Mike's 54mm Collecting, Modelling & Painting Thread

[MarcoSkoll]

I realise I've scarcely commented recently, but I am reading!

With no more conversions to do, without investing in now increasingly expensive Inq models, or 3D printing

3D printing is getting a lot more accessible now. Still more an enthusiast level tech than a consumer level one, but it's increasingly it's more down to having a modicum of tech skill than it is down to pricing.

It remains slightly surreal to me that, although we're not quite at the level that I can magically wave my hands and have a shiny new object in my hands five minutes later, there is a machine in my house that can turn a vat of goo into physical objects to my specification.

[Mike712]

I realise I've scarcely commented recently, but I am reading!

With no more conversions to do, without investing in now increasingly expensive Inq models, or 3D printing

3D printing is getting a lot more accessible now. Still more an enthusiast level tech than a consumer level one, but it's increasingly it's more down to having a modicum of tech skill than it is down to pricing.

It remains slightly surreal to me that, although we're not quite at the level that I can magically wave my hands and have a shiny new object in my hands five minutes later, there is a machine in my house that can turn a vat of goo into physical objects to my specification.

I've been 3D printing for just under 2 years. I have an Elgoo Saturn 4k resin printer and it's an awesome bit of kit. And you're right, it's definitely not a snap your fingers and work sort of deal, there's a lot of finesse to the print settings and supports especially. I've also discovered that my print settings that work fine in summer result in failed prints in cooler weather, meaning I have to double the exposure time, or go through the nightmare process of draining and completely cleaning the tank to try to remove my failed print from the FEP film with a scraper, without tearing my FEP film.

It's a totally new thing to learn, but getting that perfect print is quite satisfying.

Having a Saturn with a nice big build plate means printing 54mm terrain is completely viable, this will definitely be my main aim, as that is where my collection is most lacking.

I'm always on the look out for miniatures to print, only issue is the options are nearly endless. Almost everything imaginable in the 40k universe is possible. I get overwhelmed by the infinite possibilities and don't know what to dedicate my time and print cycles to.

I also love working with the medium of white metal for miniatures and a lot of my inspiration comes from the process of converting metal minis, so I don't get the same reward of creating a finished article out of a pool of grey gloop. There's also something uniquely characterful about the Inq range, which results in an aesthetic, that I've been unable to equal via other means.

I also enjoy the hunt for specific bits, though that is becoming more frustrating as the years pass... I really need a Damien head, stimm injectors sprue and some Mechadendrite tendrils, though I'm hoping my newly acquired green tubes tentacles and wires maker will help with the last one!

I have an update coming soon, as I've completed a warband! Just need to take some photos during the day for good lighting.

[MarcoSkoll]

I've also discovered that my print settings that work fine in summer result in failed prints in cooler weather, meaning I have to double the exposure time, or go through the nightmare process of draining and completely cleaning the tank to try to remove my failed print from the FEP film with a scraper, without tearing my FEP film.

Yeah, resin properties changing with temperature are a hassle.

Eventually I decided to bite the bullet and install temperature controlled heaters in mine (a Photon Mono SE), which has helped a lot with consistency, as well as being able to use some more specialist resins reliably. Being able to bring it up a bit above standard room temp (I usually go for 30 degrees C) is useful, as it means I can keep the exposure times short, in turn helping keep the print detail crisp.

[Mike712]

I finished the warband I was working on and finally took some pictures to upload.