Manual Handles for Zen Toolworks CNC router

thingiverse

I own a ZenToolworks CNC router which lacked any means of manually moving it, so I engineered handles that slide over the end nuts for the X and Y axis threaded rods. By doing this, I can now utilize the router manually for small-scale projects without obstructing its regular operation. These custom-made handles are designed to fit snugly around any 14mm diameter (.558) across-flats nut. A tiny hole is strategically placed through the center of each handle where the nut resides; this small aperture can be tapped with a #2 (or similar-sized) screw to secure the handle onto the shaft securely. During experimentation, I discovered that PLA adheres remarkably well when tapped, and its application also helps prevent screws from becoming dislodged due to vibration. To print these custom handles, simply follow a standard printing procedure. For this project, I used .21 layer thickness, constructing two solid top and bottom layers along with five perimeter lines, and infusing the design with 2.5% solidity.