3D Printed line spools

[Steve Helmick]

James Cox (Chris & Joan's son) had some 3D printed line spools for sale at our last contest, and I was gifted a couple of them by Tim Just. I thought the design and detail was pretty interesting with all the small holes being hexagonal...why? Probably because he could?

Anyway, James had two sizes, matching the size of (big) Brodak and (small) Pylon/SIG spools. It turns out that some guys hate the small spools, and I am a fan of the small spools, and don't care for the large spools. But we all have our reasons. I am attaching a picture of one of the small spools. They are made in two pieces, and it has occurred to me that perhaps a coil spring could be sandwiched between the two halves to make them self-tightening. Otherwise, I guess it might be desireable to glue the two halves together, though it doesn't seem like they'll come apart.

IMO, a 3D printer could be useful, but it also seems like another hobby, and I don't need another hobby!  Steve 

[Paul Taylor]

I have see that STL file.
Kind of cool. Might save some material.

It’s definitely an enhancement tool for our hobby. Just like a vinyl cutter or CNC machine.

It’s a tool to be used for lots of stuff. 😎

I can’t imagine not having one now.

[Curare]

I suspect the hexagonal infill is done to reduce material required to print, which saves on time and money.

Looks cool, anyone care to post the STL?

[Steve Helmick]

There are several more local CL stunt guys that have 3D printers, and I know they've made motor mounts for electron burning motors and spinners. I seem to recall mention of a bellcrank, which is interesting...and a little concerning about strength, too. I've long been hoping that there'd be a way to reduce the amount of iron in the tail, in the way of a CF elevator horn, but maybe this is the way? I'm kinda hoping that nobody will try printing propellers...  Steve