3D Print-It-Yourself Workshop Vacuum Extension Handle

After using a floor shop vacuum for years and enduring the fatigue of holding the extension tube at an awkward angle to use it to clean up the sawdust in my workshop I decided to do something rather that suffer anymore.

I used my favorite 3D modeling program, Sketchup, to design a handle that can be easily installed in minutes and would allow anyone to hold the extension tube and the perfect angle so that fatigue will not happen.

I came up with this design.

All you need is the "ShopHandle.stl" file included in this instruction tutorial, a 3D printer with PLA filament. You will also need some hefty "Zip" ties to secure the handle onto the extension tube of the shop wet/dry vac.

If you are using the latest version of Cura, a filament 3D printer slicer program, then you will have to load the .stl file and prepare it for printing. If you are familiar with printing files that it should not be difficult at all. Ensure to print at the "Draft" - 0.2 millimeters resolution for anything finer will take extremely long to print. The infill should be selected as "Grid" at about 50%-60% density for strength. And set the "Support" setting to "tree supports" that do a far better job than regular supports.

The output of the 3D printer should look like the pictures in this step. The curved portions fits the standard extension tube for shop vacs. When you finish removing burrs and stray filaments set it on the extension tube for a test fit.

Use the good quality extra-large Zip ties found at some hardware and tool supply stores, such as Harbor Freight. Utilize the grooves printed in the handle as guides to help hold the zip ties. Then secure them firmly to the handle and the extension tube and trim off the excess ties.

Now test the handle/extension tube on your shop vac. You will notice the new ease of use and no awkward angles for your wrist and fingers to manipulate and extension tube and the fittings for it. If properly placed on the tube the handle should not interfere with the storage of the extension tube on the vacuum.

Enjoy and good luck.