Good place to get 3D Models

Which printer?  I am just about ready to pick up a resin printer.  I am trying to learn 3D CAD first.

Hello!

I'm using Shapeways - I've even set up shop there:

https://www.shapeways.com/shops/nam-models

But this is mainly a place to order 3D prints. They've got some downloadable models there, but that's somewhat rare there.

There are some 3D libraries where you could try to get the models from, but then you are getting into other trouble: will the model be printable on your printer? Every 3D printer has its limits like the thinnest wall that it can safely print and with scale model parts you can easily go below those minimums if you just scale a detailed model down. Fixing that could be tricky if you get an .stl model - most printers will accept an .stl file but models in this format aren't very editable. With FreeCAD you can try to work around that, just think about if it's not more work than drawing something up yourself - which you will have to do anyhow if you don't find what you are looking for.

Googling up something like "particular engine 3D model" will give you a good idea what's available where and that's a good starting point in any case.

Good luck with your modelling projects and have a nice day

Paweł

Hello,

I purchased the Longer Orange 30 printer. It is a good printer but I recieved a slightly damaged one. Whoever assembled the vat on my model used the wrong screws (too long) and penetrated the base of the printer. No functional damage was caused to the base but the vat was slightly bent.

Im getting a new vat in the mail soon...

Besides that little hiccup, its a fine printer for the $220 I paid for it. The detail is really good and I'm excitied for all the parts I will be building with it.

My past experience with 3D modeling is with industrial parts which obviously are modeled very differently than for example, a miniature soldier. I want to learn Blender and make my models there from now on. I also need to learn how to model miniatures and other stuff to make good parts.

I've done a fair amount of research on the KV engine and I couldn't find a good 3D model for one. Since it will be hidden under a open hatch on 1/72, I don't think it would be too bad to use a different engine for say (maybe a Maybach).

Regardless, I'm probably going to have to model out the proper engine to get to where I want to be.

Hi,

You can try some of the websites like CGTrader, Thingiverse, Sketchfab, and Cults3d.

Folks here seem to like thingiverse. A couple of our guys even have contributed files.

Hi,

Wargming 3D also has some useful stuff worth looking through.

Pat

MyMiniFactory.com is another one. Even NASA joined the club: nasa3d.arc.nasa.gov/models/printable

CGTrader, Thingiverse websites can be used.

My problem is finding just what I want.  Most of the sites do not have a good index.  I can find a few items, which I am not intersted in.  I have heard the sites have 100s of files, but I cannot find them.

Yes, the searching can be tedious, especially when you attempt to include a scale (1/72, 1:72, etc.).  You pretty much just have to get close to what you want, sit back, and scroll for a while.  Make sure to set up a collection or two so you can save interesting things you come across, making it easier to get back to them later.

Regarding scale, don't let that hold you up too much.  Most (all?) slicers will allow you to re-scale whatever STL file you download.  If the maker was kind enough to include the source scale, you can simply use the formula (source scale / target scale) x 100 to get to the factor you need.  If they did not include a scale, all you can do generally is print it as-is, get out your measuring tools, and figure out what you need to change.  I had one a while ago that was sized to fit the build plate (a cousin to "box scale" models, I guess), so I printed it, measured the wingspan, compared that to the 1:1 data, and came up with the correct reduction factors.

To the other sites others have mentioned, you can add Printables.com.

Good luck!
Jim

(Anycubic Photon Mono X)
(Prusa i3 Mk3S+)
(Bambu Labs X1 Carbon)