Articulated Tarantula

thingiverse

Several friends pointed out that my squid resembled a spider, so I decided to create a large posable spider using the joints from Ellindsey's Ball-Joint Articulated Octopus. Since I made many changes, I've included them all here so you won't have to look elsewhere for parts. I used the Pull Chain Fobs Tarantula from 123D as a source model for the body. Updated on 9/11/16 with all non-manifold shapes fixed. Print Settings: Printer: Delta Mini Rostock Rafts: No Supports: No Resolution: 0.2mm Infill: 15% Notes: I added tabs where needed, so you can print without supports. You may get some sagging due to bridging under the body, but it was minor. I just updated the models so they are all manifold. It wasn't a problem with Cura, but might be an issue with other slicers. Post-Printing: Detailed Instructions for assembly: This is a pretty involved project that took about 5 hours to print in total. You will need to print: 1x Spider_Body.stl, 1x Spider_Long_Leg_Segx8.stl, 1x Spider_Short_Leg_Segx8.stl, 1x Spider_Leg_TipX8.stl, 1x Spider_Pedipalps.stl, and 2x Spider_joint_x8.stl. The files are also included as individual parts if you want to arrange them yourself. After printing, remove the tabs and trim up the ball end of the joints. There are many parts, so this will take a while. To assemble, put the legs together first. You need to start at the body in this order: joint, short segment, joint, long segment, leg tip. You will need to build 8 leg assemblies. For the pedipalps: joint, segment, tip. The pedipalps are 25% smaller to look correct. You will need to build 2 pedipalp assemblies. Snap the legs into the body sockets and the pedipalps into the two smaller front sockets and you're done. As an experiment, I tried tightening the joints and making them a little more "natural" by adding a small amount of hot-melt glue to the inside of the joint. This worked well, but was messy and you had to be sure not to put too much in. It does allow the joints to support themselves though. I wonder if silicone seal might have worked better. I may try that on the squid or the next spider I print. The print is quite large. You can try to scale it, but the joints may not scale properly.