Nothing worse than a physicist stupefied by the obvious

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  • redboat219
    Admiral

    • Dec 2008
    • 3534

    #1

    Nothing worse than a physicist stupefied by the obvious

    Quote from Macgyver "Hell Week" episode.

    This popped into my mind after coming across a post on an FB RC sub group.

    The builder has essentially given up, saying it a "disappointment" and "discouraging" because vendors don't stock "oblong shafts" to match his 3D print.
    Click image for larger version  Name:	Screenshot_20260404_091558_Google.jpg Views:	1 Size:	70.3 KB ID:	194377

    a perfect example of a "CAD-induced" crisis. He designed a hole (or used a file) that assumes a specific, non-standard geometry, and now he's treating a simple mechanical interface like it's a proprietary aerospace component.


    This is pretty much a DIY hobby, if the part doesn't exist, you make the part—or better yet, you don't design a hole that requires a unicorn to fill it.

    He did the 90% that requires high-tech hardware and software, then got "stupefied" by the 10% that requires a hammer and a file.


    Last edited by redboat219; 04-03-2026, 09:01 PM.
    Make it simple, make strong, make it work!
  • redboat219
    Admiral

    • Dec 2008
    • 3534

    #2
    Off the shelf fix that doesn't require machining or additional work would be to use K&S brass stock.

    Find a square brass rod or tube of the correct width that fits into the oblong 3D-printed hole perfectly. The flat sides of the square provide a massive mechanical lock against the flat internal walls of the print. No slipping, no "oblong" magic required. The gaps on the sides provide space for RTV or epoxy.
    Make it simple, make strong, make it work!

    Comment

    • He Who Shall Not Be Named
      Moderator

      • Aug 2008
      • 13718

      #3
      Originally posted by redboat219
      Quote from Macgyver "Hell Week" episode.

      This popped into my mind after coming across a post on an FB RC sub group.

      The builder has essentially given up, saying it a "disappointment" and "discouraging" because vendors don't stock "oblong shafts" to match his 3D print.
      Click image for larger version Name:	Screenshot_20260404_091558_Google.jpg Views:	1 Size:	70.3 KB ID:	194377

      a perfect example of a "CAD-induced" crisis. He designed a hole (or used a file) that assumes a specific, non-standard geometry, and now he's treating a simple mechanical interface like it's a proprietary aerospace component.


      This is pretty much a DIY hobby, if the part doesn't exist, you make the part—or better yet, you don't design a hole that requires a unicorn to fill it.

      He did the 90% that requires high-tech hardware and software, then got "stupefied" by the 10% that requires a hammer and a file.

      And that's how you segrigate the hacks from the pro's.
      Who is John Galt?

      Comment

      • Subculture
        Admiral

        • Feb 2009
        • 2532

        #4
        It’s an issue for those who just buy a file and hit go on a printer.

        A bit of basic work with some free software like Fusion 360 and you can have whatever shape and size of orifice he likes in those hydroplanes. Alternatively, a bit of basic benchwork with a file to whittle away at some round stock.

        Comment

        • redboat219
          Admiral

          • Dec 2008
          • 3534

          #5
          Originally posted by Subculture
          It’s an issue for those who just buy a file and hit go on a printer.
          When something does not include the caption "Download file", "PRINT" or "Add to cart" it doesn't exist.
          Make it simple, make strong, make it work!

          Comment

          • Akula54
            Lieutenant, Junior Grade

            • Jul 2011
            • 41

            #6
            Yes, I found it inappropriate for the 3D designer (rcsubs.cz) to complain to the whole world about such a trivial matter.

            I even replied with an obvious solution, which must not have been to his liking since he didn't react at all.
            A file, a brass rod, and the problem was solved...

            On a group frequented by experts and artists in the RC submarine community who all share their work (i.e.solutions), it's pathetic.

            Comment

            • RCSubGuy
              Welcome to my underwater realm!

              • Aug 2009
              • 1994

              #7
              Maybe I'm missing something, but I'd just drill the hole out round.

              Done.

              Comment

              • trout
                Admiral

                • Jul 2011
                • 3681

                #8
                This thread is what David has complained about for many years about the type of person using a 3d printer, While it is true the answer to us is simple, he is at least building a sub. This gentleman is learning. We all can’t be born with the wisdom to create parts, so this person will either cry in a corner or rise up and start fabricating parts he needs. (Kind of like that scene in 2001 with the apes and monolith)
                If you can cut, drill, saw, hit things and swear a lot, you're well on the way to building a working model sub.

                Comment

                • redboat219
                  Admiral

                  • Dec 2008
                  • 3534

                  #9
                  Just find it strange coming from a guy who claims to have 35 years of RC flying under his belt. Note that he has already finished a giant 3D printed Alfa from Bob.
                  Make it simple, make strong, make it work!

                  Comment

                  • Subculture
                    Admiral

                    • Feb 2009
                    • 2532

                    #10
                    Ah well, worse things happen at sea.

                    He seems to be have been a helicopter fan- they tend to come with everything in the box. Model subs are a bit more like model helicopters back in the 1970's.
                    Last edited by Subculture; 04-08-2026, 04:47 AM.

                    Comment

                    • redboat219
                      Admiral

                      • Dec 2008
                      • 3534

                      #11
                      Most probably a catalogue shopper for the 35 years flying RC.
                      Every precision or specialized part needed came from a vendor. His experience is in sourcing and assembly. If he can't source it, he can't assemble it.

                      With exception to the electronics everything else in RC submarine hobby is pretty much a DIY job.
                      Last edited by redboat219; 04-08-2026, 05:09 AM.
                      Make it simple, make strong, make it work!

                      Comment

                      • TuptubBuilder
                        Lieutenant Commander

                        • Sep 2020
                        • 146

                        #12
                        Not everyone has an epiphany. My occurred watching the late John Dutton’s You Tube Channel (Scratch built with John). I miss his mentoring.

                        Comment

                        • Subculture
                          Admiral

                          • Feb 2009
                          • 2532

                          #13
                          Originally posted by redboat219
                          With exception to the electronics everything else in RC submarine hobby is pretty much a DIY job.
                          At present there is a plentiful supply of cylinders, hulls and full kits if you want. However if you are very specific about the subject and scale of the boat you want to make, then chances are you will have to get your hands dirty.

                          For me that's the appeal of the hobby, for others it may be a frustration.

                          Comment

                          • Fishb0y
                            Lieutenant Commander

                            • Jul 2023
                            • 145

                            #14
                            I appreciate his enthusiasm, but his posts are starting to feel a bit exhausting. I’m a strong supporter of 3D printing as a positive force for the hobby—it helps far more than it hurts. That said, I feel that offering your services to "produce" subs for others, then throwing up his hands in frustration because he cant get a round peg in a square hole is a bit excessive.
                            Now if you'll excuse me, I'm going to go on an overnight drunk, and in 10 days I'm going to set out to find the shark that ate my friend and destroy it. Anyone who wants to tag along is more than welcome.

                            Comment

                            • trout
                              Admiral

                              • Jul 2011
                              • 3681

                              #15
                              Originally posted by Fishb0y
                              I appreciate his enthusiasm, but his posts are starting to feel a bit exhausting. I’m a strong supporter of 3D printing as a positive force for the hobby—it helps far more than it hurts. That said, I feel that offering your services to "produce" subs for others, then throwing up his hands in frustration because he cant get a round peg in a square hole is a bit excessive.
                              Very true. Hopefully he is not selling Bob’s 3D file subs, I thought his licensing is personal use only. Anyway, we can all have an off day, but his did strike me a bit odd. Romel, how is your sub coming along?

                              If you can cut, drill, saw, hit things and swear a lot, you're well on the way to building a working model sub.

                              Comment

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