Back to forums

3D printed spider vane help

Sky-Watcher Explorer 250PDS 3D Printing DIY
12 replies•301 views
Aister avatar
Aister avatar
Hi, I've recently discovered I have the possibility of making my telescope better with a friend's 3D printer. Unfortunately I'm not accustomed at all to 3D softwares. I managed to find a few models that, even if they technically don't fit my telescope, just need to be scaled, not a big deal. The only problem I encountered is the recessed substitute spider vane which is probably the most important piece I wanna print. I found a 150 and a 130 model but no 250. I found the dimentions I needed and all but considering I don't wanna make a bad model from scratch I thought I could modify the original ones I found to get to a good result. The only issue is that I can't just change it's diameter to 285mm or something and keep everything else the same since it scales with it. I found a CNC made one dedicated to my telescope but it's 260, very expensive. Do you have any input or advice for me? Thanks smile
Jens avatar
Jens avatar
My advice would be: download the free Fusion 360 software, and try to learn the basics with that. it's really not that difficult, once you understand the intended workflow with CAD softwares. just go step by step and you'll be able to model pretty much everything you need for your telescope.

I bought myself a large 420x420mm 3D printer to print whole parts like the spider in one go for my 8" newt, it has allowed me to do so much with it, although there is a bit of a learning curve to it. But assuming you're interested in technical stuff, you'll be fine. 

learning CAD It's also a great skill to have for other things too so I would recommend you to definetly give it a go.

https://www.autodesk.com/products/fusion-360/personal
Helpful Engaging Supportive
Aister avatar
Aister avatar
Hi! Thank you. I actually already have it on my computer, but I can't import the stl file it seems like. I tried using blender but I got confused for non basic things like adding a cilinder etc. In my specific scenario, what's the best thing to learn right away to modify my original model?
Roberto avatar
Roberto avatar
Hi Michele, 
I have the same telescope, and I found the 3D spider in glass fiber on internet, made by a person, if you want I can share with you the contact
Cheers and clear skies
Roberto

Jens avatar
Jens avatar
Aister:
Hi! Thank you. I actually already have it on my computer, but I can't import the stl file it seems like. I tried using blender but I got confused for non basic things like adding a cilinder etc. In my specific scenario, what's the best thing to learn right away to modify my original model?

I would start with making your own model, basically staring out with a cylinder, extruding it to the height of the spider and then creating sketches with different shapes to subtract from the basic shape.
You can also make holes where you need them. That way you can make it as you like it. once you understood the basic concept of the CAD softwares, you can basically create anything you want. just go step by step.
Aister avatar
Aister avatar
Roberto:
Hi Michele, 
I have the same telescope, and I found the 3D spider in glass fiber on internet, made by a person, if you want I can share with you the contact
Cheers and clear skies
Roberto


*Thank you for commenting, yes, it would be interesting. Pm me with the link
Roberto avatar
Roberto avatar
look for Umberto Mileto 3D telescopio on Facebook
Roberto avatar
Roberto avatar
this is the Astrosell link to Umberto Mileto, I hope will help https://www.astrosell.it/profilo_utente.php?Id=23358
Tony Gondola avatar
Tony Gondola avatar
If you don't want to have to spend too much time leaning how to 3D model you might try TinkerCAD. 

https://www.tinkercad.com/
Bill McLaughlin avatar
Bill McLaughlin avatar
There are a bunch of decent tutorials on YouTube to get one started on Fusion. It took me maybe about 10-20 hours with one of those courses to feel good about making parts.

You should have a printer that can handle materials that are stronger and heat resistant (think scope in the sun for an hour) such as Nylon. I tend to make my parts out of PAHT-CF since it is strong and stable and heat tolerant. Those are generally enclosed machines as opposed to open bed. In my case I use a Bambu X-1 Carbon but there are many others.
Helpful
Harlan King avatar
Harlan King avatar
Very interested, I have a 3d printer and a 150 PDS. 

What is it that makes the original bad?
John Hayes avatar
John Hayes avatar
Making some of the support structure from 3D printed parts would probably work fine; however, 3D printing is the wrong approach for making spider vanes.  Those should be laser cut from sheet metal.  My favorite laser cutting service is www.sendcutsend.com.   They are quick, they do an outstanding job, and their prices are reasonable.

John
Well Written Concise
Jens avatar
Jens avatar
why is it the wrong approach? can you elaborate on that?