10 Cool Inventions Anyone Can Print - The Best Models for Brand-New Printers

These cool 3D prints don't need anything but filament and junk - perfect for beginners and really lazy experts!
Find all of these models on today's sponsor, Thangs! bit.ly/2SngasE
Unboxing a new 3D printer feels great... but then what? Whether you're a printing noob or a full-fledged 3D printing nerd, it's easy to find yourself all geared up with nothing to make. You don't have any ball bearings, heat-set inserts, Raspberry Pi's - all you have is a printer and some filament. What can you print RIGHT NOW?
I selected ten (or more) cool 3D printing projects that don't need anything but filament and your junk drawer. Whether you have a huge workshop or a kitchen table, you're ready to jump into these useful, hilarious, and impressive printable projects.
Thanks to 3DPrinty for sharing his awesome footage! Visit his channel at / 3dprinty
Models:
🏹 10 - Hand Crossbow by Arkoudaki: thangs.com/Arkoudaki/Hand-Cro...
🔑 9 - Wall Mount Key Hanger by Electrosync: thangs.com/electrosync/Wall-M...
⚙ 8 - Steampunk Light Switch by 3dprintingworld: thangs.com/3dprintingworld/St...
✏ 7 - Lathe Pencil Sharpener by H4I2: thangs.com/H4I2/Lathe-pencil-...
🐱‍👤 6 - Toy Nunchucks by Arrow Designs: thangs.com/Arrow-Designs/NUNC...
🗿🐙 5.1 - ROCKTOPUS by Pressprint: thangs.com/pressprint/ROCKTOP...
🗿🐙🤖 5.2 - Dr. Rocktopus by Plastic 3D: thangs.com/Plastic-3D/Support...
🗿🚗🤖 5.3 - Rocktimus Prime by Plastic 3D: thangs.com/Plastic-3D/ROCKtim...
🗿🦞 5.4 - Rock Lobster by nero3dp: thangs.com/nero3dp/The-Rock-L...
🗿🚀 5.5 - ROCKet by MandicReally: thangs.com/MandicReally/ROCKe...
🥒🗿 5.6 - Pickle Rock by ThinAir3D: thangs.com/ThinAir3D/Pickle-R...
🗿🗿🗿🗿⛰ 5.7 - Mount Rockmore by itsboyinSpace: thangs.com/itsboyinSpace/Moun...
🥦🗿 5.8 - bROCKOLI by Plastic 3D: thangs.com/Plastic-3D/bROCKOL...
🗿🗿 5.9 - THE ROCKNROCK by pressprint: thangs.com/pressprint/THE-ROC...
🗿🔫 4 - Grock 17 by rigim123: thangs.com/rigim123/Grock17-3...
📍 3 - Pin Screen Toy by 3DPrinty: thangs.com/3DPrinty/Pin-Scree...
🐉 2 - Snap Fit Scale Mail by roboticlay: thangs.com/roboticlay/Snap-Fi...
🍥 1 - Rolling Storage Box by 3DPrinty: thangs.com/3DPrinty/Rolling-S...
These models had cameos, too:
📦 Decorative Iris Box by Tristan_Inkjet: thangs.com/search/decorative%...
🎮 Pokedex Switch Game Case by Frasian: thangs.com/Frasian/Pokedex-Ni...
Timetable:
00:00 - INFINITE POWER!!
00:49 - Hand Crossbow
02:22 - Wall Mount Key Hanger
03:33 - Steampunk Light Switch
04:58 - Lathe Pencil Sharpener
05:46 - Toy Nunchucks
06:59 - Existential Dread
07:31 - Rock Around the Clock
08:16 - ???
09:18 - Pin Screen Toy
10:59 - Snap Fit Scale Mail
11:40 - Rolling Storage Box
13:07 - Thankies
13:38 - Patron Credits
"Nope" voice clip: Valve Inc.
Interference SFX: Partners in Rhyme
All other SFX: www.zapsplat.com
Glass break VFX: Videezy
Blood effects: ActionVFX

[@Forgemaster86]

The rolling storage box is an old market failure, the Roly kit came out in 1997. I do love the idea of a small one for tiny electronics, my mother bought one in the 90's and kept sewing supplies in it till my dad dropped it on a parquet floor. It died in the most spectacular fashion.

[@StrangeLake]

I picked up two Rolykits second hand recently and I've been using them to store my small electronics parts. They're really good for that ^^

[@JWbrasser]

@@StrangeLake My dad had 2 that he used for oddball screws and bolts and such

[@b-roll4881]

There was one back in 79,80. My step-dad had one. We did property management. It was great for the little things like nails and o-rings. It rolled right out to the end. But the end one was lid for the 2nd row. It lasted a long time. In fact I don't even know what happened to it. These designs brought back repairing stuff for someone

[@quinbee_creates]

I have a huge one that I keep my spools in (thread, not filament). I assume it's a knock-off version as I've never spotted a brand name on it and it works kinda...not...good...but well enough for the occasional sewing project. It has a sliding lock on the handle that keeps it very securely shut. Correction: the sliding lock is separate, not on the handle.

[@GMCLabs]

I got one. They suck, I store all the little parts I am least likely to ever use in it. You have to carefully unroll and roll it up or parts spill out or get caught in the hinges. Also, since it's not clear, it's easy to forget what is even in it. Those clear plastic comparmentized boxes or those things with all the little drawers are much better.

[@3DJapan]

As a 3D artist getting a 3D printer was my number 1 priority. I was blown away by the idea that I could create something digitally, then hold it in my hands a couple hours later.

[@Drawfill]

As someone who wants to get into 3d modeling and a total noob, any advice? Its a bit hard to know what to start on

[@Drawfill]

@@JeremyKnab will do thanks for the advice! :)

[@cozymonk]

You ever try working with Sculpey!? hah. I'm only kidding. I've had the dream of making something digitally and somehow magically bringing it into the physical world since I was a small child, playing the first 3D computer games in my dad's lap, long before 3D printers were a thing. It took me too long to finally get a 3D printer.

[@Shinobubu]

yep that's the goal

[@officialWWM]

A couple hours later? They must be small! 😂

[@3DPrinty]

So many great prints! The rusted light switch, the useful micro lathe, and even a skittles-infused pin screen... thanks for featuring so many designers (and also me)!

[@TheSlowpC]

Not just you … you twice! Love your work and great seeing your designs here today.

[@KanielD]

Awesome when I see two of my favorite channels together.

[@fisherkey5979]

Dudhdhd

[@werekill]

The Rock trend is a ton of fun. I printed a Rock Eevee recently, and it was glorious! My girlfriend was only told that I was printing an Eevee that really "rocks", and her reaction to the final product was amazing.

[@HowsItHappening]

My younger brother and I love to watch wrasslin' together. So I told him I found a rock under a dock that he might like, but it wasn't a rock, it was...a rock lobster!!! I even had the song playing when he came over to get it. It was magnificent.

[@logan398]

the rocktupus

[@SlmdDm-cy5xw]

There’s even more on thingiverse I have a whole collection of them and there’s like hundreds 🌚

[@UncleJessy]

Now that is some fine printing projects! Imma need a rock 🦞

[@Ima_Tron]

No I don't actually. Also, thats one "m" too many.

[@critter42]

My wife and I are 80s kids and wresting fans, so the punny intersection of the two in the Rock Lobster model, plus the 3d printed factor should successfully earn a full blown eyeroll, head shake and a "you're an idiot" when I put this on her desk LOL

[@UncleJessy]

@@critter42 wondering how many get the Rocklobster reference 😂🤣

[@critter42]

@@UncleJessy The look on her face when she put two & two together was TOTALLY worth it 🤣🤣🤣

[@mechbest8685]

I think he needs some Jesse pla

[@DamnCyrus]

I recently started printing Benchys en masse. I don't know why, I have such an urge to paint a collection of them. I have printed so many things with my two printers so this is great to see for all the noobs coming fresh off of the holidays. That Grock joke actually had me exhale too hard, thank you

[@archie8701]

I had the same boat problem I recently bought a filament sample pack for just boats

[@devinholland2189]

I did rubber ducks.

[@miroreo]

I’ve had my printer for two years now and found more things to print here! Hell yeah!

[@bleach_drink_me]

Been printing a year or maybe 2 now and I still watched. I was lost at what to do when I first started. I spent about 6 months printing whatever I found on the stl sites that I found useful or cool. Since I have found 3d printing to be useful for making things you either can't find or you don't like the current design. I have made and printed a lot of things and it never gets old seeing something you designed come to life and work.

[@LuxurioMusic]

That rolling storage box just jogged my memory, I had one when I was a kid except it rolled all the way in like a spiral. As far as my bad memory lets me recall, it was kinda finnicky to use but it worked. Good for holding little things.

[@b-roll4881]

Me too 😆

[@masterkief6337]

Recently found your channel and I just gotta say I absolutely love your script writing. Your comedy is great and understated and the little alliteration jokes always get me. I'm a fellow Dever-ette as well, if I ever see ya at Microcenter I'll say hi :)

[@dirtrider88]

10:21 yea but your humor is top notch above anyone elses making videos about 3d printers. i dont even own a 3d printer and i have watched A LOT of your videos in the last month. your one of my favorite channels.

[@FlashDrive356]

Had my printer for a couple years now, never seen these, thanks for the print ideas Zack!

[@MakerDIY]

Coming from someone who’s a complete noob in video making, the amount of time put into each of your videos must be tremendous. Been binge watching for hours and just subscribed. Thanks so much for the amazing content, great ideas and new extensions to my vocabulary. I appreciate you!

[@codegavran]

Coming from someone who isn't... nope.

[@odirex]

I'm so glad someone resurrected rolykit storage. I need it for my D&D minis.

[@ribeets]

Love how honest you are about showing shots of working prints from the creator!

[@csp6]

Hint on the tall narrow prints - very wide brim. I'm talkin' 30+ wide, but basically make it so the base is at least 1/3 to 1/2 or even more as wide as the model, so it has a much higher resistance to failure late in the print. Also make sure the squish on the first layer is decent so it adheres really well and the bed temp is on the higher end of the spread.

[@medivalone]

I've made it through some tall spires such as a trophy where a brim would have not helped as the base was already printed below. I added some painted on supports and the tree supports braced the spires so they didn't flop back and forth too much

[@EnnesArms]

I actually just printed electrosync’s buckle! Didn’t even realize it can be used like that!

[@Althemor]

My first project (I'm talking stuff I made in Fusion 360 for the printer I got a couple weeks ago) was curtain gliders, because the curtains my sister didn't need anymore had glider bits that didn't fit the tracks in my flat. Though while replacing the glider bits I noticed that the ... er, hanger bits? ..., well, quite a few of them had damaged hooks, so in a few places the curtains have detached from the gliders. Now I might need to remake the hook thingies too. Or I'll try to replace my broken bike lamp enclosure.

[@ericledford6]

wow haven't seen the Enlightened logo in years, cool keychain.

[@Brightfire8]

I was thinking the same thing

[@brians.2259]

You are literally the only creator I’ve subscribed to whose every video I’ve watched that I will go the one extra step and like the video. You sir are epic! Keep it up!

[@TanyaHakala]

That light switch would be great for service dogs! Mine hates to turn on and off regular light switches because they are so tiny and fiddly for him.

[@GoodTato]

I have a SLA printer with a tiny print area (as SLA often has), and I'm glad to see most of these are fine for tiny areas like mine! Definitely going to print many rocks

[@r8cobra]

Resinhuffer

[@johnchristopherrobert1839]

Your content is always a great reset for me. Thank you 🙏

[@weisnowhere]

So glad you featured 3dprinty!! He has absolutely great content and not enough recognition!!

[@HasanUmutlu]

Hi Zack, i really appreciate your wide range videos and learn a lot from them, so go ahead with the good work! I saw in the beginning of the video that you have an Anycubic printer. I bought a Anycubic Kobra Go and been experimenting and watching lots of videos to finally get the print quality i am looking for. Can i ask which slicer you use and if you used the pre defined configurations which come with the printer for the slicing software or if you have tweaked the configuration. I struggle espacially with tolerance issues and the fact that even if the print starts well at some point the first layer somehow melts together and therefore functional parts don't work anymore and this is really frustrating because i tried a lot and wasted already a lot filament. Hope you can give me some advise.

[@Vez3D]

You are the most entertaining dude ever !! I love watching your vids. Keep them coming. Cheers mate

[@PatrickGunderson]

Dude, your writing and delivery are on point. Thank you.

[@MichaelHonsinger]

Hey Zack that Rock Salad was Rock Solid! I was buffeted by laughs of the out-loud variety. I always appreciate your sense of humor and Scary Sharp Wit I've seen quite a few of your videos and .this gets my vote for funniest that I've seen so far. Thanks I needed that!

[@HuFlungDung2]

I've wondered about using magnets as clamps on those tallish prints that are prone to getting knocked loose (pause the print after it gets tall enough for the nozzle to clear the magnet clamps). If using a spring steel PEI coated sheet, there should be something to clamp to, but I'm not sure how a magnet on top will interact with the magnet on the table sheet.

[@breakinginferno6774]

PSA for newbies! Almost none of these are viable on resin printers. Printing mechanisms on resin is completely different due to the difference in material properties. Print-in-place *can* work with heavy custom supports, but if it's gotta be springy, durable, or have tight tolerances, use an FDM printer.

[@Blustride]

7:32 is such a random reference for a 3D printing video and I’m here for it.

[@SeaBass80]

That reading of the names at end made this a so much better find!! Love it! you got a follower.

[@3DMusketeers]

Love the video Zack! Been there with fails too! OMG the America School system! You have the best puns and jokes in your videos sir! Love those prints!

[@GMCLabs]

That rolly thing you used to be able to buy. It was an "as seen on tv" thing called the rolly kit. I have one. Its pretty cool, but is kinda a pain to use, since you need to carefully unroll the entire thing if ya need a part in the last container. Also better remember every single item you stored in it, or you end up wasting a bunch of time looking for it.

[@jaysonbunnell8097]

I love this. Happy 2022 zack!!!

[@Jlrockcrawler1973]

Dude keep up the awesome videos. Thank you for being so informative and for the great humor

[@Anarcho-harambeism]

me who actually 3d printed guns

[@randomentity0191]

I sure as heck would print those light switches if they were the same style here over the pond. But some of them certainly will go on my list of stuff to print at some point in the future.

[@brianwaterman8185]

Ah the good ol Discovery Zone. Love the reference. New to printing. Thanks for all the content to gravitate to.

[@howtoguy17]

I loved the Shoop Da Whoop from the laser collection. Dominic Fera really left a mark on us all

[@Four-sc6gj]

My favorite key hanger isn't printed at all, but is just a standard ethernet biscuit jack mounted to the wall. I made a few loopbacks that double as keychains and they plug right in (and the loopbacks are functional and handy to have in my profession)

[@Hawk7886]

I love this idea. A dead network switch would be an easy way to keep a bunch of them together.

[@Four-sc6gj]

@@Hawk7886 I have an old hub on the wall at work for that purpose. Plus the hub can be handy in a pinch for easy port replication for wireshark and whatnot.

[@tikiman9728]

Love the videos keep the good work up

[@Atlas.X9X]

You are endlessly amusing.... I often find myself laughing out loud while watching your videos. Thanks for the time that you put into these videos....

[@StevenSSmith]

my grandma had bought that roll up storage box back in the 90's. It was called the rolykit

[@robertgcode965]

Everyone: "We must stop polluting the earth with plastic!" Also everyone: "Haha useless 3d printed plastic widgets go brrrrrrrr."

[@holycaketree]

PLA is made out of plants and is bio degradable in industrial recycling

[@asm2750]

Is there a list of the filaments you used? I love all the colors.

[@theslvrbullt]

Ok, I have seen the rolling storage boxes before way back in High School, but they will always be awesome. I can't seem to find them anywhere, but I'm deffo gonna print those suckers to finally properly organize my electronics mess lol. Thanks for the ideas!

[@CommanderWiggins]

I do not own a 3D printer, nor am I in the market to get one, but the algorithm recommended this channel, and the comedy, editing, and content are so good that I had to stay. Even the Patreon names are a delight.

[@ZackFreedman]

Thank you! I put a lot of work into making my videos fun to watch, even to folks who'd never use the material. That's how we get out of our comfort zones, right?

[@cavinrauch]

3D Printy is massively underrated. Glad you had a shout out to his channel

[@ablebaker8664]

Something that really helps with prints that tend to lose adhesion is Aquanet hair spray. It goes on as a fine mist so you get a nice thin adhesive layer but it's considerably more aggressive than kiddie glue stick. Cleans up with water when you need to have it gone. I print much tougher stuff than those nunchuku and since I started using it, I haven't had one spaghetti failure.

[@NyeMechworks]

Or masking tape if you dont have a heated print bed.

[@HicksBoson]

Not naming the gun Dwayne the Glock Johnson was a great opportunity missed.

[@SnoopDoggyDoge]

love seeing remnants of UNO like Ness on your phone, amazing vid as always Zack!

[@electrosync]

Sorry about that generic-arse title ;) Great vid!

[@robertsmith8472]

I've had mine for about a year and I'm finally joining the Sword club. I modeled the Master Sword and the Gladius from Astral Chain and plan to print them both at 1:1. I'm really excited

[@WolfRose11]

The Pin toy at 9:35 was something that I always wanted to have, now I can make my own. Though I have to fix my elephants foot problem first or raft all of them.

[@wilddarion5083]

that Rock gun set up is SOLID GOLD

[@thorstenceuleneer8361]

Thats cool I love the cross bow and key holder.

[@aktudors]

great ideas! we will be trying these once we get our printer dialed in. :)

[@michaelsanchez8519]

I gotta admit. I was not expecting this level of entertainment from this kind of video. Dude, you are very clever, funny, and a showman. Subbed. Your “spaghetti” and The Rock bits… Gold 🤌

[@jamtea388]

Thanks for these recommendations!

[@ComgrowOfficial]

Love your works! So cool and so funny😍😍😍

[@lurkerrekrul]

I love how when 3D printers first became a reality, people were predicting the age of the Star Trek replicator where nobody would ever have to buy anything ever again if they could just magically print it out of thin air. People would be printing furniture, cars, houses, etc. Of course ignoring the reality that the raw material for the prints has to come from somewhere and it was never going to be free. Like on The Big Theory where Howard prints "free" action figures after buying a 3D printer that costs like $40,000.

[@Lurch-11]

This is one of my favorite videos I've ever watched

[@TheRonin6]

Zack...your impression of me on Christmas morning was SPOT ON! Just started watching your videos, and they are fantastic. Happy holidays, and keep up the good work!

[@chrisbednar3578]

I know this video is old but seeing that Enlightened symbol on the key buckle wall organizer thing really brings me back... glad to see we were on the same side 😉

[@Heeby-Jeebies]

A damned fine video. And I just got my first machine, too! So this is timely for me!

[@scottr2624]

"Sucks to be you because you'll never experience a Discovery Zone". Aaaannnd you've earned my subscription.

[@VernePomraning]

You earned my subscribing. I love your humor and content. Good job jobe

[@Timb0515]

Lol “I’m a cocktail guy” haha me too and now I’ve got to try that peanut butter beer 🤣

[@squeeh]

Thank you, not a first time printer but I've been stumped for Months on what to print next. I just wanted some Ideas and this is perfect. Gonna print the keys holder wall mount hanger multi-use - THANK YOU

[@johnrisher1441]

The rollable parts tray is awesome I have an antique tackle box that was designed this way.

[@purpletrauma]

May try a couple of these. I've enjoyed getting into 3D printing, despite the frustration. It worked well enough out of box, but once I wanted to upgrade, whooooo boy. Wish I knew ahead that this hobby has a way of demanding you know every bit of hardware in and out before you can get it right. Deconstructed and reconstructed most parts of it by now, just printed a new filament roller with 608 bearings because the Ender 3 one was getting lots of friction, and learned I have no idea how tight the timing belts need, and that they were super over-tightened earlier. Still debating whether I should replace the stock ones with some standard G2 roll.. Learned that trying to print a Pokeball; the Z axis was fine because I kept finangling with that every issue, and overhang tests reached 80 before they got rough, but CURVED overhang, and suddenly the surfaces seem rough and over-extruded.. My point is, I've dialed the crap in about all of this, currently contending with PLA wanting to curl like mad, and I just want to actually make something mechanically complex and cool now, so I'm interested in this video of interesting prints that have been done and tested already.. maybe I'll re-try the TPU action figure again; the joints weren't right before and the limbs refused to stay on last attempt.. maybe I should replace those timing belts with non-stock ones.. hrm..

[@yassersabsabi4534]

Watching this video currently waiting for my first 3d printer to arrive (ender 3) . Im so hyped!

[@infodeprived3119]

the doctor octagonapus reference made everything worth it thank you

[@3DPrintSOS]

Love the vids, but the end is ALWAYS the highlight for me. haha

[@zanie9]

you inspired me to get a 3D printer and I am forever grateful!

[@Brain_pocketer]

Happy to see another video, Zach.

[@lloydsicornite6454]

I have just got my first 3d printer this video fits very well

[@justinbanks2380]

New to the channel, but loving it. I felt the cursing at the print deciding to fail so close to the end, soooooo much. I just 'upgraded' my printer to have auto leveling and have had more issues than when I had to manually level it. Ugh. If I hadn't swapped boards, beds and firmware, I might just make it stock again... Still might. Lol Ramble aside, thank you for the commissarating

[@direghostman]

got to say, you really nailed the take on the snap fit scale mail section.

[@BOTGRINDER]

i always wanted one of them rolly things back in the day, guess ill just print one since its the future.

[@TheBigMan1019]

Love your vids, keep it up!

[@austintracy6985]

The rock stuff had me dying 😂

[@JoshuaLudy]

Your content is awesome i really enjoy it thanks.

[@Sabotage_Labs]

3Dprinty does have some clever stuff. I do enjoy giving nieces and nephews gifts in their trick gift boxes and let them struggle for a good long while.

[@MyBrothersMario]

the last one is really cool, but definitely mass producible, I got a bunch of toy cars from one of my mom's clients as a kid, and a lot of them were stored in two containers that rolled up like that, the storage containers went all the way to the center and used two fabric straps glued along the outside to give it the flexibility. Sadly I lost them years ago.

[@Darkmaster5629]

Thats the reason i subscribed. Love your vids.

[@Spaniard47]

BRO that peanut butter nitro stout is so freaking good. Did not expect it to make an appearance lol

[@Stoney3K]

Zack, you know you now *have* to make a Gridfinity adapter so you can drop Gridfinity bins into that octagonal roll-up box.

[@Deses]

12:26 it's so cool that Turbo made a cameo in this video!

[@joshrothchild8855]

Good info, warnings about hard prints, and light hearted jokes. Great video

[@KeyFur_NYC]

I think this has been my favorite youtube video, Ever... so far. The mention of the science store and never getting to experience a discovery zone had me laughing far to hard.

[@mattmace10]

First video in a long time ive loved and subscribed too. thanks for the fun video

[@mark4jr]

Thanks!

[@nikwoac]

The GRock 17 punchline.... So good

[@JosephCatrambone]

I don't know how I missed The Rock meme. The Rock Rock and Rock Lobster have me doubled over with laughter.

[@ZJ7909]

Zack this Zack as well and the nunchucks part had me laughing so hard. I’m now subscribed.

[@RichardThaddeus]

I had a pencil case in the 80s when i was kid. It was AWESOME. i am so going to print one of these bad boys :D

[@CarlosCharris]

Can I just say this is the cleverest call to action I’ve seen this year 😆

[@apollograyling-hastur3995]

Hearing you say “good succ” in that tone of voice 😂😂😂