Summary

This is a durable bucket/hoe operated with your hand and arm to play in the sand or snow. Designed for toddlers, adult arms require re-sizing.

Instructions

There is nothing more annoying than a 3d printed design that breaks (especially toys) and I therefore optimised this design for durability. It therefore requires assembly, sanding and adhesive. It has been tested in real life (with ABS) and so far has held up with a toddler digging hard into wet beach sand.

You will need to print the following:

bucket1-5 (5 parts)
armCylinder1-8 (8 parts)
4x studHalf
2x handGripHalf
18x bracket
4x studTop

Sand the edges of parts to ensure they fit snug.

Arm cylinder
Weld (see http://hackaday.com/2012/12/31/make-your-own-plastic-friction-welder/) two pieces together at a time using the brackets. The brackets are designed for 3mm filament welding but 1.5mm will also work. A drill can also be used instead of a Dremel. I also add a bit of CYA between the brackets and the parts. If you've never welded before, it's always a good idea to try it out on something else first.

Bucket/Hoe:
Weld (see above for welding) bucket3.stl, 4 and 5 on top of either bucket1 at the provided welding holes. You can choose either bucket1 or bucket2 to have either the flat or rough surface facing outward. It might help to hold things in place with a bit of acetone whilst welding the parts together. Drilling the holes slightly larger might also aid with the welding. Finally, weld bucket 2 to the rest of the bucket assembly. Glue the two hand grip halves together to form a cylinder. Weld a studTop part to one of the ends of the cylinder. Place it into the bucket assembly and weld another studTop to the other end of the cylinder.

Adhere two sets of studHalve.stl together. Align the bucket and cylinder for arm and insert the studs in there positions. Finally, weld studTops to the open end of each stud. The bucket and cylinder should now pivot freely around this point.

It takes a bit to put together, but it makes a fun project to do with your toddler. Enjoy.

Handhoe (similar to handtrux)