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    Re: Sextant with 3D printer
    From: Frank Reed
    Date: 2024 May 25, 21:19 -0700

    Does anyone have any thoughts on this, any reply to this question, posted two days ago? Clearly, yes, Jan, I agree that the design of this "3D printed" sextant is similar to a Davis Mk3 plastic sextant. Like a Davis Mk3, it has a simple "sight tube" and a vernier scale for minutes of arc. Would there be any special concerns specific to 3D printing itself that would affect accuracy, either positive or negative? And I'll add a question: what would it cost to "print" one, if we sent the files to a service? And what would the additional components (mirrors? shades?) cost?

    I'll say this, Jan, I want one, at least to experiment with, and I think the total price would be in the right range to compete with the intro-grade Davis sextant. I think I would want it in black plastic to make it look more "serious" :). And that is one interesting advantage of a 3D printed sextant. You can make small tailored, "bespoke" changes, additions, style choices that are simply impossible with an off-the-shelf item, like that Davis sextant.

    Frank Reed

    QUESTION FROM TWO DAYS AGO:
    "Do you think this would work well enough for navigation? Would it be accurate to a minute of angle? I have a Davis Mark 3 sextant, and this printed one looks simiilar except that the frame is an open circle. Jan"

       
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