Tourbillon

thingiverse

This is a heavy remix of A26's flying tourbillon. I've added a ball bearing base (adapted from efrosts design), and a pin bearing at the top, because I couldn't get the original to run longer than a few seconds. I also replaced the hex inserts (requiring very lengthy sanding) with M3 bolts (2 - 18mm, 2 - 15mm, 2 - 8mm.) I used airsoft BB's for the bearings (7 per bearing x 2.) I cut pins to size from #17 nails (2 - 15mm, 1 - 10mm, 1 - 21mm), and polished the ends with a dremel. I also replaced the hexagonal main and balance spring shafts with a cylindrical shaft and "crushable fins". They're much easier to sand or carve to size, and pressure fit into the base. The unit assembles much more easily without glue. Runs nicely without oil. Be sure to clear the pin holes with a 5/64 drill bit. (It's right about 2mm.) Print one of each part, except for the bearing insert. You need two of those. 2/19/21 - A quick note on assembly. Don't try to twist tight parts on to the shafts. They'll break. The fins are really easy to carve down for a snug fit. So, the parts can be pressed together. If you've got the thing half way together, and find it's too tight, and you need to carve the fins further, or make some other change, use a screwdriver to press the main shaft out of the base & spring (instead of pulling on it, and breaking the shaft.) 2/23/21 - Another note... I printed this slowly with a 0.2mm nozzlem set to reduce stringing. Prints take much longer. But, I wasn't in a rush. I found changing the nozzle and settings easier than expected. I heated the nozzle to prevent damage removing. I like the precision for holes, gears, etc. I don't plan to go back to 0.4mm soon.