Open prototype bench

Free 3D-printable habitat tools and birdhouse prototypes.

Print practical layout and measurement tools, or inspect the geometry and hardware ideas being tested for the Backyard Box. Every download states what it can—and cannot—tell you.

Choose by test

Seven packages. Seven clearly bounded uses.

Each ZIP includes a README and the source or validation material available for that model. Start with the smallest file that can answer your question.

Three-panel use guide for a 50.8 millimetre window-pattern spacing stencil, six-size nest-box opening gauge, and 100 millimetre field-photo scale.

New habitat tool pack Three tools · One X1C plate

Backyard Habitat Utility Pack

Three flat tools for repeatable habitat work: position an exterior window pattern, compare nominal openings on a new or confirmed-empty nest box, and add a 100 mm scale to nature-observation photos.

50.8 mm marker grid, 25–40 mm opening gauge, and 100 mm photo scale
204 × 236 × 2.4 mm guarded plate; warning-free, support-free X1C slice recorded
3MF, separate and plate STLs, STEP, source, use guide, README, and report

Download ZIP 4.44 MB

See how to use each tool responsibly

Four guarded Bambu Lab X1C plate layouts containing six whole birdhouse parts.

Best X1C starting point Full scale · M3

X1C unsplit, four-plate package

Six whole parts in guarded vertical or leaned orientations. Includes four generic 3MF plates, equivalent STLs, editable STEP, an M3 fit coupon, previews, and the digital validation report.

17 M3 inserts and 17 bolts
Pivoting cleanout side with removable latch
Maximum modeled part height: 245 mm

Download ZIP 1.24 MB

Read the release and limitations

Full-scale modular birdhouse prototype shown closed and with its cleanout side pivoted open.

Smaller-printer option Full scale · M3

Modular full-scale M3 package

Eleven printable parts sized for a 220 × 220 × 250 mm build envelope. The seams add hardware while preserving the intended internal geometry.

29 M3 inserts across body and seams
STL, STEP, fit coupon, previews, and README

Download ZIP 0.85 MB

Small flat-print birdhouse prototype panels with M2 insert and bolt locations.

Hardware practice 36% scale · M2

M2 insert-and-hinge mockup

A compact bolt-assembled version for practicing heat-set insert fit, alignment, hinge motion, and latch access before a full-size print.

15 M2 inserts and matching bolt paths
Fit coupon, STL, editable STEP, and README

Download ZIP 0.62 MB

Small six-part Backyard Box geometry mockup laid flat and arranged for printing.

Quickest print 36% scale · No hardware

Geometry and assembly mockup

The lightest package for checking proportions, part identification, entrance, drainage, ventilation, and instruction flow.

Six parts arranged in one STL
STL, editable STEP, preview, and README

Download ZIP 0.18 MB

CAD preview of the green Cleanout Sled nest-box maintenance scoop with an exploded M3 insert and latch bolt.

Free accessory One X1C plate · M3

Cleanout Sled M3 maintenance tool

A removable scoop sized for the Backyard Box opening. Its handle accepts one M3 heat-set insert, giving the removed latch bolt a deliberate parking place while an empty box is serviced.

For an empty, inactive box only
3MF, STL, STEP, fit coupon, diagrams, source, and report

Download ZIP 0.40 MB

Read how it was designed

CAD preview of the green CleanSeed window feeder with a removable stainless-mesh cup and M3 pivoting rain hood.

Feeder prototype One X1C plate · M3

CleanSeed removable-cup window feeder

A suction-mounted concept built around a lift-out stainless-mesh cup. The printed frame carries the cup but does not hold seed directly.

Three feeder parts and two fit checks
Seven M3 inserts and bolts; four nominal 40 mm suction cups
3MF, STL, STEP, source, instructions, previews, and report

Download ZIP 1.07 MB

Read the design and pending tests