Prayer Beads

thingiverse

You can use these pieces for many types of prayer beads. Simply create the required number of beads and the optional separator beads that I used in the Islamic version. This is only my second 3D printing project, having recently acquired a 3D printer. This was also my first ever jewelry type of project, so I did some guesswork along the way. I used two strands of monofilament bead cord through all beads. If I make another one, I'll try using flexible bead cord instead. That might be a better choice for this sort of project. Assembly is straightforward. I've included two types of separator beads in the design. Feel free to use your own design or resize one that I provided. Simply run your bead cord through all the beads and then both ends of the cord into the end piece. The hole is 2mm, large enough to accommodate two strands of flexible 0.8mm bead cord. Depending on the type of cord you're using, you might be able to just tie a knot at this point. If using something finer like monofilament, string it through the thread holder (looks like a button) piece and tie it up. Be sure to pay attention to how much slack you leave once you've adjusted for the proper amount of slack. I used hot glue on the ends to secure everything in place. Now you have two choices for the end cap. If you're not using a tassel, push on the end cap without the hole in the end. The fit should be tight. The printed part will need some filing or sanding to fit properly. You're done! If you want to add a tassel, find some sort of stringy material and fold it in half. Using a small hook (I used a bent paperclip), push the hook through the large opening in the end cap and out of the small opening. Hook the tassel strings in the center and pull back into the cap until they're just outside the large opening in the cap. Then, take the small tassel holder piece and place it under the center of the tassels. Be certain the concave face is facing the tassels while holding everything in place, pull the ends of the tassel until they're snug inside the cap. It should fit just right now. Now put the cap and the end piece together and you're done! As mentioned above, you'll need to do some filing or sanding to make a snug fit. I hope you enjoy this project. I had fun creating it, and my wife really likes the results.