Using 3D Printing To Make Parts For My Wood Turning Lathe 

One can tell when one is older, staying warm, being comfortable, cup of tea, enjoying yourself, not worrying about time etc ... check, check, check .... make your own stuff, just as good and not as expensive, even more satisfying ... main ideas but with offshoots added on brilliant ... thanks for sharing (in hospital at the moment so enjoying even more).

You are very talented maker, your own “Super Pappy” products. Your computers design prowess is amazing! Well done.

Gary, I have been following you for a while now. You made me really interested in creating the ring cutting jig and I started laying one out in wood. Then you came up with this video. I now have the same printer and have been working on making the ring cutting jig in PLA. So I want to thank you for encouraging me to continue learning even at my advanced age. If the 1947 in you name refers to your birth year then we are the same age. So again thank you. Dave

Welcome to the world of 3D printing. I have seen a lot of favourable reviews of the Longer printers. They were not around when I purchased my 3D printer in early 2018. I make parts to fix things, parts for jigs and tools like your knobs. I prefer to make the knobs to accept a hex nut or the head of a bolt. I recently made a hub similar to the one you show for the live centre. Mine is designed for the 1 1/4x8 tpi thread on my turning club friends wood lathe. He wants to use these to mount MDF/plywood discs to use the lathe as a sander. You were quick to dive into CAD. Being able to design parts in CAD adds a LOT when it comes to making parts/jigs/tools. A 3D printer is wonderful when it works. Just be aware prints can fail at any time for a number of reasons. Troubleshooting can be time consuming. I recently had a problem with the quality of my first layer. I did a lot of tweaking and eventually found my problem was too much friction in the nozzle causing underextrusion and too much pressure in the extruder. I had not replaced the nozzle for a few years. A new nozzle and voila, back to decent print quality. A local turning club member also has a 3D printer and after a couple of years he had his first nozzle clog. This can happen at any time. Dave.

7pm tonight I sat and watched your video and watched you having so much fun, I am so glad that you have shown me how such a small amount of money can make for me so many useful parts on the lathe. Now I am like you, thinking what all I can get from one of these. If I can get my wife to do the design work and print them for me it will be great.

You are truly embracing technology Gary, good on you!

I've always wanted a 3d printer but couldn't justify it to myself. Those prices are pretty manageable, now. As for value, not just money saved, but faster than ordering or running out to get something. More than that, custom pieces. I want to make a set of rubber chuckies, and have a decent plan, but a printed set, or custom sleeve to go over a live center to which you could attach just about anything. I think the software intimidates me. I do have a lot of Photo Shop experience and some AUTOCAD, but it's been awhile. Great ideas and examples, Gary! Looks like fun.

You are a very clever man, Gary. And I’ll accept .1 of a millimetre every day of the week. Sorry, I can’t spell it ‘millimeter’ 😊 Regards Ray from the UK 🌞

See, I knew something was missing in my guitar/computer room. Thanks for clearing that up, Sir!

Yes, that is very cool, Gary! I’m glad to see you having so much fun with it. Great demo, my friend. I’m looking forward to seeing what you do with that part you made, on Friday. Thanks for sharing! Take care, …..Gord

GDAY Gary it does feel real good when we can make old broken thing good again, love what your passing on, every bit of knowledge is relevant to everybody who are learning. Thank mate.Ernie smith from brisbane Australia

This is the best review video I've seen on this printer, Gary! You did great job and yes, your enthusiasm comes through loud and clear! I can see clearly that a knowledge of the design software is a huge advantage to owning one of these. I don't even think about the things I could actually use because I don't know how to design them. I'm going to give it a try! You might consider posting some of your STL's on some of the sites to share with other turners. You'll get a whole new following! A really fun video to watch and very informative for all, I think. Great job, buddy! Phil

Love it. Got a 3D printer a year ago as a present. wasn't sure what to use it for. Much like you, I found uses in my woodworking, Made some threaded fixtures for Urn lid, spindle adapters similar to yours. Just great. I really like the soft points for the tail stock. Great ideas.

it's so satisfying making your own parts. I could hear the joy in your voice.

Those are awesome! I come back to your Videos often.

Thank You Gary... (I missed this one) Better late than never...A very cool tool & something I know zero about.... Tool to enhance your VERY active imagination... This will be interesting to watch how this tool changes how you approach your projects..... TM

Before leaving the UK I spent my last 4 years in a puplic school teaching Design Technology. Oh how I miss the 3D printer that they had. Like yourself I was a "Boy with a Toy". One of the projects a student designed and made was a Double Acting Oscillating Engine. All the parts fitted so well (with tolerance) that he run it on compressed air. I have been toying (pun not intended) of purchasing a 3D printer - but the delivery charge to Bulgaria is more than my pocket will allow. I'll just have to satisfy myself by viewing people like yourself. But one day??!!!?

That's pretty cool! I just had my Son 3D print me a adapter for mounting a chuck to my slow turn epoxy set up I'm building! Those printers are amazing!

You never cease to amaze!!!!

Cool, Gary! Always nice to get free tools! More importantly are the cool little helper projects you can make with it. Yes, I'm a little jealous... lol.

Gary I think you were having a lot of fun using that machine and everything you made you will use in your shop. Great video mate well done

Glad you had fun making the various parts. I’m like you that I don’t like shopping and am cheap, looks like you got a good return. If you have a pressure pot you can turn handles for it. A friend of mine is making a set for me.

Looks like you had some fun with it My son has one and I always keep him busy

Gary, Wow this was a great video. I have always wanted a 3D printer but like other’s afraid to drop a chunk of money then to find out OH you need this to make it work or you need that and it costs this. Oh boy then it sets because you can’t afford the extras. Thanks for sharing.

Gary c’est la classe tu fais ce que tu veux avec une 3 D c’est top bravo 👍👋👏

Nice printer . Thanks for sharing

I really enjoyed this particular instructional Video and I enjoyed your enjoyment in the 3 D printer. It looks like it would be a blast to own and use. Thank you

Im amazed at how you get the threads designed.

Love it Gary. Keep up the good work. I certainly did not go to sleep watching 🤣🤣. As always. You keep us all informed. 👍👍 the information is in the details. Totally handy machine. It’s not just the cost of the machine or the part you are making it’s the availability of the part when you need it is the premise. It’s only when you want or need the part you simply cannot find or purchase it. Keep up the good work. We are eagerly awaiting the next video 👀👀

Very cool!

Hey Gary, That is real cute and all but i cant really afford to spend somewhere between 300 and 20,000 for a 3d printer not to mention I really dont have the spcae to spare for it. I am not sure how far I would want to trust that piece of plastic holding a chuck and the weight of a bowl either. Glad your not gonna actually turn anything with it but even as a support I aint sure I would trust it. I must say though you are definitely a multi-talented individual. Glad your havin fun with it. Yall have a wonderful day.

Gary, your enthusiasm is overwhelming. If you'll forgive me, it's like a kid with a new toy. Here you are showing the world what you can do! Seriously, this is a good informative video, particularly for those of us who are a bit (new) technology reluctant or shy. We can mamage the old stuff quite well but the new we think is beyond us. Your enthusiasm serves to break the ice, one begins to imagine - to dare to think - that one might just be able to manage a 3D machine! Is it basically a plastic extrusion machine that's tied into some clever electronic/computer controls? A smaller version of those machines that used to make plastic vehicle light mouldings?

Gary, I'm not much into 3D printing but I must say I was distracted and impressed with the awesome guitar collection you have. I still play from time to time but my guitar collection is not as big. Have fun with that printer.....and ROCK ON!! 🎸 🎶 Thanks for sharing! 👍🏾

Those are neat, Gary. I think you were having waaaay too much fun, though (lol). Bill

Those tool (toys) are pretty awesome. Love the fact you looked around the shop and found things you needed and made them. I think that if I had one thats what I would do with it. Keep up the great work.

Hi Gary, I hope you are alright, I just wanted to say that I love watching your videos, you are very informative with anything and everything that you make, I am sorry to say I don't make anything, I just like watching your videos, take care and stay safe x

Very cool Gary! Looks like a great kit. Wes @ Piedra Designs

Nice I have a 3D printer but haven't used it for lathe accessories - yet this video gives me inspiration and ideas

Glad you got turned onto 3D printing, Gary! I'm sure you will come up with all sorts of useful things to print given your engineering background. Have you considered sharing any of them on Tinkercad or uploading to Thingiverse? In fact if you search on #woodworking or #woodturning on those sites you might find some things you need already modeled and ready to print. For example, my chevron pen mold for casting pen blanks is on both sites and I posted some duct hose adapters. I also posted some sizing templates that give min/max recess/tenon sizes for Nova 50mm and 100mm chuck jaws but these are for laser, not 3D print. But then you have a laser too, don't you? 😁 By the way, Benchy is intended to be a benchmark object that tests things like the printer's ability to print overhangs. If you print it full size it helps tune things like hotend temp. For example, the window spans sag, the hotend might be too hot. At reduced size it's a fun toy to print but not diagnostically useful. Between print runs I keep a backstock of filament in weatherproof storage bins with a couple Evadry units tossed in. I also got a small food dehydrator which is great for reconditioning filament that has been out too long and prints stringy. I toss a couple reels in the dehydrator, set for 120 and let it run overnight. Next day the prints are smooth as silk. Good luck and have fun!

That looks like so much fun. I wouldn't have the brain power to do what you did. But I could have fun with it.

great toys!!!!!!!!!

Another fun toy Gary. I have made a number of soft touches on my lathe using wood. A tap and some CA glue to harden up the threads. Also was able to buy an adapter for your live centre to mount chucks. Being able to print them would be awesome.

very interesting video and a great idea for parts

Thanks for posting, I am interested in one.

You never seize to amaze me! Great job 👍

A 3D printer really is an excellent investment when you make items which you just can't buy. I saved a paper shredder from being scrapped by printing a helical gear for it. I used Fusion 360 with a gear drawing add-in. I thought Fusion 360 was too unfriendly for occasional use and moved to Tinkercad, but found it too basic. So I'm now using Designspark which I find suits me.

Music room?! I'd love to hear a sample of you playing😊

Gary, Another nice piece of kit! I also needed a battery cover but I used some aluminum. It works, but I like yours. Guess only your imagination is limiting what you can make👍

What you're doing is pretty much the only reason why I'm looking at buying a 3d printer. I totally felt your excitment😅. I wondered, did the Pla parts hold up ok? Cheers and thanks!

thanks for the video. i wish i had your skills with CAD programs. Well worth watching.

cool 👍

What a great tutorial Gary ! I'd say you had way to much fun with this gadget . Stay warm ! I know it's been awfully cold down here too .

Ok nice

That looks an amazing 3D Printer Gary. The accuracy is what impresses me especially the insert for the vase. Great video my friend. Take care. Hwyl, Huw

Hi Gary. Awesome uses for the printer that you found for your lathe. Take care. 😊

Isn't that something that a 3D printer can be so useful to our hobbies and other interests . You like turning and nice wood work . Have you ever looked at rose lathes ? There is several you can make yourself . Your wife would go wild over some of that stuff . If your interested let me know I will send me some links ? Stay safe my friend . Terry

That is a pretty slick 3D printer. And the price is reasonable. Will need to look into buying one once I get back home. Thanks for sharing. BTW- you could also make some nice jam chucks of different sizes.

i just got a 3d printer that was ordered in Dec by my wife. not a clue how to use it yet. i will figure it out though, not sure i can figure out how to make parts however. i think i want to try and make the board cutter jib for the tool lathe . not sure where to start but i think it can be done if strong enough.

You always give us something interesting to think about. Thank you, Gary, for sharing all the videos.

Good to see you having fun brother ☺️👍🏽That thing look like a blast. It must’ve been fun making these things Gary 🤙🏽

I love these techie videos Gary, and yep that seems like a good one. I certainly don’t think it’s very expensive for what it’s capable of. The convenience of having the ability to make something as you need/want it is worth it. Plus , as you say , the fun in doing it!!! I had to laugh when I saw your music/computer room. It’s more or less the same as mine, only your is much, much neater. I too have a strat and tele hanging on my wall along with my Les Paul, as well as a couple of others from my past. My computer desk is set up on the opposite wall also with a comfy chair!! Cheers, Rick

Gary, you’ve got them all now, CNC, Laser and the 3D Printer. Great idea on the fittings for your lathe! When are you taking orders ;-) Take care, Wayne

Gary, I really enjoyed the video and all the cool things you made. I'bve been interested in a 3-D printer ever since I saw my mom make vases at her Assisted Living facility. What's the learning curve like to learn the software and how expensive are the consumables? The $300 to buy isn't prohibitive but I don't want to get something that will take months to learn and land up sitting on the shelf! Looking forward to Friday's video.

Interesting machine that sure does a lot, I can think of items you just can't buy that would work with that printer! Thanks! Cheers Al

Amazing! That machine is way past cool. Not to mention that it is really inexpensive for what you get. Impressive. BTW: Can you get different colors or types (strength, density, etc.) of plastic feed "wire" for this machine? Great video. I know nothing about these machines but find them really interesting. 👍👍

That software looks crazy complex. You don’t really talk about the software at all. How hard is it to figure out? How we’re you able to design custom pieces with it? Does the software come with the machine? Etc.

Could you make the seg easy plates with that for open segmented bowls and if you could make one and tell me how to do it thanks Daemon

Good stuff! Did you have to chase the threads on any of those parts with a tap? Particularly the smaller knobs? Last time I used a 3D printer, it was a big industrial one, but not as fine a resolution as that. We used to either print the pilot hole and tap it, or print a hole for a brass or steel threaded insert. Sometimes even printing that hole a little small and run a drill bit thru it. Another amazing thing is you can print a hexagonal recess (which is basically impossible to machine), so you can inset a nut into something that will accept a bolt. Also great for making super specific angle wedges or things!

Hi Gary I love watching your videos and all the cool stuff you do The 3D printer would be a nice addition to anyone’s shop. Question are those parts strong enough to hold things on the lathe? Thanks

Cool prints Gary, I have the Elegoo Neptune 3 Pro and love it. Same assembly, 2 pieces and plug in the wires. You may want to get some PETG filament, stronger than PLA but you need to print at a higher nozzle and bed heat. You sharing some of those STL files for the lathe 😉?

Wow, what a cool gift! I really enjoyed watching you create things for the lathe. I've never seen a 3D printer work, but I've always been curious. How much does the solution cost and does it come in lots of colors? You do such wonderful reviews, I guess every company will now send you their products!

I recently purchased something similar to hold chucks for storage. After about 15 times off and on, the threads got ruined - it was something that was 3d printed i got from an etsy site. So at least to me i really wonder about the longevity of these plastic parts. Thoughts?

Interesting. How durable are these parts? It would be interesting to hear from you in a couple of weeks/months to review. Can you get this material in something other than bright blue? Dp you have the ability to up the resolution so that you don't have flats on the round pieces? Finally, would you do a short tutorial on how you designed the threads? Not all of us are pattern makers and machinists that would like to use this machine. I have held back from taking the deep dive into the black hole called 3D printing. I am just barely getting used to using a bowl gouge on my lathe. However, I can see the utility of this machine and at the price, it is a no brainer. Thanks and stay safe.

Good morning, I have a ton of questions for you. 3d printing, laser, all tied in with woodturning. Is it best to ask questions in this forum? Thanks Eric Gantner

Would it be feasible to 3D print the tool guide you use for turning bowls from boards? Or is the material not strong enough if you were to get a catch?

Do you think the 3-D printed parts would be strong enough to hold a chuck for turning? Love this video.

I’d like to learn this stuff but I have no idea about CNC. I feel I would be lost

Do you think a jam chuck would be feasible?

Hi Gary, great video, I realy enjoyed it. Would you be willing to share you stl files?

I need that battery cover file

Do you have a link to the STL's you used for the parts you printed?

Does it smell during the printing process? How expensive is the starting material, once you've made the initial purchase of the tool? Are the printed parts machinable?

Can you share the stl’s

did you upload the stl somewhere ?

Would you be willing to share your designs on on Thingaverse or Printables?

What was the cost of material to make those items?

Not 1st 🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣

Love your channel but not into this sort of thing. Sorry.

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