3d Printing a Geared Vice - Will It work?

I'm making a twin-screw geared woodworker's vice and I'm 3d printing the geared mechanism for it.
Download the plans for this project here: www.alch.shop/
Merchandise: teespring.com/stores/alch
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If you want you can support me on Patreon: / chappel
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Some of my favorite tools:
my favourite 3d printer: shareasale.com/r.cfm?b=228215...
Track saw: amzn.to/2Q07Bj7
Drill: amzn.to/3cKVXCr
Impact driver: amzn.to/2VZFGDp
Jigsaw: amzn.to/2vQtbj1
Biscuit jointer: amzn.to/333GzfY
Japanese hand saw: amzn.to/2QcLUMo
Orbital sander: amzn.to/2xglSBs
Mitre saw: amzn.to/3b3QBkY
By using these links I may earn an affiliate commission, which helps support the channel.
Thank you for Watching! Tune in next week for more videos :)

[@achappel]

Fun fact: Turns out it's entirely possible to machine those gears as well :P

[@salsero79bs49]

Nice, but what about brakets for your vise?

[@infreeme1]

yeah that sounded so stupid at the beginning of the video

[@Bright-1337]

cold rolling I think is the most popular for those gears and 3d printing is not used very mutch for gears

[@scottlidstone1902]

I was wondering how many grumpy machinists were going to comment this with PAINFULLY detailed instructions

[@kareongames]

wanted to comment that, also next time lubricate the wheels with something that doesnt dissolve the plastic used for the gears to prevent long term wear

[@Yrocsrelles]

Hi, just a quick possible tip. You may want to add grease to the gears. I add pretty much any plastic safe gear lube on my 3D printed RC car gear box. Love the videos! Keep up the great work!

[@Mike-oz4cv]

Isn’t grease only useful to reduce abrasion between the teeth? I guess in Alexandre’s case the main danger is that the teeth will be too weak and simply shear off.

[@alexclark3648]

Could also have printed the gears in nylon!

[@mohedaicebear]

Make sure to lube up your plastic toys

[@yosyp5905]

@jernejj5 there's grease even in slow moving parts, for example my two HOTAS gimbles. some is better than none

[@jothain]

This is partly correct, partly incorrect. It depends on plastic and grease type used. Some hydroscopic plastics can get swollen or soften plastics. I personally wouldn't use any on such slow speed application, especially since it could result in easier tooth slipping. Also it would only make worn plastic to stuck on grease and increase wear.

[@philippe9280]

You really stand out in the use of the 3D printer, using it as a one of the tools rather then a stand alone item. It's integrated in almost all your projects. I think this makes you stand out compared to the many other makers on KZbin. I'm already looking forward to your next video!

[@TheOneAndOnlyCrawl]

A 3D printer is a great addition to any workshop imo. You can print jigs for grinding tools, fixtures for special clamping tasks, tool organizers and build things for a fraction of the commercially available stuff. It kinda frustrates me when people only use their printers to make dust collecting figurines. I mean to each their own, but 3D printers enable you to do so much more.

[@DrakeOola]

@@TheOneAndOnlyCrawl Yeah I hate that so much... Even more pointless if they dont even bother building their own models.

[@Prophes0r]

@@TheOneAndOnlyCrawl Except...That is LITERALLY what 3d printing is for. Art & Rapid Prototyping (Before you do it a different way) 3d printing is almost ALWAYS the worst way to make something that isn't one of the two things listed above. Is 3d printing cool? Hell yeah it is! Is it misused by 99% of 'hobbyists'? Yes. Yes it is. I'm not going to claim a printer doesn't make a great addition to a shop. They can be SUPER useful. But watching some idiot waste electricity and plastic to print a box out of ABS is mind meltingly frustrating.

[@jedmoutahir]

I love the fact that he's always super excited in every video.

[@achappel]

:D :D :D

[@BobWidlefish]

Cocaine is a helluva drug. J/k! :)

[@ferdinandocremone1334]

communication techniques

[@Mike-oz4cv]

It’s a bit too much in my opinion.

[@bluephreakr]

@@Mike-oz4cv It's to hold engagement. If he's any less energetic, he's less attention-grabbing and commanding which is what _most_ people like seeing. Though, some of it is genuine personality and joy in his work from what I see.

[@sjoervanderploeg4340]

That satisfying whiff of sawdust when it all fits together perfectly!

[@brianemunroe]

Loved that part! So good!

[@CJICantLie]

I love the safety glasses on the head instead of covering the eyes.

[@chiliplayer3510]

The shape for the gear cuts is not fully "correct". Helical Cut Gears (diagonal cuts) make much less noise but but this comes with sacrificing transmission power capabilities. That's why you normally find helical gears in road cars (quiet, dont need to transmit extrem power) and straight cut gears in race cars (you may have heard the whining sound a race car makes, this comes from the straight cut gears). So as you normally want to transmit more power to a vice, straight cut gears would've been the better choice, especially when made out of a weak material. But it may totally work that way as well and may even hold, it's just a lot of work and as an engineer you may not want to make it weaker by purpose :-) Great project anyway, I just wanted to point the difference between helical/straight cut gears - someone may find it interesting

[@taimenxizxinxdaxhood]

Fun fact: André Citroën bought the patent for manufacturing those herringbone gearing in 1900. Since they are too expensive to manufacture they were dismissed. But they are still present in the Logo of Citroën.

[@kingofcastlechaos]

Excellent!! I have been woodworking over 40 yrs and NOBODY will expect me to put one of these on my bench. Good thing it's 2020 and I can just shrug and grin after I do it. Thanks for all you do to inspire.

[@dkendall77]

You sir, are a genius. Also, it's so good to see someone use 3D printing to build more than just cosplay or trinkets. Just bought my first 3D printer and I will definitely be using some of your content to inspire my work moving forward.

[@katzmosestools]

Really cool build my friend!

[@achappel]

Thanks dude!

[@el_engineer0p106]

@@achappel Hi, im currently getting into 3D printing robots myself. How do you attach the ball barings to the gear material? snap and stay? JB weld? Glue? -Jeff

[@jacobwheaton8736]

@@el_engineer0p106 it looked like to me that he just made the holes the same size or slightly undersized and just press fit them in, with 3d printing its a little trial and error making the exact right fit since the plastic shrinks as it cools

[@vansbuilds5714]

@@el_engineer0p106 he presss then in like he says at 9:15

[@ape337YT]

@@el_engineer0p106 youre not writing leter dont leawe youre name at end its anoying

[@TheRasmusdc]

it´s actually fun to see, that you 3d print a geometry that looks like that on the gears, to support the old fashion milling and turning machines, you have so many other possibilities when 3d printing, to make a different geartype that would introduce more strenght into the plastic part.

[@henmich]

I love herringbone hears... I've always wanted to produce a gearbox for a car using those. Cancels out all the axial forces and still quiet. Best of both worlds.

[@KiemPlant]

I was already searching for something to watch, perfect timing.

[@achappel]

yayy :)

[@milan2247]

Alexandre Chappel your life is all about 3D printed routerjigs 😂

[@UnboxMe]

16:59 maybe put an adhesive rubber strip to make it hold better?! Good video!!👊

[@templerea5262]

Or put something of equal thickness on the opposite side of the vice when edge clamping.

[@maxmustermann4337]

@@templerea5262 The advantage of having two lead screws is supposed to be that you don't need to do that

[@rsuplido]

cut and adhere full length and with of sanding belt on both clamping faces

[@Erickthedreamgiver]

At add some lube

[@DanT10]

Typically a hunk of leather on each chop is used.

[@cameronfurweger5756]

My favorite channel on KZbin

[@clockmakerify]

A luxurious project, both in concept and in the quality of execution and in the elegance of execution.

[@stevewalters5906]

You have so much enthusiasm in your presentatIons that makes them so watchable! Also that little giggle that comes out when something works or looks cool is in all of us - we all do it - but yours is infectious...

[@pixlfactory]

Maaaaan, the content's quality you give us gets every time better and better, really enjoying watching your videos. Especially this one, as I am a big fan of 3d printing, this project give me such pleasure, thank you!!!

[@timothywewege6651]

I have just came up with an amazing idea for when I am bored,i just watch this guy's amazing videos,dude,you rock with all the amazing things you make

[@cancerfish6504]

This guy is extremely thoughtful with his designs, very inspirational.

[@skharppi]

11:53 good thing you had your safetyglasses :D

[@toootankhamooon]

haahaahaaha

[@SCHAUDENLUCAS]

Just recently discovered your channel through the camera stand video. You are a huge inspiration and I really enjoy not only watching your videos, but also watching your channel grow. There is so much effort in your videos. I'm guessing you are almost spending the same amount of time for alle the camera work and editing, as for the project itself. Really really impressive!

[@bgubs07]

I love that none of your projects are too crazy to do, but you always put some cool creative twist on them! Can't wait to see what else you come up with!

[@ozguragcakaya9017]

You are what youtube should be! Well done mate

[@tigra7905]

Great stuff! This is the first chanel that doesn't get boring over time. I've watched all of your videos (yes, even the not so good ones ;) ) and I love how you improve both your building and video edtiting skills. Keep up the good work, Alex!

[@lucasmurphy5407]

That vise is awesome but I would highly recommend making easily replaceable jaws because the wood will wear out probably in a year or so and you want to be able to make a new one pretty easy

[@achappel]

That's a great idea, I'll look into it :)

[@Zackmex]

It turned out great!

[@shivunchinniah]

The best part of Alex's videos is his positivity and genuine enjoyment. Keep up the great work!

[@BLEKSIDE]

Greetings from germany, love your positive energy

[@achappel]

Thank's dude! greetings from norway :)

[@12345maxx]

We need a follow up on this to see how it's working.

[@blakeimmenhauser8234]

Love the 3D printed builds

[@leosbagoftricks3732]

Really nice project- clever at every step.

[@robmckennie4203]

Here's an even more fun fact, herringbone gears weren't anything close to impossible to make without 3d printing, and they were widely used before the invention of 3d printing

[@rich1051414]

And traveling to town wasn't anything close to impossible before the invention of a car. Kids these days are just lazy and refuse to walk 20 miles a day to feed themselves.

[@Texassince1836]

They were around, but they were extremely expensive. It was cheaper to make a single angle helical gear and engineer for the thrust forces.

[@g45h96]

I would recommend abs over pla for durability and strength, and add just a little grease to them. Double helical gears have really good thrust characteristics, so they should hold up. Also, they're one of the quietest configurations, so a little bit of grease and you should barely hear them

[@BRUXXUS]

Yeah, my main problem using PLA in any mechanical prints is creep. PLA creeps really badly with even a little tension over time. PETG would probably be the best of the common materials.

[@teedawg2112]

cork on the inside of the vice walls will take all the slip away and protect surfaces in the vice. Amazing build!

[@Mottersmotters]

Absolutely amazing great work

[@NicksStuff]

16:00 you could do the whole front in acrylic

Kudos! Fantastic project, as always. Btw, If the gears wear out, you can try to use PETG instead of PLA.

[@achappel]

Yeah that's true! I'll see how long these last :)

[@ToddRafferty]

I came here to say the same thing. Thank you.

[@hektor010101]

That's really cool

[@Dynaco77]

Very cool! I have to try this!

[@LogHouseFarm]

Hi Alexandre, I am new to your channel, great videos. I have a technical question and I am not sure if you have answered it in any other videos - I have not watched all your videos... yet - when you do the slow panning speed montages, what do you use for that - do you have some special gear for that?

[@LogHouseFarm]

@_ David _ I did see that video, thank you, but I don't believe that is used for the slow panning shots

[@tylertc1]

I know the measuring may seem really basic. But some of what I find most fascinating is how you think through all the different steps so that the measurements just work like this. The templates are genius, but not having done much of this, I would have thought to create the 3d printed templates, but not the centering pin (which you had in blue). So questions like: How did you come up with the helical gear angles (or maybe it was just a basic template you used). Or did you go through gearing and think about the strength each pattern could take / and at what angle to reduce backlash etc? So basically, it may be really boring to some, but to me it would be awesome to see a behind the scenes on just all of the thinking and planning that goes into something like this, or even for the overhead camera rig that you constructed. I think there is so much valuable information here about utilizing readily available tools and materials that maybe some of your audience would appreciate gaining insights into. For example, when I think about the camera rig, like the metal tubing there and then turning it 45 degrees and utilizing bearings was genius. So I‘m rambling, but I think you get what I mean. Everything fits so snuggly that I really know you think through and have mastered measuring (especially understanding what tolerances can be achieve with what tools etc...and that would just be fascinating to see). Anyways, great choice on the music as well and love the videos and quality. I can tell you put a lot of effort and work into these and it shows. Thanks for sharing all of this.

[@fabrizio_sant]

yeah, i´ll love to see this type o´content

[@Prophes0r]

You usually use a piece of software that is set up to do all the calculations for you. Or you get a degree in mechanical engineering. There really isn't much of a middle ground when you start talking about mating angles and friction surfaces.

[@KQualan]

Wow that is so cool. I love it

[@Adronacfass]

Love this dudes energy

[@SirMetrowy]

The only thing that it misses is quick release feature.

[@marijndegezelle3819]

if you can make them out of ABS. PLA will deform over time because of the pressure of mounting

[@el_engineer0p106]

Yeah, the torque will deform the plastic over time. But the concept is cool.

[@dr.mohammadsahilansari6805]

You are an amazing builder and inspiration for many

[@achappel]

thanks dude:)

[@aimlessweasel]

Tip from AvE for the hole saw... make a shallow cut with the hole saw, then use a medium sized standard drill just inside/touching the marks in a few places (looks kind of like a planetary gear) to let the chips clear. I've used it a few times now and can't believe how much it helps. Also makes it a bit easier to remove the plug left in the hole saw. Great project!

[@adamskalnik5260]

2:13 Although it is easy to make them with 3d printer, these gears can be made by rolling or milling. Also rolling is the most used process and these gears have been used long before 3d printing.

[@tscc]

Yeah, this. Double helicals are being used in power transmission gearboxes all over the place. (moving vehicles as well as production machinery).

[@Voxters]

Yep, some people get to overhyped with 3D printing and make up theyr own "facts"

[@tallAldiProduction]

tscc yeah Citroen even has them as logo because they kind of invented them or at least a variation

[@dodgeme1986truck]

problem with the milling is that they had to cut a groove between left and right gear patterns as it is physically impossible to cut the herringbone tooth pattern without reducing the overall surface area by whatever the sum of all the tooth contact area removed to create the clearance for the cutting bit thus the gears either had to be wider or they lost the accumulated load capacity total from that machined out area

[@sevenliterbronco]

@@dodgeme1986truck they were regularly cut on a rotory indexer on a shaper without a center releaf when needed. Those men were true machinist and toolmakers

[@maurofoti526]

What about having an hexagonal hole in the steel tube in the middle (the one that is turned by the handle)? Maybe with a 3d-printed cap that is locked to the shaft with a pin. This way you could use a hand drill with a normal hex bit to provide power clamping! Surely it would be faster than closing and opening all the way manually...

[@nialltracey2599]

More likely to strip the gears though....

[@maurofoti526]

@@nialltracey2599 you'll be surprised by how little torque a hand drill can actually deliver. In my experience, that handle will provide much more torque than any battery powered hand drill could. Also it would just be to speed up the closing/opening (faster than doing it manually), the final locking would still be operated by hand

[@nialltracey2599]

@@maurofoti526 OK, "stripping" was the wrong word. I'm more thinking of the speed and vibrations increasing surface abrasion.

[@maurofoti526]

@@nialltracey2599 yeah, that's more likely. It would probably help to lubricate the gears just a little bit. Still, I know that my idea would never be used in actuality, but I think it would be a nice touch, that doesn't even require that much work :P

[@andrewpbclarke]

Love the use of 3D printing tech with woodworking

[@oBseSsIoNPC]

Such a beautiful project, well designed and executed. Many steps are very hard to do, without the precision tools, but not impossible. Thanks for sharing!

[@timkors1346]

If the threads in the gears strip out, you could try to print gears with space for nuts. Just print until the printer will close the space for nuts, pause, insert the nuts and resume the print.

[@scrager4]

the threads aren't moving in the plastic gears. He pinned the gears to the screws so that they turn as one. In order to break that gear, he will have to rip the pin through solid plastic. The failure point is likely going to be the herringbone teeth between each gear.

[@cantalfrometon4065]

2:15 Imposible ? I don't think so, check out first Citroën cars gearboxes. I dont think they had 3D printers in the 30's... But its no longer used because its a pain in the *** to machine and darn expensive ! :)

[@jks82]

In fact it was Cotroën who invented it, trying to reduce the backslash. Their logo comes from it

[@cantalfrometon4065]

@@jks82 exactly !... in order to balance the axial effort on the gears

[@maurofoti526]

I guess he meant in a diy fashion. Altough it would be possible to make them in metal by casting or using very expensive 4-5 axis cnc mills, it would be quite unpractical compared to 3d printing them

[@konmckonner7286]

Amazing Work!

[@TheBeardedEngineer]

This is fantastic! Your neverending 3D printing mania is awesome to watch! For the grip on the vise, line the faces with cork. Keeps wood from getting scratch, and prevents slipping.

[@DIYBuilds]

Amazing once again. But you missed your chance to one up me with a 4 screw gear vise ;)

[@PrintThatBoii]

2:32 hé that’s the flag from my country where I live (Belgium: Black, yellow, red) 🇧🇪 😁

[@milan2247]

I live there to or Daar woon ik ook

[@PrintThatBoii]

Milan nice ik ook 🤪

[@TheLgonzal1]

I love how you use your 3d printer as a tool in your builds. The 3d printed router jig setup is brilliant

[@tomasis7]

your workshop is such a dream!

[@lolaa2200]

"It works" yes i think nobody doubt it would "work", the question is can it endure the use ?

[@970357ers]

2:15 You are mistaken. Citroen's logo is even a cut-down version.

[@octap79]

Wtf.....I didn't know this....and would have never had thought...

[@pabloolivero2783]

Yep i was aabaut to comen that

[@BrilliantDesignOnline]

Using a vacuum next to the 50mm holesaw to suck out chips as you drill will prevent burning and having to brush off the bit. The router bearing jig with alignment jig is brilliant.

[@coryjeffreys5146]

Very cool project great job

[@111elf1]

this kind of gear is impossible to create except by 3D printing? how did Citroën do it 100 years ago (when they bought the patent rights for that kind of gears? if you look at it, the citroën logo IS the fishbone gear).

[@jamestrotter7852]

yeah, that statement was outright bollocks. It's not even a particularly challenging geometry for a CNC mill to mill with a rotary axis

[@Zophus1]

Maybe he meant that for him and/or most people it's impossible without a 3D printer 😉

[@jamestrotter7852]

@@Zophus1 Nah, he makes at least one false statement in every one of his videos. If that's what he meant he should have elaborated, since that's not what he said we can safely assume that's not what he meant.

[@gwild0r]

love your work! i become more and more jelly of your shop every video..

[@RovereTano]

Very nice idea

[@fireworm91]

2:30 a 4 axis cnc machine can engrave it....

[@miro6138]

Nope

[@IndianaDundee]

“...till the nuts are bottomed.” Ladies you know what he’s saying.

[@arankthnar]

Awesome! As always!

[@richardhogben3776]

Awesome work as always .

[@AsitShouldBe]

the true question is: how much it will last 😉

[@achappel]

true! I'll keep you posted ;)

[@AsitShouldBe]

@@achappel is a very nice project anyway, if you convert your mill to cnc, you could make some toothed pulley or sproket gear, why don't you try? you got such a beautiful Bridgeport..

[@tamvibes]

That David Dobrik "laugh while speaking" thing in every sentence has gotta go.. but great vid as always

[@oslogutt80]

That is only your opinion, rest of us love it. .. Most easy solution for you is to be more tolerant .and just enjoy.

[@ShopTherapy623]

I can’t unsee this now....

[@plop3879]

@@oslogutt80 That is only your opinion, rest of us don't like it

[@brandonnorman4522]

Ya awful

[@Jakeishness]

It drives me crazy..

[@AsitShouldBe]

most of people think that tp be an KZbinr is a easy job.. Is a very hard work instead! And you work well and very much!

[@AndrewBrice]

Your videos are now a main activity with me and my girl, and a huge source of motivation for my inventive activities.

[@kaden56]

Would be cool to have made the front have an acrylic window to see the gears. Edit: finished the video now 😂

[@fred-9929]

Such gears existed loooong before 3D printing! In fact, this is where the logo of Citroën comes from (en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Citro%C3%ABn#Logo) ;o) Anyway, great video, as usual!

[@thePavuk]

yep, that statement grind my gears too...

[@achappel]

I stand corrected :P I thought they usually where put together of two separate gears or had a groove in the middle, but yeah looks like you're right ;) I'm still not going to try and machine one myself anytime soon though :P

[@Pixelplanet5]

@@achappel i think what you were thinking of are these planetary gears assemblies where everything prints in place, for these its true that you can only produce them with additive manufacturing.

[@ABaumstumpf]

@@achappel Most claims about things only being possible to manufacture with 3D printing are wrong. Also - i would highly advice against using ANY 3d-printed parts for any actual products. You got the printed gears - make some castings out of them and then cast them out of any decent plastic - will be many times stronger and more wear-resistant and you could add some glass-fibre to it to make them actually tough (AvE has some nice videos where he also mentions the properties of fibre reinforced plastics).

[@xWood4000]

@@ABaumstumpf The exception may be metal sintering 3D printing, for example for rocket engines

[@robertlloyd291]

love the router jig for making holes.. brilliant!

[@lucianolizana446]

Man I love this channel

[@thewatcher7682]

Do you ever make anything apart from workshop projects? Are you going to be the guy with the best workshop ever seen but never made anything

[@templerea5262]

I subscribed for more workshop projects :)

[@tonysfun]

Very nice idea and execution!

[@jmtx.]

Awesome project! Looking forward to seeing how this holds up over time. Amazing what can be done with 3D printing to get something made up to exactly what's needed.

[@DanT10]

Awesome project!

[@bulletproofpepper2]

I have seen videos of machinists using 3D printed gears in metal cutting lathes for a year and showing a review on wear. I noticed the gears looked good and they weren’t the fancy ones you used at a third of thickness. Thank you for sharing! Very helpful.

[@subsony2005]

I love how accurate you combine "oldschool" woodworking" with modern 3D printing.

[@TheSmugglersRoom]

so great Alexandre, you are really helping me see such great ways to think of the 3D printer. That router jig was a fantastic tip! Thank you!

[@tomgruber9211]

Cool Build!!!!!

[@kuravani1963]

Nice work ...Good idea Thanks for sharing.

[@kevincote8072]

Great work!

[@jeffmouton]

Great project as usual ! Big congrats for this video.

[@avoirdupois1]

This is an amazing build! I agree that the window really adds character.

[@SuperMichisan]

amazing idea !!!!!!

[@peterdejoseph5197]

Very impressive. Your creativity is remarkable.

[@narcorex]

Great Job!

[@graysonpalmer6225]

Really enjoy your videos, you have an uplifting personality and i really feel like you’re talking to me because of how natural you sound and how simple you explain these. Stay awesome!

[@christianlegewie299]

The router template method is sick!

[@rodbutler9864]

Outstanding

[@matoflynn]

This was so rad

[@tchibomania]

Really nice job!

[@roycemark]

Cool project!