could certainly add those to the resin version. All in all, you are extremely talented and def Win!

[@sarahlongshore2605]

Well it wasn't the printer that won!!! If it was going to be for heavy play then the printer would be fine. But for crafts. No. I mean come on there is nothing like creating something by hand. Getting those hands dirty and the satisfying feeling of knowing you figured it out and created it!!! Well Done Ara !!

[@BentleyHouseMinis]

For sure! If I gave both of them to my 5 yr old my money would be on the resin print 😄 And I agree on the handmade thing as well. I love being able to say that I made it by hand!💖👍

[@lindah5910]

Thanks, Ara! What can I say . . . I like your chest much better than the printer design. You made very good points. Thank you again and I hope you enjoy a pleasant holiday weekend!

[@BentleyHouseMinis]

Thank you Linda and I am so glad you enjoyed the video and info ;) And I had a great weekend! I hope you did too!

[@saudeempontos]

Hi Ara! I prefer your handmade chest, no doubt about that! :D And thank you so much for teaching us how to make a simple hinge (one of my weekness!). I believe the only bright sight of this 3D printer is that you can do anything else while the 3D printer works. But, I agree with you about all the care you must take to protect children, pets and the environment. And about the cost to make this trunk... well, no comments are needed, right? hahaha

[@BentleyHouseMinis]

Thank you Patricia! Yes hinges have been a tough one for miniatures for forever!! I hope to work more with them in the future too. Easy working hinges would be so so helpful to a lot of people I am sure💖 Haha yes and the cost... oh my!

[@annharig3887]

I like your trunk better than the 3d printer's. It has a lot more detail and looks older. You did a great job!

[@Xapiro]

I vote for handmade. Congratulations!

[@aimmyarrowshigh]

A miniature dog for a miniaturist! She's SO CUTE!

[@BentleyHouseMinis]

Haha yes! Thank you💖💖

[@jodi1978]

Yours looks more to scale, and liked it better. Handed crafted is the real talent, and you have it.

[@BentleyHouseMinis]

thank you so much💖

[@AbiNomac]

It’s so good to see the outdoors as it’s always dim inside the studio. Well not this room your working from.

[@shirleygragg8795]

I absolutely love your version better. 😊

[@emmaleehudgins6140]

Great job, sis! Love seeing your creativity and that you went OUTSIDE for a break, proud of you ;) cant wait to see more races with the printer. I also know on days when you cant be racing side by side, it might be nice for it to do its thing while you live life. It lives to print for you HAHA.

[@BentleyHouseMinis]

Thanks sister! Haha I don't know about racing it again but I definitely will be putting it to work ;)

[@ariannebejarano467]

No doubt, I like the one you made much better than the other one! You won!

[@BentleyHouseMinis]

Thank you Arianne!

[@AnneAndersonFoxiepaws]

I have probably said this before but Stormy's hairdo! Omg she is adorable!

[@BentleyHouseMinis]

😄💖

[@sydleigh7206]

I feel like combining the 2 things would be interesting 🤔 like the hinge from the 3d printed one, print out just the hinge and attach it to the handmade (obviously better) one? Or like the rounded lid you could print off a basic one like no details just a skeleton and then cover it with handmade techniques! idk I know this is a year old but I thought I would comment anyways 😂😂

[@foxhousecreations4869]

Ara one, 3D printer 0! You rock Ara!

[@BentleyHouseMinis]

Lol thank you Rhonda!!!

[@zenamorgan1754]

What a beautiful little dog❤️❤️

[@BentleyHouseMinis]

Aww thanks ;) She's a sweetie!

[@froggypals38]

I feel like if I were making minis for my kids to play with I'd go with a 3D printer, but my creations are for me, and my ADHD really digs the hyper-focus that creating minis provides. Also, 14 hours of knowing something is printing would drive me insane with impatience.

[@BentleyHouseMinis]

I am super impatient too so I have to run the prints at night... that way I am not checking every 10 minutes lol!

[@dianabizet4264]

Hands down I like your handmade trunk best. And I love your puppy,sooo cute❤️

[@BentleyHouseMinis]

Thank you so much Diana!

[@teresaweatherford6262]

As I said on FB, I vote for the one you made. It's so much more detailed and authentic. I would not be able to justify the price of the printer for my measly hobby, but when you are working on big projects like you do...it could be useful.

[@BentleyHouseMinis]

Thank you Teresa! And yes you are right. Especially in situations where you need to make exact duplicates it would be pretty helpful. ;)

[@DollFairyCrafter]

I liked both. I liked the round shape of the top of the chest the 3d printer did, but I liked your version more even with out the Round dome top. Imagine if you casted it in resin. That would have taken way longer than the 3d printer. An awww you got a new furry family member. Muffin gets upset when I craft too 😂unless its something for her. I can't wait to see the next video!

[@BentleyHouseMinis]

Yes the 3d printer is probably going to be way better at rounded curves than I would be which is why I thought it would be a fun file to print. Thank you so much for your kind words about my design! ;) Haha - I am sure soon she'll get used to me working around her "play schedule" lol

[@joannecarroll5504]

Good fun Ara. I've considered a 3D printer, but tbh all the work involved is probably more than the enjoyment I'd get out of it. I've worked with various resins for many years & I do it v infrequently because it takes such a long time to make myself forget all the hard work involved in accurate set-up & responsible clean-up & to once again look forward to the creating part. Miniaturists working in much smaller scales like HO or 1:144 appear to have more use for 3D printers imho because of the size & detail required in their individual pieces & the likelihood that railway & tabletop miniatures have more repeats of the same piece (as more lifesized landscape is imitated) than in 1:12 or dollhouse miniatures.

[@BentleyHouseMinis]

Very true Joanne! You have to weigh the benefits verses the time it takes to properly care for and clean the equipment. When we first got the printer I thought maybe we made a mistake but I feel like I have used it enough now (and gotten use to the cleaning routine) that the tables have flipped to where I am starting to enjoy the benefits more! Someone posted they are starting to come out with soy resins which would be amazing! But I am sure super expensive for a while.... we shall see!

[@joannecarroll5504]

@@BentleyHouseMinis Sounds intriguing! Btw forgot to say that your lil fluffball Stormy is so much like ours, Seth (naturally gorgeous imho), but Seth was a rescue so while we can see identifiers of certain breeds, we don't *really* know what he is other than a terrier. Everyone we meet with a Maltese/Shitzhu tells us how their dog's brother or sister looks just like him lol. Such loving animals, we got *so* lucky the day we went to the pound.

[@AnneAndersonFoxiepaws]

The printer is a cool thing to have and the little chest is nice but I still prefer yours (I may be old fashioned but yours just has more of a "vintage" look to it...I can't explain it it just does!). You won hands down in every way!

[@BentleyHouseMinis]

Thank you💖💖

[@meadowsage1456]

You won! Homemade chest is MUCH better! Well done!

[@LoveratLoves]

Definitely like your handmade trunk in preference to the printed one. I think a printer would be great for multiple small items (I'm thinking garden pots maybe crockery) and for highly detailed small to medium items. I think I'd actually get a Cricut before a 3d printer - but for now I will just keep on making by hand! Thanks for that comparison btw - it will be great to see the next video can't wait =)

[@BentleyHouseMinis]

Oh yes a Cricut will be super handy and a little less clean up than a 3D printer. But you're right it def has a benefits so I will share those in another video hopefully soon ;) Thank you💖

[@miagothful]

You won baby! You'r a killer. Smashing!

[@BentleyHouseMinis]

Lol!! Thank you💖💖

[@crazycraftlady7858]

Nothing beats doing things by hand. I actually prefer the one you made from scratch.❤

[@BentleyHouseMinis]

Thank you so much! It was fun ;)

[@sis2Jesus]

Hands down, artist's chest won! The arched lid is nice but not really feasible nor historically accurate. Yours looked much more authentic. And your time was much more feasible for those of us making minis who don't really want to spend a year working on one dollhouse! Once again, beautiful work!

[@BentleyHouseMinis]

Thank you!! I appreciate it!

[@GWest5068]

I prefer the handmade one...looks more realistic...but thank you for the comparison...it was interesting....

[@patriciablue2739]

Gloria Westerman Agreed. I loved the vid!

[@BentleyHouseMinis]

So glad you enjoyed it!! I figured just me talking about the printer would be boring haha.

[@logandodson1484]

I just discovered your channel - really enjoying your content.

[@ceewood3358]

I think your "paper" version has more character too! I was surprised the you used the 3-D printer version when you later decided to fill it with "treasure"...

[@BentleyHouseMinis]

Thank you! I wanted to use them both so the hand-made one is in my Captains Quarters project ;)

[@biancaj2311]

What I took from this was 6.5 hours (with breaks) to make it from scratch and still 5 hours to finish the 3D printed one. I think finding a place to hire time in a 3D printer might be a better bet for me than buying one.

[@TheEplestugas]

I would love to see a comparison like this between the 3D printer and the laser cutter. I'm considering what to by, because I can't afford both at this time.

[@954victoria]

I like the chest you made, the one made by the 3d printer is ok, but still looks like a child’s toy. This is no reflection on you, your abilities are amazing. You are right 3d printing is best used to make intricate things you need multiples of. I was seriously interested in a 3d printer until I learned how long it takes to make items and for me the expense doesn’t justify getting one.

[@BentleyHouseMinis]

Thank you Victoria! I hope to do another video in the future showing its strengths and giving it a better review over what it is really good at. But yes the cost and especially the clean up time after all that waiting is kind of a let down :/

[@mariludenoronha641]

Wow! You got it!

[@rinohorizonte]

3D Printer chest looks like a coffin. Your handmade chest looks absolutely real and also got something called MAGIC. ( I do " suggest " mate paste wax as a finished to your magical chest ).

[@joannekazar3473]

i really like your creations....you are a very talented artist...id like to add you have a great personality....

[@BentleyHouseMinis]

Thank you so much 😊

[@HariKrishna-me6sk]

Machines are always competing with humans to surpass the latter. Sometimes they lose probably because of operator error. Print speed of a 3d printer depends on several factors. In this particular case, the orientation of the part on the print bed and layer thickness played a huge role in increasing that time and the surface finish of the end result (bad orientation => more supports and removing supports leave a messy surface finish). FDM printers generally use 0.1 - 0.2 mm thick layers which are sufficient for fine details. DLP 3d printers (similar to SLA printers but little expensive) print a layer at once and thus take far less time than any FDM or SLA 3d printers. PLA is an environmental friendly plastic (bio-degradable under certain conditions) and the most common one used with FDM printers. Try orienting the part with the base of the chest flat on the print bed, increase the layer height to 0.1/0.2 and you can see the print time reduces drastically.

[@dennismason3740]

In the classic pirate era the chest fittings would have been brass. I don't like the 3-D but I do like the curved top. Nice work. No steel in those days unless you were Japanese.

[@jennycorey8968]

Clearly, you won this one! I couldnt believe my eyes when Stormy made her debut. We added a Shih Tzu puppy to our collection this summer also. He is up to two pounds now and his final weight is expected to be 5 pounds. He is black with white markings. His name is Tony Stark.

[@BentleyHouseMinis]

Oh my I love that name! I bet Stormy and Tony would be good friends! I think her total weight should end up being around 15 lbs but we are not sure lol! Thank you Jenny!

[@StPalliGrl]

Ive come up with a couple of different ways to make hinges.....but you win the prize for the easiest and most versatile way to make a tiny hinge....;o)

[@BentleyHouseMinis]

Thank you I am glad you liked them!

[@janetshaffer423]

Yours is waaaay better!

[@pennydreadfull]

Yours definitely won. It looks so much more detailed and less toy like.

[@sharonrafferty6243]

Love the one u made very realist looking

[@sandraorganizationseeking1685]

Thanks for sharing how very long miniatures take to create. I like them both and love the 1st one a lot. Have you ever used wax to deepen the look of "wood"?

[@BentleyHouseMinis]

I haven't tried wax but I have seen it's beautiful effects. I need to put it on my to-do list. Thank you Sandra!

[@dmphillips45]

Hands down Ara, your rendition was superior in both time and appearance.

[@barbaragrace1992]

I must say that I prefer the one you made. It looks more authentic. The resin one could be a lot stronger and possibly longer lasting but at the end of the day that is not really the point I think. Theres more enjoyment and appreciation if it is handmade.

[@signaltome]

I have to admit that making things (be it miniatures, pantings, drawings etc) can look fairly rough and basic until you put that last coat of paint. And what a result! You have a real talent. ;-) Both chests look really good and while I am a fan of 3D printers I have to say the hand-made one wins the contest, not just for time but for looks as well. Good work.

[@BentleyHouseMinis]

Thank you so much!

[@froggypals38]

So we bought a 3d printer yesterday. Husband wanted it to do work stuff I pretend to understand; I just wanted it to make 1:12 milk crates to set outside the doors of a few of the 1980's London flats I'm making. Crates turned out beautifully and I'm vaguely worried my handmade stuff will in no way be able to compete. Do you see 3d changing the direction of mini-making or simply enhancing?

[@laurawiles410]

You won on time, obviously! Almost as obviously, you won on quality. For a child's toy, the plastic one would probably be the better choice, but the one you made by hand is more aesthetic and more realistic.

[@patriciablue2739]

I like yours better. The hours with the printer would be longer still with the set-up and clean up times! I see the benefit of using a printer for tiny details like one of those little ship's tho.

[@BentleyHouseMinis]

Thank you! And yes smaller detailed things are a great option for printing and saves some time. I should prob make another video in the future from that aspect as well ;)

[@lucyl.4356]

I definitely like yours the best! Very nice.

[@BentleyHouseMinis]

Thank you! 😊

[@Kiannas_Creaties]

The handmade chest looks so much better! 😃

[@BentleyHouseMinis]

Aww thanks!

[@serratedgem]

I like the hand made trunk better then the printed. I feel like the key hole on the printed one is too big. Loving your videos!

[@BentleyHouseMinis]

Thank you Amanda!

[@michellebrady3621]

Stormy is so cute.🐶🐕

[@BentleyHouseMinis]

Thank you Michelle!💖

[@helenehenkel]

I prefer the trunk you made over the printer. Because I am not very tech savvy, I will be sticking to hand made. It took me a year to figure out how to use my Design & Cut, I can't imagen how long it would take for me to learn the 3D printer.

[@BentleyHouseMinis]

Thank you KatieBelle! I am so thankful that my husband can help me out with it. He is so much more patient when it comes to messing with technology💻 I would not be able to do any of this without his help!