Hi! I am an engineer by trade and love anything electronic! I fly large scale RC helis and planes… but 3D printing is a new area for me. Would like to make some smaller models for my training classes I teach for kids. Any recommendations on where to start with all this? I will have access to CAD, 3D printers, laser cutters ETC… just need to know how to get started! Thanks in advance!- Vern HD
Well the laser cutter is going to be super useful for cutting plane templates out. I usually use inkscape or Adobe illustrator to do dxf files which can be cut I a laser cutter. If you use a cad program, you could probably assemble the pieces of the plane then export then correctly. At least, I know you can in solidworks, not sure about other programs. Where you start is up to you but I’d really get used to the tools you’re using and understand their limitations before you start designing.
There are so many great diy projects on G+ …
I’m a little bit involved in #QuadRap-3D-Printer
Started by Shauki B(agdadi) a great inventor !!!
Just look for a project you like!
Ther are actually some great open-source designs
So you would be able to build a lot parts yourself.
But you will also need some parts like stepper motors, a controller-board and the motor drivers, a power supply, and the belts and pulleys as the bearings and linear guides.
I would recommend to you to have a look at the ultimaker original or the printrbot simple design. Both open source, so you will get all files for the parts you could produce yourself.
Both are able to build from plywood so this would be my suggestion to you.
The parts you need to buy are like everywhere, most stepper motors didn’t differ that much. But don’t safe on your hot-end, get a E3D V6 or something that is widely recommended.
The BOM LIsts of the printer i told will help you to find what you need.
http://printrbot.com/2013/08/01/printrbot-simple-files-are-available-non-commercial/
I do like my printrbot simple, cheap, easy to build, and just works.