Mini Build-able Christmas Tree

Hi Everyone!

Here is some background on the project. This was inspired by a family tradition. Every year for Christmas, my family and I assemble and decorate a tree while listening to carols and eating cookies. Since we were out of town this year, we were not able to build the tree. Instead, I designed and printed this mini tree and took it to our trip to surprise my family. On Christmas, we all put the tree together and exchanged presents. It was a lot of fun and I hope this tutorial is helpful.

Step 1: Create an Account on Tinkercad

Create an account on Tinkercad at www.tinkercad.com and create a new project.

Step 2: Create the Top of the Tree (video)

This step shows how to design the top of the tree and some basics of Tinkercad.

Step 3: Create the Middle and the Base (video)

This step shows how to design the middle section and the bottom. With this step, the basic tree is completed.

Step 4: Add the Pegs (video)

This step shows how to create the pegs and attach them to the top and middle of the tree.

Step 5: Enable the Design to Assemble (video)

This step shows how to change the design so that it can be build. Add the cylinders to the top of the middle and the base. Remember to create a hole that is bigger that that cylinder in the bottom center of the middle and top section.

Step 6: Create the Ornament (video)

This video will explain how to create the ornament that goes on the pegs created earlier.

Step 7: Print the Christmas Using a 3D Printer

The three tree sections are about 1 hour and 15 minutes of a print. The ornaments are a 6-9 minute print. These prints were created on the MakerBot Replicator 2. The timings and accuracy depend on the printer itself.

Step 8: Assemble the Tree

Put each tree part on top of each other and hang the ornaments on the pegs.