6 3D Prints That Make Weekend DIY Projects Easier

Key Takeaways

• Painting cones use just 4g of filament each and prevent marks on finished surfaces
• A 45g soldering wire holder keeps components steady for cleaner joints
• Helping hands and screw dispensers solve common workshop frustrations

Most weekend 3D printing guides want you to spend Saturday staring at your printer bed. Here's a different approach: use the printer as a tool to make your other projects easier. These six prints from MakerWorld solve real workshop problems with minimal filament and print time.

Painting Cones for Cleaner Finishes

If you've ever painted a small object and watched it stick to your work surface, these cones fix that problem. MakerWorld user mais designed them to elevate items during painting, staining, or varnishing without leaving marks on the finish.

Each cone measures 50mm high by 60mm wide. The triangular shape keeps them stable under heavier objects. At roughly 4g of filament per cone, you can print a full set for pennies. Scale them up or down in your slicer to match whatever you're working on.

Soldering Wire Holder

Holding two wires steady while applying solder requires either three hands or a jig. MakerWorld user Chefkoch designed a holder with a screw-tightening mechanism that grips wires securely while you work.

The print requires about 45g of PLA and some post-print assembly. Chefkoch has since expanded the design into a complete soldering station if you want an all-in-one setup.

Helping Hands for Soldering

When you're working on circuit boards or need to hold components at odd angles, a wire holder isn't enough. MakerWorld user CafeAsh created a helping hands setup with adjustable arms that hold parts in place while you solder.

These prints work best when combined with alligator clips or similar hardware. The articulated design lets you position components at nearly any angle, which matters when you're trying to reach tight spots on a PCB.

Screw Dispenser

Sorting through a mixed bag of screws wastes time. MakerWorld user nicehatthanks built a dispenser that organizes screws by size and feeds them out one at a time.

This print works especially well if you're doing repetitive assembly tasks. Load it once and grab screws without looking away from your work.

Rotating Model Painting Stand

Miniature painters and model builders know the frustration of repositioning a piece mid-paint. MakerWorld user threedimensionalthings created a stand that rotates and tilts, letting you reach every angle without touching wet paint.

The mechanism is entirely 3D printed. No bearings or hardware required. It's a useful complement to the painting cones if you work on detailed models.

Why Print Your Own Tools?

You can buy commercial versions of most of these items. But printing them costs a fraction of retail, and you can customize dimensions to fit your exact needs. A standard spool of PLA runs through dozens of workshop tools before it's empty.

These designs also iterate quickly. Don't like how a holder grips? Modify the model and print again. That flexibility is the real advantage over buying fixed products.

Frequently Asked Questions

What filament works best for workshop tools?

PLA is fine for most of these prints. For items near heat, like soldering jigs, consider PETG. It handles higher temperatures without warping.

How long do these prints take?

Most complete in under two hours at standard settings. Painting cones print in about 30 minutes each. The soldering station takes longest at 3-4 hours.

Do I need supports for these prints?

Most are designed to print without supports. Check the MakerWorld page for each model. Designers usually note print settings.

Can I modify these designs?

Yes. Most MakerWorld models include source files. Import them into your CAD software to adjust dimensions or features.

Source: How-To Geek