Claw with bell crank

thingiverse

Added 'stronger bell crank' and 'links only' stl's. Based on Persona's really cool instructable:http://www.instructables.com/id/Mechanical-Claw-Ring/. Something about this design truly captivated me (watch the GIF on the instructable). So I imported it to Sketchup and used it as a template, modifying in ways I thought the 3-d print would require. Instructions: Update: I added 2 stl's--a more robust bell crank, and one for the links only because they are very delicate. My printer likes the new crank better, and the links file is just in case one breaks. All the pins for the links are made from 3mm filament with the ends melted a bit and then flattened against a glass. The round piece holds the bell crank in place; just glue it on (but check for fit first). The pieces that print up between the jaws print upside down, meant to be flipped over and glued in place to hold the fulcrum of the claw pieces (see picture where the claw pieces attach to the main body). Mine printed okay at .35 layers (.5 nozzle), with 20% fill, except for a couple of pieces that needed some light sanding to fit well with the other pieces. With a 1mm brim, the link pieces print out stronger, I strongly recommend this. Oh, one last thing. At first, the mechanism was sticky and felt like it was jamming. I lubricated the whole thing with cooking oil, worked it through the joints, then washed all the oil off with dish soap and water, and it's great--works smoothly, and it's not greasy.