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Here I step through some of my projects and explain the process.

Design Part Replacements/Upgrades

These are just fun and useful replacement parts for things that either broke or were lost. First up is my block sander problem. I have this pretty "ok" block sander that does it's job fairly decent but the dust it left behind was a major problem. I noticed a square notch on the back that threaded into a cavity that appeared to spread over the top of the entire block.

Vacuum attachment capability? Let's give it a try.

I broke out my handy dandy caliper measuring tool and got to work. I modeled the solution to match the exact size of the square opening and at a depth that reaches that inner chamber. I then recreated a universal vaccum hose attachment on the end of it, inspired by my orbital sander that I just got.

The vacuum attachment fit perfectly but the square peg on the opposite side fit a little loose. I decided it was good enough to try it out and the vacuum actually tightens up the square peg in the sander. Neat!

Also in the same post, a fix to an old car cell phone holder I've had in a cabinet waiting to repair for years.

I tried supergluing the original part as shown but that only fixed it for a day in the Florida sun.

Long story short, I disassembled everything and reverse engineered that one nut on the back to 3D print a brand new replacement part. It's been a few weeks and it's still going strong in the Florida summer! Here it is put all back together!

I find repairing and/or upgrading things to be a fun challenge!

Message me anywhere below to take on your challenges!

Ari Pantoja

I enjoy making anything that may come to me as a good idea. I'm constantly thinking of new ways to solve a problem or create something (hopefully) beautiful and cool.