Pet Weed Euthanizer, or, Pet Sapling Savior?

Description

An Arduino (or ESP32) powered, Mostly 3D‐Printed Smart Pet Weed Euthanizer/Relocator that grips unwanted plants, gently uproots them.  Use to annihilate, or deposit sapling-worthy seedlings into your chosen grow tray—combining garden cleanup, and with mini reforestation.

Inspired by conversations on V1 Engineering forum, see https://forum.v1e.com/t/how-about-a-m3dpmower/36759  topic for context/details.

Built two separate versions, a V1 Engineering Jackpot with FluidNC on ESP32, and, an Arduino Nano 33 IoT version.

WHY?

• I hate weeding, and avoid chemicals, plus I'd like to relocate otherwise unwanted saplings to areas needing reforesting, or, yards of people that like/deserve weeds 😉.
• Best selling Weeders are unable to grip smaller weeds/saplings like the ton of Maple tree ones that drove me to this. 
• This is Phase 1 of having IOT+AI powered machines to do my bidding, before they make me do theirs.
   

WHAT's SPECIAL?

• Fast cordless yard fun way to relocate pet saplings, or, euthanize pet weeds.
• Design includes many components that can be repurposed for other DIY tools.
• Uses mix of TPU infill/density and Linear Spring Compliant Mechanisms to simulate pressure exerted by human hands gripping and pulling saplings/weeds without breaking them (well tries too...).
• Today's chemical free Best selling Weeders are designed for either large deep rooted weeds, or, for people to bend and kneed down to grip and pull out small weeds by hand. There's got to be a better way... Maybe this DIY tool ?
• Pulling small saplings/weeds saves time compared to repeatedly cutting/trimming weeds until their root system exhausts and dies.
• NO Coding needed for FluidNC controller board based builds. Just upload config.yaml via Web UI, restart, then go relocating/hunting...

Functions

• Grip, pull and discard, or, collect for relocation.
• Normal grip and pull.
• Turbo grip and pull, mode for rapid munching, and suborbital sapling/weed launching.

2. Software & Hardware

Software List: CAD/design tools and libraries...

• VS Code, Arduino IDE, PlatformIO, FluidNC/ESP3D, Fusion 360, OpenSCAD, Fritzing.
  
   

 Hardware List:

Shared BOM on https://github.com/aaronse/weed-muncher/blob/main/README.md#bom 

• BOM contains latest set of parts that are working for me. I tried many more components than what are listed here. Let me know if you want to see the full list, only shared subset here to keep instructions straight forward.
  • Recommend 2x Nema 17 84oz with 2x TMC2209 for max pulling fun :-)
  • Power:
    • AI chat about Buck convertor options
•  Provided info to build either (A) Arduino, or (B) V1 Engineering Fluid NC ESP32 based build :
  •  Option (A), Arduino Controller:
    • https://store.arduino.cc/products/arduino-nano-33-iot-with-headers
  •  Option (B), V1 Engineering JackPot Controller (ESP32, FluidNC):
    • https://www.v1e.com/products/jackpot-cnc-controller 
       

3. Wiring Diagram

Latest full resolution version available at https://github.com/aaronse/weed-muncher/blob/main/img/breadboard.png 

Wiring for Weed Muncher Basic Edition…

Wiring for Weed Muncher Pro Ultra Plus with Wings Edition…
ℹ Note: This super duper deluxe build uses all of Arduino Nano 33 IoT's 20 GPIO pins, mostly for fun. 
 

4. Code

Summary of code behavior:

• main.cpp at https://github.com/aaronse/weed-muncher/blob/main/firmware/src/main.cpp 
  • The Weed Puller wakes up by setting up its buttons, rotary encoder, and motor drivers for smooth control and stall detection. It reads the Grind and Turbo buttons, the rotary encoder for speed adjustment, and the encoder switch to set the pulling direction.
  • Pressing Grind lets you pull weeds at a custom speed; Turbo gives you max power instantly. If the motors detect a stall, the system shuts them down and flashes a red warning until you're ready to go again. It also keeps an eye on weed distance with an ultrasonic sensor and shows real-time status over USB for easy debugging.

 Full code repository at https://github.com/aaronse/weed-muncher/tree/main/firmware 
 

5. 3D Printing Instructions

See https://github.com/aaronse/weed-muncher?tab=readme-ov-file#5-3d-printing-instructions  , pasted snapshot below…

### 6. Assembly Instructions

- [ ] Step-by-step bullets (e.g. “1. Insert stepper into jaw housing; 2. Route wires through handle; …”).

Grinder Assembly:

 - Use 12 M3 x 10mm bolts, ideally Flange, but button head work too.

- Use 2 M5 x 30mm bolts and Nylock Nuts.

Carefully but firmly push Wheel Cores onto stepper's shaft.  Ensure flat edge on shaft aligns with Core's flat edge.

Snug up M5 x 8mm (or longer) grub screws.  Don't over tighten, if you end up stripping the threads, then consider glue, and forget about removing ever again.

Align tires for install.  Slip on meshed tapered TPU tires onto the PETG Whel Cores at the same time.  Ensure 2 nubs inside tires align with holes on Wheel Core.

Push tires down until satisfying click heard.

Use Clevis bolt and pin, or, M5 x 35mm or longer, together with M5 Nylock Nut to secure Grinder Assembly to pole handle.

### 7. Demo & Usage Instructions

- [ ] Power-on and mode selection (Pull vs. Release).

- [ ] Operating tips (e.g. hold at 30° angle, watch for stall-flash).

- [ ] Safety note (keep fingers clear of gears).

### 8. Additional Notes & Tips

- [ ] Troubleshooting pointers (e.g. check wiring if it stalls).

- [ ] Optional enhancements (e.g. add LCD status display).

### 9. Photos & Videos

- [ ] Finished product: multiple angles.

- [ ] Wiring close-ups.

- [ ] In-action demo GIF or short video (pull + relocate cycle). 

📄 License

⚠ This project is for personal, non-commercial use only, and is licensed under the Creative Commons BY-NC-SA 4.0 license.
 

You are free to:

• ✅ Use it
• ✅ Remix it
• ✅ Build your own version at home

As long as you:

• ❌ Don't sell it or make money from it
• ✅ Give credit
• ✅ Share under the same license

😏 Interested in selling parts or kits?
Am open to commercial licensing. Any help paying for my kids' college fees is appreciated, cheers! Contact via https://github.com/aaronse/weed-muncher/issues

Commercial use or resale of any parts, models, or derivatives is strictly prohibited until you pay my kid's college fees.