---
title: "Making a 3D print with the MakerBot Replicator"
description: "Recently (http://www.techshop.ws) opened up one of their shops in Round Rock which is just a few minutes from Austin, where I live. (http://www.techshop.ws) with a huge variety…"
canonical: "https://www.baldengineer.com/making-a-3d-print-with-the-makerbot-replicator.html"
author: "James Lewis"
date: "2012-11-24T00:21:33Z"
lastmod: "2015-03-24T21:20:56Z"
image: "https://www.baldengineer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/11/y3di-tripod-printed-by-jmondelo_preview_featured.jpg"
categories: ["blog"]
tags: ["3d-printing","makerbot","techshop"]
---

# Making a 3D print with the MakerBot Replicator


Recently [TechShop](http://www.techshop.ws) opened up one of their shops in Round Rock which is just a few minutes from Austin, where I live.  [TechShop is an awesome membership based workshop](http://www.techshop.ws) with a huge variety of tools useful for making things.  On this holiday Friday I decided to spend some time with the [MakerBot Replicator](http://www.makerbot.com/replicator).

For some time I have been looking at a mini-tripod for my camera/iPhone so I could get pictures of projects while working on them.  While browsing [Thingiverse](http://www.thingiverse.com), I came across design [files for such a thing](http://www.thingiverse.com/thing:33357 "files for a 3d printable tripod").

Since this was my first time using ReplicatorG and the first time I made a 3D print, I decided not to make any modifications.  As it turned out I used the latest version of ReplicatorG (0040) which appears to have a bug.  When I extruded using the Replicator's left extruder  the MakerBot started off the platform (as if it was using the coordinates for the right extruder).  After down-reving to 0037, things worked fine.

It also appears my Patroit-branded 2GB memory card is not compatible with the MakerBot's reader.  Bummer.

### Leveling

During the safety and basic use class we spent quite a bit of time on how to level the build platform.  It seemed like a simple enough procedure, so I didn't fully understand why we spent so much time on it.  The first two pieces of the tripod I printed had a bit of a mess on the first layers above the raft.  After going through the leveling procedure a 2nd time, parts came out much (much) cleaner.

[![MakerBot tripod print with rough first layers before leveling](/wp-content/uploads/2012/11/IMG%5F2982-300x2251.jpg)](/wp-content/uploads/2012/11/IMG%5F2982-300x2251.jpg)


### Completion

This particular design took 6 prints of 5 pieces to be completed.  The total print time was around an hour to an hour and a half.  In order to attach to a camera a screw is necessary.  On the Thingivere project page, at least one individual has tried printing their own screw.  My TechShop is partnered with a Lowe's, so i went for the pre-made screws.

[![3D-printed tripod component](/wp-content/uploads/2012/11/IMG%5F2984-225x3001.jpg)](/wp-content/uploads/2012/11/IMG%5F2984-225x3001.jpg)


Overall the tripod doesn't really withstand much weight.  However, I think it will work for the couple of times went I want to use my camera to shoot some video or get a clear macro shot of a project.

[![Completed 3D-printed camera tripod parts](/wp-content/uploads/2012/11/IMG%5F01642-300x2241.jpg)](/wp-content/uploads/2012/11/IMG%5F01642-300x2241.jpg)