DIY Seedling Grow Light

Background In previous years I had tried to start seeds inside. Due to lack of light they always grew too leggy and ended up not working out. This year I wanted to try adding some grow lights to help. Some people use shop lights but where is the fun and 3D printing in that :)

This setup is partly 3D printed with the rest found at local hardware stores or stuff I already had around.

Shopping/Scavenge List 1 - 1/2" dowel rod long enough for all your lights 1 - Outlet timer 1 - Power strip

For each light you want to add: 1 - grow light (I bought an extremely cheap one, there are probably better out there) 1 - lamp socket with indoor extension cord (16 awg or smaller) or replacement lamp socket with cord

Print List Two stands which consist of a top and bottom and a threaded lamp hook for each light you are using

0.2 layer height was used for all prints

The top was printed on its side with supports only over the connector at the end at 15% infill

Top bottom was printed standing up with 15% infill and no supports

The threaded lamp hook can be printed standing up with 50% infill. I used a raft for better adhesion, otherwise it would fall over mid-print.

Assembly

1. Print two tops and two bottom stands
2. Push the top and bottom together with some force
3. Print a threaded lamp hook for each light
4. Attach the threaded lamp hook to the lamp socket
5. Disassemble the lamp socket
6. If you are using an extension cord, cut the female end off
7. Thread the cord through the hook and lamp socket
8. Split the wires and using wire strippers, scissors, or knife carefully strip about 1/2" to 3/4" off the end of each.
9. If your wire is small enough (mine wasn't) tie an Underwriter’s Knot with the wires
10. Make hooks with exposed wire and attach to the lamp socket
11. Reassemble the lamp socket and install a bulb
12. Plug the lamp in and test to make sure that it is working
13. Slide each lamp onto the dowel rod and lay on the stand
14. If your stand is a too wobbly, add some painter's tape to each

Remixable Each part was designed in Fusion 360. I have included the f3d files so feel free to remix in any way!