3D Printer to the Rescue: Traveler Bearing Loader

October 10, 2021

Our traveler hadn’t been touched other than oil in the 23 years we’ve owned our boat, Legacy. It was getting really hard to use. Time for a rebuild (past time, I’m sure). But how to get the plastic bearings into the four tracks? Enter our 3D printer.

I drew this in Fusion 360. It’s free for hobbyists but a little hard to find the free offer on their website.

I printed it with our Cetus 3D MK II printer. Even the new MK III version of this printer is only about $300 US and it’s small enough that we can store it in a bin in our v-berth (read: garage).

In this video, I show some of the stuff we’ve printed for Legacy. If your wondering, here’s what you’re looking at in order…

Coffee Dispenser for Stovetop Espresso Maker
Jerry Jug Cap
Spinnaker Pole Mount
Aircon/heater Eyeball Vent
Spacer for Head Panel
Coffee Dispenser for Filter Coffee Maker
Watermaker Control Panel
Heater/Aircon Control Panel
Dual Phone Charger
Single Switch Panel
Electric (Motorized) Watermaker Valve

I’m sure, in total, I’ve printed three dozen useful things for our boat and a handful of things or our friends and neighbors. I bought this with a specific project in mind but I use it so much more than I would have guessed. For me, this is essential cruising equipment (and a lot of fun)! -Rich

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