Anyone got tips, advice, or suggestions?

[LoneStarFlyer]

Hey there. I'm pretty new to the hobby and am looking to make my own plane now that I have a 3d printer. I'm looking for any tips on what electronics to use, brands to avoid, or whatever else could be helpful in getting this hobby off the ground for me.

 

[Inq]

I got back into it because my Printer came with a model of the Spitfire. But honestly, if you're learning to fly, go to Dollar Tree and get some foam board and make one of the trainers. Crashing a 3D Plastic plane is the end of the day and quite discouraging. Crashing foam and paper and using duct tape and flying in 15 minutes has its advantages. If you are on the cheap, like me... $3 in foam board, $50 radio TX/RX, $30 for servos/motor/ESC/Propellers, $20 for batteries, $25 for charger, and you're ready to fly. If you crack-up (and lucky) the only thing you've destroyed is $3 in foam board. Build a different trainer.

 

[LoneStarFlyer]

Thanks for the advice! I ended up getting the 3d printer a few months back and only recently decided to try printing out planes; I took a few looks into aerospace engineering and design and thought it was a really cool field and that this would be an easy way to tip my toes in.

 

[Inq]

Oh... and if you insist on adding plastic fertilizer to the airfield, here a free model...

https://3dlabprint.com/shop/piperj3cub/

... and where I built and crashed it...

https://forum.flitetest.com/index.php?threads/cub-training-j-3.71041/

...and now am flying, fixing and re-flying a Flite Test Storch as my trainer. A lot better trainer than the plastic J3 Cub.

https://forum.flitetest.com/index.php?threads/what-did-you-crash-today.23426/page-83#post-735560

... and now 3D Printing to it to make it look a little better.

https://forum.flitetest.com/index.php?threads/inqd-turbo-storch.71382/

 

[LoneStarFlyer]

Until I have a general grasp on flying and designing models, I only plan to fly at home. As far as I'm aware, there is nothing restricting me from doing this.

 

[Merv]

...or whatever else could be helpful in getting this hobby off the ground for me.

Welcome to the forums. Nothing wrong with flying at home, if you have the room.
But it’s far more fun to fly with a group. If you have a flying club nearby, I would encourage you to join it.

 

[Inq]

Until I have a general grasp on flying and designing models, I only plan to fly at home. As far as I'm aware, there is nothing restricting me from doing this.

I would second @Merv 's words. I thought I had to learn by myself and I cracked up several at my house before I looked up the AMA. Many clubs have certified instructors. This local one did and trained me using his Carbon Cub. As it was on a buddy system, there was no chance for failure. He had me flying patterns the first day and on the second day he had me doing takes-offs and landings. He basically cut me loose after that. Besides getting to know a group of guys with a similar interest is great! Just get on the AMA site and do a search in your zip code... assuming your in Texas, USA

 

[b-29er]

I'm not sure where you are in terms of flying experience, but i've not seen anything to show that 3d printed planes are overly durable...if you don't have flying experience, you may wanna start with something like an FT kit or an EFlite Apprentice.

 

[Inq]

i've not seen anything to show that 3d printed planes are overly durable

@LoneStarFlyer,
I have first hand experience that they are NOT as durable... that's why I backed up and now flying foam-board designs. Get flying under your belt with something you don't mind trashing and then start designing and building your own designs with the 3D printer. There is good reason that test-pilots of new planes are not beginners - Life Expectancy!