Cat Exercise Wheel

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Cat Exercise Wheel

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Pet Supplies

Print Profile(2)

All
X1 Carbon
P1S
P1P
X1
X1E
A1

0.2mm layer, 3 walls, 10% infill
0.2mm layer, 3 walls, 10% infill
Designer
57.7 h
9 plates
5.0(17)

Elegoo Rapid PETG, 10% infill for wheel sections
Elegoo Rapid PETG, 10% infill for wheel sections
54.3 h
7 plates
5.0(1)

Open in Bambu Studio
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Description

[Update]

I previous updated the model with TPU wheels. I swear I updated the print profile too, but it has come to my attention that the print profile is still the old one. I've resubmitted the print profile with the wheel choices. Not sure if it was me or the system. My apologies to everyone though.

 

 

I updated the print profile to include some TPU wheels. I split the wheels out from the main hardware, so you can print either the regular wheels, or the TPU wheels, depending on which you want. The plate with the TPU wheels is setup to print sequentially, and you'll have to print it twice for a full set of wheels. 

 

Fixed a few things with the instructions and hardware requirements. Incorrectly stated 6 bearings were needed, when I meant to list it as 12. I've updated the description and instructions to fix this error. 

 

[Introduction]

A cat exercise wheel! Round and round it goes, where it stops, only the squeaky bearings know. The wheel is roughly 43 inches across. 

 

The intention was for there to be a strip of carpet on the inside of the ring. the side guides on the ring were meant to help frame the carpet. At the time of taking photos, I didn't yet have a strip of carpet for this purpose, so didn't have it installed. 

 

[Printing Info]

You'll need about 6 rolls of filament for the wheel, and 2 rolls for everything else. From the print profile, you'll print every place once, except for the ring, which needs to be printed 12 times.

 

[Hardware & Filament]

My model is featured in Bambu's PETG-HF filaments. They're new at the moment, so I wanted to utilize them in some projects. Regular PETG, PLA+/Pro, ABS, ASA, PETG-CF, could all make good choices though. I would stay away from filaments like PLA Mattes, PLA Silks, and probably basic PLAs too. 

 

(Full disclosure, I am part of the Bambu Affiliate Program. All Bambu store links are affiliate links. I earn a small commission from these links without any added cost to you. These links help to support me so I can bring more content for free!)

Featured Filaments:

Hardware:

(Full disclosure, I am part of the Amazon Affiliate Program. All amazon links are affiliate links. I earn a small commission from these links without any added cost to you. These links help to support me so I can bring more content for free!

 

I use screws from Bambu's Makersupply, and mainly design around those, and recommend them. However, you can purchase self tapping screws from Amazonif that's easier for you. I'd recommend an assortment like this Amazon US. For sized screws, I have links below. )

 

  • 86x BT3x12mm Self Tapping Screws (If you don't purchase an assortment or from Bambu, something like this should work from Amazon US)
  • 20x BT3x30mm Self Tapping Screws (I recommend Bambu's 30mm M3 self tapping screws, but if you want to purchase from amazon, and don't want to do an assortment, I recommend something like this Amazon US. Finding self tapping screws in the 30mm length might be a little difficult, but these 20mm ones should work too. The hole is length for a 30mm screw as it'll go the whole way through the joint, but shorter lengths can work too and still function)
  • 12x 608ZZ Bearings (8x22x7) (Skateboard bearings, like these ones from Amazon US)
  • (optional) Carpet for the ring, for the cat to run on. 
  • (optional) Glue to secure the joints. 

[Assembly]

Assemble the wheel first. Each section uses 4 dowels and 5 screws. I recommend assembling the wheel in two halves and then joining them together. Optionally, glue can be used on the joints as an additional measure to help secure everything strongly together.
Assemble the 6 wheels by inserting the axel and securing it in place with a screw
Assemble the base by slotting the 5 sections together, then securing everything with screws. I sized the hole depths for 30mm long screws, but shorter ones can work too.
Lastly, and most importantly, insert the wheel onto the base.

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If you like my work, consider showing your love by Buying me a coffee. Additionally, if you're looking to sell prints of my design, please check out my Patreon page for more information. on.

 

 

Comment & Rating (150)

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Boosted
After a long few days it's finally completed, a day ahead of schedule. I used Elegoo Rapid PETG and P1S, no print failures. I went down to 10% infill (gyroid) for the wheel sections. Each wheel section was 9 hours. The other big parts about 8. Nobody has been in yet, but I've primed it with some nip and dreamies My biggest, longest and most expensive print to date but I hope our girls will enjoy it.
13
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Looks good, I don't think they will like it without carpet to get some grip on. Curious as to how you got the wheel piece down to 9hrs?
(Edited)
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Boosted
Replying to @Chipmunk2k :
Carpet is on the list, I've got offcuts in the garage, just didn't get time to cut it up today. I will share the print profile later. Super happy with the performance of Elegoo filament.
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Boosted
Replying to @Chipmunk2k :
Print profile uploaded.
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Boosted
i truly don't think my kitties would use this and I'd hate to spend about $100 building it for it to collect dust. But, I know these wheels are popular and I also love kitties, so I boosted ya! Hope great success with this and looks awesome!
The designer has replied
21
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Haha, thanks. I can appreciate that. I'm still working on getting my cat to try it out. Have another cat coming into the household in a month though that likes to run around a lot, so!
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Sell it on classifieds if your cats don't use it. Someone else would be happy to have a running wheel that costs under 100€ (just for the materials). ☺️
Show original
0
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if you can do it for $100, you did way better than me.. I think just the filament was over $100, not to mention the screws, glue, tape, carpet, bearings, and tpu for wheels. I'm not upset as it is almost done (5 more wheels). The cat (young cat, 6 months) has definitely been keeping an eye on the progress.
0
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the washcloth turned out great! but I'll try again
15
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Boosted
Thoroughly enjoyed this project. Used creality basic pet-g and tpu(wheels) for its entirety. Bought the cheapest outdoor carpet on a spool at home depot for less than 5$(.61 per sq foot). My old girl used it for a second but will use it more for sure.
7
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how did you get the carpet to stick to the wheel?
1
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Replying to @InsoIsHere :
I’m guessing he used 3m stickers or some sort of adhesive or maybe those long clear adhesive strips . another possibility is that the carpet could’ve come with stickers on the back but idk probably othe of the first ones I said
0
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Boosted
Replying to @InsoIsHere :
I used double sided carpet seam tape. Any hardware box store will carry it. or I'm sure you could find it online. The one I used is made by Roberts
1
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Great model. I've always wanted to get one of these for my fur babies but could not justify the $400+ these go for. I have three of the wheel pieces completed thus far. On an A1 you will definitely want to slow the print and acceleration down on the last 30% of the wheel pieces or you will get bad ghosting towards the top. 180hrs just for the wheel itself! Definitely the longest project I have ever printed. Really digging the new cross hatch infill in bambu studio. I am also going to use 1/4inch wood doweling instead of printing them so its super strong. Olive says, "Hurry up and get this thing done dad!" LOL
(Edited)
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Wheel is finally done. Onto the base, the .25inch wood dowels worked great with the self tapping 12mm screws
1
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Replying to @Chipmunk2k :
Outdoor carpet tape worked the best for securing carpet to wheel
1
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your cat looks like a chicken lol
2
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turned out great, just need to grab some carpet scraps and finish it up :) printed in Polymaker Polysonic PLA Pro, with generic TPU wheels. Print time was substantially faster since I could fit two wheel pieces at a time on my SV08 and they came in just under a full roll for two of them. :)
(Edited)
3
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where did you get the wheels?
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Replying to @Jasonin3D :
I printed them in generic TPU.
0
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I love how big you think. No matter the problem, throw filament at it. Looks like a clean design!
The designer has replied
7
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How does the new PETG- HF filament work for you?
0
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Replying to @BensonSupply :
I’ve been liking it a lot. The surface quality is nice for a petg. Just wishing for more colors.
2
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Boosted
Replying to @Josheh_3D :
Elegoo Rapid PETG worked well for me and there are a lot of colours, though I only used black and white.
3
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Boosted
I think there's a typo in the description, you mention 3x8mm but I think you meant 3x12. So far I've printed 3 wheel sections and half the base, I expect to have this completed by 9th September, will post an update when it's completed.
(Edited)
The designer has replied
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Thank you so much for pointing this out. I updated it!
1
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Replying to @Josheh_3D :
also... i'm counting 12 x 608zz bearings there and not 6. its 6 wheels with 2 bearings each?
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Replying to @fmod :
Thank you @fmod . Fixed that error too.
0
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perfect
2
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purrrfect*
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Print Profile
0.2mm layer, 3 walls, 10% infill
Finally finished! The entire printing process took about a week, and I spent roughly 100€ on PETG Sunlu filaments. I’ve always wanted a cat wheel, but the high quality ones can be quite pricey, so I decided to make my own. I love the modern and sleek design of this one. It can get a bit loud when spinning, but I plan to add TPU wheels to reduce the noise. I also glued tile catrpet for a better grip. Now it's time to train my cats! Fingers crossed they’ll start using it
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omg you cat is super cute 😚
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