[TrevorFSmith]

I 3D print items that aren't mass produced, either because I'm one of few people who wants them so there's no market or I'm the only person who wants them because they're customized for me. Most reasonable 3D printer users don't believe they'll replace mass production. They use them for parts you can't buy.

[bdcravens]

Once you get a 3d printer, you do tend to find many uses for them for things you could easily buy (organizing bins and the like) but I don't think anyone is buying them with this in mind.

[marcus_holmes]

100% agree

I built a four-poster bed, and 3D printed the fittings for the curtain rails and the attachment point for the fan.

I built a desk, and 3D printed the entire shelving system for it.

I designed and 3D printed an entire range of boardgaming accessories (storage bins, dice towers, meeples, etc)

I only bought the thing as something to do while in COVID lockdown. But it's been really useful.

[pitched]

I see it as the most important home maintenance tool. Saves hundreds per year on little things that break. Like a wall patch, small o-ring for a toy, drawer slide mount, basement light mount, etc. I will say though that the learning curve is a bit rough if you don’t have CAD experience.

[marcus_holmes]

Part of the fun was teaching myself enough FreeCAD to be useful :)