Levitating Spindle

thingiverse

I came across a desktop model of this gadget on my supervisor's desk, and I decided right then that I had to build one! First, 3D print two spindle halves, place them inside four magnets, and a small nail (a round low-profile type) & stick the halves together with hot glue. Next, print the base and pop in the magnets -- don't forget to secure them with glue if you prefer. Watch this video to see it in action - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tXe8gBs1gYw. You will need four round magnets & four rectangular magnets for your project. You can find these at RadioShack. Details of the rectangular magnets are: 0.862" x 1.87" x .0377" (width, length, height). For circular magnets: 1.123" in diameter and .24" thick. Now, print settings: Do you need rafts? It really doesn't matter. Need supports for the print? Yes. Resolution is a choice - you can do whatever works best for your print quality requirements. I just chose not to pay extra attention to this setting since I already decided what type of spindles to build with infill rate at 20% - but feel free to alter these settings yourself. As it happens, there's nothing new about using support prints in cases like this, the supports will help to create solid objects. I wanted to see how easy it is for beginners to assemble so I started off by walking down to RadioShack and picked out some magnets that I believed would fit my idea. Back at home, once the models were built and printed I modeled my magnets & a thumb tack too -- now we are talking! Next thing I know, was creating both spindle base, making sure the magnets are placed in line slightly offset. The magnetic connection is what makes it really fun. The final results blew everyone away when this toy worked first try out at work! Everyone there is quite fond of this novelty!