Adapting the BEST Woodworking Joints for 3D Printing

Even more connections!

In the previous video we looked at several different ways to improve the dovetail connection by adapting it and taking advantage of the 3D printing process. In this video, we're going to see if we can create 2 completely new connections which are both inspired by some of the best woodworking connections. We are are taking it even further with the goal to achieve the connection which is the strongest which can handle forces in tension, compression and in torsion.

For this video, I've used the Bambu X1C and the QIDI Q1 Pro just like the last video; the filament was Bambu PETG-CF in Brick Red and in Titan Grey linked below (I receive a small commission if purchased through my link and it helps me continue to make videos like these):

A good video reference for basic wedge principles:

Fusion Files:

If you'd like to see more connections, let me know.

Another way to support this channel indirectly is through my affiliate links (where I receive a small commission). It helps me to continue to provide high-quality content videos. Thank you for your support!

NEW MIC (I bought this)

[mattmiller]

I like how you added more of your Fusion workflow in this video as well as engineering principles. As a Fusion amateur, I appreciate this and would like to see more of that in the future. Keep up the great work.

[Garage]

Too awesome! I love it when people apply existing ideas to 3D printing in new ways. Not only are you coming up with great solutions, but you will help many people think of more.

[Rebar_real]

Step 1: have your printer dialed in!

Interesting joinery!

[JasonNaas]

Just wanted to say that I am really, really enjoying your stuff. I have been kind of obsessed with the idea of combining woodworking with 3D printing (with wood filament, no less) and have been learning tons. Thanks for all you're doing.

[jameskoomler]

I really like how, at least from the videos I have seen, you've been going over topics that often are just presented and nothing else. I am mainly referring to how you format your videos in a really easy to follow/replicate manner. So I got to say keep up the good work!

[Lvlfarmer]

This has been the one of the strongest connections I've seen in the Internet yet. Thank you for sharing your knowledge to the World

[greyvlad]

Hah, can't believe I came back, It's far easier in CAD to make a positive part and over extend them to make a boolean cut

[sergeb]

The Drop Lock joint is definitely intended to maximize contact area and be glued.
More generaly speaking, woodworking joints are designed to mitigate 2 very specific issues:
- anisotropic strength of wood fibers: wood has its strength in one dimension only, whereas 3D print has two (XY plane)
- anisotropic distortion / warp due to woods' sensitivity to moisture
Woodworking joints are cool as f, but 3D printing it a different process.
Each has its own perks and losses

[monta]

I hope you get way more than 100k by 2025. Your videos are some of the best Youtube can offer, thanks for making them!

[insanity_squirrel]

Would love it if you tested each joints maximum breaking load from both angles of stress!! Push it till they snap and measure the forces. We would be able to see which joints would be suitable for what jobs. Thanks for sharing your great work! Keep it up!

[benharkins_]

I'm sure you've thought of this, but it'd be great to see a control sample in the testing video. Having just a 3d printed rod without any joinery could show exactly how much strength is lost or gained with each joint

[scerstt]

What settings to get the outside walls to look like those with the text? Fuzzy skin? what specific values? Looks super super nice!

[hellothere]

These videos are prefect for a large format high stress project I’m working on! I like the inclusion of CAD drawing, it makes it easier to recreate even though it isn’t ment to be a step by step tutorial. I’m excited for the final test results!

[spyke]

hands down the best 3d printing channel on YouTube :)

[imjustaguy]

YESSS!!!!
I was thinking of these connectins for so long but never made anything multipart that needs it yet

[milanpeeters]

I'm amazed at the speed at which you are making these video's, keep it up man 👌🏼

Can't wait for the load tests.

[inventorbrothers]

These are great! I've got to try these in ny projects. I appreciate you've shown how to create then in fusion 360. Thanks!

[trickpwny]

Dude, thank you for making these. I've been wanting someone to combine 3D printing and woodworking for a while now.

[nizamrahman]

Coming across your channel right when I was looking at improving 'joineries' of my own gives me more reason to look into this kinds of stuff. I kinda made a brass bow tie equivalent which worked too good that it negated the need for adhesives.

[Yavorh]

Love that this is becoming a series. We need it!