This page holds information, files, and links to series of projects designed to be easily created on a wide variety of 3D printers. They:
- are compatible for a build envelope of 6x6x6 inches or less
- are suitable for printing in PLA
- require few or no supports, with a stable base and orientation
- require non-3D printed parts that are commonly available, if any.
All projects on this page are posted to public repositories for reproduction under a creative commons non-commercial license.
Self Watering Planter
This is a self-watering (aka bottom irrigation) planter. It can easily be scaled to fit your space and plant, although 50% is probably the realistic minimum size. The full size version works well on a window sill.
This is three-piece print is designed to print well on any 3d printer without supports. If you have it, it is a good idea to use a second color for the float to make it more visible.
Once it’s printed:
- insert some short lengths of synthetic cord through the holes on the top piece to wick up water from the bottom piece. I used synthetic clothes line. The lines should be long enough to rest on the bottom when the pieces are stacked. Knot the lines at the top of each hole.
- Fill the top piece with your potting mix and plant. Stack it on the bottom piece and water the potting mix from the top piece until it is fully saturated. Complete filling the bottom piece from its fill spout. Leave a few millimeters unfilled.
- Put the float on top of the water in the fill spout. Once the float sinks to the bottom it is time to pull the float out and rewater through the fill spout.
Printed full size and with 5 wicks this planter will keep potting soil fully moist for about a week before refilling.
STL files for 3D printing are available on Thingiverse.
Tooth brush Stand
Most people use the traditional coffee mug to hold their tooth brushes. The problem with that is water and tooth paste run down the handle and collect in the bottom, resulting in a nasty mess and mildew in the bottom of the mug. In addition it is unpalatable to add a razor with stubble into that mix.
The stand I have designed overcomes those problems by storing items horizontally and separated from each other. The brushes can dry in open air and don’t touch your razor. This stand holds three items and doesn’t take up too much space. It should be an easy print for anyone. You may get a few flaws at the very thin edges at the top of the holder, but it wont affect function and these can easily be sanded away, if you like. If you really want to go nuts you can order one in real porcelain from Shapeways for about $40.
The 3D print file is available on Thingiverse.
The original was done in Tinkercad and is available in their gallery in editable form in case you want to add more towers.
Desk Organizer
Like the tooth brush stand, this is another coffee mug replacement–this time for pens. However it has considerably more functionality. In addition to holding a moderate number of pens in the oval container at the back, it features a large reclined rest for smartphones, slots for business cards or note cards, and slots to retain charging cords so they don’t fall off your desk.
The phone cradle with accept a very wide range of phones, up to about 14mm thick and pretty much any length and width. The reclining angle has been designed to provide a good viewing angle at a desk for Facetiming or watching videos. The cord keepers will accept thick cords up to 4mm in diameter.
Because of it’s large base, moderate height, and lack of overhangs, this should be a very easy print job. Printed in PLA with a 25% fill this is a pretty light piece. However once filled with pens and other gear it is heavy enough to not slide around on a desk too much. If you would like additional grip you could glue something grippy to the bottom.
The file for 3D printing is available on Thingiverse.
The original was created in 123D Design and the master file is in their gallery.
Robot Wheel
While this can be printed in PLA, it will work much better if printed in a flexible filament like TPU.
It is a replacement wheel (about 70mm in diameter) for the ubiquitous yellow cheap robotic gear motor / wheel combo that everyone is using for small robot projects these days. It prints well with the flat side down to the print bed, requiring no supports.
Designed in Fusion 360, the stl file can be found on Thingiverse. A short video of the wheel in action is on YouTube.
