Once you have your printer running up to snuff, all you want to do is keep it running. This is extremely addictive as the lazy way to make plastic things. Ha!
If you are creating your own 3D master drawings, then I think that should count as a useful habit rather than a pure addiction. But I just say that to make myself feel a little less guilty about over indulgence.
The machine does all the tangible creation while I just sit there watching it. That is the bad habit part, watching it go back and forth, spewing a thin stream of hot plastic. I should be using that time far more productive activity than watching. Some times I get so mesmerized I find I have fallen into a napping stupor. I don’t get the munchies though…
So I have made sure I have something else to pay attention too while the printer runs for a few hours or more. There is nothing very fast about 3D printing.
I tell myself this was an excellent investment. It is helping me get a lot more benefit from owning and using Rhinoceros 3D CAD. Rhino is a benefit in all my workshop CNC ventures. I had let Rhino skills slide for awhile when I was using my Vectric Aspire to make all my jewelery designs and wood carving projects. It’s like working with an old friend when I again realize the comfort a good 3D drawing tool brings back to my work.
So 3D printing is addictive. The good thing is it lets me work in the coolness of my air conditioned office rather that the 90 to 100 degree Texas workshop. I am making every plastic thing I can think of that is clever or just cool. Just for the fun of it. That’s is my goal at this stage of my life, having fun.
I am dying to get back into my regular projects back in the shop. I have some wax masters made and silver to cast and a couple of carved wood chests to glue up and finish. They will wait until the hot season is over and I can let the 3D printer have some time in the off condition… for awhile...