3D print this adapter to turn your drill press and soldering iron into a makeshift heat set insert press! With this tool, you don’t have to worry about keeping your threaded inserts straight as you press them in - the drill press will ensure perfect alignment.

Heat set inserts are typically made from brass or aluminum and are useful for adding durable threads to 3D printed plastic parts. While there are special heat presses made specifically for this task, inserts can also be installed by hand with a soldering iron and brass tips to fit the thread size. However, if you find yourself using heat set inserts regularly but don’t want to spend the money on a specialized press, this 3D printable adapter might be for you!

The mounting hole for the soldering iron is tapered slightly and sized to fit the typical handle, but handle size and shape might vary between manufacturers. This design worked for two different soldering irons that I had from different manufacturers. The file download is in a .STEP format, so feel free to make changes to the model as needed to better suit your particular situation.

Also available in .3MF format for direct 3D printing (FREE DOWNLOAD)!

Recommended hardware:

• 1x 1/4-20 x 2.00” bolt

• 1x 1/4-20 hex nut

• 1x 1/4-20 standoff or coupling nut (this is the part that will be chucked in the drill press)

***SOME NOTES ON SAFETY***

• Soldering irons are hot. Burns suck. Don’t touch the business end while it’s hot.

• Don’t turn the drill press spindle on with the adapter still in the chuck. And especially don’t do this with the soldering iron mounted. If you’re worried that might happen by accident, make sure to unplug the drill press before doing this.