Getting guide blocks.

[sam-HILO]

A big thank you to Jack for thinking about getting the computer files for the guide blocks. You have saved my $27.000 26ft. Classic. Found out my neighbor has a 3D printer that he uses to make Drone parts. He is making me up eight guide blocks. I am glad to pay him. Each guide block takes three hrs. to make.If any one is doing a rebuild and needs guide blocks just let me know.

 

[JackandJanet]

Great, sam - I'm so happy they've finally been put to good use! I think they should work fine based on the tests I've done with my printer and what I can determine the stresses on them to be. Don't forget big thanks are due RahnH and his Daughter too, for creating and then making those files available to us.

Yup, three hours seems about right too. Watching the printer while it's printing is a bit like watching grass grow.

- Jack

 

[Weeks of adventures]

Hi Sam,

I was wondering if you could help me with getting some guide blocks 3D printed. I need 8.

Thanks.

David

 

[sam-HILO]

Getting Guide blocks.

Sent you a PM.

 

[Weeks of adventures]

thank you for trying

 

[sam-HILO]

Sent you another PM.

 

[sam-HILO]

Getting guide Blocks.

My neighbor has decided to charge more $ than $200.00 plus $10.00 for postage for the guide blocks.He hasn't given me a new price. This would be for eight blocks. I understand he needs to cover his three hrs. of electric plus the cost of plastic. I provided the computer program on a flash drive. Could anyone get a price for this from a printing shop? Just want to know if his fee is reasonable? I realize he may have set up time. No company makes these parts. Thanks SAM

 

[JackandJanet]

It seems a bit high to me, sam. On my printer, I could easily print four blocks at a time, possibly all eight. However, the printing time for each block has to be factored in. I didn't time the printing on my machine, but I suspect it takes between 1 - 1.5 hours to print each block. Printing more than one at a time simply adds to the printing time by multiplying that time by the number of blocks (2 blocks, 2 - 3 hours). The plastic cost is fairly minimal. I can get 4# of PETG or PETG-CF for less than $30 and that will print a LOT of blocks. My printer hasn't produced a huge hit on my electric bill - nothing I notice, and I've printed quite a lot of things.

But preparing the blocks for shipping takes time too, so that has to be factored in. I think $10 is reasonable.

My guess is, your neighbor simply wants to make it worth his while to print these things. You might find the cost is similar at a 3D printing shop.

I know I'm not interested in doing this, because I have other things I'd rather spend my time on.

- Jack

 

[sam-HILO]

Printing guide blocks.

Jack, Thanks for the information.I should buy a 3D printer. DH says no!! I will confront my neighbor with the cost of materials. Some people are just greedy!!!

 

[JackandJanet]

Well, maybe - but if you charge for something, the customer expects followup advice and help if needed, and, if things go pear-shaped, they expect you to make good on their purchase. It can become quite a hassle and is something I'm not interested in pursuing. He may just be trying to cover some future problems.

3D printers are kinda fun. I've printed a ton of drawer organizers, using the "Gridfinity" system. And, I've printed a phone holder for my truck, since I want to monitor tire pressures in my trailer on the phone. I improved a console tray in the truck too, with 3D prints. I've printed some other useful things as well.

- Jack

 

[garyk52]

Jack, what for printer do you have and where did you buy it? Being retired and thinking about trying 3d printing.

 

[sam-HILO]

3D Printing Guide Blocks

It would be nice if someone on the forum could print out the guide blocks. A nice little side business. I know my neighbor has one 3D printer. He bought another upgraded one. Something over $1,000.

 

[JackandJanet]

Gary, I have the Flashforge 5M = you can see it on this page: https://flashforge.com/collections/3d-printers The first one. I see it's selling for $299 now, which is what I think I paid for it. It's an "open" design, but you can 3D print the enclosure framework, which I did, and then add plexiglass panels to finish the enclosure. I also added an LED light strip around the top, which I just taped into place and it makes using the printer much more enjoyable.

I'm sure there are better ones available, but for the price, I'm extremely happy with this one.

- Jack

 

[garyk52]

Thanks for the info Jack

 

[Paul Van]

Why is 3D printing the only option? Why cant someone machine solid nylon into the right shape and size? I have a milling machine. I'm sure it wouldnt take me three hours.

 

[garyk52]

Why is 3D printing the only option? Why cant someone machine solid nylon into the right shape and size? I have a milling machine. I'm sure it wouldnt take me three hours.

I was thinking the same thing. How about something like a 1/2 inch hdpe kitchen cutting board, cut with a scroll saw or a jig saw or even a small router like a dremel router.

 

[JackandJanet]

Paul and Gary - You are both absolutely right. There is nothing particularly complicated about the shape of the guide blocks. I suspect I could "hand" make one using a miter saw and a Dremel tool. And, HDPE would probably be a good material to use However, the 3D printer method is much easier, I think.

- Jack