Parametric Ski-Waxing Clamp

This model is actually two things:

• a fully-parameterized OpenSCAD package for modeling clamps to secure skis for waxing, or other maintenance.

• STL object files that will work for many situations, for users who would rather not model their own in OpenSCAD.  These can be downloaded and printed as one would with any model.

Usage Instructions for the STL models:

1.  Measure the width of your skis approximately fore and aft of the binding.  If this is less than 75mm, continue to step 2.  Otherwise, you will want to customize your clamps, so proceed to the OpenSCAD instructions below.

2.  Measure the height of your ski from the bottom surface to the top of the binding.  If this is less than 40mm, continue to step 3.  Otherwise, you will want to customize your clamps, so proceed to the OpenSCAD instructions below..

3.  Measure the thickness of your workbench, or other work surface.  If this is between 15 and 34mm, continue to step 4.  Otherwise, you will want to customize your clamps, so proceed to the OpenSCAD instructions below.

4. Proceed to Printing instructions below.

Usage Instructions for OpenSCAD package:

Requirements:

• OpenSCAD version 2021.01 or later (might work on earlier versions, but untested)

• BOSL2 library ( https://github.com/BelfrySCAD/BOSL2 )

Procedure:

1. Ensure that you have downloaded "waxing-clamp.scad".

2. Open the OpenSCAD format file -- "waxing-clamp.scad".

3.  Decide if you are comfortable with setting the thread settings, or if you need to perform a test first to ensure that your printer will create a threadable assembly.  If you need to test first, see those instructions below.

4.  Edit the configuration section at the top to your taste.  Section is reproduced below for reference.  See also measurement instructions in the preceding section of this description, if need be.

5.  Edit the object selection section to choose which of the three components you wish you print.   You can print the clamp() and screw() together, if you prefer, since they can be composed of the same material.  clamp() and screw() need to be composed of rigid material, while strap() must be flexible.

6. Render the object(s), export to STL, and print as will any other STL.  See printing instructions below.

7. Print two each 'clamps', 'mounting screws', and 'straps'.

max_ski           = 75;// Width of your widest ski, in the vicinity of the binding
binding_clearance = 40;// Height of your binding, to ensure the clamp will be sufficiently tall
bench_thick       = 35;// Thickness of the bench on which you plan to mount the clamps
clamp_width       = 35;// Width of the clamp
clamp_t           = 9;// Thickness of the clamp
channel_length    = 50;// Length of the channel where the bench surface interfaces with the clamp.
strap_t           = 6;// Thickness of the mounting strap.  Depends on your filament, 6 works for 95A TPU.
thread_length = 45;// Length of the mounting bolt's thread.
thread_d = 15;// Diameter of the mounting bolt, and the applicable hole. "M15" is default.
thread_pitch = 1;// Thread pitch for both the mounting bolt, and applicable hole.
thread_slop = (thread_d/150);// Clamp's internal threads will be oversized by this amount, to allow the bolt
// to thread in fully.  Users may need to tweak depending on the precision of their
// printer, and their chosen filament.
bed_width = (max_ski*2);// Default is capacity for two skis.

Thread test procedure:

1. Edit the Configuration section and set thread_d and thread_pitch to your desired values.

2. Edit the Object selection selection.  Uncomment the "screw()" line, and comment-out the three other objects.

3. Render, export, and print your mounting screw.

4. Edit the Object selection selection.  Uncomment the "slop_test()" line, and comment-out the three other objects.

5. Render, export, and print your slop test piece ( which will be labeled, for your convenience ).

6. Attempt to thread your mounting screw into the test piece.  Note that only one side is beveled.

7. If threading fails, adjust the thread_slop setting in the required direction, and return to step 5.  If threading succeeds, congratulations.  Note slop value for future reference.

Printing Instructions:

Each clamp is composed of three parts -- the main body, the mounting screw, and the ski-holding strap.  The latter must be printed in a flexible filament such as TPU.  Shore 95A works for the included model.  To use a harder material, the user will want to reduce the thickness of the strap in the OpenSCAD configuration.

The other two parts can be printed in any rigid material.  PETG works, but PLA's rigidity is beneficial. Anything more exotic is completely unnecessary, but float your boat however you prefer.  No supports are required.  15% infill suffices.

The relevant included files are:

clamp main body: waxing-clamp-150x35mm.stl

mounting screw: mounting-screw-M15x45.stl

strap: strap-150x35mm.stl

Clamp Usage Instructions:

• Inspect skis, and determine appropriate clamping location, paying mind to binding location, and intended maintenance.  For example, if applying glide wax, a different location may be desired than if grip waxing, or drilling for new bindings, etc.

• Secure clamps to workbench or other surface, with appropriate distance between.

• Lay skis on clamps, and stretch straps across them to hold in-place.

• Enjoy!

• Later, watch out for trees!