3D Hub

We try to keep up with technology where we can.  After all, we recently joined the blog/facebook/twitter stuff. We thru away our carbon paper because we found out our printer will also copy stuff! It is a new printer, where the files are sent through the air to the printer, from any computer in the area, even my phone! Our music travels through the same air space from computer or phone to the stereo system.  I don't know how they don't get all crossed up. 

We are attempting to clean up the air in the shop and have installed all kinds of apparatus to accomplish this feat.  It seems like one thing always leads to another.  Recently, we are attempting to connect our hand sanders to the air filtration nightmare.

Some of them had built in adapters for collecting to shop vacuum sized hoses.  Our problem was with the belt sanders.  We have several that are no longer in production but are used on a regular basis.  We found plans for an adapter to connect these sanders to the vacuum hose.  All we needed was a 3D printer!

I don't know anything about 3D printers.  I know even less about software for them or how to create a file that might print on one.  But, I did have a copy of a file for the adapter.  We searched for a 3D printing service and found 3D Hub.

You type in your zip code and printers, or hubs, in your area are listed.  Upload your file and all the hubs quote a price for your project.  Select a hub, tell them what color you want, and your item is printed.  They contact you when it is ready for pick up or delivery.  Items can be paid for by credit card or pay pal. It is so simple.

Our ordered part fit exactly right.  We could not have been more pleased.  We had it within 24 hours of ordering.  On the way home, we tried to count the items we have thrown away or replaced because one little plastic part failed.  Recently, we had to purchase an assembly for the truck because GM didn't offer just the plastic part that failed, you had to purchase the $170 assembly.  Based on what we paid for our part from 3D Hub, they could have printed the truck part for less than $20! 

Check 3D Hub out, find a printer in your area.  I think you will be pleased with the results.