July 12, 2026
Description
It's always happy hour in your backyard, so why not give the bees a cocktail bar!
This is my take on mosselini1's Insect Water Station.
Printing Instructions
Choose your size: Small or Large.
Go to the appropriate folder Project_Files_Small or Project_Files_Large, and use the .3mf files in that folder.
Change to your model of printer and preferred filament.
Slice and export.
Print.
Installation Instructions
Hang up the sign with some string, or use the extruded filament comes out during the color changes. I used extruded filament.
If you plan to install the bar in the garden, the ground is uneven so the water will spill. Print the stand and press it into the soil first. Then place the bar on top.
Recommended Filament
PETG or PLA, preferably in a color that bees would associate with flowers, eg white, yellow, orange, pink, red.
Recommended Bottle
A 500mL (half liter) water or soda bottle.
I've tested with a 1L bottle as well, but the extra weight makes it less stable so it's difficult to avoid the water draining out.
Why use project files:
I suggest using the project file instead of STL's because I've already added
- pauses for color swap
- increased perimeters and top/bottom layers to increase water proofing
- variable layer height on the screw thread to give you the best seal
There are two separate project files because the sign needs a 0.2mm layer height and color changes at specific layers, whereas the rest of the parts could use any layer height at all.
Design Files
The sign was made by putting together some images in Microsoft Powerpoint, and exporting to SVG. Then it was drawn up quickly in Tinkercad, so I don't have step files to give you. If you can help me learn how to make SVG files in a less clumsy way than PowerPoint, please leave a comment! I'd love to improve my skills and start producing better models.
License:
Creative Commons — Attribution