After buying a 3D printed sled for mounting an altimeter in a model rocket’s electronics bay, and a 3d printed capsule to hold my LoRa tracker and antenna, I realized that I should get a printer.

I decided on the Prusa after asking asking other people using 3D printers and reading up on it, I also paid extra to have it built (that came well-recommended.)

Now it’s printing a case for my Seven Calendar Cafe project, which, for the past two years has sat on my desk instead of hanging on a wall where its easy to see.

The first real rocketry project will probably be a small sled for mounting the altimeter, and a block for attaching the motor for my 38 mm minimum diameter project, City Pop.

Folks have been printing, and flying entirely 3D printed rockets, but the most popular pattern, especially for low power model rockets (rockets that fly on 1/4 A to D motors,) is a printed fin-can/motor mount and nose cone where you supply a stock cardboard airframe, parachute, and recovery harness.

It’s a great setup for making a bunch of rockets for a group like a classroom, or a bunch of coworkers as part of group outing.

I still have to set up my laser cutter. It’s sitting in a crate in my office and I’m more than a little intimidated by it.

I’m glad I got past the chore of adjusting the nozzle on the 3D printer, having a few spoiled prints, and onto printing useful things. If you have a recommendation for a class on Fusion 360, let me know in a webmention.

If you’re looking for model rocketry projects for your 3D printer, I’ve got two collections:

• One at Prusa’s Printables site
• Another at Thingiverse