InterchangeableGardenTools Assembly.JPG

Update to Changeable Garden Tool Heads. A few students from previous classes created smart and creative tools that could be used anywhere in the world for many different applications. I took it upon myself to create a universal, ergonomic handle, and update two tools to interchange easily with my handle. I also uploaded a file used to create more tools that would fit with the handle, if anyone would like to add to the attachments.

Bill of Materials[edit | edit source]

  1. Handle
  2. Pin
  3. Pruning Hook
    1. (2) Stanley Heavy Duty Utility Blades (10 for $6.14)
    2. (4) 3MM nuts and bolts
  4. Cultivator Rake

Source File

File:InterchangeableGardenTools.fcstd

YouMagine Entry

STLs on Github Repository

Tools needed[edit | edit source]

  • MOST Delta RepRap or similar RepRap 3-D printer
  • Philips Screwdriver
  • Pliers to Tighten Nuts
  • Sandpaper for minor sanding to ensure perfect fits into handle

Skills and knowledge needed[edit | edit source]

  • Slicing Software such as Cura
  • Open Source CAD software such as FreeCAD

Technical Specifications and Assembly Instructions[edit | edit source]

The following are the setting I used to print each piece. These may not be the optimal settings, but the final pieces work well

Handle - 32g filament - 2.5 hours to print

  • Infill: 10%
  • Layer Height: 0.2 mm
  • Shell Thickness: 1.5 mm
  • Bottom and Top Thickness: 1.5 mm

Pin - 2g filament - 15 minutes to print

  • Infill: 10%
  • Layer Height: 0.2 mm
  • Shell Thickness: 1 mm
  • Bottom and Top Thickness: 1 mm

Pruning Hook - Based off Hannah Power's Pruning hook - 29g filament - 2 hours to print

  • Infill: 50%
  • Layer Height: 0.2 mm
  • Shell Thickness: 1.5 mm
  • Bottom and Top Thickness: 1.5 mm

Cultivator Rake - Based off Matthew Andres' Hand cultivator - 66g filament - 5 hours to print

  • Infill: 50%
  • Layer Height: 0.2 mm
  • Shell Thickness: 1.5 mm
  • Bottom and Top Thickness: 1.5 mm

Common Problems and Solutions[edit | edit source]

I had an issue with parts pealing off the bed, especially the cultivator head. I printed it again with a brim and no issue

Cost savings[edit | edit source]

  • $3.25 in PLA filament
  • $1.50 in nuts and bolts from hardware store
  • $1.23 for 2 utility blades [1]

$4.63 Total

Commercial Equivalent

  • Pruning Knife - $15.74 [2]
  • Cultivator Rake - $10.71 [3]

$26.45 Total Savings = $21.82 = 82%

Discussion[View | Edit]

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