Watch this video if you want me to 3D print for you

[@BV3D]

🎶 Hey, I just met you, and this is crazy, but here's a picture, print it maybe? 😁

[@worshaw]

“I don’t know what it is about making that makes people so nice and kind” It’s cause we all know the heartache and pain involved in 3D printing. It’s a true test of patience I have found. Kinda like parenting.

[@3dpprofessor]

A common enemy does help.

[@3dpprofessor]

Big thanks to the folks at Design with Canva for showing me how to make the mock chat used in this video. www.3dpprofessor.com/2023/12/09/why-i-dont-want-to-3d-print-for-you-video/

[@jaminvanderberg5300]

I do art, and I have a single-line response that works well when people ask me for commissions: "I'd love to. However, please note that I value my free time highly and charge a premium for it. Some people may not find my rates affordable." This shuts the door on most people, while leaving it open for people who are actually willing to pay me what I'm worth. It also quickly shuts down the idea that it will be free.

[@insertanynameyouwant5311]

I used to say similar, and was called a greedy kike several times.

[@javeronh.3996]

SO NEEDED. I ended up having to do 3 rounds because the customer measured wrong TWICE. so to save face I sent a third set free and sent a bunch with variations in size. fortunately one of them worked. but all totaled I at best broke even. he even insisted my part was wrong for a dimension that would have nothing to do with why it wouldn't clip into place

[@paytonpeta1336]

A few years ago someone on Reddit asked for a 3D printed toy for their child. It was an open request and I took it. The toy in question wasn't made before but it was very easy to make so I created the 3D file from scratch; printed it and sent to them them. They paypal-ed me $15 for my troubles. Big difference was that they were not asking me directly. I took on the project for fun.

[@MisterMakerNL]

This is why making money with it is also a pain, as people keep doing it for almost free.

[@MichealWeinfurtner]

Great video, I have ran into this issue quite a few times and like how you handled it.

[@Nabikko]

This video is awesome! thank you professor! Very relatable scenario you presented

[@tedtieken3592]

“I thought our friendship meant something” literally LOL

[@3dpprofessor]

You get the bonus points for watching till the end.

[@BeefIngot]

I used to sorta be a little bit excited at requests, but then I got one I thought would be super simple, and then later I looked at it and realized I signed myself up for way more of a task than I expected. Ugh. Like there have been times where someone just wants a little trinket from thingyverse, and those are totally cool, or if they designed their own little bracket but dont have a printer. its really just the people who have no clue the level of work they are asking for out of you.

[@MinecraftMaker]

Great video! Everything is so well explained, and I love the chat structure.

[@William3DP]

Thank you for this, Professor. I just posted a link to this video on my Facebook page, explaining that for the reasons described in your video, I very rarely accept requests (or commissions) for 3D prints.

[@3dpprofessor]

Ooh, that's a great idea. I should put this in my facebook profile. Of course most of the people asking don't even look at the profile before making requests.

[@danieldeslandes2479]

Hi !! So many memories when my sister-in-law asked me if I could make a replacement part not available for a fabric cutting machine at her work.

[@RoseKindred]

The worst requests I get are "Hey, this item is being sold for 80 bucks, can you just print me one?" This applies to both printed items and mass manufactured. That only gets topped by the people who sell without permission because "well I bought/found it, I can do what I want." But that problem is in every field.

[@JRB007FREEDOM]

Or all the I'm not charging for the file , just my time , filament, electricity...... I'm two years in and have taken compensation for one print that wasn't my own design. But it wasn't listed as a non commercial. Even though I told him I didn't want anything he knew I collected coins and gave me a few old ones that are worth maybe 10.00$ together. I gave my granddaughter a dragon I made and a waitress a keychain dragon I had laying around. Otherwise they decorate the house lol.

[@bradykirk9932]

"can you just...." Means, "I can't or won't do it myself. I don't value this in any way but want it done. Be my bitch."

[@Todestelzer]

I always tell people, if you can, buy it. It's probably cheaper for you than me printing it. Because I have to recreate it in CAD and print 2-3 parts till it fits.

[@Enjoymentboy]

As far as costs go I always add in the machine/tool costs. I remind people that I actually had to BUY the machine and nozzles and other parts to keep it going and those don't come for free. If I'm printing for sale I work on a 200 hour plan to cover the purchase cost of the printer itself so for every hour in the print job I add in 1/200th of the cost of the printer. This is when People begin to get the idea that maybe they might not want this "thing" so badly. And when someone tells me "that's too expensive. I'll just find someone else to do it" I always think 'Fine. You do that. Good luck".

[@3dpprofessor]

That is an excellent point. In fact I had to rerecord this video due to "technical issues" (I framed it badly and cut off the top of my head in every shot). In the previous recording I did mention this, though I used a more generous 1000 hour pay off time. But then I forgot in this recording. Yeah it's something else to consider.

[@BlackDragonBE]

I don't do custom requests for random people. I can a provide a set of models with a set price for those people, so there can't be any discussion. For friends, family and co-workers that are close to me, I usually ask the material cost times 3 + extra if I have to do other work on it. For really good friends I might even do the designing and modeling for free. This is a great video to send to randos to make them understand how it all works better, thanks!

[@sleeptyper]

It's so eerie... Watching this video while my printer has been printing a lithopane lamp for a friend for 50 hours now.

[@logicalfundy]

There's also the opportunity cost in most cases - I'm practically always printing something, so if someone wants their own print, it will delay or replace another thing I want to print.

[@3dpprofessor]

Maybe that's why my prices are so high. Those are my "you want me to stop what im doing for you?" prices.

[@LordWiseWolf]

I do 3D printing for friends and family. My mom does custom sugar cookies and I make all her cookie cutters. She only pays for a spool of whatever purple filament she wants and I’ll make cookie cutters all day. That spool is only for her cookie cutters. For my friends they just need to get me the file they want printed and help cover the spool but if they can’t, oh well let’s print with what I have around. I did have to price my cookie cutter once cause someone was bugging my mom about it. I said $20. Now I’ve done enough and tuned my printer I can go from a picture to a cookie cutter in 56 mins. But she wouldn’t stop asking and she wasn’t paying that for one cookie cutter.

[@Leonardokite]

I almost didn't watch this video since I don't want you to 3D print for me, but I'm glad I did...... it was very entertaining hahaha

[@Leonardokite]

Oh, and that thumbnail, was that a illusion to The soup Nazi on Seinfeld 🤷‍♂️...... No soup for you!!!!

[@Chad.The.Flornadian]

I like the "in your face" nature of this video. Nicely done!

[@3dpprofessor]

I thought I was being nice. I was trying not to be in your face. But that might have been bubbling just below the surface, so...

[@mattmakesmachines]

Very relatable situation People are constantly asking if i can make things for them and then blow up when i tell them them my price Conversion usually ends like: Fusion 360 aint easy to learn and my time is valuable so yes the PETG RC boat part you want is $30

[@3dpprofessor]

Next time you can send them this video. You don't have to deal with them, I get a view, and they get some knowledge. It's a win-win-win.

[@3dpprofessor]

$30 is a steal!

[@highroyds]

When you’re watching the video & you keep hearing the ‘ding’ & think it’s someone messaging you on Facebook 😂😂

[@stewartpalmer2456]

Nicely said sir. This video nailed all the ins and outs of things to consider. I use 3D printing for developing the prototypes. When it will come to the actual product, it will be blow-mold injection. Up to this point everything else has been a joy to give friends and family. Although I am considering this as a retirement business. People aren't considering the 3D computer modeling time. I have hundreds of files for various versions that were only used to develop the finial item. Well stated sir.

[@dtibor5903]

When somebody asks to 3D print something, always ask for 3D model. Explain them for 3d printing you need 3d model. It is like paper printing needs a graphic designer/engineer/etc.

[@WernerKaffl]

Man, great, I couldn't have said it better 🙂

[@BeefIngot]

About people being generally nicer in maker communities, I think a big part of it is that we are largely hobbyists who just want to make things that didn't exist, but should exist, exist. We aren't there with a profit motive as the primary motive, and there arent really any teams to get into group mentalities with.... mostly.

[@3dpprofessor]

That and having a common enemy. Why isn't my build plate sticking!

[@aeonjoey3d]

Yes. A friend of my partner seems to think I’m a free factory, filament and my time are free and I apparently dont have any of my own projects to do

[@Zachary3DPrints]

Great and fun video Joe! One time someone did asked me to 3D print something for a car(that was like 3 years ago) I Printed it and only asked 40 euros for it. But now I won't go that cheap.

[@3dpprofessor]

There's always the beginner that doesn't realize what their time is worth, and maybe these people are hunting, hoping to catch a new sucker. But inevitably it'll be a disappointment for both sides.

[@RynoDBones]

I officially gave away my last 3D printer last weekend. Now no one can ask for anything! Woo!

[@3dpprofessor]

So now you'll be doing the asking?

[@RynoDBones]

@@3dpprofessor We’ve got a dozen or so in the technology classroom at school. Now I get to have students do it for me as part of their performance score! It’s a win-win.

[@3dpprofessor]

@@RynoDBones Gotta love that.

[@tinymito]

That frog model can be printed in 12 mins normal speed. Big one takes 2-3 hrs with modern printer now.

[@3dpprofessor]

Well, now I gotta run the numbers. The frog is Felix the Chibimal Frog by me. Bambu Studio says it'll crack that out in 31 minutes at 0.2 layer height, and 37 minutes at 0.16. So a little faster than the 45 minutes I estimated, but way longer than your 12 minutes. The big one is The Castle dice tower with moveable gate by LennartS Bambu Studio says it'll take 8 hrs 19 at 0.2mm and a little under 10 hrs for 0.16mm layers. Now when I said it would take a day to print, that was on a slow printer, which according to my Raise3D N2+ says it'll be nearly 30 hours. So I guess it's a question of being an actual day or just taking a work day on a faster 3d printer, but that's still way more than the 2-3 that you estimated. I'd say my estimate was a lot closer. And when you're making estimates you always want to err on the side that favors covering any difficulties you might experience. Trust the professor.

[@nath042]

When I started I did this many times for people and they ask how much did it cost in plastic, it's like what about my time to prep the print to learn the craft or to finish the print lol

[@volttherobot]

This is a good video to keep handy if/when asked for something “nonsensical”… we enjoy printing items for others, but would rather give someone an entrant level printer (or have them buy one) and then teach them how to do it themselves. A few have taken the one we got them and done the same - gave that printer to someone else and taught THEM how to print, (then they got a more robust printer for themselves) Don’t think we have ever met “a person who prints” that was a jerk. Most enjoy sharing info and such. Be well.

[@joed1978]

Loved this video.

[@j.f.christ8421]

What about doing it for exposure?

[@3dpprofessor]

Oh. Well in that case... If it ain't for less than the equivalent of 1 second of my face in in a superbowl ad, that's a "Na".

[@TheSolderingGuy007]

Some people even expect you to design the model as well. They think the only cost of 3d printing is filament cost 😞

[@SirTools]

Boy do I know this game ! I have made some various car parts for old classic cars that were involved with my "brother in-law" for FREE to keep the peace in the family ...Other request have been well paid and some just down right frustration over my cost to draw up the part and produce it. 3d printing is about 1 dollar per hour profit, so I guess that's why we need 100 machines running 🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@JRB007FREEDOM]

I print my own designs for testing, hopefully soon I'll be releasing some. I print some things for around the house or the nonessential prints like 9-300 mm benches. I printed a bunch of other models for the 3d print Olympics on tic tok , it was fun. It also had a lot of us helping each other and sharing tips and tricks. I've had the random person ask me to print something im printing in a video or live . Usually when I tell them its a non commercial design i can't charge for its like nobody will know or the you could give it to me. I usually point them to what sight its on and the model name and designer . I have no interest in running a print farm . I have good morals. Also i try not to do things i wouldn't want done to me . I love printing and tinkering with printers and the way the wife likes things I print for her .

[@lupusk9productions]

i had a friend ask me to print (from a picture btw) a 8$ funnel from amazon.... (a pack of two even!) i have no idea why i decided to model it AND print it but i did lol. maybe cause of the challenge? idk. it was a vent funnel but was fast to model. but i didn't think about the price until after. I would have given him 8$ to not do it. and he didnt even tip me that bastard lol. I stopped doing custom jewelry a long time ago because it's very similar process and frustration! Even worse is when you give it to them they decide then they actually wanted something else other than what they *approved*! or "make changes" that would cause a total redesign.

[@Tater1337]

my current skilled job, that I like, occasionally gets quoted for custom work that is $125/hr and it is not 3d modeling, and not even related to 3D printing but yeah, if you want me to do custom work for you, that will be the minimum price OR I will think it is fun and challenging and do it for free, even if you offer to pay. but with zero expectation of delivery time, fit or function, or any type of support yeah, no inbetween either

[@JesseHughson]

I agree with everything you’re saying except for that frog should take

[@3dpprofessor]

31 minute. It's Felix the Frog from the Chibimals, and it takes a Bambu 31 minutes to print it.

[@JesseHughson]

@@3dpprofessor touché!

[@vmjr748]

Well said.👍

[@BeefIngot]

I gotta say that Xometry while cool in theory, is entirely too expensive for just about any person not putting that total on the company card. For regular type folks, places like PCB way offer more "you can actually justify this" prices. I've had a custom 3d printer part machineed for instance.

[@3dpprofessor]

I'll have to check out PCB way. I have to admit, I don't use print services, so I haven't shopped around.

[@BeefIngot]

@@3dpprofessor Its actually not even mostly about prints. As a regular person you can get just about anything manufactured there. Injection molded things, the injection molds themselves, obviously pcb, just about anything.

[@AndrewAHayes]

It wasn't a Ferrari he 3D printed the body panels for, it was a Lamborghini Aventador. I assumed you were thinking of Laser Sterling.

[@3dpprofessor]

Probably. So Ferraris aren't Lamborghinis? I'm really not a car guy.

[@jakobhansen1396]

Both are also tractors

[@ThePrintHouse]

I promise I'll never ask you for a 3D print again!!

[@3dpprofessor]

Aw, I said friends are okay.

[@kypdurron6168]

30 dollars fpor 1kg is the cheap stuff? I usually buy a KG at 12-15 Euro

[@3dpprofessor]

Does that filament work well? I find there cheap stuff lends itself to more printing issues.

[@kypdurron6168]

@@3dpprofessor no issues. Good quality. Printed a very detailed stardestroyer with Elegoo PLA for 13 euros/kilo

[@Kosaro1234]

Right, I can get good filament for under $20. As of writing overture is selling black PLA for $14. I went through 8 rolls of it so far and no issues yet

[@kypdurron6168]

@@Kosaro1234 I tried many cheap filament brands and the only one which is crap and even not that cheap is Amazon Basic PLA. I make uneven layer lines and is not able to print at high speeds.

[@nukedathlonman]

Agreed with you. :-)

[@nzavon]

Funny video, I have the same problem, but in terms of printing something I can sell (all original IP). With my time, it becomes really costly, especially compared to a mass produced (injection molded part) 🤓

[@dpgedward5947]

You never mentioned the cost of running the printer. hour much electric would it cost an hour?

[@Todestelzer]

Because it doesn't really matter. Electric cost is pretty low. Around 1,50€ or less for a 10h print.

[@3dpprofessor]

Electric cost is minimal. However, amortized machine cost should have been added in. Of course it depends on the machine and how quickly you want it paid off, but I would say generally that 1000 hours is reasonable, so if your printer cost $1000 add a dollar per hour. But if you're using an Ender 3 that you paid $200... well, that ends up a lot less, but I also wouldn't doubt it wouldn't last 1000 hours, so let's say $0.50 per hour.

[@joz534]

but what if it's something really REALLY cool!!! imagine, Benchy, but with Rock head on the top!

[@3dpprofessor]

Oh, well in that case, double price.

[@bigstew2000]

People are SHOCKED when I tell them how long a print takes! I like to give them my Anycubic time, not my Bambu time lol.

[@Todestelzer]

I charge 2€ per hour (print time) and Filament cost +20%. Minimum 5€ for a single part. Making a simple CAD 10-20€. 3d scan 20€. But I don’t do this for a living. It’s just a hobby for me.

[@3dpprofessor]

Those are very reasonable rates. Do you get many takers?

[@Todestelzer]

The guys I printed parts are coming again, so the price must be ok 😅 I made a bit more than 1000€ this year with printing and I wouldn't charge less. You have to account for bad batches and wear.

[@timboles9480]

So uh, how much for the Alphonse Elric Helmet printed? I kidd I kidd lol

[@3dpprofessor]

Sadly, my print of it just broke. I'll have to make a new one.

[@timboles9480]

@@3dpprofessor I'm gonna give it a go soon, if it turns out well I'd be happy to send it to you

[@RegularOldDan]

5:32 - I was waiting for that... 😂 EDIT: Immediately after your video, an ad for Elegoo plays showing two guys playing chess. One of them notices a piece is missing. The other opens up their Elegoo Saturn and quickly prints another piece, paints it, and they're back to playing chess. *Magic* This is the kind of stuff that leads to the misconceptions you are talking about. Sigh.

[@dtibor5903]

Ask always on the first reply: do you have a 3D model? Tell them that you don't have the skills to design that specific car part, they needs to hire a 3D designer, product designer mechanical engineer. Tell them that to design that means a full time job of 2 weeks.That will turn them down quickly.

[@dtibor5903]

Somebody asked some 3D puzzle. I told her that is probably a job for 3 product designers for 2 months.

[@3dpprofessor]

My problem is I actually could do it.

[@dtibor5903]

@@3dpprofessor you CAN do it. Otherwise if people come with reasonable requests and I can do it without affecting a lot my almost-remote job and free time, i'l happily do it. Right now i'm printing 50 custom designed cookie cutters. I don't need to watch it, chance of failure is near zero.

[@dtibor5903]

@@3dpprofessor i understand that you can 3D model stuff, but other people have no clue about it.

[@atoomnet]

*looks to the left*.... counts 3 3d-printers. So... I guess we can be friends?

[@3dpprofessor]

Definitely. Come say "hi" on my discord and we'll hang out.

[@TheTeknikFrik]

Oh, so if I get a 3d printer I don't need friends!

[@3dpprofessor]

And yet you will inevitably find them in those who have suffered as you will. Suffered just a little. Because you're going to get so much out of it.

[@MisterMakerNL]

This is why I don't do these kind of thing for money.

[@jacobnielson7175]

So you want to be friends?

[@3dpprofessor]

Sure. Come say "hi" on my discord and we'll hang out.

[@JohnSmith-t2j8s]

Soooooo, Do you want to be friends? 😂😂😂

[@Reds3DPrinting]

sorry bro.. i cant watch your video... the dings scare tf out of my dog :(

[@3dpprofessor]

Well don't put the headphones on your dog. That's probably the problem.

[@richard3365]

When I first got my (hopefully soon to be "first" instead of "only") 3D printer, the first three people I mentioned it to all said the same thing. "So you can print me a gun?" My response was the same each time: "Um, no? The 3D print is made of something resembling plastic. Think of a watergun. It's designed to be handled, but not to contain an explosion. It would literally explode in your face and probably hurt you more than your target." The 4th person asked me to print her ... let's just say a "man substitute" (her actual words). I don't tell people I have a 3d printer anymore, except my gaming group which has more or less come to expect me to randomly produce something that improves our board game experience in some way every month for free (my own fault). I have been slowly improving my printer over the years. My FrankenEnder as I have named it still LOOKS more or less like an Ender 3 but the only thing that remains of it is the wires and about 2/3 of the frame ('ve even replaced the motors with 0.9° for more granular control for when I'm doing very small work, like stuff miniatures for D&D would be holding or interacting with). I'm finally at a point where I would be happy to sell some of the stuff I printed... but I still have zero intention of printing guns or "man substitutes" and would still be afraid they would harm the user.

[@3dpprofessor]

I'm betting, even though your gaming group "expects" you to show up with something every week, that you're pretty happy to do it.