3D printing an old part


 
One of the problems I am running into is that the rings snap into the wheels perfectly and hold tight, but removing them is an issue. I have yet to take one back off without the tabs snapping off. That may not be an actual problem as there would really be no reason to try and take it off again, but it still bothers me. So I am going to experiment with some other filament to see if that can be resolved while maintaining what I consider to be a near perfect look to the ring. There could be an Etsy store in the future. I've been talking to my slat making buddy about selling all the different parts on one site including slats, handles, and the 3D printed parts that are perfected. We shall see.
 
Good luck with what you are doing, Steve. I have bought various 3D printed inserts from at least two sellers. Looks like you are going to one up any of them! I personally think that a buyer can't expect a 3D part to be removable and reusable, but if you can get past that issue, you will have not just a home run, but a grand slam :coolkettle: .
 
Jon Tofte said:
Good luck with what you are doing, Steve. I have bought various 3D printed inserts from at least two sellers. Looks like you are going to one up any of them! I personally think that a buyer can't expect a 3D part to be removable and reusable, but if you can get past that issue, you will have not just a home run, but a grand slam :coolkettle: .
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I've only seen pictures of what the other guys are selling, but I do think these look better. I agree that you shouldn't expect to remove them without breaking them, but it could also effect how long they hold up on a grill that's sitting outside in the elements. When it warms up here a little I plan on replacing the ones on my outside grill with the latest version that I have to do some product testing. I'm 100% satisfied with the way they look and fit so I think these are almost ready for prime time. The igniter switches that I was working on are ready to go in my opinion as I have had one installed on the grill all summer without issues.
 
Steve Hoch said:
I've only seen pictures of what the other guys are selling, but I do think these look better. I agree that you shouldn't expect to remove them without breaking them, but it could also effect how long they hold up on a grill that's sitting outside in the elements. When it warms up here a little I plan on replacing the ones on my outside grill with the latest version that I have to do some product testing. I'm 100% satisfied with the way they look and fit so I think these are almost ready for prime time. The igniter switches that I was working on are ready to go in my opinion as I have had one installed on the grill all summer without issues.
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Really cool Steve!!
I think Black x000 control knobs would be great also.

I hope everything works out. I'd love to see and I'd probably be a regular customer or at least be excited to have the option if needed.
 
Josh Dekubber said:
Really cool Steve!!
I think Black x000 control knobs would be great also.

I hope everything works out. I'd love to see and I'd probably be a regular customer or at least be excited to have the option if needed.
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I need to swing back around on the knobs, the first attempts were not good. I may have to seek out some engineering help to pull those off. I'm not expecting to really make any money from all this. Like the handles and slats, this stuff is for the few of us that are trying to keep these old grills going and to make them as nice as possible. I'm going to print a wheel insert in red tonight and I'll try and post a picture of it here later.
 
Cody Bratton said:
I like the sound of what you’re saying, Steve!

Out of curiosity how long is the process of printing one insert
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They take about thirteen minutes a piece. There is only room enough in the printer to do one at a time. Edit: I was thinking about something else that I printed only taking 13 min. The wheel inserts are actually closer to 45 min. print time.
 
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Maybe instead of using those little pegs I think that 3D plastic tends to be rather brittle when it cures. Perhaps print them flat (no tabs) and simply install with a little dab of clear RTV? They'd hold perfectly would likely not come out unless "asked" to, and added advantage is in heat where uneven expansion/contraction could dislodge or break the tabs, the "rubber" type RTV would allow some "give" with no cracking or getting misshaped.
 
LMichaels said:
Maybe instead of using those little pegs I think that 3D plastic tends to be rather brittle when it cures. Perhaps print them flat (no tabs) and simply install with a little dab of clear RTV? They'd hold perfectly would likely not come out unless "asked" to, and added advantage is in heat where uneven expansion/contraction could dislodge or break the tabs, the "rubber" type RTV would allow some "give" with no cracking or getting misshaped.
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Not a bad idea, might give that a try.
 
What about a smaller loose fit peg just enough to locate them in the hole in the wheel. It would still need some adhesive. Just another idea to toss on the pile.
 
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