3D Printed Mini Fishing Rod

Welcome to this exciting Instructables on creating your very own mini 3D-printed fishing rod! If you're a fishing enthusiast, a 3D printing hobbyist, or just someone who loves a good DIY project, you're in for a treat. In this tutorial, I'll walk you through the process of designing and printing a functional, compact fishing rod that packs a punch despite its small size. Get ready to blend the precision of modern technology with the timeless thrill of fishing, and let’s dive into crafting a rod that's perfect for your next mini adventure! I hope you have as much fun making (and using) this project as I did. If you don't want to create the 3D file for the fishing rod yourself, I have linked the stl file for it in step #5. Let's get started!

Software:

• Tinkercad
• 3D Printing Slicer

Tools:

• 3D Printer
• Light-Duty Hammer

Materials:

• 3D Printing Filament
• Fishing Line
• Fishing Hook
• Sinker

I started by creating two thin cylinders. I made one of the two cylinders a hole, and aligned it with the first cylinder. After that, I then elongated a circle and placed it underneath the two tall cylinders. for the final step, I grouped all three shapes together to create the final piece shown in the last image.

To design the spool, you only need three shapes: an elongated cylinder, A shortened cylinder, And a small elongated cylindrical hole. Align the shortened cylinder with the small elongated hole and group them together to get a doughnut shape. next, place the elongated cylinder horizontally on the workplane next to the second part of the spool.

Designing the rod was definitely the hardest part of making this project in Tinkercad. I started by creating a rectangle and placing it on the workplane. After that I used a horizontal cylinder to create the handle of the fishing rod. I then used another cylinder with a smaller diameter but longer in length then the other one to create the shaft of the rod. I then modified a torus shape to create the fishing line guide near the tip of the fishing pole. After that, I created two elongated vertical semicircles and placed them on either side of the rectangle. I then cut a circular hole in each of them to allow the spool to freely rotate. I then grouped the rod together the create the final, desired shape.

I personally thought that the final model turned out great. I was really pleased with the simplicity of the design to allow assembly to be as minimal as possible. To 3D print this model for yourself, all you have to do is download the stl file below. If you don't have a 3D printer, no worries! There are several companies online that will 3D print your file for you.

I then uploaded the file above into my printer's slicing software. On my printer's speed mode, it took 1 hour 42 minutes to print, though the amount of time it takes to print may very depending on the printer itself, as well as the quality setting that it is set to.

To assemble the spool, push the long rod shape into the handle piece. I found the fit was extremely tight, so I had to use a small hammer to get it into the hole. The first time I tried this I used my heavy duty hammer which was a massive mistake. I ended up breaking the handle piece, so I had to reprint the entire spool and handle. I suggest using a small hammer or mallet so that that wont happen.

Next, attach the spool that you just assembled to the body. To do this, slide the long rod connected to the handle from the previous step through the two holes in the spool holder. After that, take the small rod cap and, using the small hammer, gently tap it onto the end of the rod. The handle should be able to rotate freely.

To string the mini fishing rod, take some fishing line and tie the end of it to the middle of the spool. Start turning the crank until and winding the fishing line around your spool. This step can take a while, But the end product is 100% worth it. When you think that you have enough fishing line on your spool, cut the string, and thread it through the fishing line guide near the top of the fishing rod.

For the final step, attach the hook and sinker. Start by threading the end of the fishing line through the small hole in the fishing hook, and then securely tie the hook to the end of the line. Next, clamp the metal sinker onto the line about 7 inches above the fishing hook.

Congratulations on completing your mini 3D-printed fishing rod! You've taken a creative idea and turned it into a functional piece of equipment, showcasing the incredible potential of 3D printing for DIY projects. Whether you're using this rod for fishing adventures, or you are simply someone who enjoys hands-on projects, you've crafted something truly special. Remember, the real magic of DIY projects lies in the endless possibilities for customization and improvement. Feel free to experiment with different designs, materials, and techniques to make your rod even more tailored to your needs. Share your creations and experiences with the community, and who knows? You might inspire others to dive into the world of 3D printing. Happy fishing, and may your future catches be plentiful and rewarding!