SkyHooks

prusaprinters

<p>These were common teaching props in physics and geometry when I was growing up. &nbsp;They never cease to amaze young people the first time they see them in action.</p><p><a href="https://www.youtube.com/shorts/u-W-XJE-Hps">https://www.youtube.com/shorts/u-W-XJE-Hps</a></p><p>I was working on my Dad's bench and saw a wood skyhook that he used to make for his classes. &nbsp;And now here it is in plastic for you too enjoy.</p><p>Two models to choose from:</p><ol><li>The curved design which I grew up with gives a very direct downward pressure as well as some elevation before the hover.</li><li>The straight design I came across while researching if this was something worth making in plastic. &nbsp;The lever end is about .5cm from the lever end of the curved. &nbsp;The downward force feels different…. maybe a physics question for the class… are the pressures the same? &nbsp; &nbsp;You can see a sample of that straight model design and its back story here <a href="https://www.e-scoutcraft.com/science/sky_hook.html">https://www.e-scoutcraft.com/science/sky_hook.html</a>&nbsp;</li></ol><p>I took the liberty off tuning the design for plastic vs the wood originals. &nbsp;Plastic is slippery so on the straight arm I added some texture. &nbsp;Both have a small ball at the end to aid in holding it… and on the curve model it blunts what would have been a point. &nbsp;I slimmed down the arch thickness on the curved model since we did not need all that material in plastic. &nbsp;The circles are aesthetic so I hollowed them to reduce their weight which was causing the hover to sit lower.</p><p><strong>Printing</strong></p><p>Great print at 3mm layer with a .4mm nozzle. &nbsp;No super small details to maintain.&nbsp;</p><p>The straight handle has less contiguous surface area so make sure your first layer goes down well.</p><p><strong>Operation:</strong></p><ol><li>Belts are the most common material. &nbsp;Heavy belts or belts with heavy buckles may hang lower. &nbsp; The width of the belt is not as important as how ridged the belt is. &nbsp;Try several and compare.</li><li>Locate the approximate center of weight balance (keeping in mind the belt buckle end is heavier… meaning you place it closer to the buckle end).</li><li>Insert the belt. &nbsp;Slide to adjust the center of weight balance… when you are close, try holding it from the end.</li></ol><p><strong>Cautions:</strong></p><ol><li>The curved model could be offending to the eyes even with the muted tip. &nbsp;You may want to give smaller children the straight model.</li><li>The large hollow circle at the end of both models allows finger to pass through.</li></ol><p><strong>Credits:</strong></p><ol><li>All those designers of yesteryear who came up with these items.</li><li>My two hand models who helped me with the photo.</li></ol>