TwelveInchFigures
Super Freak
I've been itching to do my own parts, figures and sculpts, and have looked at posts on here about 3D printers and services, but most of the posts are 2 years old and a lot can change in 2 years.
To those who do 3D printing, what do you recommend these days? Buying a 3D printer, or using a service (Shapeways or another?). If buying, what are the best options out there? Can one expect to get a reasonably good printer for $3000-$4000?
Also, software. I taught myself Lightwave 3D years ago, but I'm seeing ZBrush a lot, is that a good standard?
Finally, for someone who has a semi-organically shaped vehicle in mind as a first project, and would like to do weapons, small accessories, possibly head-sculpts and non-human 1/6 scale figures (if printers do detailed enough work these days - are they anywhere near as good as sculpting by hand yet? If not, maybe I should split up how I do things, between traditional and 3D), is there a good fit for that level of versitility, or will I need to choose (i.e. - between one that might do smaller parts better, and one that can handle larger, 1/6 car-sized models, as an example)?
Any links to more reading, research, pricing, etc. are appreciated -thanks!
To those who do 3D printing, what do you recommend these days? Buying a 3D printer, or using a service (Shapeways or another?). If buying, what are the best options out there? Can one expect to get a reasonably good printer for $3000-$4000?
Also, software. I taught myself Lightwave 3D years ago, but I'm seeing ZBrush a lot, is that a good standard?
Finally, for someone who has a semi-organically shaped vehicle in mind as a first project, and would like to do weapons, small accessories, possibly head-sculpts and non-human 1/6 scale figures (if printers do detailed enough work these days - are they anywhere near as good as sculpting by hand yet? If not, maybe I should split up how I do things, between traditional and 3D), is there a good fit for that level of versitility, or will I need to choose (i.e. - between one that might do smaller parts better, and one that can handle larger, 1/6 car-sized models, as an example)?
Any links to more reading, research, pricing, etc. are appreciated -thanks!