Changeable Garden Tool Heads

Garden Tool With Variable Heads

Project developed by Sierra Lunsford

This Open Source Appropriate Technology has been designed but not yet tested — use at your own risk.

This Open Source Appropriate Technology has been prototyped.

Abstract

In third world countries it is necessary for people to cultivate their own food. Tools of good quality could be hard to come by, and/or expensive in terms of the developing country's currency to purchase. This set reduces the cost of such tools not only by using cheap material, but also because it is only necessary to have one handle as the different heads can be interchanged. Only a few head designs are posted on this page, but virtually any tool head could be designed to fit this model set.

1. Picture of completed print using
   

Bill of Materials

The STL files and FreeCAD files for the parts can be found here:

Tools needed for fabrication of the OSAT

1. MOST Delta RepRap or similar RepRap 3-D printer

Skills and Knowledge Necessary to Make the OSAT

• Knowledge of how to use FreeCAD and Cura

Technical Specifications and Assembly Instructions

- To Assemble: -

1. Download the part files provided above in the bill of materials
2. Convert stl files to gcode using software like Cura
3. Print all of the Parts
4. Start by inserting the part handle_attachment into the slider part
5. Twist the attachment part so that it can not move up and down into the slider
6. Next snap these assembled parts into the handle. Note: You must hold the attachment in place in the slider while you snap the parts to fit the knobs in the handle
7. Last insert the head of your choosing into the slot in the attachment part and secure with nut and bolt

- Time:

• Total print time estimate: 3.5 hours
• Total assembly time estimate: 5 minutes

Cost savings

• Cost of 3D Garden Tool with 2 heads: 3.30$
• Commercial Cost of 1 Simple Hand Spade: 6.00$ (*2=12$)

• Savings= 8.7$

Note: The savings would be greater with more designs of heads used.

References

• Cost of basic gardening tool

1. http://www.walmart.com/ip/20958816?wmlspartner=wlpa&selectedSellerId=0&adid=22222222227016781006&wl0=&wl1=g&wl2=c&wl3=40471068392&wl4=&wl5=pla&wl6=78362559992&veh=sem