Continuing the discussion from 3D Printed Carbon Fiber Dust Shoe with Removable Brush Skirt:
So I’ve finished an update to my dwp611 dust shoe. Have a look at the photos, or follow this link for more pictures:
Here’s the deal. My goal in this redesign was to simplify the parts and make the printing process as efficient and consistent as possible (ie. the previous version of the main body was printed in two pieces and glued together, this version prints in one piece).
Main goals:
_A more secure attachment to the router (set screws engage the threads on the router housing instead of the friction collar that I was a little skeptical about)
_Minimize material, reduce print time and size for shipping
_Added support for the vacuum hose
_Aesthetics
Pricing:
Even with a more efficient design, I simply can’t do these cheap. I’m a more than full time architect with two kids and only one 3d printer that I bought to explore making and prototyping, not for mass production. Before buying the printer I didn’t have a good grasp on how long prints take. Especially when quality is important.
Here’s the rub. Each shoe takes about 20 hours to print. I’ve done a bit of research on typical costs per hour for personal 3d printing and selling, and most sources come in at about $13 to $18/ per hour. You’ve probably already started doing the math.
Add in magnets, brush bristles, epoxy, packing and shipping, my time to monitor the print and assemble everything, plus the value of the time my printer is tied up for 20 hours, and you’re looking at a cost that’s probably well beyond what the shoe is worth. (Trying to be unbiased, I think I’d expect to pay about $65 to $75 for something like this)
So, here are the options:
1)
I’ve started an Etsy store and set the price at $250 + shipping (ouch)
I did create a $50 off coupon code just for you all here on this forum. Enter DWP611SHOEDEAL to redeem.
I know. That’s really pricey. I wouldn’t pay that much. But frankly, for what my time is worth to me (and compared to what I bill professionally 
) that’s a deal. It’s counter intuitive to me, but the price is set a bit high as a deterrent. I don’t want to get stuck printing a bunch of these and it not being worth all the time, or worse letting people down because I can’t keep up. I hope you all understand.
All that being said, I wanted to offer a more economical option.
- So, I’ve also opened a shop on Shapeways.com
This is probably a better option for most of you. Here you can order the parts in multiple materials (plastics, acrylics, etc.) and multiple colors and the parts will be sent directly to you. You’ll have to source and assemble the brush, magnets and set screws on your own. If you’ve assembled an x-carve, you’ll be fine. 
Links to those items are available in the listings.
To print all three pieces in their most inexpensive material, what they call “strong flexible plastic,” you’ll be in about $100.
The main body is about $63
Brush skirt ring is about $23
Vacuum support bracket is about $22
The vacuum support bracket is optional, but helps quite a bit.
Anyway, sorry for the long post and the delay getting this update out and I hope no one’s too disappointed by the cost. Feel free to float any ideas or questions my way if you have them. I’m sure I forgot something!
Happy x-carving!
