Semi-adjustable FH Gillette Tech with 3D-printed base plates

[SlimGem]

3D PRINTED BASE PLATES

I finally got around to finalizing this small upgrade for the Fat Handle Gillette Tech. There are quite a few variations of GTs and I only have a few to test, so, I hope they fit every GT out there.

These 3 sets of 3D-printed base plates will convert your vintage Fat Handle Gillette Tech safety razor into a Semi-Adjustable razor. The plate sets come in either an open comb, safety bar, or a combination of the two. Each set includes 3 base plates and has 3 levels of efficiency. The base plates are marked with notches on the side which indicate the level of efficiency ( 1 notch = mild, 2 notches = medium, and 3 notches = aggressive ).

The files are available for free download here:

Printables

www.printables.com

 

[geneaut]

I had some printed out and have been enjoying using them lately. The Number 2 SB/OC is slowly turning into a favorite. Thanks for sharing those files.

 

[kingfisher]

That is so cool. They look great, too.

 

[Shaun asleep]

I dont know the first thing about 3d printing, but that sure looks amazing!

I would guess you need more than a cheap 200 dollar printer?
I know what I'll be reading about today

 

[SlimGem]

I dont know the first thing about 3d printing, but that sure looks amazing!

I would guess you need more than a cheap 200 dollar printer?
I know what I'll be reading about today

Lol... These base-plates were printed on a KP3S, a very inexpensive printer.

 

[Goblin]

I don't really know anything about 3D printing, but this looks awesome.

It would be interesting to know what versions of Tech folks have tested them with and how it went.

 

[Babou]

I'm going to write to Santa Claus for a 3D printer

 

[geneaut]

I don't really know anything about 3D printing, but this looks awesome.

It would be interesting to know what versions of Tech folks have tested them with and how it went.

I used mine on a Fat Handle Tech. So far the Number 2 plate has been delightful shaving. Smooth and efficient.

 

[slimshavy]

Does it have to be a fat handle to work with this design? Is the hole too big to work with a ball-end Tech handle?

 

[SlimGem]

Does it have to be a fat handle to work with this design? Is the hole too big to work with a ball-end Tech handle?

I had to try it to find out. Yep, it works.

 

[slimshavy]

I had to try it to find out. Yep, it works.
View attachment 1777375View attachment 1777376

Thanks for checking, and for making these available! I'll have the library print some for me next time I'm in.

 

[ponzepanz]

Thank you Roger Quintero @SlimGem for these wonderful baseplates, what a great idea and possibillity to revive these old and usually very mild razors. I love the open comb!

 

[Dools]

I also know nothing about 3D printing but this is So Cool!

I will continue to enjoy following these 3D threads.

 

[abies]

Ugh. Now I really regret giving away all my Techs. I'd especially be interested in the OC.

How do the new plates compare to the original base plate in aggressiveness?

 

[SlimGem]

Ugh. Now I really regret giving away all my Techs. I'd especially be interested in the OC.

How do the new plates compare to the original base plate in aggressiveness?

Plate 1 feels just a tiny bit more efficient than the original. Plate two has a noticeable increase in efficiency but is still very smooth. Plate 3 is definitely aggressive but still smooth and non-threatening. The bar and comb on all 3d printed plates have a tighter radius profile than the original base plates. This tighter radius increases the skin drag ahead of the cap which, in turn, gives the feel of a smoother shave, and to a small degree, eliminates irritation.

 

[abies]

Plate 1 feels just a tiny bit more efficient than the original. Plate two has a noticeable increase in efficiency but is still very smooth. Plate 3 is definitely aggressive but still smooth and non-threatening. The bar and comb on all 3d printed plates have a tighter radius profile than the original base plates. This tighter radius increases the skin drag ahead of the cap which, in turn, gives the feel of a smoother shave, and to a small degree, eliminates irritation.

I wonder how the material used for printing might affect things? Or maybe it might not matter?

 

[slimshavy]

The library just told me my plates were ready to pick up! I did a solid bar #3 and an open comb #2 and #3.
I'll get them Wednesday and report back after that.

 

[slimshavy]

OK, I've got the goods. Only instead of three baseplates waiting for me I found seven:

The three in the back are Level 3 open comb. The darker yellow is kind of fried on the bottom and has some fibers between the teeth. The green one has a few teeth shorter than the others, which probably won't affect the shave. The chalky yellow one is, hopefully the Goldilocks of the bunch.
Foreground left and right are the Level 2 open combs. You can see below that the yellow one is even more fried and the teeth wider as a result:

I don't know that it affects the shave--the geometry is sound and the point of skin contact unaffected--but the orange one looks cosmetically better. Finally, in the middle foreground of the top picture is the closed comb Level 3. It looks pretty good. I imagine it's much easier to print the plates with the safety bar than the ones with all the little teeth but, then, I can't explain the following photo. All I can guess is that someone was trying to recreate Darth Vader's melted mask.

If you try to shave with this thing, you'll probably need a mask afterward anyway.

OK, thanks for humoring me. I'll probably only keep three of these, so if any of you want one of the outtakes (not Darth, obviously), let me know. I can probably get it to you (in the U.S.) with a single stamp.

 

[ponzepanz]

Hello, I had these plates printed in PETG, it came out perfect!

 

[Frito Ray]

That is very, very neat!

If I find a place locally to print these out for me, what should I look for? Types of printer, types of material? What are the costs approximately?