3d printer help

[Pokeyonekenobie]

So the library where I work has gotten a 3D printer!  I think it would be fun to create some 3D printed G1 boys as custom bases.  I want to do molded hair (I think) and then I'll paint them however I want. (Though if someone has a tutorial on how to hair a 3D printed pony, that might change my mind.)  I want to do it before they decide to start charging to use the printer (because I have no idea how much a G1 would cost to "print").  I also have no idea when they plan to do this, it's just something they've said they'll discuss "at a later date". 

My question is this:
Is there a good program for beginners to use to create the model?  I've never tried it before so I am very much a beginner.  I know there are 3D printer users that do awesome custom work.  What do you use?  Any tips you would recommend for me?

[shelvesofwhimsy]

As a 3D modeling kinda-expert there are some free programs online like Tinkercad.
This one is pretty easy to get the hang of, but I haven't tried exporting files for it.
3D modeling does take some time to get the hang of though. I would watch some tutorials online and just start slow.

If you want to invest some money in a software I would recommend Zbrush for more natural and organic modeling.
I personally use Rhino, which is more for engineering and industry.

If you're looking for files to print I would head to Thingiverse and get started


But not to get your hopes up, but hairing 3d printed parts is a bit tricky depending on what material you use. I know my printer uses ABS plastic and you cant really use a rehairing tool for it since there is no give in the material. What kind of printer do they have, and what does it print with?

[Pokeyonekenobie]

I'll have to look at Tinkercad and Thingiverse.  Thanks!  With any luck I'll find some time this weekend.

I don't know the make of the 3D printer but I think it uses the long spools of plastic. (And I'm sure that narrowed down the type of material for you, too.  )  I wondered about the ability to hair a printed project so I think I will just stick with molded hair.  It will probably not be any harder than figuring out how to make a model of the rest of the pony. I'm sure I can reference the cartoon for it.

I'm also thinking about making them a bit smaller than real G1 size because those are pretty big and will probably take a long time to print.  Maybe a little bigger than G4 size, though.  I'd rather get a lot of smaller ones made up before they start charging.  Plus it would be good practice, I think, so when people ask how to use the machine I can actually help them.