The RetroSteeper

thingiverse

Introducing the RetroSteeper, a versatile device for liquids and beyond. I designed it to resemble an old industrial machine, giving it a cool retro vibe (hence the name). To build one, you'll need some M3/M8 bolts & nuts, a 150RPM 5v/12v DC geared motor, 8x608ZZ skate bearings, and a switch for the power supply. Feel free to add your own electronics or enhancements. Check out these videos for more: https://youtu.be/-lrWlsq42Vo, https://youtu.be/U7L3mhPjIZk I created this design as an e-liquid steeper/mixer because I got tired of steeping manually. But it's served me well for various projects, such as a mini ball tumbler for 3D printed parts, a sauce mixer in the kitchen, and even an enterprise logo oscillator that wowed my customers. The picture with a beer on top was just for reference – I wasn't steeping it; it was there to show its size (sorry, no Coke nearby!). My motor draws 150mA/5v (0.75W), so I use it to discharge PROTECTED batteries and squeeze out the remaining charge without wasting it. A single Li-Ion 3000mah 18650 battery can last many hours. Next step: converting it to solar power, making it a super-effective scarecrow. The motor's speed depends on voltage, allowing you to adjust steeping speeds easily. You can even power it from USB if you choose a 5v capable geared DC motor. The tray is modular, with holes for attaching whatever you like. Use an elastic cord; if not, print the included spiral 1m chord with Ninjaflex and you're done. The machine itself is also modular – install any mechanism you invent on top to make something interesting or just a cool "RetroMachine." I've left room for drilling holes for your own machinery. Don't forget to add weight to the innards of the box to keep it stable when loaded with heavy objects. Tray holes are for metric M6 bolts; use them to bind together your designs for bottles, tumblers, logos, etc. – I've attached amazing things to it, trust me. Reference pictures for suitable motors are included. This project has almost no electronics: just a motor, switch, wires, and a power supply (which can be batteries or a solar cell). These motors require very little current to work. Belt-printing materials like Ninjaflex or Filaflex work well; avoid semiflex elastomers as they're too rigid. This is an easy project with awesome results – just nuts/bolts, washers, bearings, and a cheap motor. The BOM is under $20, and I've included FreeCAD sources for your convenience. Come build one – you won't regret it!