I’m Stu. I Build Props.
Six years. Seven printers. Hundreds of builds. I’m Stu McEwing, a US-based 3D printed prop maker and the one person behind Printed Props Workshop. Six years, seven printers, hundreds of builds — all making screen-accurate props that collectors and cosplayers can actually afford.
How It All Started
It started with an Ender 3 and a childhood dream. 3D printing technology has advanced dramatically since the early days of desktop FDM printers and I was ready to jump in and learn.
About six years ago I bought my first 3D printer with one goal in mind: a wall of lightsabers. Every machined replica I found online cost hundreds of dollars. So I decided to figure it out myself.
I upgraded to an Artillery Sidewinder, then a FLSUN Super Racer. Each machine taught me something new about tuning, tolerances, and patience. Each print got closer to what I had in my head.
The hobby became a business the moment I realized other people had the same problem. They wanted quality props without paying luxury prices. Printed Props Workshop was the answer.
The 3D Printed Prop Maker’s Workshop
The workshop runs six machines. Each one has a specific job.
- Bambu Labs P1P — fast, fully enclosed, built for large armor and helmet parts.
- Bambu Labs A1 Mini — quick prototypes and small detail parts.
- Anycubic Kobra 3 Max — maximum build volume for oversized pieces.
- Elegoo Neptune 3 Pro — reliable workhorse for mid-size FDM builds.
- Elegoo Mars 2 and Saturn 2 12K — resin printing for museum-level detail on hilts, emblems, and greeblies
Every piece is printed, cleaned, assembled, and finished in-house. I built it. I finished it. It ships with my name on it.
Craftsmanship
Every prop is printed, sanded, primed, and painted by hand. No rushed jobs. No shortcuts. If it doesn’t meet my standard, it doesn’t ship. I’d rather delay a job than send out something I wouldn’t want to receive myself.
Accessibility
High-end detail shouldn’t mean high-end prices. I started this workshop because I was priced out of the hobby myself. That still drives every pricing decision I make.
Honesty
I’ll tell you if your timeline is realistic, if your budget works, or if a design has limitations. You’ll always get a straight answer before you commit a single dollar.
“It’s not just about printing cheap props. It’s about building something that feels real in your hands.”
— Stu McEwing, Founder
Ready to Bring Your Idea to Life?
Lightsaber hilt, full helmet, piece of armour, display prop. If you can picture it, I can build it. Fill out the commission form and I’ll reply with options and a quote.