Pinnacle Gear Sphere

thingiverse

A version of the [The ultimate gear sphere](https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:233144) that uses 3D printed pins instead of M3 screws. It's nice not having to individually adjust the tightness of 32 screws, but it is a bit riskier because you can't fine-tune things if things start to get stiff. Removing the visible screw bores also gives the assembly a smoother spherical exterior. WARNING: I ACCIDENTLY SWITCHED THE NAMES OF PARTS `A` AND `B` FROM THE ORIGINAL THING. For the most part they're interchangeable in the instructions, except the knob is based initially off an `A` piece, whereas now it's called a B knob. I didn't realize the switch-a-roo until everything (including filming) was finished *facepalm ## Printing Print everything without supports. All files should be oriented correctly: * Pins print horizontally with the flat surface laying on the bed. * Gears have their pin sockets face down on the bed. Parts to print: * Core - x1 * Pins - x32 * A Gear - x12 * B Gear - x10 * B Gear handles - x2 * C Gear - x8 Just for good measure, I printed the more hidden parts (the core and the pins) with Natural PLA. Gears A and C don't have much bed surface area, but print without a brim if possible. Not only is it less post-cleanup work, you won't have to worry about additional surface roughness from imperfect cleanup. ## Assembly https://youtu.be/ElPwgMFoBvE The gear placement instructions will be the same as the original. Before assembly, double-check that your sockets are clean for the gears and the core. Once the pin is in, you can't easily disassemble it. When inserting pins, I've found that sometimes pliers help.