Holiday staycation project: Fix this broken pepper mill with a my 3D printer!
I don't usually develop things in the open because reasons, but I'll give it a shot this time.
The parts of the pepper mill don't stay together anymore... probably because some plastic bit has snapped. Let's see if I can do better!
Follow
First step: make models of the important parts of the metal bits.
I'm using FreeCAD for this. It's a pretty awesome piece of software given the price tag (free), but it does have it's quirks, frustrating limitations, and necessary workarounds. I always wonder if professional CAD tools are hugely better, or only a little bit better.
After that: design the plastic bits.
Since I'm using an FDM 3D printer, I have to design the parts without any vertical overhangs. It's a bit tricky, but working under constraints adds a fun challenge to the design. =)
Here's the initial draft design. I'm sure I'll have to tweak some stuff after testing fit and movements and such.