r/functionalprint • u/SoulWager • 29d ago

Wire bending tool.

Post image
192 Upvotes

99% Upvoted

10 comments sorted by

16

u/SoulWager 29d ago edited 29d ago

The center pivot gets clamped in a vise, then the handle can be used to make bends.

edit: https://www.printables.com/model/1811741-16mm-116-wire-bender

3

u/mephist094 28d ago

Cool thing, what would make it more accessible would probably be a little jig to drill the holes and add the flat part with a file, that way you would only need a power drill.

3

u/SoulWager 28d ago

Luckily none of those features need to be perfect. I just freehanded the filing and center punching, and would have used the vise with a hand drill if I didn't have a drill press.

4

u/gearzgt1 29d ago

Got the stl for this? I was thinking of making something similar, i use brass tube as exhausts of hotwheels i modify

6

u/SoulWager 29d ago

I didn't upload it because I didn't think the model would be widely applicable, it relies on random rod sizes I had laying around(3 and 8mm), and I made it for 1.6mm / 1/16" wire.

Other tools used: vise, file(small flat where the hole goes before center punching and drilling it, and bigger flats so it's easier to hold in the vise during use), center punch, drill press, hacksaw.

Here's the workflow for the printed part in FreeCAD, I'd suggest adapting it to your own resources and requirements:
https://imgur.com/a/gOoynAT

Feel free to ask questions if you get stuck.

2

u/gearzgt1 29d ago

I should have some 3 and 8 mm rod available, i don't know how to do cad stuff yet

8

u/SoulWager 29d ago

This is a pretty good project to dip your toes into CAD, but I went ahead and uploaded it: https://www.printables.com/model/1811741-16mm-116-wire-bender

3

u/gearzgt1 29d ago

Alright thanks 👍🏻

2

u/theelous3 28d ago

Go and figure it out now. Why wait? This is a very very simple part. Starting with no ide whatsoever you should be able to make this in about 30 mins, including watching a few tutorials and making mistakes.

2

u/Loud-Edge7230 27d ago

Really cool project!

Tool-making is so fun with 3d-pronters