Not a major problem AND going after 3D printing doesn’t actually solve the problem - the core components that make a gun a gun, such as the barrel, firing pin, etc., still need to be manufactured in the “traditional” way (unless you’re trying to make a single use, one shot gun, but even that has better alternatives than 3D printing).
As it’s been pointed out above, the pieces of equipment - lathes, mills, CNC machines - required to make the aforementioned parts require no licencing, no safety mechanisms to prevent gun part manufacturing.
3d printers have made guns. They are always bad guns because plastic isn’t great for the purpose. They work and prove the point enough to scare people who know nothing about guns and thus don’t realize why other methods are better and faster.
My point is that a 3D printer isn’t necessary for making a gun, and that you can’t even make the parts that make something into a gun, using a (regular, commercial FDM) 3D printer.
it’s like trying to regulate printers because you can “3D print a car”, when in reality you can 3D print a few accessories and components but the entire engine has to be manufactured differently…
Not a major problem AND going after 3D printing doesn’t actually solve the problem - the core components that make a gun a gun, such as the barrel, firing pin, etc., still need to be manufactured in the “traditional” way (unless you’re trying to make a single use, one shot gun, but even that has better alternatives than 3D printing).
As it’s been pointed out above, the pieces of equipment - lathes, mills, CNC machines - required to make the aforementioned parts require no licencing, no safety mechanisms to prevent gun part manufacturing.
The CA law includes all manufacturing machines that take sets of instructions, if I’m not mistaken
A lathe takes no instructions and is potentially the most useful tool of all listed for the purposes of making a gun.
CNC lathes are very common these days.
They are.
A barebones manual lathe is still grades cheaper, this provide a lower level of entry. Spend $200 and in no time you can be doing 20-30 barrels a day.
But please tell me how a 3D printer, which is at most useful for the casing (which you could hand craft from wood with a knife…).
I’m not quite understanding your question.
3d printers have made guns. They are always bad guns because plastic isn’t great for the purpose. They work and prove the point enough to scare people who know nothing about guns and thus don’t realize why other methods are better and faster.
My point is that a 3D printer isn’t necessary for making a gun, and that you can’t even make the parts that make something into a gun, using a (regular, commercial FDM) 3D printer.
it’s like trying to regulate printers because you can “3D print a car”, when in reality you can 3D print a few accessories and components but the entire engine has to be manufactured differently…
You don’t even need a CNC machine. Basic hand tools and some pipe are enough to make a zip gun.
Basic hand tools can make a ak47. Skill is needed there though.