Anonymous wrote:

Hello Jacques,

It’s good that we’re using the same 3D modelling software, Fusion. I can send you an invitation to join my “hub” and see what I am working on, but it seems that this is only on a read-only basis, as we’re using the free version. 

. Hello David

Thanks for invitation 

Now, I am member of JRA hub in Fusion . File is empty - photo enclosed.

Hello David , 

Nice idea. I bought à 3D printer in July ( Creality Ender 3V3 SE) and made some box for my boat.

I take interest to develop specific nautical material.

I use Fusion 360 free and Ultimaker Cura 

Jacques 

If you have downloaded the latest magazine, there is a mention of some 3-D printing by Alexander T (see The Boatshed). I am sorry, because of space requirements the images are very small and may have been missed by readers. The items are batten end plugs, and an interesting central portion which functions as a truss in the style of double-tube yard which Arne designed some years ago, plus end plugs for that type of yard. I am not sure if Alexander follows the forum. Here are the images he provided, with a note that after testing, he is prepared to share the blue prints/model.

Kevin,

This image is the kind of aft end plug that I made for Weaverbird, turned from PVC or nylon bar. It’s easy enough work, but I had to stand at the lathe in my draughty garage, and 3D printing would have been more comfortable. After turning, a 6.5mm hole is drilled upwards at 45˚ to take 4mm Dyneema sheet spans, secured with a figure 8 stopper knot . This is by far the best way I know of attaching sheet spans, with no tendency to chafe. A screw through a grommet into the solid plastic attaches the sail.

This would be the easiest entry point into 3D printing, made from PETG, which is suitable for beginners, and has good enough mechanical properties. But first, it needs modelling in 3D CAD. I’ve downloaded the free version of Fusion for non-commercial personal use, which has enough features for the most complex fitting that I can foresee, but the first part of the learning curve is … er, rather steep. 

I’m quite tempted to take up a new hobby that can be done in a warm room in the comfort of my armchair, not in a draughty garage! Is anyone else into this? Are there any rig builders in need of components that I could make? I like the way the Prusa printers are open source, and have good reviews for reliability. This machine would cover most needs that I can foresee:

https://www.prusa3d.com/product/original-prusa-mk4s-3d-printer-5/

by coincidence I am just working on some aluminium battens.  30mm diameter 2 mm thick.  It is easy to get end plugs and I have used them at one end.  At the sheet end, however, I intended to put a pin through the batten and run an attachment - webbing probably - into the tube around the pin and back out - in fact I’ve done that stage already and it’s looking good.  But there’s a big danger that the webbing will fray on the end-edge of the tube.  What I need would be plastic inserts to protect the webbing from the tube ends.  I’ve seen such plugs for plumbing purposes but not for the right size.

Here is a picture of something like the pin arrangement - the ribbon shows where the webbing goes, though the actual webbing is shorter and more substantial, naturally.  And also a picture of of an insert (wrong size and material, but right shape).  Basically the insert is a stubby tube with a smooth rounded flange, that would be easier on any webbing and also on any head that accidentally got in the way of a moving batten

I’m not asking you to do this, but I think this is the sort of thing that having a 3d printer would be great for, to illustrate your point.