3D Printing on Tom Webster

Air Boot Spur

Mon, 27 Apr 2026 00:00:00 -0500

I’ve unfortunately needed to wear a medical “Air Boot” for the past few weeks. While this device is certainly helpful, it lacks whimsy. I have created a model to rectify that.

This continues my education in FreeCAD. As much as I liked OnShape, having a FOSS tool local to my machine is extremely compelling. FreeCAD is actually really nice today. If its been a while since you’ve tried it, go download the latest stable build. I’ve moved to it full-time.

Where to get it

Air Boot Spur by SamuraiLink3 | Download free STL model | Printables.com

Stackable Table

Wed, 15 Apr 2026 00:00:00 -0500

A while ago, I needed a small table, but I didn’t know exactly how tall I wanted it to be. I’ve got a 3D printer and some rudimentary CAD skills, so I made one. This is all press-fit, no fasteners or glue required, just smash some plastic together and it’ll hold.

Where to get it

You can download and print your own with the Printables link below. I’ve also included the FreeCAD Document so you can modify the thickness, size, and margins easily. This is all Public Domain licensed, so please do whatever you’d like with this model. Its very simple, but hopefully you find it useful. Enjoy!

Stackable Table by SamuraiLink3 | Download free STL model | Printables.com

Whistle Crew Wiki

Wed, 14 Jan 2026 00:00:00 -0600

I’ve been helping 3D print community safety whistles to distribute all over the country. With a large group of 3D printing volunteers, we needed a place on the internet to collect information and collaborate. I’ve got a server and experience hosting, so I stood up a https://www.dokuwiki.org/ instance.

Where to get it

https://whistlecrew.samurailink3.com/start

All content on the wiki is Public Domain and you are encouraged to copy, remix, and re-host it.

Want Whistles?

We will ship you whistles, completely for free, to anywhere in the US. Reach out to the email address you see here: https://linktr.ee/3Dwhistles

Want to Donate?

3D printing volunteers need filament, you can donate filament or cash to support our shipping fund here: https://linktr.ee/WhistleWishlists

Tom’s WIDE Pill Case

Wed, 26 Nov 2025 00:00:00 -0600

My grandmother liked my Tom’s Parametric Pill Case, but wanted something a bit bigger with support for multiple days. I came up with this design, using the same magnetic-lock design I used previously. This is a much bigger print with multiple pieces and slightly more complex assembly (it uses glue).

I’m pretty happy with the overall design, and I could probably make a compact version if needed in the future. This one is CHONKY (245x87mm).

This one is Public Domain licensed, so have fun!

The design is fully parametric and variable-driven, if you’d like to edit it, you can download the STEP files from the Printables link below or remix the public Onshape document: https://cad.onshape.com/documents/5c0538eb87b2b086d44e895c/v/3993f801077b5bbf21c6472e/e/2f8a2fb0fa432662a0257e6a?renderMode=0&uiState=69269a377d174e14d110abcf

Where to get it

Tom＇s WIDE Pill Case by SamuraiLink3 | Download free STL model | Printables.com

Instructions are on that page.

Replika: My Spare Parts Prusa MK3S+

Thu, 17 Apr 2025 00:00:00 -0500

A while ago, I built a “new” Prusa MK3S+ out of spare parts on my kitchen table, but never wrote about it or posted pictures. I decided to do the full MK3S+ → MK4 upgrade, even though Prusa themselves slightly warn against it. At the end of the process, you’ll have rebuilt the vast majority of your MK3S+ into a MK4, and will be left with ~75% of a MK3S+ on your kitchen table.

So I decided to order the missing mechanical parts from Prusa directly and start printing the required printed parts. The fact that this was, not only possible, but wholly supported by Prusa is fucking wild. Its the open-source ethos in action. This directly enabled me to go from “a table of spare parts” to “working machine” with a bit of time, effort, and following the pretty-good directions.

Since I needed to build the hotend anyway, I figured I may as well upgrade to an E3D Revo. I followed Prusa’s directions and E3D’s Revo install instructions to build the new hotend. Mashing both instruction sets up together wasn’t the most straight-forward experience, but after a bit of fiddling, I ended up with a working (and upgraded) machine.

Here’s some pictures of the finished build, and a couple printed upgrades to go with it (please excuse the messy workshop [and notice the bonus fire extinguisher for my first test print]):

The initial build and first print!

The Benchy looked pretty great in Cookiecad Fairy Floss PLA

The final iteration of the printer. This comes with an attached Raspberry Pi 3B+

I wanted this to be a mobile manufacturing station that I could just plug-and-play around the house (or even to other people’s houses). I added a few accessories to pull this off:

Logitech C270 Camera Mount [not pictured]

I added this webcam mount to attach to the Raspberry Pi, so I could actively monitor the printer: https://www.printables.com/model/3991-logitech-c270-mount-prusa-i3-mk3

The interface isn’t as tight as I’d like it, the camera will get itself out of position if bumped, but its good enough for now.

Revo Nozzle Holder

This Revo Nozzle Holder just sticks right onto the MK3S+ frame and has slots for holding nozzles. Super handy, no chance of me losing them.

https://www.printables.com/model/99012-revo-nozzle-holder-for-prusa-mk3s

PrusaLink / Prusa Connect on a Raspberry Pi 3B+

I love the ability to just send jobs from PrusaSlicer and have them start on the printer. Extremely handy, and it would share the same interface as my MK4. I printed up a case, followed the directions, and everything just worked.

https://www.printables.com/model/5313-raspberry-pi-3b-case-for-mk3-v-vslot-with-screw

https://help.prusa3d.com/guide/prusalink-prusa-connect-with-rpi-3-4-usb-mk2-5-s-mk3-s_469341

Where to get it

If you’d like to get your own MK3S+, you’ve gotta build it yourself. Honestly, just get one of Prusa’s other excellent printers. If you’re really insistent on building one yourself:

Printable Parts: https://www.printables.com/model/57217-i3-mk3s-printable-parts
Spare Parts: https://www.prusa3d.com/category/mk3-mk3s-mk3s/
Main GitHub Repo (and links to other necessary repos): https://github.com/prusa3d/Original-Prusa-i3/tree/MK3S
Raspberry Pi PrusaLink Setup: https://help.prusa3d.com/guide/prusalink-prusa-connect-with-rpi-3-4-usb-mk2-5-s-mk3-s_469341

Stupid Slicer Tricks: Model Mashup

Tue, 11 Feb 2025 00:00:00 -0600

Sometimes you don’t need a full CAD workflow to make modifications to a model, your slicer is capable of some truly amazing feats! Here’s a story about a time where I had a model that I loved that didn’t quite meet my requirements and a remix that also didn’t meet my requirements. The “only” solution was to mash up the two models to make something a bit more customized.

I’ve been trying to upgrade my domains of nerddom and one area I’ve always been mostly-blind to is the physical craft of electronics. I know just enough to be dangerous and spot obvious problems (after they’ve combusted), but I’ve never delved into the practice of soldering or building/repairing my own electronics. Luckily, I have friends well-versed in this domain. I bought a PINECIL and had a friend walk me through the very basics of soldering.

He recommended this PINECIL case on Printables, which is an extremely nice model. Functional and beautiful. The only issue with it is: I’m not gonna use those extra iron tips. While I have another tip, I have neither the experience nor knowledge to use them effectively yet. I’m still an absolute beginner at this stage, I just don’t know what I don’t know.

My friend recommended a flux pen for my beginner soldering kit, but the default case didn’t come with a spot for it. Luckily, this remix of the PINECIL case had a socket that fit perfectly, but it was mashed up with the soldering iron tip holder that I didn’t need. I wanted to blend the models together so I could replace the spare-tip holder with the flux pen socket. Normally, I’d just take this out to TinkerCAD, but I wanted to see if I could get away with a more “low-tech” solution.

For better or worse, that low-tech solution was some goblin engineering shit with PrusaSlicer:

What have I done??

Instead of solving this problem “correctly”, I decided to solve it “good enough”. PrusaSlicer has a great feature called “Negative Volume Modifiers”. You can do a lot of different functions with these simple shapes, even adding text to models easily. This particular modifier just removed areas of a model, kinda like a big boxy 3D eraser.

Let’s dive into what this mess actually does:

The first model uses negative volumes to remove the spare tip holders from the model. It isn’t perfect and leaves some gaps in the original filet of the case, but it’s good enough:

This leaves us a space to add the flux pen socket!

The second model just removes the entire case around the flux pen socket, leaving just the socket behind:

Now, we just gotta overlay those models just right and….

Voila! We’ve now mashed up both of these models to come up with a jankier third option. Slicing this model does result in some problematic g-code and PrusaSlicer isn’t too happy about it:

Sadly, this is actually exactly what we want. We have two different models that should be printed on top of each other. The only question was: Would this print correctly? Let’s take a closer look at the g-code preview and try to discern what’s going on.

This is just a guess, but it appears that one layer of the model is printed twice in the same location. Obviously, this isn’t optimal, but as long as it doesn’t fail the print completely, it should be fine. This is actually the first time I’m seeing this type of error in PrusaSlicer. Lucky for me, PrusaSlicer complains, but doesn’t actually stop me from doing some absolutely hacky bullshit.

I absolutely love this. While it may be conventional to just hard-stop the user from doing something dumb, the fact that it complains, then allows the behavior anyway is fucking fantastic. This is how open-source software should work: Tell me what I’m doing is dumb as hell, but then let me do it anyway, consequences be damned.

I sent the job off to the printer and watched as it double-printed the flux pen socket. The nozzle tried to put down molten plastic into already-solidified plastic, and that didn’t work too well. It squiggled out and made a small mess, but didn’t actually fail or nozzle-crash. The next layer went down perfectly well. No complaints, no issues. It just did the job.

Check out the final product to see the results:

Don’t get me wrong, this is absolutely a hack/goblin-engineering/mess, but the bottom line is that IT WORKS. Your projects may not need so many messy hacks or slicer trickery, but its always good to have these skills in your back pocket. Even if its not the “right way” to do something, its often the faster way.

For more slicer trickery, check out these great videos from some of my favorite 3D printing YouTubers:

If you would like to print this model (or the remix), check out the following links:

Honeycomb Storage Wall Anbernic RG35XXSP Mount

Fri, 17 Jan 2025 00:00:00 -0600

This is a Honeycomb Storage Wall mount for the Anbernic RG35XXSP.

There’s not much to say about this one, its a simple box that can attach to HSW inserts and holds your handheld securely.

Where to get it

Honeycomb Storage Wall Anbernic RG35XXSP Mount by SamuraiLink3 | Download free STL model | Printables.com

Source CAD and printing instructions available on the Printables page.

Shampoo Bottle Holder

Thu, 22 Aug 2024 00:00:00 -0500

Shampoo Bottle Holder by SamuraiLink3 | Download free STL model | Printables.com

Source CAD:

Onshape

A tiny 3D design project I finished. This holds my shampoo/conditioner bottles upright or upside-down if its getting to the bottom of the bottle. More information can be found on the Printables page.

Tom’s Parametric Pill Case

Tue, 25 Jun 2024 00:00:00 -0500

Tom’s Parametric Pill Case by SamuraiLink3 | Download free STL model | Printables.com

I have some pretty unique use-cases for a pill case:

Fit A LOT of pills (~15)
Fit BIG pills (like Calcium)
Stay closed when I want it to be closed
Don’t be a massive pain to open when I want it open
Be a single-unit case, I don’t want to lose the “lid” randomly

So I built this. References and more details are available on the Printables page.

Door Handle Slammer Stopper

Tue, 05 Mar 2024 00:00:00 -0600

For the most part, I love my house. Its fairly well-built and doesn’t need a lot of fuss or maintenance. Great “first house” kind of place. That said, there’s one area that’s just bad. Its not critical, its just dumb and that makes it even worse:

Oh my god I hate it.

So, if you’re coming home from the store and are holding a heavy package: You paw at the garage door to unlatch it, then bump your way into the door to swing it open. This causes the two door handles to forcefully collide with each other.

Ugh.

So I made two stupid circles and stuck them together:

Then I printed that in TPU and stretched it over the door handle.

Now:

BOOP!

Where to get it

These models are so simple and pretty specific to my door handles that I didn’t want it “clogging up” my Printables profile. That said, it may be useful to someone in the future (that someone could be me one day), so here’s everything:

OnShape Source Document

License: `Public Domain`

This article, all model files (STLs), CAD sources (STEP files), and images are Public Domain / CC0. You can use these files and this information however you want, whenever, and wherever you want.

Shower Wand Grab Bar Mount

Mon, 01 Jan 2024 00:00:00 -0600

If you’ve ever had surgery, you know one of the most painful and annoying things is figuring out how to bathe without hurting yourself too badly. When I had gallbladder removal surgery, I ran into an annoying problem: I’m a short guy and the shower wand attaches to the main faucet, which is way above my head. I would need to stretch to grab it, which was painful.

My buddy, Salem, always says that one of the main superpowers of 3D printing was gaining the ability to stick things to other things. So that’s just what I did.

I took measurements of the grab bar and a bunch of reference photos. Then I modeled a simple bracket that I printed in PETG. This is the latest version of the bracket. The original didn’t have the secondary hook, so the whole mount tended to rotate around the main grab bar. This version is a bit better in that regard. Not perfectly stable, but it doesn’t have to be. Its very much “good enough”.

Out of everything I’ve designed and printed, this piece is my all-time favorite (so far). The design is simple-enough and I was able to use open-source tools to solve a painful problem I was experiencing. Today I don’t need the mount, but I still use it for the sheer convenience (much like curb cuts). Accessibility doesn’t need to be hard or expensive, we just have to be a bit more clever than the default.

Shower Wand Grab Bar Mount Pictures

📸 The part itself	📸 The mounted part

📸 The mounted part, but from the bottom	📸 The mounted part in use

Source Files and CAD

Feel free to use the source CAD and files however you want, its all Public Domain, but I’d like to issue a light warning first: The CAD is rough. The design is parametric, but annoying to actually edit. This was my first more-complex-than-sticking-cubes-together CAD project and I’ve learned a lot since building this. It kinda sucks to edit, but I figured it may be somewhat helpful to someone in the future.

License: `Public Domain`

This article, all model files (STLs), CAD sources (STEP files), and images are Public Domain / CC0. You can use these files and this information however you want, whenever, and wherever you want.

3D Printing on Tom Webster

Air Boot Spur

Where to get it

Stackable Table

Where to get it

Whistle Crew Wiki

Where to get it

Want Whistles?

Want to Donate?

Tom’s WIDE Pill Case

Where to get it

Replika: My Spare Parts Prusa MK3S+

Logitech C270 Camera Mount [not pictured]

Revo Nozzle Holder

PrusaLink / Prusa Connect on a Raspberry Pi 3B+

Where to get it

Stupid Slicer Tricks: Model Mashup

Honeycomb Storage Wall Anbernic RG35XXSP Mount

Where to get it

Shampoo Bottle Holder

Tom’s Parametric Pill Case

Door Handle Slammer Stopper

Where to get it

License: Public Domain

Shower Wand Grab Bar Mount

Shower Wand Grab Bar Mount Pictures

Source Files and CAD

License: Public Domain

License: `Public Domain`

License: `Public Domain`