Pruning hook

Pruning hooks are usually used to cut branches down from trees, but in Ghana pruning hooks are used to cut down cocoa pods from tall trees. The pruning hook saves time so the farmers do not have to climb the trees with machetes. This 3D printed pruning hook is meant to be attached to the end of a long wooden pole. That means the length of the pruning hook can change by switching out the attachment with different sized poles.

Bill of Materials[edit | edit source]

1. (15 grams) Filament
2. (2) Stanley Heavy Duty Utility Blades (50 for $9.58) http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0006HVTSO?keywords=heavy%20duty%20razor%20blades&qid=1449560989&ref_=sr_1_2&sr=8-2
3. (4) 3MM nuts and bolts
4. (2) 6MM wood screws

The STL file for the part and openSCAD file can be found here:

• File:Pruning hook.scad
• File:Pruning hook.stl

Original File which was referenced

• File:OSAT2.scad

Tools needed[edit | edit source]

MOST Delta RepRap or similar RepRap 3-D printer

Skills and knowledge needed[edit | edit source]

• Knowledge of OpenSCAD
• Tolerancing

Technical Specifications and Assembly Instructions[edit | edit source]

1. Download the STL file from above (Bill of Materials, pruning-hook.stl)
2. Convert the STL to a gcode file using Cura
3. Upload the gcode file to Repetier Server and print the part (depending on the settings in Cura the print should take about an hour)
4. Once the part has finished parting remove it from the bed
5. Take two razor blades and insert them into the two slots lining them up with the 3MM holes
6. Use the 3MM bolts and nuts to secure the razor blades in place (if necessary ream out the holes with a 3MM drill bit)
7. Laslty attach the pruning hook end to the end of any wooden pole with the 6MM wood screws

Common Problems and Solutions[edit | edit source]

• Be careful when inserting the sharp razor blades
• The fit between the slot and the blades is very tight you may need to use an X-acto knife to clean it up before inserting the razor blades

Cost savings[edit | edit source]

• Estimated cost: $1.16 ($0.43 filament, $0.40 razor blades, $0.32 nuts and bolts)
• Commercial Equivalent: $45

http://www.amazon.com/COUNCIL-640C-Ditch-Bank-Blade/dp/B00002NBQ8/ref=pd_sim_sbs_86_1?ie=UTF8&dpID=31F95Y39VVL&dpSrc=sims&preST=_AC_UL160_SR95%2C160_&refRID=07D98TPNA7AN6508XE6Q

• Estimated cost savings: $43.84

==References==^[1][2]