SuperMod Helping Hand Clamp (REV 2)

prusaprinters

Welcome to the SuperMod collection of versatile, customizable, DIY helping hands. Quickly and easily clamp all the small things with these spring-powered parallel clamps.  The full selection of parts, including stl and step, are sorted into zip files.  There is a parts checklist in the pdf file.  You can find my Swivel clamps here: https://www.printables.com/model/719190-supermod-helping-hand-swivel-clamp-rev-2.Revision 2I focused on simplifying the number and type of required fasteners.  The result is a more efficient design without sacrificing utility or options.  For a standard pair of clamps you will only need 4 screws and 4 springs!When attaching the clamp towers, I now recommend threading screws into plastic.  (Old parts modeled with heat set inserts are in the zip files.)  Heat set inserts can deform the walls and interfere with the smooth motion of the sliding clamps.  When threading into plastic, hand tighten screws and stop as soon as they bottom out.  3D DesignThe 3D files are modeled with 0.26 mm tolerance for general parts assembly, and 0.36 mm tolerance for freely moving parts.  For custom, perfectly smooth clamps measure the ideal value with a tolerance test and modify the square holes of the sliding clamps with your favorite CAD.SuppliesYou will need the following supplies for a standard pair of clamps: (4) M3x8 screwsLonger screws up to M3x12 will also work(4) Springs, two for each clampSuperglueOptional parts include the following: (1) M3x12 screw for the hinge in a sliding clamp swivel(2) M3x8 screws to attach a cap to the horizontal adapterLonger screws up to M3x12 will also workAdhesive-backed silicone strips (https://www.mcmaster.com/1411N201/)Alligator clamps and flexible arms with 1/4" NPT threads (for example: https://www.amazon.com/TOPPROS-Nozzle-Flexible-Coolant-Orange/dp/B088QRKQYK/)Pen SpringsPen springs are guaranteed to vary in size but should be around 25 mm (1 inch) long.  The clamp towers are modeled for springs that are 27 mm long and fit over a 3 mm (1/8 inch) tube.  You may wish to trim a spring if it is too long, but you should add a spacer if your spring is shorter than 27 mm.  (You can scale a spacer to any desired size in a slicer.)Printed GripsGlue the printed grips into place to form the clamping surface.  The structure of the clamps can be easily printed in PLA, while only the grips need to be printed with a more difficult, heat-resistant filament.  In place of printed grips, I used strips of adhesive-backed silicone that provide excellent grip and temperature resistance.Slicing & PrintingDouble check a few settings to help ensure the smooth motion of the clamps.  Print the clamp towers on a smooth surface, and adjust layer heights so that the height is 12.6 mm exactly.  Print the spring support rods with thin layers on a smooth surface.  Assembly & NotesThe base comes in a variant with a spool holder for solder, and a variant with a 1/4" NPT threaded mount for attaching a flexible helping hand.  You can print your own or use coolant pipe hose and alligator clips for a budget solution.  I found that adding a spool of solder added a nice amount of weight to the base.Thanks for visiting, and enjoy!Minor update:  I no longer sort pieces into sets in order to simplify parts selection.  I now share just the largest size and recommend using spring spacers for shorter springs.  Downloads have been reorganized and several files renamed.  Minor update: Added a parts checklist, and fixed some typos.