Hobby related? Maybe! UPS Stores have 3d Printers.

And no I do not have ANY affiliation with UPS in any way.  This isn't an advertisement.  I just wanted to let you guys know this option is out there now or soon.  I find it very intriguing as to what doors this could open for us!

But like I said, the big caveat is what will they charge for the service! 

Good to know but I'll wait the 3 -5 weeks for my 3D printer to arrive.

I much prefer the flexibility to print on my schedule to some store.

If you need it Shapeways does 3d printing of any object in their library for a reasonable fee. They also do custom if you have the funds to convert the item to the correct format from whatever you have.

Keep us us to date tho, it is interesting how fast 3D printing is expanding.

First, I think someday we'll have a repository on this site of models created by forum members that share their designs for others to print and use!  Wouldn't that be awesome!

I have thought seriously about getting myself a 3d printer.  I'm very computer savvy and I think I could turn out some really interesting stuff with one.  The only problem is that all of my creative energy is going to my layout at this time.  If I got a 3d printer I think it would consume my time and the layout would suffer.  So for now I'll stick with the layout while the printers become cheaper and higher resolution models come along!  

But this does provide a possible avenue for creating something custom if I want.

Yes, advance of technology...maybe I can soon walk into Staples, put my card in the

slot, and print out whatever..

Ok, I found an example of the cost to use UPS 3d Printing Services.....

"The cost of the product depends on the amount of material, support plastic, and design time. A two-inch ball barring will cost about $30, where as a foot-long femur model may cost about $500. And as for how long it takes to finish, it can take anywhere from an hour to several hours depending on the size."

So for a small figure I'd think it would be around $20 probably.  Maybe $10 since its far skinnier than a ball bearing.  Thats not totally out of the reach of us for something special.