The file 'The “Revolver” – One Colour Print Version Of This Challenging Revolving Puzzle 3D Printer Model' is (stl,zip) file type, size is 7.4MB.
The "Revolver" is a 3D printed puzzle with 41 independent moving parts that revolve / slide around a two part Retainer. The prints are all easy and straight forward and the result is really impressive...
This is an alternative to the 6 colour version that features shapes that need to be grouped to solve the puzzle instead of grouping colours. This will suit people without enough filament colours or who don't want to go to the trouble to make it colorful. Refer to http://www.thingiverse.com/thing:1341294 to view the colour version.
This is similar to a Rubik's cube in that the aim is to align / group matching shapes but there are two puzzles in one with the Revolver as you can align rows or columns to have all the same shapes in a line.
One space is left to allow for the Sliders to move one space at a time. This means you need to plan your moves as you move towards your goal... of course you can pull it apart if you get frustrated with it and realign it that way but if you're really up for the challenge glue the thread so it will never come apart!
The parts are all easy prints and assemble is very straight forward. This 'shape' version does not need different filament colors like the 6 colour slider version . The images provided creates a great result. Black is used for the Retainer. All Revolvers and the Sliders are best printed in the same colour.
As you need to leave one Slider out to make a space for movement it is recommended to leave out one of the vertical bar sliders ( | ) as the slot in the underlying Revolver looks similar so the empty space / gap is less noticeable (Refer to images for additional information).
To achieve the end result does take time but it's well worth the effort. Print each .stl separately (Retainer / Revolvers / Sliders). Most machines capable of printing fine detail and good slicing apps should have no problem with the fine tolerances in this print.
Watching it come together is satisfying... once it's together, and with the Slider shapes well messed up, it can be very frustrating... until you solve it and then it's very satisfying again!
Print the puzzle... then see if you can you do it? And, if you do... post images of your success!
Please refer to the print instructions and images for additional information. A zip file has been added with all of the slider files so they can be printed individually if necessary.
UPDATE: As there have been a few reports of members prints being 'loose when the Retainer is fully screwed together / tight a SHORT version has been added that is 2.5mm shorter. For most people this not be necessary but if your result is loose you can print the SHORT version files to resolve it.
Note: If you like this check out all my other fun and practical designs.
Tips: Tips are not expected but are appreciated as they help offset my filament costs as much as anything else. However, as I live outside the USA tips cannot be sent to me via PayPal.Me as that service is not supported in my region and this is beyond Thingverse's control. If you feel like sending a tip please use regular PayPal and send it to [email protected] and, to those who do, thanks in advance!
puzzle_retainer.stl | 2.1MB | |
puzzle_revolvers.stl | 4.5MB | |
shape_sliders.stl | 7.8MB | |
SHORT_puzzle_retainer_female.stl | 1.1MB | |
SHORT_puzzle_retainer_male.stl | 1.4MB | |
slider_files.zip | 792.1KB |