Robert Koenn
Member
- Joined
- May 22, 2025
- Messages
- 9
I have known about 3D printing for a number of years. I have flown model rockets for years, I mean back to the late '60s, and a fellow rocketeer bought a very early printer over 20 years ago. Believe it was costly and bad. I remember him printing a Saturn 1B fin and it looked like an ant staircase. But about 10 years ago I saw on Shapeways some producers offering 3D parts for classic Estes rockets and other rockets. I started buying and building hybrid kits, 3D parts and classic tubes and other parts. Boyce Aero produces great 3D printed model rocket kits and I've built a half dozen of his. I have quite a fleet with many being primarily 3D parts. Obviously the quality and refinement are far superior to my friends early printer. I am also putting together and painting 3D printed figures and models for a client and he has brought some that were very good and others that were a bit rough and/or bland. Personally I have not bought a printer even at the very reasonable prices you can get a good printer for these days. That is mainly I am just shy of 72 and I am trying to reduce my collection of stuff and not create more. Our younger son just bought a nice printer which I will get spend some time with soon and will look at printing some rocket parts and possibly models in the future. Here are some of the rockets that are primarily 3D printed and some of the 3D models I've done for my client. The technology and capabilities are amazing these days but because of this tariff fiasco the printers will probably go up in price.
