After experimenting with vacuum robots (We had one that was a modified Lost in Space replica) at a local hair salon we settled in on a very effective central vacuum system. We installed under-the-cabinet, toe kick space, low profile units but found that it would be handy to have additional wands as well. Makerbot and 3D printing to the rescue. The standard hose for barber attachments is 1″ OD whereas typical central vacuum systems use a 2-1/4″ OD form factor. We developed a manifold to adapt the valve and switch body to the hose and then an ergonomic and colorful wand for the other end.

The parts were developed in SolidWorks and parts printed in ABS. Issues with the small footprint not wanting to stay attached to the print table and wanting to avoid excess warpage caused us to incorporate some break away tabs in the original model. The size of the wand forced us to lay it out diagonally across the table and the hose attachment was large enough that it had to be printed at an angle in the Z-X or Z-Y plane as well. Originally the idea was to grind off the rib but we found it was a natural tab once the wand was in your hand. The flange holds it in place via another clip made with 3D printing (not shown).