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 st...raight forward and the result is really impressive...
This is similar to a Rubik's cube in that the aim is to align / group matching colours but there are two puzzles in one with the Revolver as you can align rows or columns to be the same colours.
A single / dual; colour version is also available as a separate thing for people wanting this puzzle but without six filament colours available. This alternative has six indented shapes to align instead of colours. Files available at http://www.thingiverse.com/thing:1347886
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. However, you will need at least 6 colours of filament. The images provided creates a great result. Black is used for the Retainer. All Revolvers are printed in White and colours used for the Sliders are White, Red, Yellow, Blue, Orange and Green.
As you need to leave one Slider out to make a space for movement make all the Revolvers the same colour as the Slider that you decide to leave out. The reason being, you will see the underlying Revolver colour in the empty space so the gap is hardly noticeable. The space effectively becomes a block of the Revolvers colour (Refer to images for additional information).
To achieve the end result does take time but it's well worth the effort. You need at least 6 colours of filament and to change the filament between prints. 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 colours well messed up, it can be very frustrating... until you solve it and then it's very satisfying again!
Print the puzzle... then can you do it? And, if you do... post images of your success!
Please refer to the print instructions and images for additional information.
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 muzz64nz@gmail.com and, to those who do, thanks in advance!
3d model print parameters
Printer brand:
MakerBot
Printer:
MakerBot Replicator 2
Rafts:
Yes
Supports:
No
Resolution:
0.20mm / Standard
Infill:
3 Shells / 3...5% Infill
Notes:
Easy prints however the 'Retainer' file needs to be printed with 3 shells / 35% infill to ensure it is strong enough when screwed together. The other parts (Revolvers and Sliders) can be printed with 2 Shells / 20% infill as they don't need to be as strong. Note: Most accurate machines / good slicing apps should have no problems with these files however the tolerances are fine so other less accurate machines may not slide / rotate as easily or screw together easily. This has been tested on a Replicator 2 and 5th Generation Replicator with great results.
Post-Printing
Assembly required...
Remove the Raft then assemble the Sliders into the Revolvers. Make sure they all move freely / smoothly as the Sliders need to be able to move from Revolver to Revolver to solve the puzzle. One Revolver needs to be left with only 5 of 6 spaces filled (i.e. leave one out) as a space is required to allow you to move the sliders around one space at a time. This is what makes it challenging... like a Rubik's cube but round with rotating / sliding parts. Once the Revolvers / Sliders are assembled carefully place them onto the long part of the retainer. Once all are in place screw the second part of the Retainer (with the thread protruding) into the assembled Retainer / Revolvers / Sliders.. You only need to make it finger tight as you may need to unscrew it later if you can't solve it... although try not to cheat! You can glue the thread so it will never come undone if you are up for the challenge... Please refer to the images provided for additional information. QUICK TIP: As you need to leave one Slider out to make a space for movement make all the Revolvers the same colour as the Slider that is 'missing'. The reason being, you will see the underlying Revolver colour in the empty space so the gap is hardly noticeable.