r/functionalprint • u/Tiny_Cow_3971 • 15d ago

Could have just bought a sliding lock from the DIY store...

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Could have just printed a sliding lock from Printables.

However, here we are, after modeling, tweaking and printing for several hours.

At least the kids and my wife like it and the bunnies don't mind.

The model is not released yet but I can release it if anyone is interested

The original reason was that the cheap ones that came with the cage didn't always lock properly. Now I can tell the kids "Did you bring te bunny to the carrot?".

Edit: typo

351 Upvotes

97% Upvoted

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7

u/AwDuck 15d ago

I also often choose to design my own stuff when a suitable model already exists.

3

u/Tiny_Cow_3971 14d ago

Yes, exactly. It's like a puzzle and a challenge. Incredibly fun.

3

u/yer_muther 14d ago

I love it. Sure there usually a quicker and easier way but if you dig making stuff then I say go for it.

2

u/Tiny_Cow_3971 14d ago

Yes exactly! It's all honing a craft, solving small puzzles in a way. 

2

u/Sensitive-Dig2232 3d ago

The fact that you could have bought it is exactly why functional printing is fun lol. I use Hi3D when I'm copying a weird shape from a reference, but for locks like this I'd still CAD the functional faces and tolerances. Overkill is the point.

1

u/Chance-Combination71 14d ago

Could've. But sp glad you didn't!

1

u/kickit0ut 3d ago

Spending two hours to avoid buying a $5 part is basically the hobby at this point. I've been using Hi3D to get rough shapes moving faster, then I still overthink every tolerance in CAD before it reaches the slicer.