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
- Handle
- Pin
- Pruning Hook
- (2) Stanley Heavy Duty Utility Blades (10 for $6.14)
- (4) 3MM nuts and bolts
- Cultivator Rake
Source File
File:InterchangeableGardenTools.fcstd
Tools needed
- 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
- Slicing Software such as Cura
- Open Source CAD software such as FreeCAD
Technical Specifications and Assembly Instructions
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
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
- $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
$26.45 Total Savings = $21.82 = 82%