I printed tweezers to help install the magnets, but they did not release once in position. I used one half like a spatula to maneuver the magnet into position, but it took all evening to get it right. I was delighted with how solid it felt after assembly.
I bought some white resin to make magnet installation easier next time. The formula was a stronger resin, and two prints would not release from the print bed and cracked. I repaired them by dipping the exposed plastic in the vat, holding the pieces together, and curing the break with a UV flashlight.
I made some revisions to the enclosure, including adding an arched entryway to help the top print cleanly without support and creating a long slot for a bolt and nuts along the back wall. After making these changes, I started to think about the overall design and realized that the issue lies in the compass spinner colliding with an immovable post. I want the spinner to hit a bolt mounted to the case, but they need to be able to move relative to each other to prevent binding.
I sketched the following concept for the compass. This version used a couple of nested cages held apart with elastic bands. The internal structure held the magnet spinner, and the external held everything inside.
I drafted the internal cage. Instead of one set of elastic holes, there were three sets to experiment with the optimal elastic placement.
The external cage was similar to the internal, except it was large enough to fit its partner, and the cleats were on the inside. If the design works, it should be easy to convert this into something with fewer corners.
The rest of the summary posts have been arranged by date.
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
Completed projects from year 11
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.
![]() |
Spinner installed |
I bought some white resin to make magnet installation easier next time. The formula was a stronger resin, and two prints would not release from the print bed and cracked. I repaired them by dipping the exposed plastic in the vat, holding the pieces together, and curing the break with a UV flashlight.
![]() |
White chassis and tweezer |
I made some revisions to the enclosure, including adding an arched entryway to help the top print cleanly without support and creating a long slot for a bolt and nuts along the back wall. After making these changes, I started to think about the overall design and realized that the issue lies in the compass spinner colliding with an immovable post. I want the spinner to hit a bolt mounted to the case, but they need to be able to move relative to each other to prevent binding.
![]() |
Further optimized |
I sketched the following concept for the compass. This version used a couple of nested cages held apart with elastic bands. The internal structure held the magnet spinner, and the external held everything inside.
![]() |
Sketch for cage design |
I drafted the internal cage. Instead of one set of elastic holes, there were three sets to experiment with the optimal elastic placement.
![]() |
Internal cage model |
The external cage was similar to the internal, except it was large enough to fit its partner, and the cleats were on the inside. If the design works, it should be easy to convert this into something with fewer corners.
![]() |
External cage model |
The rest of the summary posts have been arranged by date.
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
Completed projects from year 11
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.
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