Fixed Foot for Frame-X Work Frame

A few years ago, my brother bought me a Frame X work frame to replace a battered old Workmate that had seen better days.

I've used it constantly since then and, whilst not as conveniently portable, it has a versatility unmatched by the B&D original that it replaced. Part of this is the way it can be used in different orientations according to the needs of the job in hand. Personally, I can't speak highly enough of the design. Sadly, it seems they no longer make or sell them. But I thoroughly recommend you look one up to see what you're missing!

But, back to the plot... A few years back I was trimming a door bottom for one of my neighbours. Unfortunately I misjudged the blade path of my Skil Saw, and cut part way through one of the fixed plastic feet (the feet on the other side are adjustable as part of the clever design). At the time, I "temporarily" wedged a piece of lolly stick into the saw cut, and got on with what I was doing. I completely forgot all about it until recently when the split portion of the foot finally came adrift. Now the formerly ultra-stable Frame X had an infuriating wobble.

As usual, my 3D printer stepped bravely into the breach, and this is my facsimile of the sundered footpad. I didn't bother with the countersunk screw hole in the original, as I've never found it necessary to use. I've attached the SketchUp file for anyone who wants to add it though. I did, however, add a small groove to clear the rough weld line inside the frame tube on my Frame X.

To get the original foot off required a block of wood and a hammer, and it's easy to see why: the footpad was designed to stay where it was under all sorts of directional loads and situations. Fitting the replacement requires the same technique.

I printed it in black PLA, with a matching insert pad in red PLA. The use of PLA on the latter was a blunderon my part, as the original is soft (so as not to damage any workpiece that rests on it) and I should have used something flexible like TPU. I've since printed a replacement in TPU ( blue, cos it's it's the only colour I have!). But I haven't been able to remove the PLA one, because I made it a very tight fit so it wouldn't come out by itself! D'oh!

If you are one of the lucky people who own a Frame X, and need to print this, you'll need to flip the stl for the insert part, as it needs to be face up for a good finish with no support needed.

So, whilst I doubt that these are a common item in people's tool collections, here's the solution to a damaged foot for anyone who does possess one.

Happy printing.

Category: DIY