Uploaded September 2025 | Updated September 2026, 3 weeks ago

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Design log video describing my approach to getting a functional print to work the 1st time. 3D printers are excellent for producing functional parts for the various project around my home.... however, care needs to be taken to ensure the 1st print is useable!

Rain gauge mount. OpenSCAD code here:: electronupdate.blogspot.com/2025/09/3d-print-design-for-1st-copy-success.html

and here:
// rain gauge mount.
// Sept 2025

$fn = 360;

module m4_captive_nut( length ) //m4 nut holder and hole for bolt
{

union()
{
cylinder ($fn = 6, d = 8.5, h = 3);
cylinder ($fn = 60, d = 4.5, h = length);


}
}

module bracket() // this slips over the metal post
{
difference()
{
cube([13,46,125]);

union()
{
translate ([3,3,0]) cube([7,40,122]);
translate([ 0, 46/2, 105] ) rotate([0,90,0]) cylinder(d = 4.1, h =13 );
}
}


}


module round_top () // this is the round top the gauge sits on

difference()
{

// ring

cylinder( d = 116, h =10);

union() // mounting holes with hex nut
{
rotate( 0) translate([42.5/cos(30), 0 ,0] ) m4_captive_nut(10); // m4 bolt hole
rotate( 120) translate([42.5/cos(30), 0 ,0] ) m4_captive_nut(10);
rotate( 240) translate([42.5/cos(30), 0 ,0] ) m4_captive_nut(10);
}

}



module assembly_1() // post bracket + round top
{
bracket();
translate([116/2+13/2,46/2,115]) round_top();
}


module strut()
{
translate([100+13,46/2+10/2,20])
rotate([90,270,0])
linear_extrude(10)
polygon([ [0,100],[100,0], [100,20], [20,100]]);
}



// add in strut
union()
{
assembly_1();
strut();
}