Tired of your soldering station or helping-hands rig tipping over every time you bump it or add a second magnifier or a heavy component? I designed this sturdy weighted base to solve exactly that problem.
This platform is specifically sized for common third-hand/soldering stands (like the popular models with the flexible gooseneck magnifier shown in the photos). It adds significant stability so you can work confidently without the whole thing dancing around on your desk.
###Features:
- Wide, low-profile footprint — dramatically lowers the center of gravity and prevents tipping even with extra weight (second magnifier, heavy clips, etc.).
- Integrated magnetic parts tray — 8 small circular divots on the underside perfectly fit 12x1.7mm (or similar) neodymium magnets. - Glue the magnets in from the bottom and you have a convenient spot to hold screws, resistors, capacitors, or any tiny metal parts right where you need them.
- Five individual magnetic parts "dishes" — make it easy to keep additional parts sorted yet easily ready to grab when you need them.
- Central recessed area — designed to accept hot glue (or double-sided tape) to permanently or semi-permanently mount your existing soldering stand.
- Grippy bottom surface — the 3D printed texture helps keep it from sliding on smooth desks (though adding some rubber pads wouldn't hurt).
###Print Settings:
- Material: PLA or PETG (PETG recommended for durability)
- Infill: 20-30% is plenty (the base is already quite heavy when printed solid-ish)
- Layer height: 0.2 mm
- Supports are encouraged (for the magnet recesses on the underside...but they pop out quite easily).
- Print flat on the bed
###Assembly:
- Print the base.
- Glue 12x1.7 mm neodymium magnets into the circular pockets from the underside (polarity doesn't matter for holding parts, though they may try to jump out and attach to one another until the glue is dry).
- Glue your soldering stand into the central square recess (I used hot glue — very secure but removable if heated).
- Optional: add a little weight (coins, fishing weights, etc.) into the central tray if you want it even more rock-solid.
The design works great with my existing helping-hands + dual-magnifier setup and has made soldering and small electronics work much more enjoyable.
Files include the single-piece base ready to print. Feel free to remix or scale if your stand is a slightly different size!
Happy printing and happy soldering!
hixreate
