Big or small Excavator ThinkFun

thingiverse

This is an easy build excavation expansion set. The set features two versions: a compact one and a larger model. Your imagination will also come into play as you create your own custom remixed version of the excavation machine. A key benefit of this design is that it allows for the excavator's arm to move up and down while turning. Unfortunately, I didn't include detailed illustrations of an excavator box with cartoons, which I thought was a missed opportunity. However, I encourage you to get creative and design your own excavator box. Not only will this help develop your imagination, but it'll also be more fun that way. If you choose to follow the compact caisson model, don't forget to combine pieces from both the smaller and larger models for an even more interesting result - your imagination is truly the only limit here. As for printing requirements, please note that some of the parts in the images do not match their .STL file counterparts due to an error on my part. I uploaded images that demonstrate how to obtain the correct pieces if you encounter any issues. You can expect all of these custom-designed pieces to fit within a space measuring 10 x 10 x 12.5 centimeters. You'll need the following parts from ThinkFun's official library, and also some special ones I designed: * Rods: + 2” rod (3 pieces) + 5.5” rod (2 pieces) + 7” rod (4 pieces) * Connectors and plates: + Medium connector plate (2 pieces) + Extra long connector plate (1 piece) + Long connectors (2 pieces) + Hub caps (26 pieces) * Custom parts: + Ten (3 pieces) + A (2 pieces) + B (3 pieces) + C (2 pieces) + D (gomma ruota v1 or D (ruote v2) - 4 pieces) + F (cerchione) (4 pieces) + G (ruspa grande) (1 piece) + H (ruspa piccola) (1 piece) + K (connettore) (2 pieces) + K (connettore2) (1 piece) + SS (connettore) (1 piece) + T (manovella) (2 pieces) Follow the instructions below to assemble both the larger and smaller excavator models. **Assembling the Large Excavator:** STEP 4 You need a large caisson with two small casserole units at its sides, and two long rods for stability. STEP 5 You have now built a functional excavator model with four wheels. All that's left to do is fit them on the caisson you've made. To achieve this simply take all six large parts made in STEP 3, four big rings created using K (conettore), and four wheels from step one. Then insert all six pieces in the middle unit. In the final piece you just need two rings called K (conettore) that connect each end. STEP 6 Assemble K (connettore2), which represents a large wheel of your excavator with an attachment made out of two parts (SS(connetter). Place both into your caisson's core. Now the movement up/down will allow for the rotation too, turning easily in different directions using this configuration. STEP 7 Now take T(manovella), and add it on one end of cassion by screwing onto small piece attached by hubcap to other part inside excavator machine; then close both ends with same piece as last one. **Assembling the Small Excavator:** Follow STEP 1 through STEP 3 just like you would for building the larger model, but STOP at this point! After that, you need some additional pieces not listed below but required for small excavation set: - One extra long plate connector with holes number twelve. You now have four parts from these additional components to complete assembly process for compact caisson: STEP 4 Put together "Extra Long Connector Plate" two "A" two "B", H, in position of excavator machine core where all your assembled parts go together. This concludes the instructions. Enjoy assembling both big and small models. Don't be afraid to try different ways and have fun with them - experiment with cartoons for boxes, get creative and build one more awesome looking version than before!