Hi All

I bought myself an A8 Desktop 3D Printer Prusa i3 DIY Kit a few weeks ago from Gearbast and for a price of £130 I didn't expect much, but this was my first outing with 3D printers and didn't want to buy an expensive printer.

First things first after a few hours of building and a weeks testing I have to say I am impressed by the quality of this printer its been a great investment.

I have been obsessed with WW2 era battleships for a long time building various 1:350 scale models but have always wanted to try and scratch build a large scale model, so my first attempt is as stated above a 1:100 scale model of the Bismarck, now I am not an expert at 3D modelling so my Bismarck will not pass scrutiny with die hard model builders but for me as my first attempt will be good enough, this is more a learning experience for future models hopefully.

As my printer bed is only around 22cm x 22cm x 22cm and my Battleship will be around 2.5m in length its going to take a lot of printed parts, I have already started the hull. Each part takes around 10 hours to print.

The first issue I had with the build is a way to join each section, I have tried various epoxys and superglues but due to the very small contact area I found none that would stick the parts together securely and as I am using PLA, acetone isn't an option. Luckily I found a video on youtube regarding using a dremel and filament as a friction welder and I have to say it works awesome.

I have attached some pictures of my slow progress so far.

Pic1 - Picture of the bottom of hull

http://i103.photobucket.com/albums/m...psqxh9qqha.jpg

Pic2 - Picture of internal of hull
http://i103.photobucket.com/albums/m...ps5gtwlf76.jpg

Pic3 - Size comparison with 3 litre bottle of diet coke

http://i103.photobucket.com/albums/m...ps10kalj3r.jpg

Pic 4 - Example of filament weld

http://i103.photobucket.com/albums/m...psjrf3wpa6.jpg

Pic 5 - Printer in action printing next part

http://i103.photobucket.com/albums/m...psp6zeltjz.jpg

Although a long way off as I want to print and join the whole hull before doing any work on it, what would be a best way to finish the hull, I know it will take a bit of sanding but can anyone recommend things like putty or spray filler that will help with getting rid of lines and blemishes for painting as though it was a resin cast mould and not 3d Printed?

I will update this with progress and my experiences as I continue.

Cheers

Druid