CSM: Circular Sock Knitting Machine

This is a circular sock knitting machine I designed. It is based on the vintage metal machines (Legare, Auto Knitter, etc), but modified for 3D printing. Sorry, no ribber. Please add your suggestions in the comments.

Disclaimer: I had no experience with knitting machines before this. Just based the design off pictures / videos from the internet. It works, but print at your own risk.

Version History:

v1: Release 12/24/20

Parts List:

Needles (style #7, 12 ga, for Auto Knitter / Legare, regular size hook): https://angoravalley.com/sockmachines/accessories.html

Cylinder Spring: https://angoravalley.com/sockmachines/accessories.html

Skateboard bearing: 8mm ID x 22mm OD x 7mm thick

O1 drill rod (unhardened / tight tolerance): 1/8″ and 8mm diameters

Metal rod: 1/4″ dia. (from hardware store)

Misc. lengths of M3 cap screws, nuts, and washers

(2X) 8mm to 8mm shaft coupler, 14mm OD

1/4″ x 2-3/4″ long bolt with nuts and washer

Torsion springs (left & right hand): McMaster-Carr # 9271K153 and 9271K157

Brass tubing: 1/8″ ID x 5/32″ OD (from hobby store)

1/2″ Baltic birch plywood and wood screws (optional)

30 min epoxy / hot glue

3D Printing:

PETG or ABS. Not sure how PLA would work (may be too brittle).

0.2mm layer height. 4 layers top / bottom. 4 perimeters. 20% infill.

I tried to design everything with no supports, but you will need them on a few parts.

Have fun! Steve