Free software for 11 UL backpacking gear items you can 3D print

I nice 3d printer with the knowledge base to go with it would be a dream machine for the MYOG enthusiast, IMO. I was just thinking about these printers earlier today.

Backpacking gear is pretty basic compared to what is now being created out there by some of these home based 3d printers.

Anyone here use them?

Thanks for the link David!  I’ve been looking for This One:  (connect hiking poles for a duomid 2 pole inverted V set-up)  So how does this work? download the ‘file’ and take it to someone with a 3-D printer?

Hey there Mr. Outer Banks (obx)! I know essentially nothing about 3D printing software, such as whether there is an industry standard format that will work in all or most machines, but I assume that is what one does.

I planned to call my local maker shop and tell them what I had and ask if their machine is compatible. Then a generous BPL member offered to make a couple and send them to me after the holidays.

I’m waiting until they have retail level machines that print metal. Or…are they already here?

Solid models are usually outputted in something like an STL or a STEP file.  That is the computer generated model itself.  Various 3D printers use process parameters to “print” the model including X,Y & Z resolution.  The parameters shown were for Filament type printers.

yes, there are metal 3D printer and yes they are expensive.  My 2 cents.

Thanks Jon.

“and yes they are expensive”

Yeah….to me that means they’re not “retail level” yet. Soon no doubt.

Received today these 3D printed bits for two UL fishing reels from the Inimitable Matthew K:

Looking forward to assembling and showing them off at the Pandemic Survivor NorCal GGG next month. Introducing a new category for the Weigh Off competitions: Lightest Fishing Reel. If these are the lightest they won’t be counted, and I’ll award one to the winner.

But first I have to find those instructions…