3Doodler - hand held 3D printing pen

[Bruce Norikane 0]

When I saw this Kickstarter project, my mind turned to fly tying. I'm not sure how it could be used, but I'm sure someone will.

 

The fishing lure crowd is buzzing about 3D printing for making fishing lures. Often it's used for prototyping or making molds. I haven't heard of anyone using it for fly tying.

 

I have no affiliation with any 3D printing company. Not even a customer.

 

[mikechell 0]

It's not really a 3D printer, as the designs are not adhering to any strict printer standards.

It looks more like a hot glue gun, with super quick setting glue. Pretty neat, but it doesn't appear to stick to anything, so it can't be used as "glue".

As you stated, Bruce, the possibilities in fly tying are numerous. Making legs, antennae and tails come to mind. I don't think it's some superior way to do things, but it does give yet another creative outlet to those in need of one.

[Morrowboarder 0]

We 3D print prototypes of commercial beverage equipment at work. Been tempted to 3D model some lures myself, but would hate to lose my job over my fishing addiction. Maybe when I decide to jump ships, that'll be my last request. As far as that pen goes, that must be an old video? You can buy those online for fairly cheap.

[flytire 0]

Did the pen about a year ago

 

http://www.flytyingforum.com/index.php?showtopic=78287&hl=printing

[Bruce Norikane 0]

Did the pen about a year ago

 

http://www.flytyingforum.com/index.php?showtopic=78287&hl=printing

 

Doh! I should've known it was posted before.

 

Crackaig - You said that a pen is obsolete when you could use a 3D printer. Not at all.

 

• With a 3D pen, you pick it up and draw what you want. Instantly, no computer program, no print file, no 3D printer drivers.
• With 3D printing, you need to design your form in a solid modelling CAD program. This is not easy or fast. Extremely difficult with freeform, curvy shapes, like flies.
• Both have strengths and weaknesses -
• pen = instant, simple to use
• 3D printer - precise, repeatable, solid volumes - not limited to "lines"

[Bruce Norikane 0]

... As far as that pen goes, that must be an old video? You can buy those online for fairly cheap.

 

The video is a January 2015 announcement for 3Doodler 2.0. Supposed to ship next month.

[Crackaig 0]

Bruce,

 

From my experience with 2d printing the pen is becoming somewhat obsolete. You may remember, as I do teachers writing on a chalk board and having to copy it down. Now out comes the mobile phone and the notes are photographed. Yes there will always be a place for pens, but I used to teach calligraphy. I haven't had enough interest to run a course since the mid 90's. If anyone wants quality, they do it on computer, and print it.

 

That pen will only become what a regular pen has become because of printing. Few people will develop the skill needed to use it in place of a printer. It will, once the novelty value has worn off, just be a device of convenience. If you don't think so, when was the last time you received a hand written letter?

 

Cheers,

C.

[Bruce Norikane 0]

Craigaid,

 

Thanks for explaining. You are right, handwriting is in a sad state. A physical letter, note or even postcard is really rare these days.

 

Just yesterday, I saw a thread on whether anyone used shorthand anymore. Although many Boomers took courses in high school and used it early in their careers, none use it for business anymore.

 

On the other hand, despite all the computer, video, virtual reality advancements, a room full of whiteboards and post it notes are state of the art for the latest software development teams.

 

Perhaps that's one of the simple attractions of tying flies. Something useful and beautiful made by our own hands.

 

Best,

 

Bruce

[Foxy 0]

I can see this pen make legs wings shells tails

but make a fly from scarch? doubet it

[flytire 0]

if it can make all of the parts why cant it make the whole fly?

[Crackaig 0]

Indeed Bruce, shorthand is though, still in use in one particular place. What is more it is the very best shorthand. If ever you see pictures from the House of Commons you will see three gentlemen sat in front of the speaker, facing him, in wigs and gowns. These three men are from Hansards, and are there to record all the proceedings, they also attend the various committees. Their shorthand is unique as it is the only shorthand that is written to be read by someone else.

 

I still do, on occasion dredge out a fountain pen and write a letter. Over the years I have worked on a copper plate hand to the point I am quite happy with it. What I notice is, that the younger the reader the less likely they are to be able to read it. I know in schools here handwriting has not been taught for at least 30 years.

 

Watching someone write on a flip chart pad the other day I noticed that they mixed upper and lower case letters randomly. When I commented on this the response was "What is upper and lower case?" I tried again, "Capital and small letters". A blank look. "Big and small letters". "Ha! well you can read it can't you?"

 

I despair at the standard of penmanship today, but quite understand how it has got this way. That is why I see no long term future in a 3d pen.

Now all that said I suppose I could change my usual signature a little.

Cheers,

 

 

[JSzymczyk 0]

that pretty well sums up the decline of civilization, right there. In most people's lives, the desire to produce QUALITY has been replaced with NICE, which has been replaced by ADEQUATE, which has been replaced with CRAP WHICH IS BARELY EFFECTIVE.

 

"Ha! well you can read it can't you?"

 

 

 

[crazy4oldcars 0]

I work in the drafting field, where everything is written in ALL CAPITOL BLOCK LETTERS. I learned to letter in high school, 35 years ago. I have to stop and think how to make lowercase letters, and the only (illegible) cursive I can easily remember how to draw is my name. I can read it, I just don't write it.

The youngsters coming up now only ever had to draw on paper in their first semester of drafting classes. One of them saw me sketching something out the other day and said "Wow! I didn't know anyone still did that!". LOL, Proud moment.

All of the old skills we used to take for granted HAD to be learned are being replaced by technology. Unfortunately, the underlying understanding of the mechanics behind the skills isn't being replaced or learned. One of the kids was asking me questions about someone else's sketch the other day. The questions told me he was just replicating a picture, not an image of a physical thing. I will have to see about correcting that Monday.

 

Kirk B.