Swiveling MagSafe Mount

This MagSafe mount features a swiveling mechanism that allows for 360 degrees of rotation and up to 30 degrees of tilt. Prints easily without any supports, and can be assembled with either magnetic inserts or non-magnetic MagSafe adapter rings (details below).

Materials

In addition to the printed parts, you will need some strong adhesive. I recommend 5 minute epoxy, as it has much better shear strength than CA glue. You will also need either:

1x MagSafe adapter ring. Here are the ones I used, but they're all basically the same. These provide less strength than the magnets, but are easier to install. If you use these, print magsafe_mount_plate-non-magnetic.stl for the mounting plate.

OR

1x MagSafe magnet ring – 1.5mm thick. Here are the ones I used. These are a bit tricker to install but have a much stronger holding force. If you use these, print magsafe_mount_plate-magnetic.stl for the mounting plate.

Instructions

1. Print one of each part. For the mounting plate, you only need to print one of the two versions (see above). No supports are required.
   • If you are printing the magnetic version, be sure to put a pause in at the top of the cavity to insert the magnetic ring. The magnets should be facing upwards. I recommend putting a bit of glue stick on top of the magnets to make printing over top of them a bit easier.
   • If you are printing the non-magnetic version, you can insert the adapter ring after printing is complete. I have found the adhesive that comes on those rings to not hold well on the textured 3D print surface, so you can instead remove the adhesive tape from the back of the ring, scratch the surface all over with a craft knife, and then glue the ring into place with some epoxy.
2. If you printed the “strong” version of the post, it may be easier to assemble this part before step 3. Insert a small piece of 1.75mm filament into the alignment holes and glue the halves together with epoxy. Make sure you either let the epoxy dry or cover the surfaces with tape before moving on to step 3 to avoid the knob sticking to the post.
3. Insert the knob over the ball post. Make sure you do this before gluing the mounting plate on!
4. Glue the mounting plate onto the post by applying glue generously into the hole and inserting the post. Clamp or tape the parts together tightly and allow to cure fully before use.
5. Mount the base wherever you like using strong mounting tape and press firmly.
6. Screw the knob onto the base to complete assembly.