Only worth getting a 3D printer if you're going to use it a lot, otherwise it makes the parts very expensive.

Mayhem forum has a section on 3D printing as does RC Groups.

Need some deck fittings. Selec have them but the postage to
Australia is £17 which is the same price as the 3d printed parts .

I’m considering Getting a 3d printer but I know nothing about them . If I do get them are the files downloaded and press print ? Is that how it works?
I can’t seem to find many options online .
Alternatively if someone wants to print them for me I’m happy to pay .
Cheers

I used everyone’s advice to get to this stage today - I went with 3 rails and removed the paint to stick them down . Soaked and steamed some .
Still need to trim the lower ones where they meet in the middle - not sure how I’m going to finish them if I fair them flush with the hull .

These rails are Australian hardwood and were very difficult to work with . My fingers are full of splinters and ca glue but I’m happy 😊

You could well be right Len!

Chris

Chris Just an FYI, I think the rod you are referring to is called brazing rod and not welding rod.

Hi Schmango, the advice from Zooma re attaching spray rails is spot on. Wood becomes easier to work when it is wet, and/or when hot. So dipping in hot water works well, or steaming. Then gently bend the wood and hold it in place, eg. with pins knocked into a baseboard. Don't expect too much ! You can always re-wet or re-steam the wood and bend it into a tighter radius. Ideally the wood should already be shaped to the curve of the boat before you start to glue it on, but you can always apply a little more pressure when actually gluing. You will find that as the wood goes around the tighter curve of the bow it not only needs to be bent into the correct curve, but a twist is required. This is best achieved when wetting or steaming and shaping on the baseboard. Use a small adjustable spanner to hold the wood at the bow end and turn it through 90 degrees. You will have to hold the spanner in that position with a weight or clamp.
Putting on the chine and spray rails was the worst job when making a hull recently. I was jolly pleased when it was all done ! 😉

I'm going to make mine from brass rod and then paint it. I think some folks have used welding rod to make them?

Yes - mine is 33”. I think the rails need to be made from brass so they can be soldered . I tried soldering a coat hanger wire - didn’t work.

These builds are at a scale of 1:12 (that's assuming yours is 33" long as well?) and as I'm a little way off needing them yet I've only had a half-hearted look so far and have forgotten where I looked!

Must make a list and look properly! Any suggestions for suppliers welcome.

Have you had any thoughts on fitting a windscreen and bow rail?

Thanks for this - I think I will take your advice and do 3 to keep it looking cleaner . So far I’ve wasted about 6m of hardwood for the gunwales and chine strips snapping but I’m done now 😊
Side note where is a good place to get all the fittings for the deck ?