Building My MINI PRINT FARM // 3D Printing Business

[@teddybeardesigns]

Marketing for a small business would be a great topic to cover.

[@Samcraftcom]

It's on the list! :)

[@ronmag5044]

I always come away with some very good information. Just got my X1C and I have been learning fusion 360 to design my own 3D prints. My main customer is my husband. He added onto his machining business and had me make him some duct hangers, air manifold spacers and a part for a spring winder that we no longer have to outsource to have made. Keep those videos coming I learn something new every time.

[@kickazcobra]

Wow…..amazing to see the growth you’ve experienced in such a short time. Looks like another building is going to be needed in the future, Might have to make a name change from “Sam & Angela” to “The Sam & Angela Industrial Park”😁 Much luck to both of you.

[@agsclothing8704]

HELLO, YOUR WORKSHOP WAS EXCELLENT. IT GAVE ME VERY GOOD IDEAS AND YOUR EXPLANATION WAS VERY CLEAR AND SIMPLE. I CONGRATULATE YOU AND THANK YOU FOR GIVING YOUR TIME. BLESSINGS.

[@NWGR]

I have a small far, of three A1s and really the only issue is finding what to sell. I thought about jigs as well, but most of the ones I'd sell are already on the market. Plus exposure; getting the word out isn't easy. Those would be great topics I'd like to see. And congrats on the growth! The A1s are amazing.

[@coolcat312]

Sam, once again, with the moxie! I found you a few years ago when I got my laser and was looking for ways to try and monetize it. I’ve been into 3D printing since about 2016 and despite my best efforts I’ve still never made a single sale on Etsy. You buy a Bambu and within months you’re killing it! Amazing. I guess I’m just not good at figuring out what people want or how to reach them. I’ve got my own mini print farm with four Ender 3a and a CR-30 that I use primarily for my daughter’s school projects. I’m hoping to find an audience for some sort of product eventually because once she graduates I don’t want my printers to start collecting dust.

[@nejdot]

your tag line is spot on. my small business has nothing to do with 3D printing or laser engraving but I always come away from your videos with a new idea how to make either my workspace or business run better. thank you and keep up the great tips and ideas.

[@Samcraftcom]

You don't know how happy your comment has made me! I am honored that you find value in my videos or show-and-tells. :)

[@markah910]

I like that you explain things in simple ways and are not talking down to your viewers. Thank you

[@mikepetitt9624]

Wow Sam!!!!! This is awesome!!!! I’m super happy and excited for you! You sure have come along way! Your going to need to build a second shop just filled wit the printers! I have finally moved into my 14 x 45 foot shop trying to get set up and trying to figure out how to start bulk producing my cutting boards and resin and wood charcuterie boards and start making some kind of production on my shapoko CNC ! You are soooo inspirational ! thank you for always sharing what and how your doing things! You have helped me a lot avoid costly mistakes for sure!

[@roborocketsuit3308]

Thank you for the tour Sam! I purchased my first and second X1C May 2023, and the P1S in December; I run these at work 24/7 and have a very similar setup. i have not been the happiest with the P1S due to the features offered, for context we had a network outage (no connection to Bambu Server) and it rendered the printer nearly useless because i could change filament. My needs are primarily PETG and PLA and after watching this i am considering the A1 for any new printers.

[@jimrosson6702]

Congrats Sam looking amazing. I’m new to 3D Printing got my A1 about 2 months ago and I’m loving it just sorry I didn’t get the AMS with it but I’m having so much fun printing woodworking tools so amazed by how accurate the printer is. Can’t wait to see what you do next Sam. Thanks for sharing

[@jonathandamewood5749]

I've been following for a long while and truly enjoy your content and diversity. I have a wood shop with most common tools as well as a cnc and a lathe. I do about 5-7 shows a year but want to learn how to grow my online presence. So marketing tips and other information would be helpful. This is all I do because I have kidney failure and have been on dialysis for over 7 years. Thank you.

[@RaymondAndreson-cs8hm]

Great video! It's impressive how you've organised your mini 3D printing farm. I can see that a lot of time and effort was invested in setting up the equipment and optimising the processes. It was especially interesting to learn about your choice of printers and materials, and how you manage production and orders. Projects like this are inspiring to start your own 3D printing business. It would be great to see more details about software and process automation. Thanks for the detailed and informative content, I look forward to the next videos!

[@ryandaniel3905]

Sam you have great videos! I am wanting to get a small 3D Print shop set up on the side, I have an Ender 3 that I am dabbled with, but I want to start making some money on the side in a selfsustaining way with minimal initial investment. I have never started a business before and not sure where I should start. Do you have any helpful hints on how to start or maybe somewhere to look for starting up a new 3D printing business? Thank you for being up front and honest in your videos and treating your viewers as equals. Your videos feel more like a 1 on 1 discussion versus being talked down to. Thank you!

[@familyrc777]

Great info, but I’m more impressed with how well spoken you are. Great content and well delivered. Thank you. 😊

[@johnsummers7389]

Great videos!! Thank you for your support and love the tagline. So many will show but not tell. Thank you.

[@jrdchemist]

This hit at a perfect time. I have started thinking of building a 3d printing side hustle and would like to have it become a full-time business. This was very helpful, thank you!

[@Samcraftcom]

Awesome! I cannot say enough great things about the Bambu printers. They've run non-stop for many months with zero issues... across all machines!

[@BinaryDisastr]

I'm definitely interested in knowing some of the things you mentioned to leave in the comments. Who do you recommend building a website? Did you build it, did you pay someone or ?? Also marketing, what are your recommendations for marketing a business so that you can drive traffic before it becomes organic? I honestly don't have time to live on Facebook or any other social media trying to drive traffic while also working on other aspects of my business. It's awesome to see how you've grown since moving from your old old shop you were first in before you moved to the location you're in now. I would love to be able to afford my family the ability to have a successful business like you have for yours. Awesome work Sam!

[@Bdizzle304]

hey man love your videos your down to earth and dont have that youtube presenter persona it seems like you portray who you are and I respect that. Id like to see some content on marketing and also finding a product as these are the two things im stuck on at the moment. But again thank you dude stay awesome!

[@kf4bzt]

Great job Sam. I just received my first A1 and I love it compared to other printers that I have used, I look forward to more on this topic.

[@mariopavan6880]

Good luck to you, thank you to share your experience! I wish you all the best!

[@kellycarroll6829]

Peace and blessings to Sam & family!💚

[@Samcraftcom]

Thank you, you too!

[@LandtoHouse]

This is awesome! Well done.

[@jarrodlangford7692]

Looks good man. I got a farm of 6 machines. 3 p1s and 3 a1 mini. The minis are my favorites. Neat and effecient farm. 😀

[@CTJonathan333]

Looking forward to a comparison video of all 3 models if you get to do it. I’m on the fence about the X1 Carbon and now seeing that you have 8 A1’s I would love to see that video. Keep up the great content!

[@deannaoverstreet4146]

Thanks Sam!

[@Marley-M]

You should get the Panda Touch, it lets you control all of your printers from a little handheld screen that you can carry around with you. It’s really good and useful.

[@Samcraftcom]

That sounds very intriguing

[@andreadingmann6762]

Love your channel! I purchased a smartstich bc of your channel and have directed so many people to it to watch your videos!

[@LiamHuntingford]

I love this set up, i want this so bad! I just purchased my first A1 combo and cannot wait to get started, my end goal is to set up a small print farm like this for extra income but more of a hobby.

[@Samcraftcom]

Welcome to the slippery slope of 3D printing! :)

[@xisssd]

Unfortunately, the worst thing is the idea of what to print what will sell, everything is already almost on the market available

[@oliverchumleyjohnson7070]

Hey wanted to give you a heads up. Your metal shelves are able to share the vertical pillars. You have the vertical pillars back to back with each other. You could in turn share the vertical pillars then use the extra ones for another shelf somewhere else.

[@GoingApeCostume]

I love shelves. I know I'm supposed to be in love with your print farm but I'm hung up on sturdy shelves.

[@GameDadShow]

Been loving the content! Would you be able to do a thread tension video for running hat embroidery? Maybe with presser foot settings as well? And if willing to share, how you go about figuring out your pricing. Thanks!

[@RobertGlazier]

Very nice setup. The best of luck with your print farm.

[@Samcraftcom]

Thank you!

[@richardzicarelli3193]

Great setup Sam... Looks amazing!

[@brendahogue5487]

Sam may the lord bless and protect you and your family and your homestead and business

[@BeeYouXOXO]

This gives me so much hope. I got my a1 mini yesterday. I got it with business in mind. I almost cried when I couldn't figure out how to change colors to my svg and adjust the height. I know eventually I'll have my own little farm.

[@Samcraftcom]

You can totally do it!

[@VKeeper42]

I have those same Kobalt Shelves and like you seem to have figured out with the second one, I went with 3/4 plywood instead of the bouncy wire racks that came with it

[@yellowdogadventures]

nice work Sam

[@thepatsyfamily]

Dang! Super impressive setup. I'm glad Bambu sent you the P1S to compare. Really looking forward to the trio review. I've been eyeballing getting one but I might have to wait for Santa. It seems that all I watch now are 3D printing channels. ha!

[@NotTelling51]

That looks so interesting. I'm retired now and would love to do something like that... of course, I know nothing about it. I have the funds to do whatever size.

[@jsrogers6464]

This video answered my question on your latest video. Good set-up.

[@berkayevren3627]

RAPID filaments have been produced for fast printing. Do you really need them or does standard PLA filament work just as well? Do they cause problems in fast printing? Thanks for this great video.

[@RedMageGaming]

I can get behind the A1 farm. I have an A1 Mini and it's such a consistent little beasty. I'd love to have an X1C or a P1S with an upgraded hot end for more 'exotic' materials. But I just do not have the money for that right now. And if you are not printing with materials that need an enclosed chamber the A1 or P1P is the way to go I think just on a cost per printer metric alone it makes sense. However now that your farm has expanded and you have those machines running, I hope you have taken workshop ventilation into account. Melting plastic kicks off a some bad fumes, and while a single printer might not be an issue, 10 of them at once can be some bad juju. How are you managing the airflow and ventilation for your workshop?

[@Peter-i7y1q]

Nice overview over your print farm! While the technical part is quite interesting, I am wondering about the business side of things? Are you mostly running the same parts or different ones? And are you mainly supplying a couple of big customers or many private customers?

[@sovereignspices]

very genuine guy , gob bless you

[@janniconfire]

its just amazing ... wow ... greetings from Germany

[@juanmendoza7487]

Awesome! Congrats on your mini 3 D farm…

[@TheFoxalot]

Ty sir! Just got 3 A1 and 2 mini A1, Neptune max 4 and a Flashforge Adventure 3 lite

[@cbela65]

Nice setup!

[@jenns.4187]

I got into 3D printing earlier this year (Bambulab) and wondered; is there a method that you would recommend for learning how to make your own 3D print files? I’m brand new to it but I really do want to learn as much as possible and how to create and modify files. Your farm is pretty awesome!

[@ken4edwards]

I am considering buying a A1 mostly because of your videos. Do you get them from the store called MicroCenter or do you buy them online from Bambu? If you buy them in MicroCenter do you buy the extended warranty?

[@Samcraftcom]

I only buy directly from Bambu's US Store. I feel like that's the best for product support issues (which I have had 2 cases to date that were solved perfectly and super fast). But there also are no Micro Center stores around me. I just got in another shipment of 12 A1 printer combos yesterday to expand the farm further. I purchased all of these printers myself -- no discounts or freebies at all. I continue to be 100% pleased with the A1 setup with my oldest printers now clocking in over 700 print hours. Minus the two minor flukes mentioned above, the printers have run flawless with no need for replacement parts at this time. Bambu is running their Black Friday sale which will save you more money depending on what model you choose. I also buy filament only from Bambu. Here's an affiliate link to the Bambu store IF you want to help the channel any. I get a small commission on sales I send their way. 🔗 Bambu Black Friday Sale (10/21/24 - 12/03/24): shrsl.com/4pvju 🔗 Bambu Lab 3D Printers: shrsl.com/4llym 🔗 Bambu Lab Filament: shrsl.com/4odnb

[@1620GarageAndFarm]

I like it Sam, those A1 printers are on sale right now too… tempting

[@Samcraftcom]

The only thing I would caution is to look up the filament compatibility and think of the products or items you plan to print. The more advanced filaments need an enclosed printer. For my prints (PLA) the A1 printers are perfect. Here is a great filament guide from Bambu where you can see the properties of all their filaments. This was great for me to learn which was best, etc. bambulab.com/en/filament-guide

[@BackDaws]

What kind of things are you printing?

[@kyleeky19]

Thank you for all your helpful videos Sam! You have no idea how many times a week I ask myself how to do something, and then turn to KZbin and type “(said question) Sam craft”. Can I ask where you found the file for the a1 vertical mount for the AMS?

[@One29Homestead]

I got your business card jig and it is wonderful! I think it might be faster than the conveyor.

[@mitchellsnoek1759]

Im interested in upgraded version of the Bambi printers? What is the best 3d printer you have with all mods or upgrades ? Like a bigger screen from treetech on the p1s ?

[@elvenprints]

You are doing great! Greetings from Germany.

[@fillg]

Have you told Angela that you need a bigger shop already? 🤣🤣

[@Samcraftcom]

She says "I'm sure you'll find a great way to fit them all in there"... hahaha not exactly the answer I wanted to hear, but the one I needed. :D

[@evinthestix7451]

What about power? How many 3D printers to a surge protector on one outlet? Am I overestimating power requirements?

[@matthysloedolff]

You may need to build a whole new building dedicated to printers at this rate 🤣 thanks for sharing, Sam. I know this may have been covered somewhere by someone else, but I'd like to hear your take on the differences between the models of printers you have and why you chose the A1 over the P1P. I'm in the market for buying a 3D printer and still weighing my options.

[@micktannahill]

The memory/cache solution is great. Roughly how many files will that hold that you can recall on. Thanks

[@jegesmaci1298]

wow, that is impressive. I am so happy for you. Great job! And this is another great video. Do you feel your business has shifted from laser and embroidery or is this just growth to a new vertical?

[@dwburger]

Just wondering...I've used my laser cutter to make jigs for various projects and have found it much easier and faster to use the laser cutter for this instead of a 3D printer. Did you consider making your jigs using materials you could cut and assemble?

[@DragginLineOutdoors]

Awesome video. Just bought my first A1 with AMS. How did you mount the AMS on top?

[@Samcraftcom]

Search MakerWorld for AMS Top Mount. Bambu released an official model you can print to convert it.

[@skynlab2478]

Well done !

[@3dcarbonuk243]

Nice setup mate 👌

[@sandracunningham2689]

You are such a nice and kind guy. What do you make on the 3D printers?

[@georgewilmore7599]

You were told your new shop was too small.

[@BradRemillard]

Would really like to see a noise comparison. Considering and A1 and p1s. But how loud they are is important given I print inside and my wife likes to watch tv while I print.

[@Samcraftcom]

I'll add this metric to my comparison video!

[@NikitaTr-h7z]

Hello sam, nice video, i just wanted to ask what ups are you using, i used a 550w ups and when i started the print, it shut down, i read that the first 1-2 mins of the print it heats up and takes 1100w power so maybe the ups was not powerful enough. Can you say what power is your Ups capable of. Another question would be what are u printing it would be an interesting video to watch. 😃

[@Samcraftcom]

I'm using this exact UPS: amzn.to/3N8qoWj It's a 1500VA / 900W. I have a max of three printers connected to one UPS. If I start the jobs all at once, it will alarm since the heat beds are over voltage, but it doesn't shut off. I circumvent this by not starting the 3rd print job until the 1st has finished the initial heating of the print bed.

[@NikitaTr-h7z]

@@Samcraftcom thank you, i will try replacing the battery in my old one to see if it keeps up with the power the first 1-2 mins of the heating process

[@karencary3312]

You tickle my fancy to hang out with you!!!!! ❤❤❤❤

[@familyrc777]

Also I would like to mention they have a panda touch screen you can use to manage multiple Bambu labs printers from one screen. It may be useful for you.

[@Samcraftcom]

That sounds awesome, I'll have to check into that. Thank you!

[@MartinGelbort]

I really enjoy your videos. I want to ask you about the UPS that are you using with the A1s.

[@ram_1776]

I see another building in your future!

[@potatopirate_]

Would love to know about how you ship. how you estimate the price, drop off or pickup, etc.

[@Samcraftcom]

I'll show you how I do it all in an upcoming video.

[@lucioussimmons4871]

Nice setup

[@joeking433]

The cheapest BL filament in bulk is $15 per Kg. There are lots of brands on Amazon at that price and the grey color can get as cheap as $10 per kg.

[@kreinova2747]

Hi i have a question. How do you power the A1? How many printer per extension plug you connect? How many outlets you use for all the 3d printers. As far as i am concern, the wattage rating of A1 is 350W if the supply is 110V in the usa, however at 220V in Malaysia example, it could reach 1300W which I'm quite concern of that. Because as i know, one plug could only handle around 2500W. Continously. It may not run 1300W continuously but, I'm afraid it use a lot when start heating up, multiples printer at the same time and kaboom. Thanks. For A1 mini i don't have concern because it is the same at 150W

[@roundcheesewheel]

Great video Sam

[@keithkolmos5933]

With all the additional printers being added to the shop, are you running up against the power limits of your setup?

[@cheriethompson7725]

Thank you for sharing. I might be trying the 3d print. My husband and I have an interest in it I craft. No one in my area is tapping that.

[@Samcraftcom]

You can totally do it!

[@HoneyHollowHomestead]

Trying to figure out additional income stream. Living on SS, trying to develop my farm (I raise goats and just started with sheep), having just been slapped with major (as in $$) tractor repair, buying equipment, recurring monthly costs (like website) to start a business is REALLY scarry. If you can cover start up costs/commitments at some point, that would be great.

[@Tracy-d2f1l]

Love your videos! Have you ever used wood filament with your A1s? Any problems with wood filament?

[@Samcraftcom]

I've not tried that type of filament yet.

[@MrDrichter1011]

Hey sam , How far are your shelves spaced to accomadate the A1's ? on side or top. thanks !

[@Samcraftcom]

For the top mount AMS system, you want 32 inches of clearance for the machine & tubing to fit without rubbing anything. I would say about 22 inches of clearance for the regular setup with AMS on the side.

[@laserengravingwithmatt]

A wall of money 💰 makers 😍😎

[@Stevieboy7]

With a farm like this, what sort of numbers are you selling per week to justify the cost? You've got $5000 worth of machines, and around $4000 worth of filament. With a $20 product unless you're selling thousands of them a month, I'm not sure why you would be 10 machines versus 1 or 2. You could easily stock up very quickly and have back stock for quick shipment.

[@w00dlette]

Curious about this aswell

[@chaddiy3512]

I am guessing he has so many machines, because he offers so many colors. He also includes white lettering on his jigs, so each one of his machines has to have white filament in 1 of the 4 slots, only leaving 3 extra for other colors. I use Bambu machines for my Etsy shop as well, and it can be a hassle swapping out different colors depending on what someone orders. I think he offers 17 colors in total. Even selling 5 jigs a day would be $3000 a month, and he could pay off his farm pretty quickly.

[@nick4088]

You don't know business until you've ran it. I sell $7 to $25 items and at the end of the month it tallies to $3,500+ easily

[@nicolegordon2812]

I love your content. I would be interested in what you make and sell using your 3d printer farm.

[@rickmoore]

Can you do a full unboxing and setup of the next printer you get?

[@WestCoastRacingLeague]

What are you doing for power for those machines? Any idea how many circuits that is?

[@justinlaser]

I know Im going to have to venture into 3D printers at some point its crazy to see how quickly it escalates!

[@RSGEProductions]

What to sell to start with ?

[@josephjohnson6626]

Are you happy with Bambu support? have you had any problems with them? I was looking at a carbon but some people have complained of problems and the lack of help from Bambu support.

[@howardholliday9572]

Hey man I just wanted to take a minute to say you do a fantastic job showing and explaining your content. I am trying hard to do some 3d printing also and currently have 3 x1c etc not having as much luck as you with your offerings but guess it might just be a slow start or I'm not offering the correct items ugh. I do lots of 3d earrings and some coasters etc. would like some day to maybe meet as I live in Alabama. I also want a xtool ultra but have looked and wanted a Thunder also but not sure where to go just yet. Now you got me curious about the smaller Bambu but guess since I don't do content or anything g people or companies aren't as much to helpnor allow me to test try any products. How was your best way to start getting orders local friends and family or did you go straight to the etsy deal or FB. Thanks for any help you might could shine on me as a new start up one man gig. thanks Sam have a blessed day!!

[@SailingGoonies]

Maybe something about how you are able to acquire all the equipment? All from YT, SBL, tax write-off, etc. tyia

[@mikelougheed]

How long does the average jig take? I have a cheap ender I use for the few jigs I need but it takes a long time.

[@ronnie100393]

Question: ok you have all of this up and running how is the solar power handling all of this needed power?

[@Samcraftcom]

My workshop is not off grid at this point in time (Sept 2024). It will be in the near future, but not yet. :) Only our home is off grid and running on solar.

[@raghureddy2982]

Hey Sam, how to choose a product and how reach customers ?

[@markcall9695]

How was the 3D learning curve, Sam? I have XTool P2, F1 & F1 Ultra lasers. Is the learning curve harder?

[@Samcraftcom]

The only learning curve is going to be in the CAD program and designing aspect. Depending on your experience or tendency to pick it up, it may be difficult or very easy. A lot also depends on the complexity of your final product, too. :)

[@billcs66]

Just a thank you for sharing

[@PatrickKelly-b8o]

I"m very concerned for you folks ....your right in the path of Helene. Your in my prayers !!!