3D Printing is for more than making brightly colored plastic pieces of crap
In all seriousness, when did schools stop teaching shop class?<p>I&#x27;m not that old, but at school I learned to measure and mark, to drill and tap, to saw and file. If I want a quadcopter frame, I&#x27;ll cut it from a sheet of aluminum or CFRP. I&#x27;ll need nothing more than a hacksaw, a file and a hand drill. In less time than it takes for a 3D printer to warm up, I&#x27;ll have a stiffer, stronger and lighter frame than could be produced by a consumer 3D printer.<p>If you want to make stuff, I urge you not to waste your time with 3D printing. Learn the basic skills of woodwork or metalwork. It isn&#x27;t hard and the tools aren&#x27;t expensive. Despite endless pleas to the contrary, FDM machines will only ever produce tchotchkes.<p>If cheap DMLS machines ever hit the market then I&#x27;ll be first in line. Until then, no amount of clever technology will overcome the basic materials science that prevents FDM machines from being useful.