Dr Al's 3D Printing Pages

Introduction

I bought a Prusa 3D Printer in November 2021. I'd thought about buying one for several years and had been gradually adding to a list of workshop-related projects that I would do as and when I had one. Eventually the list got long enough and the Black Friday sales were sufficiently tempting that I decided to take the plunge.

A lot of the 3D printable models that can be found on the web are computer game characters or other artistic STLs. For me, the 3D printer is only really interesting as a means to help me do workshop projects. I've found quite a few printed tools online, but most of the things I've printed have been custom-designed to suit a particular task. I won't list everything on the website: many of the 3D printed objects I've made have been very specific to other things that I have or were specific to one task I needed to do in the workshop and hence the models wouldn't be of interest to anyone else. However, some may be of interest to others and so I've shared them here. You can find a few more models on my profile page on printables.com.

Please do let me know if you find these models interesting.

3D Printed Models

• Jigs & Tool Upgrades

  • Introduction: a selection of 3D-printed things to guide tools or improve them.
  • Cordless Power Tool Vacuum Cleaner Starter: automatically start your vacuum cleaner when using a cordless power tool.
  • Bandsaw Throat Inserts: inserts for a bandsaw.
  • Track Saw Waste Side Jigs: track saw jigs for cutting on the waste side.
  • Caliper Radius Gauge: a simple tool to help measuring radii with a digital or vernier caliper.
  • Dovetail Tail and Pin Saw Guides: guides to help cutting both tails and pins.
  • Heat Set Insert Tools: some simple soldering iron tips for fitting heat set inserts.

• Storage

  • Introduction: 3D-printed storage ideas.
  • Hex Key Rack Mk2: 3D printed hex key rack.
  • Tap & Die Storage Box: customised storage for taps and dies.
  • Bit & Drill Drawer Unit: handy storage for drills and screwdriver bits.
  • Miscellaneous Wall Storage: a selection of custom 3d-printed holders for wall-mounting various tools.

• Sharpening Aids

  • Introduction: 3D-printed sharpening aids.
  • Honing Guide Set-up Aid: a simple jig to speed up honing jig setting.
  • Tormek Jigs: some 3D-printed Tormek sharpening jigs.
  • Router Plane Blade Sharpening: a simple jig that makes router plane blade sharpening quick and easy.

• Other 3D-Printed Stuff

  • Introduction: 3D-printed things that don't fit neatly into the other categories.
  • Allen Key Coloured Sleeves: some simple sleeves to help with identification of allen keys.
  • Imperial Drill Stand Surround: a 3D-printed drill stand holder for imperial drill bits.

I am a hobbyist metalworker and woodworker. I work as an electronic design engineer and spend most of my working days in front of a computer so I enjoy having the opportunity to use my hands and make things in my spare time. I particularly enjoy making tools as I can then use them on other projects. This website showcases some of the things I've made.

This website is free and ad-free, but costs me money to run. If you'd like to support this site, please consider making a small donation or sending me a message to let me know what you liked or found useful.

Please do get in touch if you notice any issues on the site or can think of anything that would be a helpful addition or improvement.