Description
First to clear up any confusion, this is the 3rd release of these bit holders, with these ones on Thingiverse being version 2. I’m releasing these as version 6 because that’s my internal version structure and it makes it easier to keep track.
Here is a list of what’s new in this version:
- Narrow box bit holders
- Chamfered pegs for perfect printing without supports and easier insertion
- Improved long bit holding (no wiggling)
- Redesigned the spring on the short bit holders so they are relaxed when bits are inserted. This is important because thermoplastic (3D printer filament) tends to deform or set when it’s in the sun or a hot car or other space. If the spring deforms when there is a bit pressing against it, it will lose it’s holding power. This new design should address that.
After creating my bit trays for the Milwaukee Packout rolling toolbox that could use either the wide or narrow Milwaukee bit holders, I figured it was time to create some narrow Milwaukee bit holders. I already had the model for the wide Milwaukee bit holders over on Thingiverse, so it was just a matter of changing a few parameters.
Rather than stop there I decided to make a few tweaks to the holders. First I shaved off the bottom portion of the mounting peg to make it easier to print the holders with no supports. Then I tweaked springs on the the tall holder to hold the bits better. Finally I redesigned the springs on the short holder so that they relax when most impact bits are inserted.
Files
Print Settings
Printer: Prusa i3 MK3
Slicer: PrusaSlicer
Material: Inland PET-G
Resolution: 0.2mm with a 0.4mm nozzle
Wall Lines/Perimeters: 3
Infill: Minimum 10% Gyroid. The higher infill percentage the stronger the part.
Notes:
Instructions
I’ve provided 5 different files. The first is the openSCAD model, if the four other STL files don’t meet your needs you can create new ones by modifying it. If you need help reference this page on customizing openSCAD models.
The next two files are for the tall holder. The wide holder is used in the wide Milwaukee cases, the low profile Packout bins, and the bit trays for the Packout rolling toolbox. It has 8 bit slots by default. The narrow holder is used in the narrow Milwaukee bit cases and also in the bit trays for the Packout rolling toolbox.It has 6 bit slots by default.
The last two files are for the short bit holders, both wide and narrow.
Gallery
Hi Ben! Do you have a bit holder for 1/2 and 1/4 inch router bits? I’ve seen Jakeofall selling them, but I don’t find the design.
1/4″ router bits fit just fine in these. I use them myself.
I do not have a design for 1/2″ router bits. Jake altered a few parameters on the openSCADfile listed above to create them.
Your work is incredible, thanks so much for the wicked resource. And it gives me something to test out this new printer with as well! Time to get more organized.
Thanks! Good luck with your new printer.
What orientation is best to print these in
All my STLs are released in the what I think is best orientation to print them in at the time. I try to optimize for strength, fewer supports, and print time — in that order. There are a few designs like my standard packout feet that one could argue for a different orientation, though.
BUT, the holders should be printed on it’s back so that the springs are flat on the bed. (If they are not importing into your slicer like this let me know!) On a perfectly tuned printing it might not matter if you print it standing up, but you are putting a lot of faith in the interlayer bonding on a thin part.
This makes perfect sense. I have an orientation plugin for Cura, and never considered that it would really matter what orientation a model was printed in. But I’ve printed a literal dozen of your v2 and the tabs ALWAYS snap off. I switched from PLA to PETG and had the same issue. But it all makes perfect sense now!!!!
So looking at the 6 bit holder, I do not see anywhere that mentions if supports are needed. Please advise if possible. Thanks in advance.
If you print them in the orientation they load (with the springs flat on the build plate), they should print fine without supports as long as you have a decent printer that is tuned well. The orientation is important for the strength of the keeper springs.
If you are having issues with the bridging sagging too much and the bits are too tight, I would look into some tutorials on how to tweak your bridging settings.
Thank you for the response. It printed well without supports I just did not want to have to tear them out if they were not needed.
Hello – Do you plan do to bit holders for SDS bits ? or is any of these compativle with SDS drill bits ? Thanks!
I emailed you a version that works with SDS Plus
Hi Ben, do you have a holder for SDS bits?
I have a holder I’m using for SDS Plus, I’ll try sending it to the email you used. If you have a better email, use my contact form: https://3dprints.electronsmith.com/contact/