ThumbwheelM3

thingiverse

I attempted to print Jamesam97's ThumbwheelM3, but M3 nuts wouldn't fit, so I modified the design, adjusting it slightly because I didn't like the number scale and grip - although the grip looks great, it didn't give me a good feeling. For the grip, I used a parametric Gearwheel (module =1 teeth = 22) file I created. I added a pocket for the nut and curved arrows to show direction, whether to lower (-) or raise (+) the printing table. After printing, I needed to clean and chamfer the pocket a bit. Then I placed the Thumbwheel on a table, inserted a nut into the pocket, and pressed it with the flat side of a hammer. Any other solid item will work just as well for pressing the nut in. Note: Place something solid under the wheel to avoid leaving marks! The grip on these wheels is fantastic, but I'll need to add a small rubber ring underneath the screw head to increase friction. Currently, the spring isn't exerting enough force to hold them in place. I also tried printing one with the nut-pocket on top and used support structure, but it messed up the bottom side. So, I recommend placing the nut-pocket at the bottom for better results. The Thumbwheel mounted is printed at reduced speed, while the other was printed using standard settings. Software used for G-Code generation is Cura. Print Settings: Printer: WANHAO Duplicator i3 V2 Rafts: Doesn't Matter Supports: No Notes: After a first set, I reduced printing Speed to 45 mm/s and increased the thickness of the bottom and top layer from 0.6 to 1.8 (1.2 should also work well) for a more solid and smooth surface.