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01-16-2022, 07:01 PM | #1 |
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3D Printing an Overdrive Knob
Last week when it was really cold, my garage heater had trouble keeping up so I looked for something I could do for my Ford F1 pickup restoration project that I could do inside the house. I needed an "Overdrive" knob for the dash so I thought I would design and 3D print one. I used Autodesk Fusion 360 for the CAD drawing and printed out several different versions on my homemade Prusa clone printer.
I am finding that a 3D printer is a useful tool to make parts or tools. I am enjoying learning to use Fusion 360, a professional CAD/CAM program that is free for hobbyists. The knob I designed and printed is one example of how you can acquire an expensive or hard to find part economically. This knob costs me $0.16 to print. LMC wants $29.99 USD plus shipping, tax and duties for a stainless steel one that doesn't really match the other knobs on the dash. I've attached some pictures. I'd be interested in hearing from others who have tried printing parts. |
01-16-2022, 07:18 PM | #2 |
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Re: 3D Printing an Overdrive Knob
Do you have any links to 3 d printing instruction?
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01-16-2022, 07:46 PM | #3 | |
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Re: 3D Printing an Overdrive Knob
Quote:
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01-16-2022, 09:35 PM | #4 |
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Re: 3D Printing an Overdrive Knob
Wow! 16 cents. What's the cost of the 3D printer?
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01-16-2022, 09:39 PM | #5 |
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Re: 3D Printing an Overdrive Knob
There are lots of YouTube videos on 3D printing and there is a learning curve. First you need an "stl" file, You can either model it yourself or get it from someone who has done the modeling. I can send you the file and you're welcome to use it. Next you need to "slice" the file. There is free software that will do that. This gives you a g-code file which is a set of instructions for the printer. Last you need a printer - find a friend who has one or check with your local public library.
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01-16-2022, 09:53 PM | #6 |
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Re: 3D Printing an Overdrive Knob
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01-16-2022, 10:26 PM | #7 |
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Re: 3D Printing an Overdrive Knob
Thanks for the feedback. Jim
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01-17-2022, 07:36 AM | #8 |
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Re: 3D Printing an Overdrive Knob
If you have a college near, often they will let you use their 3-D printer as well as assistance with the software.
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01-17-2022, 10:20 PM | #9 |
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Re: 3D Printing an Overdrive Knob
How expensive is it to have a small part duplicated on a 3D printer?? Inquiring minds are curious.
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01-18-2022, 01:38 AM | #10 | |
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Re: 3D Printing an Overdrive Knob
Quote:
If you don't have the STL file you either have to model the part yourself, get one from a friend or find one on the Internet - there are tons of free ones. Just google "free STL files". If you are interested in learning to use Fusion 360, I would recommend checking out Coursera (https://www.coursera.org/). They offer free online courses on almost any subject from universities all over the world. You can audit the courses for free but they charge a modest fee and you have to pass an exam if you want credits. Right now I'm working my way through "Introduction to Mechanical Engineering Design and Manufacturing with Fusion 360". I'm about half way through the four week course which I'm doing in a few days. Learning CAD/CAM gets you into working with CNC milling/router as well. It's probably a longer answer than what you were expecting but you did say something about an inquiring mind. |
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01-18-2022, 01:41 AM | #11 |
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Re: 3D Printing an Overdrive Knob
I'll simplify it : $.16 if you have printer; over $1000 if you don't.
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01-18-2022, 08:04 AM | #12 |
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Re: 3D Printing an Overdrive Knob
There use to be limited colors and finishes, is that still true? I note the overdrive knob is gloss black.
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01-18-2022, 08:24 AM | #13 |
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Re: 3D Printing an Overdrive Knob
Eagle43,
Thanks for the information on 3D printing. It has come a long way from when I first saw it 40 years ago! The part you made looks very good. Is the strength adequate? Most of the parts made back in early days were for show and tell. This looks functional. You have great skills. Good luck in your classes! Regards, Chris
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01-18-2022, 11:52 AM | #14 |
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Re: 3D Printing an Overdrive Knob
I expect in the future, 3D printing of classic auto parts will be the only option left to us.
The market for these vehicles is shrinking all the time, and it looks like we are basically running on previously manufactured stock on a lot of items. I suspect as the parts made in the decades previous dry up, there will be no replacement. Its just not economical to manufacture a part for such a small community. I recently went looking for parts for a 40 pickup. The Bob Drake catalog from 2015 was full of parts. Today almost none of those parts are available. We've all seen countless threads on here of parts that were commonly available in the past becoming un-obtainium. (The 40 ford pickup hood handle is an example) Kirk
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01-18-2022, 12:56 PM | #15 |
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Re: 3D Printing an Overdrive Knob
Nice job on the handle.
I have been using 3D modeling, and fusion 3D printers for a couple of years now. First opinion, 3D modeling and 3D printing will be just another tool, maybe as versatile as a crescent wrench with a vise grip welded to the handle but right now just as cluncky. Photos attached of a wax pattern for investment casting of the center dowel socket for 1937-39 convertibles, the 3D printed die to make it, and a 3D image of the BB-13471 panel truck taillight spacer (that might be actually used, rather than having them cast) There are right now some serious limitations for hobbyist level printers as to size and material selection. Not to mention speed, as in slow, or VERY SLOW. An overdrive handle looks perfect and will not hurt anyone if it breaks in use. Metals with any structural value simply are not happening, except for some aluminum requiring a 10+K printer. For anyone wanting to do this there is a SERIOUS learning curve for making the 3D model (computer) and another SERIOUS learning curve for tuning and operating your printer. Fusion360 is fine, however it is licensed only for non-commercial use so you need to be careful. An alternitive, and the one I use is Freecad www.freecadweb.org, an open source, no charge, unlimited use, very powerful (with poor documentation and steep learning curve) option. A couple of new items are in the works, investment cast using 3D printed dies, expect to see them in the "new products" thread in about 3 months when they get back from the foundry. Karl Wescott |
01-18-2022, 01:08 PM | #16 | |
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Re: 3D Printing an Overdrive Knob
Quote:
I first learned about 3D printing from this ten-year-old Jay Leno video. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7ZrJsrTT4EA |
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01-18-2022, 01:29 PM | #17 | |
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Re: 3D Printing an Overdrive Knob
Quote:
The knob should be strong enough. It doesn't require a lot of force to move the overdrive lever. I glued in a 8-32 aluminum rivnut to screw it onto the cable. The printer will make threaded holes but I hope this is stronger. |
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01-18-2022, 07:17 PM | #18 |
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Re: 3D Printing an Overdrive Knob
Something to consider and usually not talked much about with 3D printers is the fact they build on layers. The more expensive machines do thinner passes and leave less artifacts to deal with. Less sanding.
Your OD handles look very nice! Great Job! . |
01-19-2022, 01:01 AM | #19 | |
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Re: 3D Printing an Overdrive Knob
Quote:
Regarding your pictures, I'm wondering if these are printed items. I have done some investment casting in aluminum but have not tried the "Lost PLA" investment casting which allows you to print a part in PLA and cast it in metal. |
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01-19-2022, 01:04 AM | #20 |
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Re: 3D Printing an Overdrive Knob
Thanks. You can set your layer height in your Slicer software. I usually go with .2 mm.
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