I thought it would be fun to get a cheap 3D printer to learn a new technology so I picked up an open source kit recently. It's been a load of fun and interesting challenges to get it assembled and dialed in but I'm now at the point of being able to use it to solve problems.
As an example - my air filter was getting pretty dirty and so decided to pick up a new one. I'm using a custom filter setup for my 617 transplant into a 107 chassis and it's a very tight fit between the filter cone and the radiator shroud. It appears that Fram has begun making their filters about 3/8" higher so the new filter would not fit. My solution was to dremel off the end of the cone and print a plug that could be glued in place to provide the needed clearance.
Very tight fit
Modified filter
Installed in the car
I've also started playing with printing visor clips for the car. I'm using different visors so custom clips are in order. This has been an amazing challenge because nothing is square...the kind of project that stimulates learning.
I also used the printer to print a plug for a transmission. I sold the dipstick tube so to prevent dirt, water and other fod from getting in the transmission I designed and printed a custom plug. No bolts or rubber stoppers I had laying around fit so this was and easy fix.
Looking forward to the next project...maybe a mounting bracket for my fuel pressure transducer which is currently just zip tied in place.
A 3D printer is proof of the of the corollary to the old axiom - give a kid a hammer and suddenly everything needs pounding...