3D Printed hybrid version of John Moran's Four Facet Sharpener

[cales2021]

I've been working with John to create a 3D printed version of his well known four facet sharpener design.
Using 3D printing for the majority of the parts makes this a readily reproduceable design and the 3D prints don't undermine the basic concept or functionality. It also makes the undertaking of this project more attractive to a wider audience.

I've created a ZIP file download that contains (hopefully) all you need to reproduce the design. This includes a full write up, the original Fusion 360 files, STEP files for the 3D parts and 2D PDF drawings of the remaining metalwork parts. See the link below.

https://www.altrish.co.uk/2022/09/08/3d-printed-four-facet-sharpener/



Happy printing and grinding

Alan

[old_toolmaker]

The 3D printed four facet fixture is a workable variation of the well known drill grinding method and is a workable solution to get up and running quickly.
I have no doubt that with John Moran on board it will be well done and with accuracy to match.

[DIYer]

Thanks cales2021! We've added your Four Facet Sharpener to our Sharpening category,
as well as to your builder page: cales2021's Homemade Tools. Your receipt:

Four Facet Sharpener by cales2021

tags: 3D printing, sharpening

[cales2021]

I've hand some early feedback that looks to relate to the print quality of the collet holder mounting block. The feedback indicated that the shank of the collet holder does not slide smoothly in the block and the depth adjuster screw has a similar problem with the roughness of the end face of the block. A resin printer might not create these issues.

Following this feedback I have done an update with a new print of the collet block with a larger through bore into which slides a flanged aluminium or steel sleeve. This appears to solve both these issues. I have posted an additional ZIP file with the new block SLA and the PDF drawing of the sleeve on the same link as above. The sleeve is a simple lathe activity and the new block is still easier to print than make from solid metal.

[old_toolmaker]

I know we are talking 3D printing here, but “My personal preference” here is machined from solid steel components. I am a retired mold maker so I am very familiar with plastics and the tooling to produce precision parts. Because of my background I tend to be a “precision freak” which is one of my handicaps.
Dam, I wish I wasn’t so fussy!!!
Dick

[wizard69]

One could also make 3D printed patterns for casting parts in steel, cast iron or aluminum. Yes some machining required afterward.

That said I'm often surprised at how nice a 3D printed structure can be. One can actually engineer for something other than "value".

I know we are talking 3D printing here, but “My personal preference” here is machined from solid steel components. I am a retired mold maker so I am very familiar with plastics and the tooling to produce precision parts. Because of my background I tend to be a “precision freak” which is one of my handicaps.
Dam, I wish I wasn’t so fussy!!!
Dick

[old_toolmaker]

Yes, 3D printing has its place and I acknowledge that. I just recently acquired 3D CAD software so I am part way there. I also know someone with a 3D printer so I might get my toes wet soon.
Dick

[cales2021]

Hi Dick and W69

Thanks for your responses to my post.

I am basically a lazy person and if I can find a way to make something quicker or easier I tend to use that approach.

3D printing is one of the tools to do this and represents a quick way to get to a prototype.
While the parts may not be necessarily highly accurate to machining standards they can be functional in the design.
Having proved the design and modelled it in CAD I can revisit the parts and remake with the CNC etc if I think it is needed.
This iterative process has already happened following comments on the collet chuck mounting block.
I think this is good that something evolves in this way.

I hope that 3D printing as a technology can enthuse young people to dive in on projects that might seem very intimidating or beyond their capabilities.
If this creates an interest and possibly an engineering career then everyone benefits - we need more engineers.

Thanks again for sharing your thoughts.

Alan

[old_toolmaker]

3D Printing is here to stay and will only improve over time. I learned a long time ago to embrace change or get be buried by it.
Dick

[old_toolmaker]

I vividly remember the very early, low resolution SLA prototypes. Being in the mold making business we were often given these crude models as an aid in visualization of the molded part.