MacGregorSailors.com

As I stated earlier, at 74 I’m not yet ready for assistance, but I can’t deny the elegance that mod.

stickinthemud57, well done, and thanks for being a conscientious board member

Thanks for the attaboys, boys. Herschel, I'm glad everything fits!

For those considering getting into 3D printing, beware. If you are inclined to go down the rabbit hole when it comes to projects, this is an enabling device. I mean, for Pete's sake, as I write this I am printing a snap-on lid for an odd-sized can of tomato paste. It's a great tool, but also a great time-expender!

Stickinthemud57 wrote: ↑Tue Feb 20, 2024 4:40 pm For those considering getting into 3D printing, beware. If you are inclined to go down the rabbit hole when it comes to projects, this is an enabling device. I mean, for Pete's sake, as I write this I am printing a snap-on lid for an odd-sized can of tomato paste. It's a great tool, but also a great time-expender!

True enough. I used to teach 3D design & printing, and have a little Prusa printer here at home. I also end up making tons of stuff for my home, boats and cars.

I made these “pucks” to hold up the bonnet on my 1952 MG (the cars never came with bonnet props), and when I showed them on Facebook, I instantly had requests to make and sell them. After dozens of orders from all over the world, I’ve now entirely paid for my printer and all my supplies… two-times over!





I also designed and made these cup-holder covers for my Tahoe 550 ski boat… the two rear cup holders aren’t covered by the mooring covers, so these prevent them filling with rainwater.

Those "pucks" are sharp. I didn't know it was possible to have multiple colors in 3d printing.

I guess I have some learning to do before asking Santa for a printer.

Well, since kmclemore has effectively hijacked the thread (nice work, by the way), I'm sure Herschel will not mind if I pile on with this - Functional and practical wine glass and drink holders:





Both mount over a small screw, so it's easy to remove them when they need to be out of the way. I design a z-shaped mounting slot so they don't come off accidently when removing drinks. I'm in the process of setting up an Etsy store for my cymbal-based light fixtures, and will probably offer these there as well.

Russ wrote: ↑Wed Feb 21, 2024 5:15 am Those "pucks" are sharp. I didn't know it was possible to have multiple colors in 3d printing.

I guess I have some learning to do before asking Santa for a printer.

Yes, there are several ways a 3D printer can print multiple colors. One is by swapping out the filament after you have paused the machine. Others have multiple filament spools, and I have even seen one that apparently infuses ink into the filament as it prints.

There are 3-color printers out there for $200. If I decide to get another it will likely be one of those.

stickinthe mud57 remarked:

Well, since kmclemore has effectively hijacked the thread (nice work, by the way), I'm sure Herschel will not mind if I pile on with this - Functional and practical wine glass and drink holders

No, I don't mind at all. I've done my share bending posts in different directions over the years. But, in case anyone is following the original mod, tomorrow I will get underway again and test it WITH stickinthemud57's brackets. 12 knot breezes with 17 knot gusts in the forecast. So, I'll be depending on my stanchion mod for sure. "News at 11"

stickinthemud57's 3-D printed brackets holding up just great. Had a lively 3-hour sail today. Got the inclinometer over to 25 degrees during a fine family sail. Thanks again.

Herschel wrote: ↑Sat Feb 24, 2024 7:10 pm stickinthemud57's 3-D printed brackets holding up just great. Had a lively 3-hour sail today. Got the inclinometer over to 25 degrees during a fine family sail. Thanks again.

Gives me a warm feeling! Thanks for sharing the photos.

Would it be possible to get those files? I have access to a 3d printer and that could work on our Mac nicely.

n3nowham wrote: ↑Sat Apr 13, 2024 1:24 pm Would it be possible to get those files? I have access to a 3d printer and that could work on our Mac nicely.

You bet. For all interested, I could email you the STL files or the f3D file if you are working in Fusion 360. @n3nowham - I will PM you so we can exchange info.

Well, the old geezer is still kicking...or sailing that is! I liked the one stanchion extender so much I added a second on the starboard side. The admiral kindly assists with the presentation. You might remember that these are folding aluminum canes that have collapsing handles so the boom clears them for sailing.

Nice work.

They make for a good "handle". I often use the dodger as a "handle" when going forward. I wish there was an actual handle on the dodger.

Hi Herschel!

You guys give us inspiration!
Keep at it!

Best Regards,
Over Easy

Russ wrote: ↑Mon Feb 17, 2025 5:50 am Nice work.

They make for a good "handle". I often use the dodger as a "handle" when going forward. I wish there was an actual handle on the dodger.

This got me thinking. I, too, have used the dodger, the Bimini, and/or the boom as "handrails/handles" going up and down from the cabin top. But I have "insisted" on thinking of this step down as a stair step and done it facing aft. What if I thought of it as a ladder step and turned and faced forward? Stepping down and backwards. I just got my boat waxed so all the surfaces are a tad slippery at best. I'm going to experiment with a forward facing decent. At a combined crew total age of 158 years, that seems prudent! Report to follow in a week or two.