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Reply to "3-D Printers to Make Cutters"

Hi!  Lots of cookiers are giving 3d printing a try and I don't blame them. Who wouldn't want to create their own cutters. That's actually how I started a few years back. However, I never actually made a single cutter. I hated the process and did not know a thing about CAD so I was lost. Doug(my other half) used a 3d printer at his job so he took on the task and now fourteen printers later he even teaches cookiers how to use them. (I still don't have an interest in learning after my initial tries. I just want to make cookies!)

It is not something you take out of the box and instantly know how to use. There is a program out there called cookie caster that will walk you through creating a file to build a cutter but it is not something you can really fine tune (like tapered cutting edges).  Sketch up is a program a lot of people use so take a look at that and see how you feel  

There are now small 3d printers that start around $450 up. The build plate on the less expensive ones is pretty small but works for most cutters. 

My advice to anyone thinking about jumping into to the 3d craze is to go to your local library or community center and take at least an intro class BEFORE you make a decision. You may find it easy and love it or you may  be like me and find it's not your thing.

Because tech support and online help can be confusing, you also need to be comfortable taking things apart to troubleshoot and to do routine maintenance.  The plastic can get hung up in the extruder nozzles, little motors sometimes need replacing, etc.  

I hope this info helps a bit and, if you do take the plunge, please update us and post a pic or two of your creations!

Ginny

Last edited by Julia M. Usher
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