In Lieu of a 3D-Printer, I Used Hot-Glue.

by AdenR290 in Workshop > 3D Printing

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In Lieu of a 3D-Printer, I Used Hot-Glue.

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I was looking online for a new lever doorstop (the rubber end piece on mine had become damaged, and started scuffing the floor), when I had an idea, Why not 3D-print a part that I can place on?

There was only one problem. I don't have a 3D-printer.
I thought to myself again, why not use layers of hot glue? I can make a rubbery part in any shape I want.

I'll walk you through the process that I used, which will now be the process you can use, if you have a similar issue to solve (probably a more practical one).

Supplies

Hot Glue Gun (1)
Hot Glue Sticks (Enough to create the whole project. I only needed one, because I was making a small piece)
Sandpaper (As needed)
Working Surface (I placed paper over my work desk)
Sawdust (Totally optional, as it damages the integrity of the piece and stops you from safely using it around food. It saves a TON of time, though)

Prepare Supplies

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You will need to gather a hot glue gun, actual glue for the gun, sandpaper, and preferably some sawdust (which very quickly solidifies the hot glue).

Make sure you have everything, and a decently large space to work with (large enough for your arm to swing around, anyway).

Also make sure that you have measurements for the part you're making. My part was only about 1 inch by 1 inch by 1/2 inch, but this could work with all sorts of sizes.

Start Placing a Layer of Hot Glue.

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This is a rather simple step.

Just lay down your first layer of hot glue, at the dimensions for the length and width of your piece. We'll end up building this one layer at a time, like a 3D-printer would have done, had we used one.

(Optional): Sawdust

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After setting down a layer of hot glue, you'll probably want to let it rest for a while while it dries.
Unless, that is, you want to go quickly.

If you want to get this done faster than it would have been to wait for the part in the mail, you can sprinkle some sawdust onto the warm glue, causing it to bind and quickly become solid enough to continue with your next layer.

Continue Adding Layers!

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Once your layer is ready to support another, you can apply another layer of hot glue.
And another, and another.

Just make sure to add sawdust or a similar binding agent between layers, or to just let time take its course.
Once your piece is the desired height, move on!

Sanding

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Your piece is probably finished, but I know what you're thinking!
"This is the most unsightly and unshapely thing I own. This will never fit for what I need!"
Fret not! You can sand your piece down to size (although it will definitely feel strange).

Take the glue off of the surface (paper stuck to the bottom of mine, but you can deal with that type of issue as it comes up), and sand the piece down to the desired shape.

Use Your Piece!

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That's about it. Once your piece is ready, you can use it for whatever you were going to. My doorstop no longer scrapes the floor, and I hope your new piece wo