I do find the hoopla to be a bit ridiculous myself.
Let’s think about this. How do you make guns normally? You machine them.
Is there some limitation on machine tools? No. Is there some limitation on machinist training? No. Is there any shortage of firearm plans in circulation? No.
Heck, most machining systems these days are CNC anyway, so the user doesn’t really have to be that talented a machinist. Yes, you can’t just hit a button and eventually something is spit out, and yes you need a few different machines, but BFD.
People are just paranoid about these printers because they are easier to use. However they are expensive, which essentially is the same barrier to entry as having your own machine shop. The only difference is the latter requires some training.
Agreed. People freak out about everything new.
“I am an old man and have known a great many troubles, but most of them never happened.”
Mark Twain