Part 6 - Success with 3D Printed Parts - Tennis Ball Machine - DIY Build 

Cheers buddy 👍🏽 the last of the large 3d models is getting printed at the moment. I'll start testing in a day or two. I can't wait for the next video too ✌🏽️🤞🏽🤩

Thanks for the support! Really appreciate it. You probably noticed I have a Creality K1 max printer. I basically wanted to get a printer that could print ABS and print large models in excess of 250mm in XY plane. That mean I had to go for a printer that has 300x300 print bed size. Also to print ABS, a closed printer is required. For researched using a separate enclosure but then the convenience factor wasn't favourable. Core XY printers seem to be the modern option and K1 series have good reviews. Bambu labs P1 series seem to be better in build and user experience but they seem to use proprietary parts and also don't have a 300x300 bed size. So had to exclude them plus they are a bit pricey. Settled with K1 max in the end. So far its been great. If you are new to 3D printing, owning and operating a 3D printer is like owning a fairly sophisticated tool. There is a bit of a learning curve but K1 max seem to be doing good on their stock settings. I pretty much printed my PLA parts with the stock settings. The ABS has been a slightly different story in that I had to google and get the recommended settings for the filament as well as the printer settings. I think I can improve it a bit but so far, I am pleased with the results. If build volume is not a concern, and you are ok to tinker with the machine which is anyway required. I would say go for a core XY printer from Creality like the K1C. If you are new and want minimal fuss, then Bambu labs P1 series is good. The other option is to go down the bed slinger models but I think those are a bit dated. Again, if all you are after is printing PLA type material then a bed slinger would be just fine. As with anything, you get what you pay for. So get the best printer you can afford and that will last you for a good while. Hope this helps. As for printing the wheels, I did think about it but then, coupling the wheels to motor shaft will again be a weak point. The direct coupling of wheels on the motor shaft will result in the best performance possible, IMO. But 3D printing wheels can be done, I might do that when the wheels I have wear out. Currently printing ABS parts and looks like it will be another couples days to go before I can put them together. I will try and get another video soon, sometime next week I think. Fingers crossed that everything goes to plan :) This turned to be a lengthy response haha!

Hey, thanks for the comment. I am yet to test that part. So hang tight and I will share the results soon. I expect it to cover around 23 meters in the lowest angle so I can stand behind the base line. And around 15 meters in the steepest angle for lobs and volleys. I do have the ability to control the motor power but the above is what I would expect as a minimum but only time will tell if it works. I hope it does as the motor and wheels I intend to use are branded products from lobster.

What love to have them too John 🙂

I'll share them soon with you. Only reason I'm hesitating is that I might have to make some changes to it. I don't want to share a 3D model that has issues. My goal is to build the machine that works and then make it available for all. I know that can take time. Hopefully not that long now.

Please see my other comment in this thread. If you want the in individual parts, please note that I've not tested them as one working machine and might run into issues when I do that. Which only means, I might have to make some corrections or adjustments to the 3D model to make them work. I could share them with you as is but I don’t like the idea of sharing something that is not tested thoroughly. I hope you can understand. Just bear with me for a couple of more weeks and I should be able to share something with everyone. Thanks for your comment though, I’m very excited to see you and others wanting to try my design.

@@john.alister Of course, I understand! I’m now really looking forward to the next video to see the updates. Once the project is finished, it would be great if you could share the files. That way, if we have any questions, we can also ask in the video. By the way, amazing project and the videos are incredible!