How to make your own Clean-Up Buddy Kit using a 3D printer
Mark E.
Yes! If you want to make your own Clean-Up Buddy Kit using a 3D printer, you’ll need to design and print the necessary components. Here’s a general guide on how you can approach it:
1. Understanding the Clean-Up Buddy Kit
The Clean-Up Buddy Kit is used for gold prospecting and typically includes:
- A sluice or riffle system
- A water pump or flow control system
- A housing or frame to hold the components together
- Tubing and connectors for water flow
2. Materials & Filament Selection
Since this kit will likely be exposed to water and outdoor conditions, the best filament choices include:
- PETG – Good for water resistance, durability, and UV resistance.
- ABS – Strong and impact-resistant but needs an enclosure for printing.
- ASA – UV-resistant, better for outdoor use.
- Nylon – Strong and flexible but can absorb water.
3. 3D Modeling
Use a 3D modeling software like:
- Fusion 360 (Beginner-friendly with parametric design)
- TinkerCAD (Simple and web-based)
- Blender (More advanced but powerful)
- FreeCAD (Open-source alternative)
You'll need to design:
- A sluice tray with riffles for trapping gold particles.
- A water guide or hopper to direct water flow.
- A housing or bracket to hold everything in place.
- Connectors for attaching the pump, tubing, or other accessories.
If you don’t want to design from scratch, check Thingiverse, Printables, or Cults3D for similar designs you can modify.
4. 3D Printing Settings
- Layer Height: 0.2mm (for a balance of detail and strength)
- Infill: 20-50% (higher for structural parts)
- Supports: As needed for overhangs
- Bed Adhesion: Use a heated bed for materials like ABS
5. Assembly & Waterproofing
- Use silicone sealant for waterproofing joints.
- Consider using stainless steel screws for assembly.
- If needed, apply a protective coating (like epoxy) to improve durability.
6. Testing & Adjustments
- Test water flow and check for leaks.
- Make adjustments to the design if needed.
- Ensure the sluice riffles work effectively in trapping heavier particles.