I spent $10,000 on 3D Printers...What now? // The Print Farm

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My recommended print farm machines:
Prusa mk3S+ - bit.ly/3Qb1jMI
Prusa mk4 - bit.ly/3rKcLpm
Over the years my fleet of 3D printers has grown from 1 to 10 and I need a place to put them! Up to this point the printers have been scattered around my house and since I just ordered 4 more Prusa i3 mk3S+'s - I think it's about time to build a print farm.
A print farm can be as simple as a shelf really, but what I'm after is efficiency. I will do this by being intention with my layout so that it matches my workflow. I want everything I need in close proximity and nothing extra!
Even if you're not into 3D printing (at all) there are probably some takeaways or ideas you can apply to your shop or workspace. Thanks for watching!
Links to Referenced Products (some are affiliate links which help sponsor the content!):
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UPS Battery Backup (1500VA) - amzn.to/3CCSQLy
Barrina LED Fixtures (6-pack) - amzn.to/3fR6n9i
Harbor Freight 46" Yukon Toolbox - bit.ly/3rCCdJS
Prusa i3 mk3S+ 3D Printer - www.prusa3d.co...
Heat Set Insert Rig - learn.adafruit...
Stackable Storage Bins - amzn.to/3T2EWYI
Shop Nation Links:
----------------------------------------------------
Shop Nation Website: www.shopnation...
Instagram (@dreamshopnation): / dreamshopnation
Timberland Pro: bit.ly/ShopNat...
Thangs Support Community: than.gs/u/1284339
This video is sponsored by Shopify.

[@ShopNation]

Please disregard any comment from a strange account saying that you won a printer! I am not giving away a printer, do not engage them, just report them.

[@EastCoastWoodWorx]

Some people literally are a waste of space

[@jacobchristianglover3655]

Thanks for the update, I received a message saying I won. I wasn't born yesterday, didn't take long to figure out it was nonsense. Check my prior comment, you'll see the reply the scammers left. Be well and stay safe!

[@excelsior8682]

HE'S MAILING IT TO MY HOUSE NOW WHAT DO I DO

[@rudyschwab7709]

@@excelsior8682 Wait for the update about it being hung up in customs or whatever fees/taxes need to be paid before delivery can be completed. Go ahead and get some MoneyPak and iTunes cards ready because those will be the only acceptable forms of payment.

[@hurrai5519]

@@excelsior8682 sheesh, where is my printer

[@netpackrat]

The lights are one of the more practical things you did there, not just for looks. When you get cameras set up for remote monitoring, you will be glad you added the lights. The next thing I would be looking into adding there is some fire suppression. Octoprint/Octofarm would be a nice touch as well.

[@EastCoastWoodWorx]

literally watching this on my lunchbreak because i didn't want to wait until i got home. I've been watching travis for years now and love the work he's put into all of it. keep it up!

[@jamesbizs]

“Literally ”. What does that even mean. Do people normally not watch videos during a lunch break? Do you normally literally just sit there and stare at a wall while you eat?

[@EastCoastWoodWorx]

@@jamesbizs i "literally" meant i was so excited that i didn't want to wait until i got home. Kick rocks, troll.

[@MrStrizver]

Nothing that I can use except the inspiration to keep going in my shop for the things I want to make and that's exactly what I watched to the end for. Cool setup. Also, good commentary on knowing when to *not* DIY and just buy something instead.

[@mohammedal-kindy2622]

I really Like Ur setup and ideas. I'll make aimilar like Ur workshop soon in sha Allah. Thanks a lot.

[@Zengineer]

Absolutely love it! Great to see some things outside the typical workshop stuff, not that 3D printing is a huge departure. Everyone who builds needs a 3D printer!

[@dellsdiy]

As I grow my shop I finally realized I needed a 3D printer when I wanted to run a router down my Makita tracksaw track. $900 later, printer ordered. 😅

[@thomasmcmahan2014]

You always make or do something I’m thinking about doing myself, except you actually execute a great plan and it comes together perfect in the end.

[@MrBigB312]

I always love how you explain the thought process in your projects. I don’t have that level of an engineering brain, but these glimpses help me formulate better processes for myself. Keep these coming!

[@JPToto]

This is definitely the cleanest print farm I've seen. Your OCD pays off :) I'm not knocking it, I appreciate it.

[@Hangs4Fun]

I built a 12 printer farm with the same printers. Changes I would recoend on your setup would be to add a raspberry pie and camera to each printer and use the farm management tool that also runs on a raspberry pi. I went with printed solid cabinets and a heater for each of mine with filament drier for each and reprinted all Prusa parts with Polycarbonate to increase heat resistance and added annealing ovens that my parts spend a set amount of time in before going into my industrial tumbler which removes a lot of the supports and hanging pieces and almost erases small print lines, lastly I do finish work. Granted you are just printing PETG so you don't really need to control temp and humidity as much as I do. And the stresses and usage of your parts don't require heated chambers, filament driers, and annealing. But I would recommend managing your growing farm with raspberry pies and cameras (octoprint) and a farm management tool (octofarm). It REALLY cuts down on the "sneaker net" work of monitoring and sending jobs to be printed..

[@Pacwind31]

Totally not overkill Travis. Nice work.

[@gregmislick1117]

Love it! Now I just need 9 of a thing so I can do this too. Honestly though, it's a process and you've demonstrated it nicely as well as listing off benefits not only to the function you are trying to organize / optimize, but to quality of life etc. I'm sure that your wife is much happier having you out of the closet (couldn't resist - such a perfect set up !) as well as getting your sh...stuff off the large flat surface in her office. sharing an office space with my wife when she has need to WFH ... yeah, that's HUGE. Kudos.

[@fredfloyd6957]

A while back I bought your dust hood for the Bosch 12" miter saw. Works great on 1" stock but 2" stock still blows sawdust all over. So much for my comments. The unit worked very well, was easy to install and worth the $$$. But it got me to thinking and I am about to go into the world of 3D printing . Making organizers, adapters and dust collection for my own use is the initial goal. I don't plan to go into 3D printing business...just a hobbyist... Anyway, this video has some good ideas for shop efficiency. Thank you

[@mattchavez26]

You’re a genius. I’ve never watched a video where the video continues on the screen during the ad. Great job. I wish other channels would do this. This alone made me subscribe.

[@brianemunroe]

Looking great! Since the printers are located downstairs, I'd suggest getting some kind of remote monitoring / control tools (Octoprint / Prusa Connect, etc) - I know RPis are kind of hard to come at the moment, but hopefully that fixes itself sooner than later.

[@baquero766]

With this setup I think getting a 500-600 laptop with linux mint installed would be better, you can basically create like 6 different printers inside klipper and have em connected to the same laptop.

[@brianemunroe]

@@baquero766 That's a very good idea, also maybe a USB expander hub

[@LopezfsS]

@@baquero766 you can also use cheap thin clients as well.

[@kioshy_.]

No overkill at all, looks great , thinking about doing something similar

[@1sickcrx]

I would love to see a down and dirty video on how you network them together, cord management and a quick initial leveling and setup if you are up for it. love the videos. keep up the great work sir!!

[@Atheism-And-Normative-Ethics]

You hook them up to the same network... Throw cords behind... And level them.... What is there to show...

[@PleaseDontDeleteMyComments]

@@Atheism-And-Normative-Ethics Cord management is an artform, you don't think this guy doesn't have any tips to share? Level them--how? With an actual level, making tiny adjustments or is there a quicker way? How do you slave a dozen printers to a single input? If only someone could tell us....

[@Atheism-And-Normative-Ethics]

@@PleaseDontDeleteMyComments there's multiple ways to do it. Prusa link with pi zero is one. The question regarding slaving is like fanboying over someone who installs 12 printers in an office and rewrites their names. Or even in a production setting, setting up large format printers of all types and setting up their names. It's not an art form, it's a low paying job. 3D printers are new and cool, cable management and accessing a device on a network is not. Slaving is an overly provocative word to describe a really simple task and, in the case of printers nowadays, it is not wholly true to the definition if you have automated any processes once prints are marked as complete and data is sent back up the chain to the master computer, which then triggers additional processes to take place like directory manipulations, program executions etc... From a definition standpoint there's probably little slave peripherals nowadays, Bluetooth headphones can act as controllers. Idk, just from a business perspective it seems ridiculous to say there's a one way to do everything. I've worked with startup companies and small businesses and everything is constantly changing. You learn the hard stuff and in 6 months it will change because you have enough capital to reinvest back into the business, making new jigs, new shelves, new networks, compatible with all your automation (and you better hope you future proofed it for growth).

[@PleaseDontDeleteMyComments]

@@Atheism-And-Normative-Ethics WTF are you on about? You're completely misunderstanding the purpose of the posts you're replying to. Someone asks for a little help with a basic setup and your response is "that's easy, why do you need to see that?" 🤦‍♂ I bet you had a _lot_ of friends in high school. Or are you still in it?

[@Atheism-And-Normative-Ethics]

@@PleaseDontDeleteMyComments "cord management is an art form" is the definition of not having friends and being incompetent....

[@clickster1883]

Nothing overkill about the new workspace. It’s awesome. And the extra lights shining down on the front of ea row of printers is a super cool optic as well.

[@mdbohica]

Great job! One "design improvement" I think would be good would be to drill a hole in each end of the trash can support so you can stretch a bungee cord around the back of the can so it won't slide off onto the floor.

[@dissent1454]

Putting the video in the background while having a sponsored segment is just genius. Keeping the viewer intrigued but also making him watch the ad. Anyway props to you man great stuff

[@mortensentim511]

One thing I would suggest from experience is give each of your printers a name. You can track which printers give you the most trouble, when you last performed maintainance etc so nothing gets neglected which is easy to do if they're not giving you any troubles. We put doors on our rack to prevent drafts, but the doors can make it harder to work on and caused other issues, so if you're not in a dusty or drafty area I would leave it as is. If you're printing many different parts one of the hardest bits to manage is keeping all the part versions and slicer files consistent across all the SD cards. Running the printers off a central controller was my thought to fix that, but was too big a jump to ever get around to.

[@edv59]

Definitely a sweet setup! I installed your dust collection add on for my Delta Cruzer miter saw and it works good, definitely way better than stock! Nice to see where it was printed from!

[@jacobchristianglover3655]

Hello from Tampa Florida! You knocked it out of the Park! Be well, stay safe, and keep printing.

[@BarneyR-u2d]

Overkill? Never with SN. Always well thought out and executed. That’s the one thing I love about the channel, it’s always Smarter, not Harder. I wondered if the new slab you poured might be for a new 3D print shop? See you in the next installment.

[@adirtysock9720]

This video is the first from you that has popped up in my feed. This seems like a really great quality build. Thank you for sharing.

[@th3m1ke]

The Yukon chest is actually just as good as Husky IMO, Ive had mine for a few years and its still working perfectly. Love your set up!

[@andyin3D]

I haven't watched your video yet but the title spoke to me. I'm about $10k into 3D printing and I can't wait to compare notes. Plus I hwar this channel is giving away free prizes. Bonus.

[@johnjensen5540]

That is the best customization I've ever seen for a pre-fab metal cart. Great video as well!

[@punk6119]

I've literally watched your channel grow in reverse lol. I started with your latest update and the algorithm has brought me here finally lol. Interesting to see how far you've come. I currently have 1 P1S and thinking about turning it into a business.

[@travislangendoen975]

The chin clamp really resounded with me. Such a useful tool! So happy I invested in a quality chin clamp!

[@onefastrt]

I take ideas from all your projects ! Thanks for continuing to share

[@Platttraining]

I followed your lead and built a printer rack with 24" pavers, foam flooring bases and with an orange apron (I like the orange Prusa's yeah weird). I only have three Prusa's and scrambling to get more. Really love your setup and I think this will work for me. Thanks for sharing..

[@hermancheema7087]

can i get the apron file!

[@Darkwingdad]

Oh how nice to have a basement. Definitely look into some filament dryers as even finished basements hold more moisture & you’re likely to clogs & issues with higher humidity. Nice set up though!

[@Axel-gh6vj]

you just made everyone jealous, what an amazing setup

[@Redo3D]

Great video! I run a 20 printer farm 100% solo, and I can say it is completely worth it to benchmark and fine tune your slicer settings to reduce the blobbing and stringing, prints will come off the plate looking completely finished.

[@ShopNation]

Yeah great feedback, definitely need to do that!

[@paulliddiard141]

You need a rolling chair! I think it's a great shop!!!

[@johnnyfisher3715]

I think you will like that Yukon Tool Box. I have had 1 just like that ( Mine's Orange ) for going on 10 years and not 1 problem in all of those years. I keep mine loaded with mechanics tools so way more weight in it then what you are using it for so you should be good to go no matter what direction you go in the future.

[@ShopNation]

Yeah it's a great little box!

[@vanillajustin]

Awesome stuff. One of the better, more informative videos of late!

[@doggerdp1971]

Is it overkill? Absolutely not... it's your business and you need things to be efficient and keep quality high. This does this trick. Great job as usual!

[@scottallen606]

drooling over the efficiency and organization. Damn that looks good!

[@mrskwrl]

Simple basement setup but so well done. I don't know why I enjoyed this video so much.

[@arankthnar]

Well done! I'm thinking about launching my own 3dprinting business in my basement. So thanks for giving me ideas.

[@MarkSchamel]

As usual, great video. I really do appreciate how you incorporate both practical (the decision to use the Harbor Freight tool chest) and fun (the use of the lights).

[@jasonstahl73]

Great setup. No overkill on anything. Those lights on the printers come in handy to make sure the prints are going well. I wish I had a basement to use for stuff like that.

[@MaximAvs]

Two words... AWE...SOME!!!! Love this! I'm stealing some ideas for my 3d printing, Laser engraving station!

[@Rick-nj2pi]

My OCD is satified! LOL. Simply and functional. I agree...the workbench turned out great!

[@DueyMiller-rk9dr]

I'm jealous. Not over the farm but you have the space to do it.

[@mrgunn2726]

All that fancy organization caused a slight swoon. Great work!

[@mattruz9238]

Cool set up. I would recommend an enclosure for anyone looking to 3D print. I am using a Prusa 2.5s and struggled to print PETG and Nylon. this was due to fluctuations in temp and humidity. Just purchased the Prusa enclosure for it. Big difference. If price is a concern the Ender 3 is a great choice at a much lower price point. Thanks for making your videos. I made and use your small parts organiser from 2 years ago. Cheers!

[@thedrumssayyes]

Great video! Actually, the Harbor Freight Yukon bench is really nice. I did a ton of research when looking for a bench top tool box and everything I found said this is the best band for the buck.

[@ShopNation]

Agreed! I’m actually really impressed with it so far

[@Txwag91]

Absolutely love watching you put ideas to real life. I definitely use your organizational ideas to try and make the most use of my garage for our home gym, my tools and a sports car & three motorcycles. Everything definitely has a place and needs to stay there. Thanks for the ideas and the “how to’s.”

[@ubequity]

Your farm setup inspired me. 👍🏻

[@dempseydoodles]

Love your content man. I’ve been considering starting a print farm myself. Didn’t think about the UPS setup but that’s definitely a worthwhile investment to protect your farm/business. Awesome content! Keep ‘em coming!

[@EngineerMikeF]

Not so much a DIY setup as a production line business thing, but as always you did a slick job (you had me at aprons). The trash can is a great idea, I have a 10x10x24h cardboard box that I reinforced & varathaned right under my bench vise that I reposition for catching sawdust from handsaw work, catches 80% & saves on cleanup time, same principle.

[@tighecrovetti2844]

Bad ass. Just bad ass all around. Simple, but elegant, and efficient and good-looking. 4-4.

[@pctatc66]

my Bambu Labs X! will be here tomorrow. 17 minute benchies baby!

[@MelbourneAlan]

great job travis. nothing wrong with your set up bar that nothing you did was 3d printed. i like tool boxs for jobs like that. relitivly cheap and great for organising. i made one into a router table. i rather the orange prusas for some reason. i have a mini. i will get an xl hopefully . ery handy tool in the shop. you should do more 3d printing on the channel

[@djmarc]

You killin brother!! I'm an organization freak like you so I dig it!!!

[@fredbarkow108]

Just received your Dewalt battery holders. Great product. Thanks

[@michaelbrown-qe8cr]

Great Video! I have 10 Prusa's, on Fablicator and one Formlabs 3(SLA) - Very organized and gave me a few ideas - Thanks for sharing!

[@creyesjr1975]

Awsome setup thanks has inspired me.the only thing I will suggest is add 2 or 3 of those fireball extinguisher on the wall where the printer are. Its just safety

[@dirkmessiaen8322]

Like it a lot! Just like all your projects. Always looking forward for the next video. One thought about your workbench. I've been using those storage containers and putting them just on a board gave me issues that they kept moving around. I mounted a vertical board with cleats and use them as I think they're intended to be used. I anchor them over the cleat and now it's very sturdy.

[@nq0amark138]

That looks really sharp dude ! I like my work spaces well organized and neat and you have created a piece of work shop art in that setup. I can totally relate to the way you think. Well done.

[@scottc7875]

Love the organization. I dont have a print farm but I do have a laser engraver and I have been looking for something just like this!

[@scottsteelinthewoods6894]

Dude you are my hero You’re living the dream

[@2Jeremys]

Long time watcher, first time commentor. Great work you do Travis. Thank you for giving me inspiration.

[@UncleJessy]

Fantastic print farm setup video! Love the workbench setup with the bins on the top and the trash setup!

[@ShopNation]

Thanks, dude!

[@bellator86]

There are units that can take two power inputs and one output. So the unit can switch from A to B side if the power from the A-side would ever fail. This way you could feed your UPS'es from two circuts.

[@e7engle]

I think you need to make the filament spool holders more accessible. There are a lot of examples of super fancy spool holder that use bearings that the spools set on. I went cheap and easy for mine and used small pvc pipe (either 1/2" or 3/4" don't remember). I push fit an elbow on the pipe that goes through the center of the spool to keep the spool from falling off. easy and done.

[@ShopNation]

Yes absolutely, I need to re-think the spool holders

[@EverydayHomeRepairs]

Awesome stuff! Thanks for sharing.

[@doug2985]

Those printers all printing at the same time on those shelves is fantastic. Really well done. Kudos!

[@Mr.Henilans]

Wife wanted her office and wardrobe. Nice small set-up.

[@chasescooper]

Would love a video breaking down your profit and costs for selling 3d prints. I’ve thought about doing this as I have a unique set of skills but can’t debate if it’s worth the hassle for cost vs profit.

[@ingentingbra]

Looks great! I would add a small 3D-printed piece between the Yukon tabletop and the dustbinso there is no dust getting between them.

[@robertzarfas9556]

The only thing k would change is to mount the spool holders to the front of the shelf frame to make changing filament faster on the middle and lower shelves. So like the frame of the top shelf would hold the spools for the middle printers and the middle shelf would hold the spools for the lower printers. The top printers are fine.

[@bretthollenbeck812]

Very, very cool! It never ceases to amaze me all the great, well thought out ideas you come up with for shop/business organization. Keep up the great work and thanks for the great videos. Oh, and by the way, if you buy any more 3D printers and need a place to store one, I’m sure I can find some room in my basement to store one for you😊

[@zerokewl88]

Dude I love it.. I'm setting up a new hobbyist farm which I want to grow.. and looking at all different solutions. The storage and workspace I see aswell as essential, and love the draw workbench. Overall nice work. Not overkill, I'd say this is the bare minimum :) we'll done

[@Titan3DAZ]

For more filament storage, use the side of the shelving rack. I like to 3d print mounts that slot into the racks already cutout slots for the crossbars and have an adjustable filament shelf that way.

[@Just_Jesus_ef]

I told my wife I would do this! Do you have the file to share or sell? For the mounts?

[@Titan3DAZ]

@@Just_Jesus_ef I am working on a final product design that I will have on my Etsy.

[@Just_Jesus_ef]

@@Titan3DAZ please be sure to link! Thanks

[@johnwilmot6105]

Again, hey there Big " T" glad to see you you making greatness in the house for the family. I bet your wife loves you more now , she has her own office all to her self 😉.

[@Carkees007]

Love your channel, dude. Huge inspiration. And also.......GO VOLS!!!! Next weekend is going to be crazy!

[@ShopNation]

GO VOLS

[@superstrife9880]

You should try and either tweak your combing settings to reduce those blobs and strings, or honestly just re-write some of your gcode if you are making 100s of parts a month and having to individually clean them up.

[@heystarfish100]

My mind is blown watching your ideas being put into action. Your channel is amazing as I’m able to see all of this engineering and design that is far beyond my abilities. Keep up the great work Travis, your in front of the camera work is outstanding as the rest. I can’t wait to see your new store. I’m sure it will be very successful and classy.

[@patricksears1703]

I know almost nothing about 3D printing but I love your concept and the video great job.

[@benhinton7421]

I didn’t know you’re were doing assembly in the closet, I’m very proud of you for coming out of the closet… 🤣 I couldn’t help myself Travis!! Lol love the videos man!

[@karlspena]

A tip for your UPS. You go from AC to DC in the UPS to charge the battery, then from DC to AC on the output, then back from AC to DC on the printers PSU. Why not skip all those steps, gain a lot of efficiency and run them all with 1 battery bank? You can use a Meanwell DR-UPS40 for every 40 amps and all from the same battery. If you wanna go all out, you can replace ALL PSUs with one big PSU (or a couple with a redundancy module) feeding the UPS40s and battery on all printers.

[@ShopNation]

Very interesting! Thanks for that

[@karlspena]

@@ShopNation You're welcome.

[@sunsetpark_fpv]

That's just so......beautiful 😍 Great work!

[@videoscrapheap]

The lights are necessary especially true when you’re dialing in your live Z.

[@rickstaggs2376]

3/4 ply isn't overkill. imo as a printer owner those racks have a tendency to wobbly with the printer. if there's one thing ya don't want, it's an unstable printer bench. love the setup, very simplistic, and you didn't choose the epic fail option of setting it up in your wood working shop!

[@jstro-hobbytech]

Hot air stations for 35 bucks. The 858d are great for removing strings. Especially the whispy ones. They just disappear. Cool set up.

[@MrPhil1969]

Nice set up. The only thing I would add is taking a couple of eye screws and a bungee cord to hold that garbage can in place. The first over zealous brushing off the top of the bench hits the can, can hits the floor and you end up questioning every decision you made up to that point. 😄

[@MikeyFFA500]

An assembly table that you can't put your legs under will be hard on the back and neck. I would add a slide out top or something.

[@stanbaldwin7993]

Really like the setup!!! Getting good ideas for my setup. Thanks!!!

[@moldyzucchinis3251]

just found shop nation as ive just started doing some woodwork on the side. incidentally, I bought a 3D printer to add to the setup. Looking forward to more of this kind of content as well

[@rodneysmith1750]

I really like your design, methodologies, and enthusiasm.

[@raugust6786]

Dream job right here! I think the 3/4 plywood worked out after adding those pavers.

[@audiocrush]

Have you tried a blowtorch for parts cleaning? Like set it to a big quiet flame and run the parts through the flame gently Then all these strings and buggars become tiny little balls that you can ping off very easily and cleanly without having to deal with stupid sticky string that cling everywhere :D

[@patrickdugan4395]

Love this setup!!!!!! I've been trying to rework my small printer farm and you've got a lot of great ideas!

[@oldfart83]

@user-lw2pm8iy7l You must be the the dufus we were warned about.......nice try

[@hightechfarmers]

Liked the cheap toolbox rather than custom and just adding a couple custom elements. Fast and flexible solution.

[@Robyrob7771]

I think I need a few 3-D printers! That looks like a nice setup and makes me want a 3-D printer!

[@aaronlow1977]

to add extra stiffness, I would secure the shelf to the wall to somewhat limit side to side motion.