New 3D-Printed 944 Timing Belt Tensioner Tool

[Tom]

Just a quick thought, is polycarbonate an option? Used to cover leaded glass church windows with Lexan in a former life. Seemed easy to work with and really tough. Would submit this with great humility. Earl

If I can get Nylon with Carbon Fiber down, then polycarbonate would be another leap forward. Let's see if all my hacks work on nylonx -- and then who knows. That said, ABS and PLA should work fine as long as the screws are installed, and the NylonX should make it better still -- primarily in terms of how many times you can use it before the socket port starts to round out.

[dkofearl]

Thanks for your reply, Tom. Last thought, and my ignorance likely is showing here: Can one print around, i.e. embed, a steel bushing-like insert for the socket port? Perhaps a 3/8 square drive center and hex- or octagonal border for greater purchase in the CF? Earl

[Tom]

I like how you think. You can't really print around an insert like that, but what you can do is leave space for a heat-set insert. That's how I originally did my no-drill license plates -- see pic below. For thread inserts like that, you leave the hole a bit too small, then essentially melt the insert into the plastic. I'm not aware of any socket wrench drive port inserts like that, although they certainly could be made if needed. If I went that far, however, it might be quicker/cheaper just to have the tool cnc'd out of aluminum (perhaps with less bulk). I may still do that, but for the initial idea behind this tool was to create an objective timing belt tensioner that could be made at home by anyone, using tools that are available everywhere (i.e., 3D printer and torque wrench). I think the original delivers on that for people who print ABS or PLA, though the tool will wear out much sooner in those materials than NylonX, PC, metal, etc.

3d License plate mounts.jpg

[dkofearl]

Thank you. I feel like I’m back in school, and I do appreciate it. Earl

[kyle_hardwaylearning]

This is so awesome, thank you for sharing!

[Tom]

Ok, with thanks to NASA I think I am able to consistently print these in the Nylon Carbon Fiber. It's a 5 hour print, so pretty much one a day, but happy to print them for active Carpokeans. In the picture below, the top one is straight off the printer, and the bottom one was sand blasted and then treated with Griot's Garage Satin Black. It make zero difference to the functionality, but I just think it looks more 'finished' that way. @Mr. Toasty gets the first one, but if you want one in this material (and you do!), be sure to ask or remind me here, and PM me your address. This stuff is crazy strong.

tools.jpg

[Mr. Toasty]

Ok, with thanks to NASA I think I am able to consistently print these in the Nylon Carbon Fiber. It's a 5 hour print, so pretty much one a day, but happy to print them for active Carpokeans. In the picture below, the top one is straight off the printer, and the bottom one was sand blasted and then treated with Griot's Garage Satin Black. It make zero difference to the functionality, but I just think it looks more 'finished' that way. @Mr. Toasty gets the first one, but if you want one in this material (and you do!), be sure to ask or remind me here, and PM me your address. This stuff is crazy strong.



tools.jpg

Can’t wait to try it out! Looks fantastic!

[dkofearl]

Hi Tom, would be honored to be on your list of recipients, thank you. Not sure how to pm here but will figure that out. What a beautiful rendition of this gem. Thank you,Earl

[Tom]

Hi Tom, would be honored to be on your list of recipients, thank you. Not sure how to pm here but will figure that out. What a beautiful rendition of this gem. Thank you,Earl

For sure. I can do one a day. Send me your shipping address and I'll send one out.

[dkofearl]

PM sent, thanks Tom.
Earl