Build Your Own Cat Wand

Tired of cat feather wands that can't stand up to a playful furry friend? This print lets you replace or reuse feathers and make the wand almost as long as you'd like.

All you need are feathers, a 1/4" rod (wood dowel works great), and less than a dollar of filament. You should even be able to fit the end of a string/cord into the "feather end" and use this design with other attachment options.

There are two versions for the rod end and the feather end; Tapered and flat. I like the look of the tapered one, but I included the flat one in case you like it better.

To print:

Walls: 3-4 walls, preferably with Arachne for your line generation.

Infill: 10%-15%, use maintain vertical thickness

Layer height: 0.16mm or smaller. I used 0.1mm since these are rather small parts and the smoothing you get from 0.1mm will help with the threads..

Supports: None. The only supports needed are built into the model. Make sure your external bridging speed is turned way down (10-20mm/s) The built in supports should snap off cleanly, but if it's a little pokey, scrape at it with the back of a craft knife or your finger nail.

If you have a smooth build plate, I'd recommend it over a textured one, but a textured bed should still be fine.

The threaded collet parts are not interchangeable. If you try to use four of the same, the threads would not line up, so I positioned the connector pegs such that they can only be assembled one way. Make sure you're printing one of each of a given set (tapered or flat).

To assemble, after removing the supports and smoothing the end of the pegs, assemble two sets of two chucks per end (rod end and feather end) and then assemble those halves.

Thread those into the threaded coupler until the threads are all engaged but not tight. Then, on the rod end, press the rod in until it stops. Tighten it firmly. Test if you can pull the rod out. If you can, adjust the depth and tighten again. You can always use something like a silicone jar opener or soft jaw pliers to give you some extra grip. Then load the feathers in the other end and tighten. Be careful that you don't over tighten as this may weaken or cut the tips of the feathers, despite the chamfering and filleting on the parts.

This was a project for a redditor asking for assistance, but I ultimately decided to make it in memory of a recently passed loved one who adored cats. I'm sure that she'd appreciate the thought of cats around the world playing in her memory. 

Enjoy.