Spigots manufactured for self-attachment typically rely on large gaskets to maintain a seal, which works with varying success on the curved surface of a bucket. By modeling a bucket with just its top and bottom diameters and its average thickness, it's easy to design a spigot with contours that fit well. This design is expected to fit a wide range of bucket sizes effectively. The main attachment is reasonably easy to print, and typical modification requires changing only 4 parameters in two files.
Bill of Materials[edit | edit source]
- OpenSCAD & the files located at http://libre3d.com/category/655/Plumbing/listings/800/Parametric-Contoured-Spigot-for-5-gallon-buckets.html[1]
- Appropriate feedstock for printer - be aware that some plastics like PLA absorb water readily
- Will likely require a gasket of some sort between outer section and bucket - 3.5cm gasket or flat rubber cut to size will probably be sufficient
Tools needed for fabrication[edit | edit source]
- MOST Delta RepRap or similar RepRap 3-D printer
- Tools necessary to make 3.5cm hole in bucket
Skills and Knowledge Necessary[edit | edit source]
- Need to know top and bottom outer diameters of bucket, average thickness of bucket, and desired height of spigot - scripts will do the rest, assuming no other changes to geometry
- Useful site for bucket dimensions: http://fivegallonideas.com/5-gallon-bucket-dimensions/[2]
Technical Specifications and Assembly Instructions[edit | edit source]
- Like many interlocking parts, especially those with threads, this is sensitive to print quality - use 100% fill, a reasonable layer thickness, and printing speed
- Expect total print times for the whole assembly between 3-5 hours - obviously dependent upon print parameters
- Assembly time is negligible, expect drilling the bucket to take longer
- Be sure to orient prints for slicing in a sane manner - flat ends down, etc.
Gallery[edit | edit source]
- Parts & Assembly
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Common Problems and Solutions[edit | edit source]
- Previously mentioned sensitivity to print quality and likely need for a gasket
- Stopcock is prone to ill fit, may be replaced with screw-based design in future
Cost savings[edit | edit source]
- Typical mass-produced spigots for buckets retail for ~$2-5, though none seem to account for bucket contour and few are designed quite as heavy duty, and the cost of feedstock is furthermore quite low