robinhoustonJan 27

This is a delightful contraption!

I imagine it's a bore to print if you don't have a dual-nozzle printer, and it's a bit of a journey to assemble. (It requires M3 machine screws of sundry non-standard lengths, so you'll need to get long ones and cut them to size.)

But the end result is lovely to play with.

https://youtu.be/7U9ozXaxz9Y

Sound Box - What is the prettiest pattern to open the box?

YouTube
Show threadrobinhoustonJan 27
The best tool I've found for trimming machine screws to precise lengths is apparently only sold in Japan, for some reason.
Show threadrrmuttJan 28
@robinhouston the screw cutters on these are pretty good (at least for small diameters): are they more widely available? https://www.knipex-tools.com/products/crimping-pliers/crimping-pliers/crimping-pliers/9722240
Crimping Pliers

For cutting cables, stripping wire and crimping insulated terminals, cable connectors and plug-type connectors, With threaded holes for cutting copper and brass sc...

Show threadMichael Engen, PhDFeb 9
@rrmutt Have you used these on small stainless steel screws? The listing mentions cutting brass, but I’d like some better way of cutting small M3 screws to length (instead of using a hacksaw and a 3D-printed vice…)
Show threadrrmutt
@mengen I do it all the time, stainless takes some force but works fine. A good tip is is to put a nut on before you cut, then unscrewing the nut cleans up the thread.
Feb 10 at 10:48pmWeb
Show threadMichael Engen, PhDFeb 11
@rrmutt thank you!