The best thing about owning a laser is the idiotic comments you hear - like "Oh those - you just press a button and it just does it for you " - "its so easy with one of those" and queries like "why cant you you just cut this for me - Ive shown you the picture".
None of them understand the basic hard work that goes into design & drawing of items. One of the problems here in SA is that many laser owners cant do the basics and draw their own bits & pieces , but rely on bought patterns available to all.
I drew up patterns for a post WW2 Willys Jeep and a Series One SWB Land-Rover. They each took the better part of a month to do and required at least 3 prototypes before getting the design right. (They both have detailed chassis, suspension, including shocks, control pedals & levers, lifting lugs etc.) A slightly more simple model of a Suzuki 410 Jeep took about 3 weeks to produce - (Gansbaai calls itself the "Suzuki Capital of the World" as everyone and his dog seems to own one.........)
Since then have produced on and off road trailers , and a Tiger Moth to my own design also time consuming and many prototypes.
We purchased patterns for a Land-Rover Defender, Vintage Motor Cycle, Pitts Special and a simple helicopter. All of those required extensive reworking before use - showing that a lot of patterns sold have never been tested by producing a sample.............
We now make a point of charging R 150 in advance for a redraw to suit the Laser (about 10gbp ) plus cutting time per minute/material cost - unless its for a multiple item order - and depending on value........... That puts an end to a lot of queries as its "too expensive" but are we supposed spend two hours and costly laser time which earns us less than minimum wage ?
We do some freebies for friends from time to time - but not complex stuff which we would have to charge a discounted price for.........
I have produced boat kits/nameplates etc at no charge for a few fellow modellers - most of whom supplied the material..........
We are hoping to purchase a 3d printer this year - but it, material and the drawing software required are expensive here. We would try to keep our charges reasonable as it will be used for business purposes - and I suppose the inevitable few freebies to friends..........

You have to be careful not to mention you have a 3d printer. Before you know it all the club members say, hey you've got a 3d printer haven't you? Can you just design and print me this one part? Before you know it that's all you're doing 🤣

One of the members of the club I belong to has been building a boat using laser cutting the wood frames and then 3d printing of parts everything seemed to turn out well he says .
Rick

Hi redmpg. Sent u an PM with his contact details.

I have been using PLA for creating details for a RC Colony Class cruiser. Using Fusion 360 (3D Cad) to design parts then printing with Flashforge 3D printer. Works great and parts are lightweight.

Redmpg, I have obtained 3d printed bits to my specs from a club member in Pretoria. I will find his address and adv. Standby.
Regards

I've done an Rg65 hull in PLA+ that uses the Dragonforce 65 keel, rudder, mast and sails. Still in the process of rigging it. Tried a football size in PLA but it wasn't strong enough. I made the walls way too thin. It was like a coke bottle. I've also printed little figures for one of the guys at our club. IF you can get hold of the files for things you want to make it's a lot cheaper than buying them. A new DF65 hull is about £60 whereas my printed one used about £10 of filament.