1 Topic by Claghorn

  • Claghorn
  • Member
  • Offline
  • From: Delray Beach, FL
  • Registered: 2012-10-22
  • Posts: 730

Topic: ceramic bed clips?

I've been reading the glowing reports on ceramic beds, and thought I'd try one out. Picked up two pieces of plain glazed 6x6 ceramic tile at home depot (a whopping 48 cents each), and now I'm wondering about a more convenient way to hold it to the bed. I hate trying to hold open those binder clips while slipping them over the glass, and the thicker ceramic will only be worse.

Since tile is much thicker than the glass I was using, I figure grabbing the edge should be easier. I've been thinking that maybe something like a plastic piece I could screw to the bottom of the aluminum print bed that holds a broken off piece of a hacksaw blade so an inch or so of teeth could grab the edge of the tile might work.

Since no plastic would be in direct contact with the heated part of the bed, I figure it might hold up OK.

Any better ideas out there? I searched thingiverse and didn't find anything already designed.

P.S. I also want to try using a thermometer on the ceramic bed versus the glass bed to get some idea of how long it takes for the temperature to get stable (if it takes forever, maybe I need to preheat the tiles in the oven or something :-).

Claghorn's Website

2 Reply by muddtt

  • muddtt
  • Member
  • Offline
  • From: Solidoodle 2
  • Registered: 2013-09-26
  • Posts: 276

Re: ceramic bed clips?

I just use a 32mm Binder clip in one spot to hold the tile down. Just have to make sure the pattern on the bottom of the tile is turned the best way so it's held down well. I think cause the tile is rough on the bottom it holds a little better. For me the opposite side of the tile will lift easily, but it won't move left or right or turn. The lift isn't a concern because that just doesn't happen unless there's an earthquake. I bought a 10 pack of the larger binder clips for $1 at a dollar store.

As for the temperature I just picked up a infrared thermometer to monitor temperatures and make sure it's warm enough. It is definitely slower than glass, but for me the ceramic has been sticking so much better than glass. I always worried about curling with glass...no more with ceramic. There were some deals on amazon for a Nubee thermometer for like $13.

Post's attachments

IMG_0046.JPG
IMG_0046.JPG 1.15 mb, file has never been downloaded. 

IMG_0047.JPG
IMG_0047.JPG 1.06 mb, file has never been downloaded. 

IMG_0048.JPG
IMG_0048.JPG 1.1 mb, file has never been downloaded. 

You don't have the permssions to download the attachments of this post.