When I worked on the GrinderCompass MKII, I made a lot of miniature frames with spinning metal inside that was essentially a tiny gyroscope. I thought building a low-friction gyroscope with the laser cutter might be fun.
I started with brass parts for the bearings. The cups were brass nail heads with the cleats trimmed off, and I soldered some 1/8" brass round stock to the tip. I rounded the ends, but that is optional. The spikes were M3 standoffs that I sharpened by loading an M3 threaded rod segment into a rotary tool, placing the brass at the end, then turning it while holding sandpaper and a hacksaw blade to the parts I wanted to reduce.
Metal parts
The first version was a spoked wheel, but the M3 nuts held it at an angle, so it wobbled horribly. I did not try different nuts, so I immediately revised the design. That was a mistake.
Crooked spindle
The later revision was gorgeous. Instead of relying on tiny nuts to hold the spinner, I pinned it from the top and bottom with elegantly curved spokes held in wooden discs. The center disc sat level, but when I spun it, the vertical spokes generated a lot of wind, ultimately just a lot of drag. I could have revised the design further but I created a beautiful conversation piece.
First time here?
Completed projects from year 1
Completed projects from year 2
Completed projects from year 3
Completed projects from year 4
Completed projects from year 5
Completed projects from year 6
Completed projects from year 7
Completed projects from year 8
Completed projects from year 9
Completed projects from year 10
Disclaimer for http://24hourengineer.blogspot.com and 24HourEngineer.com
This disclaimer must be intact and whole. This disclaimer must be included if a project is distributed.
All information on this blog, or linked by this blog, is not to be taken as advice or solicitation. Anyone attempting to replicate, in whole or in part, is responsible for the outcome and procedure. Any loss of functionality, money, property, or similar, is the responsibility of those involved in the replication.
All digital communication regarding the email address 24hourengineer@gmail.com becomes the intellectual property of Brian McEvoy. Any information contained within these messages may be distributed or retained at the discretion of Brian McEvoy. Any email sent to this address, or any email account owned by Brian McEvoy, cannot be used to claim property or assets.
Comments to the blog may be utilized or erased at the discretion of the owner. No one posting may claim property or assets based on their post.
This blog, including pictures and text, is copyright to Brian McEvoy.
2023-09-05
I started with brass parts for the bearings. The cups were brass nail heads with the cleats trimmed off, and I soldered some 1/8" brass round stock to the tip. I rounded the ends, but that is optional. The spikes were M3 standoffs that I sharpened by loading an M3 threaded rod segment into a rotary tool, placing the brass at the end, then turning it while holding sandpaper and a hacksaw blade to the parts I wanted to reduce.
The first version was a spoked wheel, but the M3 nuts held it at an angle, so it wobbled horribly. I did not try different nuts, so I immediately revised the design. That was a mistake.
The later revision was gorgeous. Instead of relying on tiny nuts to hold the spinner, I pinned it from the top and bottom with elegantly curved spokes held in wooden discs. The center disc sat level, but when I spun it, the vertical spokes generated a lot of wind, ultimately just a lot of drag. I could have revised the design further but I created a beautiful conversation piece.
First time here?
Completed projects from year 1
Completed projects from year 2
Completed projects from year 3
Completed projects from year 4
Completed projects from year 5
Completed projects from year 6
Completed projects from year 7
Completed projects from year 8
Completed projects from year 9
Completed projects from year 10
Disclaimer for http://24hourengineer.blogspot.com and 24HourEngineer.com
This disclaimer must be intact and whole. This disclaimer must be included if a project is distributed.
All information on this blog, or linked by this blog, is not to be taken as advice or solicitation. Anyone attempting to replicate, in whole or in part, is responsible for the outcome and procedure. Any loss of functionality, money, property, or similar, is the responsibility of those involved in the replication.
All digital communication regarding the email address 24hourengineer@gmail.com becomes the intellectual property of Brian McEvoy. Any information contained within these messages may be distributed or retained at the discretion of Brian McEvoy. Any email sent to this address, or any email account owned by Brian McEvoy, cannot be used to claim property or assets.
Comments to the blog may be utilized or erased at the discretion of the owner. No one posting may claim property or assets based on their post.
This blog, including pictures and text, is copyright to Brian McEvoy.
2023-09-05
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