Painting Arm Stand / Handle

This a collection of usefull accessories for miniatures painting.

I've started this with a need for a small priming handle I can just take out and paint one or two models at time (I do resin printing for hobby painting, rather than paint entire armies). But ended up with extra handles and flexible arms that can do more.

Check new Arm joints V2 which have the same dimension as well as offer better bend angles (and tend to stay in socket better) -  https://www.printables.com/model/1475284-soldering-arms-v2

>> ALL elements are downloadable as 3MF files with settings tweaked for good results 

>> For the threaded variants (ie. without embedded screw on top) check the "NEW Gourd Threaded" and "NEW Tower - handle" in files.

Updates:

• Added new design - Tower handle
  • Might be slightly more comfortable if you tend  to hold catchers in your palm
• Updated previous designs to be compatible with standalone Thread model
  • ie. the thread is no longer embedded, but as separate part, connects handle with catchers and heads. 

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• Added optional Arm Rests with mountable bases.
  • There are 2 size variants and 2 plain / emboss ("decorative")
  • Included STEP file for the Arm Rest Interface - element that slids into the Beak Base. So if anyone wishes they can more easily build their own Arm Rest shape and attach it to it :)
• Updated and smoothed Gourd Handles geometry

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• Included STLs files - sorry, I didn't know 3MF can cause issues for some slicers. 
  • sadly the modifers (fuzzy skin, varied walls loops and infill) can't be configured in STLs. 
    • I'd still advice adding extra walls on the gourd handle on the whole model or more optimal: top part. Too thin 3d printed threads like to snap unexpectedly; also I had the thin neck of  the gourd brake in one prototype, as this part is prone to stress as we hold and manipulate the handle it'll benefit from extra filament.

These accessories can be especially usefull if you like to paint bits individually prior assembly. The set has variety of attachments to attach (with blue tack) heads, limbs or entire minis:

Flexible jointed arm is an idea taken from soldering hobby community. But this model have been slightly modified so it can better stand the weight of a miniature. Extra flexibility can really come in handy, rather than rotating entire handle you can just keep it on the desk and move the flexible arm around - to find the best position for that perfect brush stroke.

The jointed arms are still kind of consumable item and when they wear down they need to be replaced. Although seems like they're quite resistant and should hold up for quite few painting sessions.

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Arms bases are connected to the handle via Hub. It comes in two variants - Fixed and Rotatable.

Rotatable is printed in place and doesn't require bearings:

It might not be the smoothest but at the same time it tends to keep the position locked and doesn't unexpectedly move while painting.

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Modularity is a fun part. Everything can be combined together with simple threaded elements (18mm and 33mm). Gourd handle can be used for painting minis or have a large plate attached and serve as priming station.

This use case can be extended further with long arm and additional handles:

Gourd handles are empty inside and come with a threaded cap, so it can be weighted down (or connected to another gourd via hub).

This should help keep the handle from being knocked over. And for large miniatures, when weighting the handle down might not be enough, we can attach a large Stability Base instead:

All these items can be combined freely and depending on the use case.

Two Gourd Handles connected together by a Fixed Hub create one, tall, but weirdly comfortable handle.

When single arm can't hold the weight of a large mini, they can be combined together with Rectangle Bases to create larger and more robust stand. Like “The Tentancle” - elastic and tough stand we can rotate and position for best reach.

“The Tentacle” is composed from: Stability Base (92mm), Wide Gourd Base, Fixed Hub, 2x Rectangle Bases, 2x Double Sided Screws, 40x Regular joints, 4x Double Socket Joint, Rotatable Hub and Springed Catcher*.

(Springed Catcher attachment is fully printable and closes automatically, without need for rubber bands etc. - https://www.printables.com/model/1035044-springed-catcher-miniature-painting-handle )

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Miniatures showcased on the pictures:

• Ork Grunts heads by Smuggler Boutique
• Socratis Knights (dismembered) and Raticus Clanker by Station Forge
• Iron Orc Warlord and Black Orc Warlord by Avatars of War
• Chaplain (well a “Patriarcha”), Terminators, Space Vikings from the damn purple site…
• Gretchin - finally, an official GW model :)