This provides a vertical motion for inserting brass heatset inserts into 3d printed parts.

This press uses a Weller SP40NKUS soldering iron to insert heatset inserts. I use the tips from McMaster under "Installation Tips for Heat-Set Inserts" - but plenty of people just a normal tip.

Warning that soldering iron will heat up when left vertical. You will need to stop and let it cool every 10-15 minutes or else it will start to soften the clamp.

Printed parts:

One copy of everything but foot_pad.stl. I used PLA, but a more heat-tolerant material would probably be better.

foot_pad.stl is optional, I printed 4 of these out of TPU and glued them under the foot so that the screw heads under the bottom would not hit my bench.

Additional hardware:

• 1x 8mm linear shaft - feel free to go longer or shorter
• 1x M5 Tapered heatset insert - for height adjustment knob
• 4x M3 Tapered heatset insert - for the bottom of the base
• 4x M2.5 Tapered heatset inserts - to secure the soldering iron clamp
• 4x M3x10mm button head or flat socket head screws - these secure the foot to the base with a 1/4" thick foot. Adjust length based on your foot material
• 4x M2.5x10mm socket head cap screws to secure the soldering iron clamp
• 1x M5x18mm for the height adjustment (length not critcal)
• 1x Spring for the shaft. Mine came out of this kit, but again not super critical. Pick something up at the hardware store that fits over the 8mm rod, or design something for 3d printing.

The base of my press is 8"x4"x1/4" aluminum, powder coated black. Mine is aluminum to add some weight to keep the press upright, but build it on whatever material is expedient to you. Safety first, though, you don't want this tipping over and starting a fire.

It needs 4 clearance holes drilled for the mounting foot on a 40mm square.