Slightly Over-Engineered Heatset Insert Press

I wanted a heat-set insert press, but couldn't find any that matched my requirements:

1. Used as few “special” hardware bits and bobs as possible.
2. Be as compact as possible. I don't have lots of storage room, so something compact, but easily usable is a must.
3. Must be extendable to other types of tools like dremels.

What I came up with may be slighly over-engineered, but it works for me, and I think it looks cool.

How it Works

This press is based on the Peaucellier-Lipkin inversor (wikipedia link). It's a linkage that provides a mathematically perfect straight line at the final linkage. In order to make the tool move perfectly vertically, we need 2 sets of these linkages. In order to make it more rigid and stable, we use 4.

Building It

Bill of Materials

The following are parts I used in my build because it's what I had on-hand. Adapt to your needs

Preparation

I recommend printing out the 2 Test Fit parts to ensure that your print settings are right. The two parts should slide together easily.

Build Instructions

1. Print the parts. 
   • I recommend using the Test Fits parts to ensure your print settings are adequate for all the tolerances before printing the big parts. The Test Fit parts will also show bolt/nut dimensions used throughout the build.
   • The Linkages stl contains all the linkages you need for one sub-assembly. This file has supports built-into it, most are attached and will be removed, but Link3C has a support piece that is not physically attached. You may get warning about it in your slicer, but you shouldn't need to turn on supports at all.
2. Attach backbone to wall where you'd like to mount the tool. Consider leaving room either above or below to be able to slide the tool off the backbone for storage.
3. Insert Bike seat clamp bolt through middle hole in the Backbone Slide, and Backbone Slide Clamp, and thread on the nut.
4. Use M3x10mm bolts to attach BackboneLink1 parts to the Backbone Slide. Be sure the m3 bolt heads do not protrude.
5. Install heat-set inserts into the Tool Mount. If only you had a heatset insert press to help install these…
6. Assemble 2 sets of linkages according to the diagram. Assemble 2 sets of linkages mirrored to the diagram.
   • Make sure the countersink holes and spots for nuts are in the right places. Nuts should all be on the inside.
   • If you haven't already, you'll need to remove any of the support structures added. These will be found on Link 3B and 3C.
7. Decide how many springs you need to use to get the stiffness you want.
8. Attach the two “normal” assemblies of the linkages to the Tool Mount and Backbone Slide.
   • Be sure to attach the springs where you need them. If you have short springs, you can anchor one end at the joints of links 1, 3c, and 3b. 
9. Attach the two “mirrored” assemblies of the linkages to the Tool Mount and Backbone Slide.
10. Assemble the Tool Attachment parts with your tool. Depending on the attachment, you may need to slide it in and insert a screw before finishing it.
11. Slide the Backbone Slide onto the Backbone.
12. Do a fist pump!

Modifications

The files for this are found in OnShape: https://cad.onshape.com/documents/bfd27f77814f2c173c844377

I was lazy and didn't make all the configurations needed. But you can copy the project, and modify the values in the “Main Variables” table to change bolt sizes, arm lengths, etc.