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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Since it folds small and the blade is protected when closed, it is way more suitable for putting in a pocket, making it that much more convenient. I have also added a spot for a 10x3mm magnet to be inserted so you can stick it to things. In my case, I have steel shelves where I want to keep several of these handy.

The two parts of the assembly snap together and apart so that the handle can also hold the tools for installing and removing the blade.

Loading a blade is very similar to the prior knife design. It is pressed into the frame and retained by the same compliant tab, which has two nubs on it that engage the blade.

And, removing the blade uses the two prongs on the handle to release the blade from the compliant tab.

I have found there are lots of variants of this type of blade in the market, but in the US and Canada, the Stanley brand and size seem to be most prevalent. So please check the size for compatibility.

Overall, the new design is about the same length as the old model when open but 2/3 its size when folded closed.

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

Simply press the handle ring into the frame ring, and assembly is complete.

The post logical Utility Knife (v2.0) 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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It is a super simple 1-piece print. And, it attaches by simply placing it behind a wall plate. The existing wall plate screws hold the wall plate and the Mini eShelf in place with considerable strength. Definitely adequate enough for small electronics or similar.

A complication I discovered after designing my first one and getting a few followers to test it was, not all wall plates are the same size. So I have created a few size variants to hopefully allow it to work for most people.

On the top back centre of the shelf is a recess (pass through hole) so that electrical wires can be container when using the Mini eShelf for charger or similar activities.

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 and Installation Notes

No assembly is required. It is ready to go right off the print plate. And, installation is a breeze. Simply unscrew your existing wall plate and then place the Mini eShelf behind it. Screw the original wall plate back into place. That’s it!!

The post Mini eShelf first appeared on logicalplanet.

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When I designed the first crates, my skills were too limited to make these new ones. But it is very gratifying to now be able to design and print a 100% printed, snap-together, strong, modular system for organizing things, such as in a freezer, in a pantry or just on the shelf.

This crate system has multiple wall lengths so you can make crates of varying lengths. And, what’s more, I have now made 3 widths so you can file almost any width or depth of shelf.

The crate Ends are identical and allow walls to be snapped into them through a vertical channel on the back side. The walls can be removed and changed by releasing a small tab which locks the wall into place when in use.

A Connector is also available that allows walls to be joined end to end between the End components, allowing the crate to be extended.

Different wall lengths can be combined to create an almost unlimited range of total crate lengths.

Crates that are the same width and length are also stackable.

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.

It is important to note that some wall sections exceed the common 250x250mm print bed size.

Assembly Notes

The post Logical Crate System first appeared on logicalplanet.

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The original design had several problems, but the most significant was that there was no handle. And, even after I added a knob to it for lifting, it did not seem right because the knob did not help you open the Drainer. But the new design (posted here) solves that and so much more.

It is stronger and more durable, has improved drainage, better retention when closed, and raised ribs that encourage food scraps to slide off better.

The new handle is also part of the opening and closing system. When you lift the Drainer up using the handle, you are keeping it closed, which is important if it is full of food scraps as you swing around to your garage receptacle. Then you rotate your fingers slightly so that you can press the pressure point with your thumb, causing it to pop open, while at the same time holding the handle to suspend the Drainer. It might sound complicated but it feels very natural once you have done it a few times.

It prints as a single piece with one piece of support to be removed after printing. And, I recommend printing it in ABS if you can, as it has a higher Tg (glass temperature) than PLA and PETG, making it better able to survive the hot water typically found flowing into sinks.

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:

Assembly Notes

There is no assembly required, but you do need to carefully defuse the print before using it and remove the built-in print support.

The post Drainer v2.0 first appeared on logicalplanet.

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There are some good reasons the commercially made ones are made of machined aluminum, and I am not going to lie, those are nice, but there is something about 3D printing things (at least for me) that compete with the commercially made alternatives. And, this one is as much an educational exercise as it is a tablet stand. It demonstrates:

• Print-in-place hinges & press-fit joints
• Conical thrust bearing with offset detents
• An orbital gear system
• Click joints
• Double helical gear-to-gear joints
• Twist-and-lock + threaded assemblies
• Snap fit, rotational fit, and press fit examples

I designed this to fit 11″ tablets, because that is what I have, but I imagine it will work fine with smaller and larger ones also.

I have made all the articulated joints quite stiff to stabilize the assembly and keep it as rigid as possible.

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:

Assembly Notes

Please watch the video I made on how to assemble it, but the following images should be helpful as well.

The post Tablet Turret first appeared on logicalplanet.

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My design uses the classic funnel leading to bait strategy. And, I feel it has the potential to be “better” for a couple of reasons as follows:

1. I have made the funnel top quite large. Wasps are visually oriented and so making the top of the funnel large and yellow should increase the chances of a wasp finding the trap.
2. I have added a twist-to-open iris-style closure mechanism that a) provides a convenient closure when you want to close the trap to move it, and b) when the iris is open, the blades of the iris act as leaves to further enhance the visual appeal of the trap.
3. Lastly, I have made a PET bottle and a mason jar version of the traps so it can be attached conveniently to either of those types of containers.

I have included designs for both standard and wide-mouth mason jars.

The only issue I have seen so far is that the hot sun can affect the 3d printed parts quite easily if it is left to bake in the heat. So keep it out of the direct sunlight.

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:

Assembly Notes

Assembly is very straightforward, and all the pieces of the trap snap or fit together easily without any added hardware, fasteners or adhesives.

The post A Better Wasp Trap first appeared on logicalplanet.

I’m not entirely sure how I arrived at designing this. I just had a thought in my head that a self-closing beverage holder would be fun. It started as something completely different, but once I got on the design that it is now, I just loved it. It is so satisfying to play with and fun to keep a drink concealed and cool in.

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As it stands now, it is one of my favourite designs. I think I feel that way because of the collapsing iris design that I created. While it is really just one element of the design and may be lost on many, it is very slick. The blades of the iris are compounding so that they can collapse into a smaller space than the radial distance of the opening. I am definitely going to try to find other applications for that!

And, I managed to get the iris to activate by the vertical movement of the upper section of the DrinkColder. This is another area of design that fascinates me… using human power in a way that is almost not even noticed. In this case, by pressing down on the DrinkColder in a very natural way you receive the beverage but at the same time, you are moving the machine inside.

I have often thought about how we open and close doors in the same way giving up some energy every time we do it; how can that be harnessed and used?

Anyway, back to the DrinkColder… the other aspect of this design that I really love is the counterweight effect of the top and bottom moving halves which makes the whole thing work. And, when a drink is removed the DrinkColder stays open for it to be returned to.

No motors, no springs — just effective geometry, balance, and symetrical gears.

Features

• Fits standard 355ml (12oz) cans
• Includes optional cozy insert or TPU ice ring mold to keep your drink extra cold
• Uses internal counterbalance and gears for motion — no electronics
• Designed for PLA with no supports required
• Visual assembly guide included
• Dimensions: 114mm x 114mm x 167mm (4.5” x 4.5” x 6.6”)
• Top iris opening: 70mm diameter

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.

Since posting the DrinkColder, I had someone point out that printing with 2 different layer heights will help parts slide better in situations like this design. I will experiment with that and post an update when I can.

Post Printing and Assembly Notes

Deburr any sharp edges after printing. And, use light lubrication at rotating joints.

Please see the assembly video for instructions…

The post DrinkColder first appeared on logicalplanet.