The second model, based on adaptations outlined in my last post, is printed! For review, the changes I wanted to make were:
- Thicken the staff and the Wisps’ connections to it
- Open Doctor Baer’s pose so it’s easier to sand/clean after printing
- Be more careful with setting up print supports (little towers of material to support overhanging material during printing)
The first two items were pretty straightforward. I opened up the pose, which made it even more dynamic:
It almost looks like he’s dabbing, doesn’t it?
Here’s the thickened staff.
I’m fortunate to have some friends with a lot more experience than I regarding 3D printers, and one of them suggested I slice the models in half. This way I can set the printer to start from the flat edge and work its way up. This way I might not even need supports.
My first print at home with the Flashforge Adventurer 3 came out okay! I just had to glue the halves together, then glue the staff to Doctor Baer’s hand. Here’s an itty bitty first print:
Working on some larger prints to see what my options are regarding sanding/painting. What I’d really like to do is eventually print this in pieces to make a model that stands something like 17-24″ (43-69cm) to have at my table during book signings next fall!
More testing to come, and I’ve started working on models of supporting cast:
