3D Printing and RVing

[boomer]

By the way I use an amazon smart plug with my Alexa setup so I can turn the printer/pi on/off through Alexa.

Side not - love those plugs...

 

[Joe Hogan]

Got a free version of Fusion 360 the other day. Amazing software! Whipped up a couple brackets for a project within an hour. Used YT videos by Lars for instructions.
Software is powerful and relatively easy to use, even for a novice. The trick is to translate the brackets to the real world? in any event fun stuff. A 3D printer is not in my future as of yet. These brackets will live in the engine compartment so not sure if a sintered metal or heavy heat resistant nylon would be the material of choice. First round, would be a prototype material for fitting and final dimension check.
Following this thread has been very informative. Thanks!

 

[BuckyII]

@JoeHogan welcome to the club! You’ll be amazed at all the “stuff“ you are able design/create. And, as you have already observed, it’s fun. I’ve spent many hours with Lars...he’s good.

 

[Neal]

Fusion 360 is free for non commercial (aka personal) use. Now I need to find time to watch all of Lars's videos! I really want to learn this monster!

 

[Joe Hogan]

very cool software!!

 

[Joe Hogan]

Here is another very useful 3d printing project, especially for those that like to tinker with Raspberry Pie IC boards.

 

[Joe Hogan]

And another very useful item that can be printed on a 3D printer. Wonder why I don't have one of these 3d printers...??

 

[Neal]

You can print winterization fittings for RV's too, I did a few some time ago.

Air Compressor to Garden Hose for RV Winterization by Zburns

I created this to blow out our RV water lines for the winter. I used to use the pink antifreeze, but now just use this and hookup to a 2 gallon portable air compressor using standard quick connect fittings. Works great and saves from having to purchase the pink stuff.

www.thingiverse.com

 

[Joe Hogan]

More entertainment with Fusion 360. Bracket is becoming closer to reality.

 

[BGMAC]

Nice Joe!!!. I downloaded Fusion 360. Where can I get some good beginner starter lessons?

 

[Joe Hogan]

Youtube has a few good Vloggers. Autodesk, the manufacturer of the software, on Youtube is a good source as well as Product Design Online and Lars Christensen, also on Youtube. The one thing to watch is the date of the Video. The software has been substantially updated recently so the command structure is slightly different in some older videos.

 

[Neal]

Here are a few links I suggest. First two are great if you have questions for the experts, I'm barely good enough to do what I need. The 3rd is a YouTube series I highly recommend.

Fusion Forums - Autodesk Community

Autodesk Fusion (formerly Fusion 360) Forums

forums.autodesk.com

Log in to Facebook

Log in to Facebook to start sharing and connecting with your friends, family and people you know.

www.facebook.com

The #LarsLive With Fusion 360

Enjoy the videos and music you love, upload original content, and share it all with friends, family, and the world on YouTube.

www.youtube.com

 

[Jabber Jaw]

JOE HOGAN:
Are you gonna use that new printer to make the hood brackets we had spoken about on Facebook?
Enjoy your new toy!

 

[Joe Hogan]

I've sent the prototype Fusion 360 drawings of the brackets for the front hood struts to a commercial 3D print shop. The first set will probably be printed in ABS or something inexpensive for fitting, then on to a more print a more durable material for the final brackets. Hopefully I do not have to many adjustments .

 

[RandyB]

Here's something to ponder, fellow CAD RVFers. I want to print (someday) an adapter. Garmin ball size (17mm) on one end and a 1 inch Ram ball on the other. Having spheres on each end, supporting it on the table is problematic. So, instead of trying to print it as one piece with supports being an issue, why not split the 1 inch ball into hemispheres, then the equator can be on the table providing a stable base for the print? Then the final assembly would be to glue the 2 hemispheres together. Critique, comments, suggestions?

 

[Neal]

To keep it pretty gluing it may be best. It is not uncommon to 3D print things that are not in contact with the bed and that is where supports come in which you break away after printing. You can try either way, you can always sand and paint your finished product too if the supports leave too much of a mess. A heat gun also comes in handy to melt off stringing.

I have a small one for hobby work and a larger one I used on solar work, both would do the trick.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B006Z9LUDG/?tag=rvf01-20

​

 

[Joe Hogan]

Or for $3.99 RAM® Snap-Link™ Short Ball Adapter for Garmin

 

[Neal]

There are plenty of RAM parts and balls on thingiverse.com. Sometimes I cheat (use an existing design), sometimes I force myself to design and print my own or you won't learn

Search Thingiverse - Thingiverse

Search and download free 3D printable objects for your projects, from prototypes to home improvements.

www.thingiverse.com

 

[RandyB]

Or for $3.99 RAM® Snap-Link™ Short Ball Adapter for Garmin

I knew I should have already mentioned that I know about these. In my defense, why would I want to pay $3.99 for something I can spend a thousand dollars and dozens of hours learning a new software and add to it all the frustrations involved for an old man to learn a new trick? Sheesh LOL Plus, the Ram snap-link is 3/4" and I need 1".

And thingiverse too

 

[BuckyII]

I knew I should have already mentioned that I know about these. In my defense, why would I want to pay $3.99 for something I can spend a thousand dollars and dozens of hours learning a new software and add to it all the frustrations involved for an old man to learn a new trick? Sheesh LOL Plus, the Ram snap-link is 3/4" and I need 1".

@RandyB , I like the way you think. I guess one needs to be immersed in Fusion360 and 3D printing to appreciate it (or maybe just old).