Clamping helping hand

prusaprinters

<p>I liked 3dfernando's <a href="https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:2655828">Helping Hands</a>, but I wanted a better way to hold them on to my really thin table and also more flexibility in being able to fix them to any other thing, so I thought they would remix really well with my <a href="https://www.prusaprinters.org/prints/44056-mini-screw-clamp">Mini screw clamp</a>.</p> <p>I've redesigned the clamp to have a sturdier, stronger screw. This model still prints really well in place, though it's dependent on <strong>really tight tolerances</strong>. If there's interest I wouldn't mind uploading a looser clamp, though 3dfernando's original ball socket has a pretty tight fit anyway.</p> <p>PLA is doable, but i don't really recommend it. PETG works wonderfully well for these parts. I've uploaded a thin version of the clamp (10mm), ideal for thin glass-top tables (like mine) or other supports, and a large version (20mm) that should cover something else. Over that, you're better off with a<em>U</em>-clamp like the original.</p> <p>These files are untouched from the originals:</p> <ul> <li>ball_socket.stl</li> <li>Table_Clamp_Ball_Joint.stl</li> <li>Alligator_Clip_Receptacle.stl</li> </ul> <p>Just insert your regular alligator clips with an M2 screw of your choice (6mm or shorter). I used M3's, but had to make the holes slightly bigger with a drill.</p> <p><strong>Extra hardware</strong></p> <ul> <li>An M2 screw (ideally 4mm) and a bolt (ideally a thin square bolt).</li> <li>Alternatively an M3 screw and bolt, but you'll need to coerce them some.</li> <li>Obviously alligator clips, <a href="https://amzn.to/2GQ7Muk?tag=revensanchez-20">like these</a>*, for example. (referral link)</li> </ul> <h3>Print instructions</h3><p><strong>Rafts:</strong> No<br/> <strong>Supports:</strong> No<br/> <strong>Resolution:</strong> 0.2mm<br/> <strong>Infill:</strong> 30%</p> <p><strong>Notes:</strong></p> <ul> <li>The <em>ball sockets</em> are best printed on their side, with support on the bed only, just to get the ball as round as possible.</li> <li>The <em>clamp</em> are printed without supports, in place. I recommend uping the perimeter count to 4 or more. The holes might require a bit of support if your printer doesn't do very well with overhangs, but I've get perfectly working pieces without them. There's a 0.2 gap between the moving parts. A gentle push once the piece has printed and they snap apart.</li> <li>The screw prints perfectly standing up without any supports.</li> <li>The <em>table clamp ball joint</em> and the <em>alligator receptacle</em> are best printed standing up with a generous brim, but without supports.</li> </ul>