We’re Carrying 3D Printers Now. And Yeah… I Know What That Sounds Like.
Let’s just get this out of the way:
Yes — 3D printing gets the classic side-eye.
That little smirk that says, “Oh, he’s one of those guys… probably has a Sailor Moon figurine farm running in his basement.”
And listen: I get it. I’ve seen the memes. I’ve been the meme.
But here’s the thing nobody tells you up front — once you realize how stupidly useful a 3D printer is, the “dweeb tax” you pay in social points becomes worth every penny. Because suddenly you’re not just a dude with a printer… you’re a dude who can make things on demand.
Need a custom mount for a tool? Print it.
Need hooks for the shipping container? Print them.
Need freezer ice mats? Print.
Kids need some repair piece? Print.
Garden bed needs a 3’×3’ shade pyramid because your mint has decided it wants to scorch itself in the South Carolina sun? Well… you print that too. (It only took about 60 hours of printing and assembly, which is frankly a steal for how good it felt.)
So yes — I’m officially coming clean: I love 3D printers.
And now, Clevis Barnwell’s carries them.
Because for a brand that lives right where rural grit meets nerd precision, this was always the most obvious next step.
Why 3D Printing Belongs in the Clevis Universe
Clevis Barnwell’s has always been about capability — the kind you build with your hands, your wits, a little duct tape, and maybe a bash script or two. Adding 3D printers to the store doesn’t change that. If anything, it reinforces it.
A 3D printer is just another tool in the shed.
A quiet, self-contained, slightly magical tool that turns digital plans into physical “oh nice, that actually solved my problem” objects.
It’s the modern version of having a drawer full of random brackets and bolts.
Except now the drawer is infinite, perfectly organized, and prints your parts at 2am while you sleep.
And with every print, you get this slow, creeping realization:
“Why was I ever buying plastic things when I could just make them?”
Why Creality? Because I’ve Actually Lived With Their Stuff
When I bought my first printer, I didn’t pick it randomly. I did what we all do:
Read reviews. Watched videos. Fell into YouTube rabbit holes. Asked myself deep questions about my identity and cable-management philosophy.
And Creality kept floating to the top.
Good ecosystem.
Good documentation.
Great community.
Solid machines that don’t demand you treat them like fragile Victorian antiques.
So when I had the chance to bring 3D printers into the shop, there was no question. Creality was the pick. The printers I’m carrying aren’t the exact model I personally run (I use a K2 SE), but they’re in the same lineage — same spirit, same reliability, same “it just works” energy.
Each machine hits that sweet spot of:
- Good for beginners
- Capable enough for serious projects
- Reliable enough that I don’t have to pre-apologize when I recommend it
Exactly the stuff I want associated with Clevis Barnwell’s.
The Instagram Reel That Started It
Earlier this week, I posted an Instagram timelapse of a shop hook printing — mostly because when I finally got the products live, I wanted to celebrate the moment in the most on-brand way possible: by showing a tool printing a tool that holds tools.
If Shopify allowed me to crack a beer on the publish button, I probably would’ve done that too.
The Two Machines We’re Carrying
We’re keeping the lineup tight for now — just two models — but both punch well above their weight.
1. Creality K2
Fast, reliable, and perfect for both beginners and people who immediately jump to “I wonder if this can print a replacement hinge for the chicken coop.”
Great for functional parts, brackets, hooks, adapters, organizers — all the things I think 3D printers do best.
2. Creality K2 Plus
A legendary machine.
If you want a machine that is next level, this is it. Excellent print quality, great features, and built for the tinkerer who can’t leave well enough alone. (No judgment. I live there.)
Both are up on the site now, both ship quick, and both are trustworthy enough that I don’t have to send you a “hey, sorry if it acts weird” follow-up email.
So Why Is Clevis Barnwell’s Selling 3D Printers?
Because this shop has always been a mix of:
- Farm problem-solving
- Nerd-level tinkering
- Dad-energy ingenuity
- A strong desire to make life more capable, not more complicated
And 3D printing is exactly that intersection.
If your world involves making things, fixing things, customizing things, or staring at something and thinking “hm… I can solve that better,” then a 3D printer is no different than a drill, a hatchet, or a good pair of boots. It’s just part of the kit.
Just another way to build your own world.
If You’re Curious: Start Here
The new 3D printing collection is live:
👉 https://clevisbarnwells.com/collections/3d-printing
If you’ve ever thought about dipping your toe into this world — or if you just want the ability to make weird little solutions at 1am when inspiration strikes — now’s a good time.
Welcome to the era where being “a little bit of a nerd” is actually a superpower.
And trust me… once you print your first genuinely useful thing,
the side-eye stops mattering.
