So I just saw this topic of RC related items. I use my printer for making some parts for my rc planes, such as servo horns, engine mounts, servo connector keepers and such. But I mainly use it to make small mounts and parts for old Cox .049 engines that have not been available for quite some time now. It sure has been a learning experience so far.
Now I just have to wait for the weather to start cooperating, springtime, so I can see for myself whether or not PLA will hold up against nitro glow fuel, or do I have to switch to PETG for my RC prints.
I have never really done any RC plane things (not counting the cheapie helicopters) but I have piloted big kites for a really long time (15 years). I am super interested in how you make out with this.
I have watched others try to print air foils. I have often wondered if anyone has tried to print structure and use cloth covering over?
Is this only practical on larger planes? I’m just curious.
So here is what I have printed for my stuff so far. A couple control horns, many servo connector keepers of various types, a couple engine mounts and adapters, propeller thrust washer, starter cams and a couple wing and tail alignment jigs. White and black parts are PLA, and the yellow is PETG.
The bottom picture, I did not clean the strings off from the adhesion base before taking the picture as it was more important for the test fit before finishing as I went through a few till I got them to fit.
I’ve flown RC for about 30 years. Along with the usual control horns and things when I need a replacement, I printed a mount for a self-leveling camera mount for one of my quadcopters. For that same copter, I printed a little “billboard” with my name & phone number. I printed it in white with a raised border and raised lettering. Then I painted inside the box with black acrylic and flat sanded it until all the white was revealed.
Looks pretty good. I have to redo it now with my MAAC and license numbers.
That plane looks great. Were you planning on attempting to fly it as it appears, or were you planning on painting it up first? But as was mentioned earlier. It is not a beginners plane, so may not last that long. Don’t get too attached to it.
I have been building and flying for about 60 years. Nice plane. But if you are going to learn to fl you will need a trainer plane. The one you printed may be too fast and manuverable for you. TC just changed the law for RC. Now you have to get a licence from them. Plus have all the manuals and doa flight log. I just finished the fuse on my first one and it started to split. But it looks good for a ZERO FIGHTER. Tom
