He Said You Can't 3D Print a Band Saw... I Said Hold My Beer
I have no doubt that a band saw can be made with 3d printed parts - all it would take is the right amount of testing and trial and error to determine how strong the parts need to be.
Of course it couldn't entirely made from 3d printed parts, but then a wooden band saw isn't 100% wood either. You would add metal where you need more concentrated strength, like screws, shafts, bolts and bearings. But I firmly believe everything else could be printed while you kick back munching Cheetos and watching KZhead, while not potentially cutting your fingers off on the table saw you don't know how to use safely.
And like I said in the video, you don't have to throw away a full day plus expensive paint to finish the parts. So I think that printing the parts (or even paying to have them printed from a stronger plastic) would be fairly economical.
For example, the table I printed used less than a full spool of filament, or roughly $25. The plywood I used to make the original costs MORE than that today! If you can get it, that is. And then you need to machine it and finish it and hope you don't make any mistakes.
So yeah, this may seem like a novelty project, but it is definitely not that.
Remember, guys were saying you CAN'T build a wooden band saw not that long ago. Never say never - you are betting against human ingenuity.
Watch the original build video I made for the band saw here:
• Making a Band Saw - Fu...
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I have no doubt that a band saw can be made with 3d printed parts - all it would take is the right amount of testing and trial and error to determine how strong the parts need to be. Of course it couldn't entirely made from 3d printed parts, but then a wooden band saw isn't 100% wood either. You would add metal where you need more concentrated strength, like screws, shafts, bolts and bearings. But I firmly believe everything else could be printed while you kick back munching Cheetos and watching KZhead, while not potentially cutting your fingers off on the table saw you don't know how to use safely. And like I said in the video, you don't have to throw away a full day plus expensive paint to finish the parts. So I think that printing the parts (or even paying to have them printed from a stronger plastic) would be fairly economical. For example, the table I printed used less than a full spool of filament, or roughly $25. The plywood I used to make the original costs MORE than that today! If you can get it, that is. And then you need to machine it and finish it and hope you don't make any mistakes. So yeah, this may seem like a novelty project, but it is definitely not that. Remember, guys were saying you CAN'T build a wooden band saw not that long ago. Never say never - you are betting against human ingenuity. Watch the original build video I made for the band saw here: kzhead.info/sun/YMyPp5ylp6ZvgWg/bejne.html
Just curious, the original plywood table top looked adequate. We're there any problems that you had that caused you to redo it on the 3d printer ?
With carbon fiber filled nylon, you can produce some pretty strong parts. PLA is fun but it doesn't like heat. Nylon is awesome but trying to print it and having it not to warp on the bed is a challenge.
@@joelex7966 What i did get from the start of the video was that this was just a challenge or like a proof of concept. :D
@@pridler85 could be, my feeling is that he was better off with the one piece plywood top provided there were no other problems. Good video though.
For larger pieces that give the bandsaw its upright rigidity, is there some printing material that won't flex? This would be my primary concern with a 3d printed project like this. The rigidity of plywood, especially half inch ply, would be hard to match when making larger pieces. I would imagine scaling this down to a smaller bandsaw would absolutely be possible. Making a carbon copy of your original build however, i can see why Matthias was skeptical.
I think you should build a 3d printed pantorouter to really drive the point home
Oooooooo
Hilarious. 😆
This is amazing. Yes!
to drive the point home 3d print a hammer
THIS. Is a great idea!
We're here to watch you build, it doesnt matter the medium.
While I agree, its a lot more interesting watching someone create with wood than a printer, printing parts.
I dunno.. If he switched to scrapbooking, I might bail... it depends, he's good at making videos, so it might be okay.
Im here wood working, metal working AND 3d printing. They're all viable tools/methods in the right situation
I think you should measure where the blade goes in the insert, and add a slot in it in cad so it actually has perimeters there, because otherwise it's sitting on infill.
probably to be better and easier the just do solid infill in that area then to rely on that slot being correct with zero warping
@@WilliamTythas I would say the whole build should have been solid infill, or at least very close to it. Why make the parts weak? This is a power tool. Spend the little bit of extra time and money to make solid parts. But maybe I'm missing something since I don't own a 3D printer and I only see infill as a way to save money. But maybe there's a legitimate reason to have lower than 100% infill.
@@SuperDavidEF I think the returns begin to diminish exponentially the closer you get to 100%. I watched a few videos on strongest infills, and while you do get greater strength the closer to 100 you get, it isn't a substantial difference. I personally would use a 90% infill, and I would probably increase my wall and top/bottom thicknesses, and would add thick walls near where the blade penetrates the insert. I would also through-bolt every mechanical connection. Threaded inserts seem like they could pull out about as easy as tapped screws. And I would glue everything that didn't need to come apart. I would also use better joinery than dowels. Perhaps a dovetail or tongue and groove. And PLA is fine, but it won't hold up to light, chemicals, or time. Although, it may be the strongest of the printable filaments on average. Maybe, considering he is using a Bambu printer, he could incorporate multiple materials. PLA+ for the infill, carbon fiber of vinyl for the skins.
@@SuperDavidEF Yeah, he didn't say how long it took for those parts to print out. You'll never see a real speed part print on YT because it takes forever.
As a maker, you should certainly go ahead and make the rest as a test from the 3d printer. Just to see if possible.
John, I love your journey. It reminds me of the journey I went through on my CNC machine using 3d printing. A few suggestions I see as someone who does a lot of functional 3d printing parts. -Add more walls on structural parts. It might seem overkill, but it REALLY helps with plastic deformation over summers and under tension. I also advise exploring gyroid infill, it seems to have great strength in all directions. -for you table. You might consider through-rods with thin 1/4” threaded rod or something to help just keep the table from stressing their joints/joins too much where it counts. Especially since there will be weight on it. -for your PETG pins, orientation is everything. Avoid stressing along the layer lines as much as possible for structural prints, even if parts come out less pretty and need some sanding/torch finishing -don’t be afraid of adding extra top/bottom layers also. It eats more plastic, but it gets you more life from your plastic IMO. LOVE THE CONTENT !!
Great info
Yes! Make more videos replacing different parts. I found your commentary on building large pieces using dowels and also your commentary on the failures very helpful Keep up the great work!
Great presentation! Please continue with the series. This 3D-printed bandsaw project is a fantastic experiment!
Thanks :)
I subscribed to watch you solve problems and see what new and interesting ideas you come up with. It just so happened that at the time, you were mainly working with wood. I don't think most of us watch solely for woodworking. There are plenty of people who make woodworking videos that I can't enjoy. It's the mechanical side of our brains you've found a tap into and that's why we watch your videos. Well... for me at least. And honestly its kind of fresh feeling to see this new tool being used. The 3d printer. Keep em coming!
“The Bandsaw of Theseus is an artifact in the museum. Over time, its planks of wood rot and are replaced with new planks. When no original plank remains, is it still the Bandsaw of Theseus?”
I have never built a darn thing that you have produced BUT I can't stop watching you create and work. You could make stuff from play-do and I would watch. You keep being you and I will continue to watch anything you create
You've actually tapped into something very exciting here John. There are plenty of people out there doing accessories and custom parts for tools on their 3d printer, but nobody is doing real, substantial tools, except actual printers which are at least 50% hardware.
Very much this. I've been looking around trying to find a 3d printed screw box for making threads in dowels. It doesn't exist. 3d printing has excellent potential to be a tool for outfitting a woodworking shop on the cheap, but it isn't being done because it's not traditional and the non-traditionalists have so much money that they don't even blink at dropping a grand on a commercial product over what would be a $10 project with a 3d printer. I bet you could even make a nice surface planer with just $50 in cheap surface plates, $30 in planer knives, and $20 in filament; just adjust the gearing ratios so that it takes more passes per mm of feed to compensate for the lower rigidity.
Check out Marius Hornberger, he just dropped a masterpiece video building an oscillating spindle sander, using a lot of printed parts. He printed a cycloidal gear reduction transmission which is just insane. Granted, he used MJF Nylon parts from a high end print shop, but you can definitely print glass filled nylon parts if you have a Bambu.
@@coolbugfacts1234 Problem is exactly those MJF Nylon parts, they are MUCH, MUCH stronger than anything that can be printed at home. Extruded nylon is weak and undergoes plastic deformation at low temperatures, so that gearbox would get destroyed in short order. Its why 3d printers themselves are still like 85% off-the-shelf metal parts -- extruded plastic is much more limited in what it can do with friction and load.
I question heat transfer from the blade guides melting the plastic.
I would love to see a fully 3d printed tool series. You could also share the files and make it open source and watch it turn into a 3d printed tool revolution.
Absolutely, I would even be willing to pay 5 bucks for all the files and instructions.
I vote for more 3D printed stuff. I think the troubleshooting you’re doing with it is invaluable and 3D printing stuff in general can probably help woodworkers a lot
As a woodworker and as a hobby 3D printer, I appreciate these videos very much. Nice to see someone with experience in the profession testing the limits of 3d printing. and it gives me a lot of ideas.
I'm just happy you and mattias talk!
Please John keep showing us all the things you are creating with 3D printing!!!! I just finished watching Marius sander... another amazing build!!! Cheers!!!!
Marius' epic vid is a masterpiece in many ways. I think the big takeaway I got was to use 3D printing at home to perfect the part's design but then sub out to a nylon 3D print house for the durable final solution. A 3D printed pantorouter though - that would be nice to see....
glad to see FreeCAD getting some love!
I’m here for all of it. I’m more interested in the novel and nuanced approaches taken to solve a “problem” than the medium in which it’s done. Keep the goodness coming but don’t ditch any particular method.
Any content you produce is both entertaining and informative so please keep them coming. I am liking the 3D printing videos as much as I do your woodworking so for me it doesn't matter and you are clearly having fun with the 3D printer so keep doing what makes you happy.
I'm here for any content you're wanting to provide. Love the design and iteration process.
Such a clever man. I could watch him build anything. Thank you John.
Holy cow, I'm impressed!! I have enjoyed watching your videos for a long time; however, this one blows the lid off! You amaze me with not only your knowledge of what you want to do, but also the tenacity you apply to making things better, better, better. So, continue pressing forward, John! ~ Dr. Larry S. Anderson • Tupelo, MS (birthplace of Elvis) • 76-year-old retired Industrial Arts teacher & university prof
I love watching you evolve with new ideas how combine wood and 3D print.
It really is the best feeling when you start learning something new and everything just starts clicking. That feeling of new ideas just flowing and becoming obsessed. It's cool to see you've hit that again.
totally more 3d stuff, it's great to see you have so much fun with it
Awesome! Have a look at heat set threaded inserts. Tapped PLA will strip eventually.
I've been looking to buy new guides for my 30 year old bandsaw and it never occurred to me to just print them. Thanks, I think you've just inspired me to print my own set.
I'm not sure if you needed lightening hole cutouts in some of those parts, but they don't behave like you'd expect. They are actually heavier, use more filament, and significantly impact the overall strength of the part. Large/solid (not talking about in-fill %) are the best 3d printed parts
Please keep going. I think as a woodworker, it's the process and the enjoyment of working with a material. That's why 3d printing appeals to us. This was a great video.
You can literally do whatever you want. I am in awe at your abilities and mastery of whatever tool/technique you put your mind to...
I really like the idea of incorporating 3d printing into woodworking. Would love to see more stuff like this. As someone who doesn't have access to a shop, but does have access to a 3d printer it's nice to see more content coming up so I can learn and try things.
Absolutely, please keep going with the 3D printing stuff! I love seeing innovative ways to use the 3D printer in the shop, and am always looking for more ways to implement things like that myself. I love any sort of 'cross-discipline' making/projects.
I think that with a channel name "I Build It" that I'm perfectly happy to see you build with anything from 3d printing through casting steel. A couple of variations on this might be making a bandsaw table for a portable bandsaw that you can take in the field for making square cuts in tubing, or custom angles as needed, but that may not be a task you need to cover. You're building and making cool things. That's why I subscribed. As someone who's designing things in FreeCad, seeing someone else making good use of the program to solve problems they are working on is also good. It's a little rough around the edges, but I'm OK with that.
I'm so glad you got a 3D printer. The ways in which you think to implement it are creative and clever. I'd hope to see some mix of woodworking and 3D printing in the future.
Very helpful step forward in both 3D printing and bandsaw building. We shared this video on our homemade tools forum last week 😎
I think this was a great challenge and glad you jumped at it. I think the benefit of 3d printing in a maker space is not to see if we can replace our tools with it, but rather complement them. I’d love to see you make more tools with wood and use the 3d printed parts to solve certain areas where you feel it makes more sense. Off hand, I think it’s a great tool for those moments where you cut small pieces and glue them together and the wood seems a little overkill or cumbersome. Looking forward to seeing more of how you use your printer!
The printing is good content. I like John's calm voice and mellow relaxed demeanor.
John wins the KZhead video naming contest...
Definitely keep going and make the rest of the saw
I love this video. One area that is overlooked is how well you can design dust collection with 3D printed parts. I also look forward to seeing you print parts for speaker designs.
I subscribed because your approach to problem solving is great and I enjoy your perspective on pretty much anything you do.
Nice work John, amazing how toy can use all of your woodworking knowledge and easily apply it to new tech. that trunnion and table sure saved a lot of work.Enjoyed, cheers!
John, I honestly love all of your videos. I am never disappointed with your knowledge and ambition. Although I like the wood videos a little more, I enjoy watching your adventures with the 3D printing. Keep them coming.
Being a hand tool woodworker myself, and a newbie at that, I like to watch videos of guys doing that. That said, there are enough Rob Cosmans and James Wrights etc on the tube to keep me happy. I am always fascinated by your design and engineering skills. So as long as you post, I'll watch. Probably.
Love to see a mix of woodworking and 3D printing, using the strengths of each where it makes the most sense or saves time or money.
Love the fact that you are branching out with the techniques you have from wood working and applying them to your new mini machine shop (3D Printer :-) ) Innovation is what advanced wood working from hollowed out canoes to majestic trading ships. 3d printing is not a replacement for traditional techniques but an extension on the toolset that can be used in future designs. Keep at it and continue to experiment and push the boundaries of what your new tool can do for you. So happy to see another Canuck broadening his creative horizons, Keep up the great work.
Print away, John! I like to watch your intuitive builds. Thanks for showing the mishaps as well as the glamorous bits.
LMAO loved the title John , awesome awesome job I like it one of the Best uses I have seen for the 3-D printing you will only improve from here .👍👍
I personally would lean towards wood working, but my main draw towards watching your content is the ambition you have to solve problems through the creative making process. These 3d printing videos have also been awesome. You are an amazing inspiration in a world where sitting in front of a screen is more and more prevalent. Keep up the awesome stuff, whatever your medium! Showing the world that anyone can use their awesome brains to solve many problems.
I've watched your content more or less since you started. I watch it primarily for the no-nonsense approach and your design ideas. This build. Making a bandsaw from mixed media, is something I'd buy the plans for happily. I'm happy to add a table out of wood, for example, while having the printer do the more involved pieces while I take care of other things.
I love seeing all the different tasks/disciplines at play here. The beauty of this channel is to see the real world possibilities that exist, and the praises and pitfalls of each. In other words, "my name's Jimmy and I'll take what you gimme."
I may be in the minority, but I do think a separate channel is the answer if your going to do 3D printing. Thank you for what you have done.
I subbed to see your design process. I have moved heavily toward 3D morning since. I am excited to see what you come up with using this tech. Thanks for the videos!
Keep up the 3D stuff, you’re killing it.
I am using a 3D-printed blade guide for my 66-year-old bandsaw, so it is not a load bearing part. But especially what you had happen to the wood getting caught and slamming down on the table happened to me with another bandsaw with an aluminium table and boy am I glad that I sold it and now have a massive cast iron table. Making (and using) a 3D printed table is just waiting on losing a finger or two (and that's coming from someone who has a mainly 3D-printed CNC).
If somebody would be able to build a working printed bandsaw. That somebody would be you, the way you manages to build things others fail, and then being able to tell and show how you did, I have no dought that its possible and that you would be able to make it! I enjoy the way you make your videos and how you are so calm in them. Keep printing things and make stuff!
I'd like to see you print more parts! Good job by the way!
Very cool! Both wood or 3d printed parts are awesome. I like where the future is heading with 3d printing. Great vid! Thanks
I'm always happy when I see someone who specialized in working with a material try something way different, like 3D printing and getting something out of it. 3D printing is great, for some cases. Mainly complicated or outright impossible shapes (with other means of making), but it has it's weaknesses too. And I think you can only get the most out of it when you accept that sometimes, just because you CAN print something, it's not the BEST approach. But that wisdom needs to be found first, which can only happen when one tries it out. So I'm all for adding 3D printing into the mix.
more like this please! there's a guy on youtube who makes hand planes and other tools on a 3D printer but you're the first one I've seen doing a full on machine. yes please - a thread box would be great to see next. I know I'd buy plans for that.
Honestly very impressive work if this is your first printer - designing around layer lines, optimising strength with thicker infill lines etc. The infill for the table was just way too low, but you live and learn. Very cool to see it in action!
I think 3D printing has come a long way in a few years and projects like this prove it. Videos like this hopefully are the kick in the ass I need to start using my printer again and finally learn part design. I watch your videos for the learning and entertainment - which is there regardless of what item you're building or what material you're using.
I’m here for the making and engineering you do in what format that may be. I like hearing your opinion of wood vs 3d or whatever it may be.
I think it's a great proof-of-concept. Personally, I prefer printing only for "complicated" shapes, that are harder to create. So combining things is great.
Excellent video John. I've been a follower of yours for many, many years. I'd be very interested in seeing you take this project further and 3D design and print all parts of the bandsaw that can successfully be used with that medium. I've moved from Sketchup to OnShape, to Fusion 360, back to OnShape and now finally settled on FreeCAD running on Linux Mint because I don't want to be beholden to any subscription models. Keep on making brother, love what you do!
Leaves me deciding whether I won't build a bandsaw out of wood or won't build one out of plastic. But it sure is fun to watch you do 'em!!
I watch your channel for your creativity and problem solving… I also have a 3d printer and so am quite interested in this content. Thanks for all you do!
I like channels that explore adapting woodworking joints/techniques to 3d prints or using 3d prints to do things wood can't. The fusion is what excites me.
That's slick.. Keep it up brother
I actually really like this content, John, and would like to see more of it. I subscribe not just for your woodworking...but also to see your methods of design and problem solving...both on display in this video. Also...3D printing for many people will be much cheaper than outfitting a shop and makes design work more accessible. We purchased the same Bambu printer for our school and love it.
Would love to see how 3d printing and wood come together as you did. Great addition to the shop
Anywhere that a 3d printed piece might be subjected to heat, don't use PLA. It doesn't take much heat for a PLA part to begin to deform (like the blade guide). Use ABS, PETG or some other engineering filament. Also, I would highly recommend switching to a 0.6mm nozzle and using a carbon fiber or glass fiber filament for structural parts.
I'm here for your ingenuity, no matter what form that takes.
I don’t mind that you sometimes go print crazy 🙂or show how to replace parts with printed parts, I would prefer that the channel stays a woodworking channel. No matter what I will keep following because it is all interesting . The changes to the bandsaw are pretty amazing , since I don't own a 3D printer you are opening a new world for me. Also looking forward for the new saw build, and I guess I am not the only one.
This gives me confidence to print some repairs for my Taiwanese bandsaw before I get around to CNCing some replacements. My aluminium trunions (at least 30 years old) crumbled on me the other day, and this is proof I can get up and running quickly again! For what it's worth, all the 3D printing channels I watch tend not to be good at "3D printing in the shop" (except for USSA - but he seems to have narrowed down into full product design). If you can find the balance to make shop projects with 3D printing that aren't merely replicating for no good reason, then you'll have found an excellent and needed niche.
I would enjoy watching you design and print practical and useful items. I am 79 and I recently began using a Bambu P1S. I am also trying to learn FreeCad so I can design and print practical shop, household and automotive items for myself, family and friends. In any case, I will continue to watch your channel!
I appreciate your ingeniosity and would love to see how far you can go with 3D printing!
Wow, I can't figure out how to keep the blade on with my brand new Skil 12 inch bandsaw. Someone suggested I don't use the factory blade. The way you figure out how to do stuff blows me away every time.
A huge advantage with this too is anyone can then print the file you give it too with next to no effort and low cost! Enjoyed this, do more printing :)
Love the approach even if it is plastic, wood, or metal. The commentary is amazing
I started watching for your wood working projects, but became hooked on your "ranting" channel, sort of got lost in your electronics/speaker/sound room builds. I was happy with a more "roots" return to wood working, and now, I'm really intrigued with the 3D printing. All this to say, I really appreciate your maker-centric approach to getting things done. While I prefer the wood working videos, I do like to see how you adapt and incorporate 3D printing with woodworking.
I’m loving the wood 3D printed hybrid work and proof of using 3D printed parts to keep old machines running.
Im a long time subscriber, your 3d printing content has brought me back to your channel, love it. I am also thrilled you are using freecad too.
You keep doing what you want to do; we will keep watching. This video was fascinating.
Yes John I'd love to see how you integrate 3D printed things into the shop or anywhere else. Especially if you enjoy it. Thanks, Gary
Every KZheadr has got to adapt. As long as you have been online, bringing in another way of doing something will not send people over the edge. Keep it up. it just gives me inspiration to use my 3D printer for more than toys.
Honestly, I'm subscribed to... watch you build it. I'd watch you build stuff out of anything. Awesome stuff here man!
More 3D printing! Those prints look gorgeous!
adore the 3d printing stuff, would like to see a mix going forward
I love seeing 3d printed things in a wood workshop. 3d printers give a new level of adaptibility and creativity to the woodworker!
all of the above. I have been using freecad to design my clients furniture for years. I would be very interesting to learn how to plug the freecad to a 3d printer and make it work. Thank you John for being. You make a difference in human race.
I look forward to seeing a mix of materials as needed for future projects. Using 3D printing and wood to each of their best strengths. Perhaps a new fence for the bandsaw for example.
Yes, would love to see more! Did you make the bevel gauge and combination square, too? Love the zero clearance table saw insert. This is a whole new world to discover!
I would love to see more of this built out with 3D printing. I'm curious where the fail points might be and if they can be overcome by redesign.
I am more of a "wood" guy, but seeing what you are doing with the 3d printing is great. I got a kick out of seeing how you learned some lessons of working with the 3d components. So more 3d stuff would be good with me. Hope you enjoyed the beer!
Ultimately it is whatever makes you the happiest. I enjoy your woodworking videos and therefore I am sure I would enjoy any medium you choose to work in. Thanks for sharing. Jack
You come up with such good ideas and hacks, I'll watch whatever the medium. My most recent design/build using 3D printing that would have been much more difficult in wood is a block that I can use to set my L-Fence when cutting miters on the table saw. It has a 45º foot that fits into the curf cut halfway down a test piece, and a flat 1" surface that is coplaner to the front of the curf. I just bump the L-Fence up against it and tighten it down. Perfect miters. Keep inventing stuff!
I'm not big on 3D printers, but you've changed my mind. If the focus is to enable or improve woodwork, then I'm excited to see what's to come.