I like to grow herbs and vegetables for cooking, and this year I am adding Thai peppers and jalapenos. My plan is to smoke the jalapenos to make chipoltes. I can’t wait, but I need to get an early start on these peppers in our colder climate. And, so I have created an indoor seed starting and growing platform. Later, I will ty to use this for growing some herbs indoors, and I will also apply some of my hydroponic experience to make an insert for hydroponic growing.

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Every growing season I found myself juggling trays, heat mats, lights balanced on boxes, and awkward height adjustments as seedlings shot up faster than expected. It worked — but it was messy, unstable, and never quite dialed in.

The Logical Grow Platform (LGP) was designed to solve that problem in a clean, modular, fully printable way.

Instead of building a temporary setup every spring, the LGP creates a dedicated growing platform that holds your seed trays, integrates optional bottom heat, supports a common LED grow panel, and adjusts smoothly as your plants grow — all while staying compact enough to print on a standard 250mm bed.

It’s a system meant to grow with you, not something you outgrow in two weeks.

What It Is & How It Works

At its core, the LGP is a snap-together main body that holds seed starting trays inside a raised platform, with two adjustable threaded posts that support a removable light hood above.

The hood holds a standard aluminum LED grow panel, while the base can optionally house a low-power reptile-style heater for bottom warmth during germination.

As seedlings emerge and stretch upward, you simply rotate the posts to raise the light — keeping an optimal distance without stacking books or rebuilding your setup.

Everything is modular:

• Trays drop in and swap out easily
• The hood lifts off instantly for watering or transplanting
• Height adjusts smoothly with precise control

Key Parts & Mechanisms

The LGP is built around a few carefully designed functional elements.

Snap-Together Main Body
The base assembles from interlocking pieces using tongue-and-groove joints and internal latches. It locks rigidly while still allowing disassembly if needed.

Adjustable Threaded Posts
Each post raises or lowers the hood smoothly with every rotation — about 6mm (roughly 1/4”) per turn.

An extended grip rib acts as a visual rotation marker so you can keep the hood perfectly level if you want precise alignment.

The posts can also be printed mirrored if you prefer counter-rotating motion instead of both turning the same direction.

Two-Piece Snap Hood
The hood prints in two identical halves that slide together over the LED panel and lock underneath with printed clips — no hardware required.

Integrated Cable Strain Relief
Both the hood and base include built-in cord management points to protect and route power cables cleanly.

Size & Dimensions

Despite being a complete growing platform, the LGP stays compact enough for shelves, desks, and indoor grow spaces.

The footprint is roughly 445mm long by 180mm wide, with height adjustable from about 175mm up to nearly 390mm depending on post position.

It comfortably fits multiple Logical Grow trays while remaining stable and easy to move.

Printing Notes & Recommended Settings

The Logical Grow Platform is designed as a functional print — strength matters more than cosmetic perfection.

Recommended settings focus on durability:

• 0.4mm nozzle
• 0.2mm layer height
• Thick walls and solid top/bottom layers
• 40% cubic infill for general use or 100% for maximum longevity

PLA works well for indoor use, while PETG or ASA are ideal for higher heat or long-term durability.

Everything prints support-free in strength-optimized orientations.

Post-Print Setup & Motion Release

Because the adjustable posts are printed with tight tolerances to eliminate wobble, they may need a quick break-in.

This is done by gently squeezing or tapping the post sections, then fully extending and retracting them once or twice until motion becomes smooth.

An included Post Tool acts as a small wrench to help rotate the internal elements if needed.

Once loosened, the movement becomes effortless and precise.

Assembly

Assembly is entirely snap-fit — no screws, glue, or hardware required.

Main Body
The end pieces slide into the center section and click into place using built-in latches.
If the bottom tongue-and-groove features don’t perfectly self-align, a gentle flex will seat them flush.

Adjustable Posts
Prepared posts press into the connectors in each end of the base and snap securely.

Hood
The two hood halves slide onto the LED panel and lock together underneath using printed clips.

The hood then rests directly on the adjustable posts for quick removal.

Everyday Use & Operation

Using the LGP quickly becomes second nature.

Start seeds in your trays, drop them into the base, and optionally add bottom heat for faster germination.

Once sprouts appear, lower the hood close to the seedlings for strong early growth. As plants stretch, rotate the posts to raise the light smoothly.

The hood lifts off instantly for watering, thinning, or transplanting.

Everything stays organized, stable, and perfectly positioned through every growth stage.

Why This Design Exists

The Logical Grow Platform was created to replace the unstable pile-of-stuff grow setups most of us end up using.

It’s about:

• Clean organization
• Smooth mechanical adjustment
• Modular expansion
• Turning seed starting into a proper system

It also forms the foundation of the broader Logical Grow ecosystem — with interchangeable trays, accessories like filling funnels and reusable plant markers, and future modules designed to scale from germination through indoor growing.

Like all LogicalPlanet designs, it’s built to be practical, durable, and satisfying to use.

The post Logical Grow Platform (LGP) first appeared on logicalplanet.

Over the last few years, toilet paper manufacturers have been steadily shrinking the inner cardboard core. That doesn’t sound like a big deal… until you realize that a lot of holders (especially simple or minimalist ones) rely on a fairly consistent core size to work properly.

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My original tank-mounted toilet paper holder worked great for years. Then suddenly rolls started falling off, rattling around, or just not fitting the way they used to. That’s what led to this second-generation redesign.

What Changed in Gen 2

The biggest difference in this version is the post itself.

Instead of relying on a rigid diameter that assumes all TP cores are the same, the Gen 2 design uses a compliant, flexible post that adapts to different core sizes — including the smaller modern ones. It grips the roll securely without binding and without needing springs, bearings, or hardware.

The rest of the design stays true to the original goals:

• Fully 3D printed
• No hardware
• No supports
• Simple, functional, and easy to print

It still mounts directly on the back of the toilet tank, keeping the roll accessible without drilling holes or installing wall brackets.

Single and Double Roll Versions

I’ve included both single-roll and double-roll variants.
The double version is surprisingly handy — not just as a backup roll, but also if you like having different paper types available.

Both versions use the same compliant post idea, so they handle modern rolls equally well.

Print Settings

Functional designs (such as this one) generally require more strength than non-functional designs and more strength than the typical default slicer settings provide, so please review your slicer settings carefully.

This product was designed for a 0.4mm nozzle and a 0.2mm layer height. For best results, I suggest the following:

Assembly Notes

No assembly required.

Why This Update Matters

This is a good example of why I like iterative, real-world design. Nothing about toilet paper holders is glamorous — but when something that used to work suddenly doesn’t, the fix needs to be simple, reliable, and durable.

Gen 2 exists because the world changed slightly, and the design needed to adapt.

Try It Out

If you’ve noticed rolls slipping off older holders or not fitting the way they used to, this version should solve that problem cleanly. As always, feedback is welcome — especially if you run into edge cases or unusual roll sizes.

The post Toilet Paper Holder 2 first appeared on logicalplanet.

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What I ended up with is this fully 3D-printed, modular wall-mounted spool storage system. It’s snap-together, it’s expandable in all directions, and the spool trays actually collapse up into the wall assembly when I need my wall space back. It’s been a game changer in my workspace.

What This Is

This system is designed to hold standard 1 kg filament spools and let you build as much storage as you need without a bunch of screws, brackets, or bulky racks. The trays are printed parts that rotate up into their housings, creating a compact footprint while still being easy to access. The rail system makes it easy to keep multiple rows aligned and expandable.

It’s perfect for:

• Print farms
• Compact workshops
• Maker spaces
• Anyone who hates tangled filament and messy shelves

How It Works

1. Build the Walls
   Snap the wall components together — they key into each other so you know everything is aligned properly.
2. Assemble the Trays
   Each tray part has a keyed rotation so it sits square in the wall assembly and can pivot up or down smoothly.
3. Mount to Rails
   Slide the assembled trays onto the rail system. You can add more rails and spacers to widen or stack more rows.
4. Collapse for Space
   Want the wall back? Just rotate the trays upward flush against the wall rails.

This system isn’t locked into any particular number of spools — you add as many as you like by linking rails and adding spacers.

Printing Notes

As with most of my functional designs, strong walls and good infill give the best results. I’ve been printing these in PLA with the following general settings:

The trays and rails print reliably without fiddly supports, which makes batch printing them for a larger system quick and predictable.

Assembly

Installation

Try It and Tell Me What You Think

I hope this helps you get a better handle on spool storage — it’s made a big difference in my shop.

The post Logical Wall Mounted Spool Storage first appeared on logicalplanet.

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The hook is rotatable and extends out for use and in for collapsing into the main body. The two side arm sections also fold into the main body for storage or travel.

This design uses compliant latches to hold the compartments closed. I might try to make a combination lock version in the future. And, a few people have requested a thicker body (bigger storage).

Once deployed, the hanger is full-size.

Print Settings

This product was designed for a 0.4mm nozzle and a 0.2mm layer height. For best results, I suggest the following:

Assembly Notes

The post StashHanger 2.0 first appeared on logicalplanet.

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Lockable USB Cable Clasp – Version 2.0

Keep your cables secure and organized with this print-in-place cable clasp.
Designed to hold up to 4 cables, it can be used with or without a lock for added security.

Key Features

• 100% printed – no hardware required
• Print-in-place design, ready to use right off the printer
• Holds up to 4 cables neatly and securely
• Optional lock or zip tie for extra protection

Instructions

1. Lay in the cables
2. Fold the inner clasp over to hold them in place
3. Fold the outer clasp until it snaps closed
4. (Optional) Add a lock or zip tie through the enclosure for extra security

Print & Slicer Settings

Functional designs (such as this one) generally require more strength than non-functional designs and more strength than the typical default slicer settings provide, so please review your slicer settings carefully.

This product was designed for a 0.4mm nozzle and a 0.2mm layer height. For best results, I suggest the following:

• Material: PLA, PETG, or ABS
• Nozzle: 0.4 mm
• Layer Height: 0.2 mm
• Walls: 4 (1.6 mm)
• Top/Bottom: 5 (1.0 mm)
• Infill: 40% Cubic (100% for maximum strength)
• Detect Thin Walls: On
• Wall Generator: Arachne
• Brim/Raft: No
• Support: None required
• Print Orientation: As per STL/3MF files

Assembly Notes

No assembly required.

The post Lockable USB Cable Clasp Version 2.0 first appeared on logicalplanet.

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GearBin is a fully 3D printable mini trash bin with a unique mechanical twist. Designed for use with biodegradable dog waste/poop bags as liners, it’s the ideal solution for food scraps, backyard clean-up, BBQ prep, or anywhere you want a tidy, compact bin that works smarter – even your desk.

I chose to use biodegradable dog waste/poop bags for this because they are a fraction of the cost of biodegradable kitchen bags and smaller so you can discard them more frequently at a lower cost.  

Our issue is we do not want to waste the more expensive biodegradable kitchen bags so we try to use them for several days. But by the end of a few days the kitchen waste can start to smell to then you throw it away without filling the bag… wasteful. So back to the small dog poop bags that are much lower cost and the right size for daily discarding.

The GearBin could be ideal for a wide range of applications including:

• Office or desk
• Kitchen countertops
• Outdoor prep areas and BBQ stations
• Composting and daily food waste
• Eco-conscious homes using dog poop bags for liners

The main features of the design are:

Gear-Driven Push Lid:
Open the lid with a simple press on the front bar—no electronics, just clean, mechanical magic.

Folding Liner Frame:
The innovative push-push mechanism folds the bag frame inwards for easy loading and unloading of liners. Holds standard dog poop bags securely.

100% Snap-Fit Assembly:
No glue, screws, or springs. Just print, snap together, and you’re ready to go.

Optional Bucket Insert:
Use with or without a removable bucket insert (included) to catch leaks and assist with liner removal.

I watched a reel promoting a small garbage bin with a folding frame to make it easier to install the liner bag. I thought that was a great idea so that is what I did too. But I made it using a push-push style so you can press it once to collapse the frame and then again to open it once the bag is installed. And, you can do the same to remove the bag.

I have also included a bucket that sits in the GearBin and essentially creates a safe space for the bag. It makes sure the bag can be pulled out from the GearBin even if it is jam-packed. And, that in the event the bag breaks or leaks you have a containment system. But the bucket also means you can use the GearBin without a bag.

I have included some exploded diagrams to help visualize what the GearBin is but to assemble it, you need to watch my instructional video linked at the bottom of this post.

Print Settings

You can print everything in PLA but you should consider printing the spring components in PETG. I have identified those in the print settings table below.

Functional designs (such as this one) generally require more strength than non-functional designs and more strength than the typical default slicer settings provide, so please review your slicer settings carefully.

This product was designed for a 0.4mm nozzle, a 0.2mm layer height. For best results, I suggest the following:

Assembly Notes

I have linked my assembly instructional video below, so please check that out. But also note there are a few pieces of print support to be removed after printing.

The Lid has a small strip of print support that sits under the print-in-place hinge. So look for that as you loosen the hinge after printing.

As well the Bucket has print support on each side to create the handle holes. Carefully break those free before using.

If you are building the GearBin you will definitely need to watch the following assembly instruction video…

The post GearBin™ – Mini Mechanized Trash Bin first appeared on logicalplanet.

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The files for this are currently available on Thangs.com at https://than.gs/m/1256833

It isn’t so much about a car mounted version but rather making a 100% printable clamping phone holder. I mean, I think I can make this for the car but so far this is a desktop version that is also compatible with my ClampDock mount.

To make this all work, I needed a compact set of compliant springs that could clamp the phone securely and adapt to a fairly wide range of phone sizes. I also had to add in a gear which interfaces between the two spring sides so that they move in parallel and the exact same distance. Once these are put to gether you have the ClampDock. And, then various mounting options can be added.

As noted above, so far I have made an arm assembly that can hold the ClampDock at a desk, side table or similar. It uses a series of indexing “click” joints that can hold the arm assembly at variaous angle and in various positions. And, it can be free standing or attached to my ClampDock assembly.

Print Settings

Functional designs (such as this one) generally require more strength than non-functional designs and more strength than the typical default slicer settings provide, so please review your slicer settings carefully.

This product was designed for a 0.4mm nozzle, a 0.2mm layer height. For best results I suggest the following:

• Material = PLA for everything but the Springs which should be PETG and the boots for gripping the phone which should be TPU.
• Nozzle = 0.4mm
• Layer Height = 0.2mm
• Line Width = 0.4mm
• Wall Count = 4 (1.6mm)
• Top and Bottom Layer Count = 5
• Detect Thin Walls = ON
• Wall Generator = Arachne
• Infill = 40% (Cubic)
• Support = None required
• Print orientation = As per the STL/3MF files and the included image

Assembly Notes

Please see the link video for assembly instructions.

The post SpringDock Phone Holder first appeared on logicalplanet.

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I have so much I want to say about this project….  Firstly, I started thinking about the old Pez dispensers.  Super fun and simple but after a lot of time I allowed myself to veer away from that idea.  Despite that, it still has a few throwback elements from the Pez dispenser concept.  Secondly, and more importantly, when I started focusing on 3D printable designs many years ago, I dreamt of a day when I might feel the confidence to design functional machines.  And, while this one is not epic in nature, it really marks a moment in time for me where I have switched to thinking about and being able to design more complex machines.  The implementation of gears combined with my new love for compliant mechanisms opens the door to creating more interesting (and challenging) projects.  Third, I feel this is a good educational project because it does incorporate a lot of mechanical design elements.  It can be assembled and disassembled, allowing anyone who wants to to really play with the design and study how it works.  Great for young ones to get their hands on and hopefully get inspired.

While everyone might not need a dog treat dispenser (or candy dispenser) I hope most people will appreciate the complexity of the design and its capacity to help us dream bigger with our 3d printers.   This project has about 30 parts to it.  That also makes it my most complex operating design (I say that because I have designed puzzles with more parts, but that does not really count). 

Here are some of the design features incorporated into this project:

• Compliant compression and leaf springs
• Full and partial double helical gears
• Cam-driven gate
• Double helical rack and pinion
• Adaptive hook design on the delivery system
• Removable crumb tray
• Loading cartridge

I originally designed it for the Costco Kirkland Signature Chicken and Rice Formula Dog Biscuits (6.79 kg).  These dog biscuits come in a large cardboard box and, therefore, are not that convenient to have handy.  So I thought about creating a dispenser for them, and even the idea of making it a design the dogs could self-serve from (when given permission).  I think that could work.  

The biscuits are held in a Pez-like loader, which I can modify for other biscuits, treats or object sizes.  The loader is the only part that needs to be modified for dispensing things in a range of sizes as long as it is smaller than the original biscuit size.  I have included a simple box container that can be used to hold smaller items to dispense as well. The included dispensible box has a volume of 102 x 43 x 14 mm

Print Settings

Functional designs (such as this one) generally require more strength than non-functional designs and more strength than the typical default slicer settings provide, so please review your slicer settings carefully.

This product was designed for a 0.4mm nozzle, a 0.2mm layer height. For best results, I suggest the following:

• Material = PLA for everything except the compression springs. I recommend PETG for the compression springs.
• Line Width = 0.4mm
• Wall Count = 4 (1.6mm)
• Top and Bottom Layer Count = 5
• Detect Thin Walls = ON
• Wall Generator = Arachne
• Infill = 40% (Cubic)
• Support = No, all required support is incorporated into the design. Please see the included image for specific support removal.
• Print orientation = As per the STL/3MF files.

Please refer to the linked video for assembly instructions.

Assembly Notes

Please follow the video below to assemble the dispenser.

Operation

Loading and operation of the dispenser is described in the following images.

The post Dispenser System first appeared on logicalplanet.

Essentially it is a one-handed single pill dispenser that I can grab in the dark and get a pill out without sitting up. I am sure it would be good for people with limited use of an arm too.

The dispensing mechanism is a one-piece compliant spring and gate that holds a single pill. The pill is then released to gravity when the spring is compressed. When the spring is allowed to return (by releasing it) it should pick up another pill and be ready for the next dispensement.

I have made a small door in the lid that allows pills to be added when rotated open. And, a compliant latch on the inside of the lid prevents that door from accidentally opening. To open the door you must first press the button on the side of the lid and then rotate the door open.

Print Settings

As always with compliant mechanisms it is prudent to use PETG for the spring. I have not tried the spring in PLA; I am sure it will work but not be as good or durable. All the other parts I did in PLA.

This product was designed for a 0.4mm nozzle, a 0.2mm layer height. For best results I suggest the following:

• Material
  • PETG for the spring mechanism
  • PLA for all other parts
• Nozzle = 0.4mm
• Layer Height = 0.2mm
• Line Width = 0.4mm
• Wall Count = 4 (1.6mm)
• Top and Bottom Layer Count = 5
• Detect Thin Walls = ON
• Wall Generator = Arachne
• Infill = 40% (Cubic)
• Support = None required but see the note below about cleaning up the bridge.
• Print orientation = As per the STL/3MF files and the included image

Post Printing and Assembly Notes

The opening in the Spring Mechanism controls the delivery of a single pill. In order to prevent 2 pills from jamming the mechanism I designed it to fit a pill bby having a bridge over the top. Depending on how well your printer is bridging you may need to clean that up as shown below using a knife to ensure that the pills flow through that “tube” easily.

On the

On the inside of the Lid, there is a compliant latch that prints into the lid. As such, you will need to gently separate the moving part of that latch after printing. The illustration below shows the area that needs to be separated (highlighted in red).

After that, the parts nest and snap together as shown in the exploded diagram.

The post Pill Dropper first appeared on logicalplanet.