Mechanical Animals

thingiverse

Discover three intriguing mechanical creatures designed by this enthusiast! The Jumping Prairie Dog, Diving Dolphin, and Woodpecker all convert rotary motion into linear movement when their cranks are turned. Children and adults alike have enjoyed these fun, basic mechanisms. Using Sketchup, the creator brought his ideas to life. The Jumping Prairie Dog amuses users as it jumps up and down with a twist of the crank, while the Diving Dolphin plunges through waves on command. The Woodpecker's beak pecks away rhythmically when its crank is turned. Originally posted as a pecking bird, this lively creature has been affectionately rebranded by the children who play with it as the 'Woodpecker'. These delightful creatures are part of an ongoing collection of inventive mechanical devices that offer hours of entertainment for both young and old. The creator shares his insights into printing these models effectively on a Makerbot, highlighting the benefits of raftless printing and offering tips on configuring the printer for optimal results. He also emphasizes the importance of sanding or scraping off excess plastic from parts that are supposed to move smoothly, ensuring their proper functioning. A final tip is provided for maintaining the thumbscrew of a TOM MK6 extruder while printing large objects, which can prevent loosening and ensure smooth operation throughout the process.