Further Model Progress

Did a little more modeling today, with my primary goal to adjust the trigger and put together an assembly. While still a rough design, I managed to get the trigger a little closer to it's final dimensions. I only have to create a space for the return spring, which I have to further the shell design in order to do.

I put together the assembly to see how the parts would interact, and so far, so good. After comparing the dimensions, I saw the trigger was hitting the catch further than it needed, so I shortened the distance. I was also able to remove the slope on the tail, which was only needed to slide the catch up on the stock model. Since I'll instead be pushing directly onto the catch, I can make a straight piece. That will make modeling and dimensioning much easier.

I also decided to clean the shell a little, making the curves into splines, and placing a trigger space (although clearly in the wrong spot). Still just trying to make sure the trigger will fit where I want it to, and I need to make a physical mock up of the spacing to get dimensions from.

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A trigger!

After modeling the rough shell outline and adjusting the size somewhat, I started modeling the trigger. I began by taking the dimensions from the existing trigger.

After looking at how the stock trigger works (simple one axis motion) I realized it would take up too much space behind the trigger, limiting my grip. Since I really want the grip to start behind the trigger, I had to make some adjustments. I decided to make the trigger rotate instead of translate. This will make the motion curve upwards into the shell, instead of back towards the handle.

This required some simple redesign. I will have to relocate the trigger spring and put the finger space (term?) under and behind the pivot point. I may also have to move the pivot point location present on the stock shell.

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Next step is to put together an assembly of the shell and the trigger and see where it all sits.

Modeling Progress

Over the last few days, I finished up the sketch of dimensions for the internals. From there I began modeling the part in Solidworks. I began with a super rough model, really just enough to fit my known dimensions inside of the shell.

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You can see what I mean by "rough". But I was already able to get a better idea of the final scale. Since my main concern is comfort and proper spacing of the trigger, I need to see how the whole space will develop before I can produce hard numbers on the trigger and handle. From here I can adjust the outline of the shell to make sure my internals have enough room, and then model a trigger and place it.

Overall, I feel this will begin to shape up rapidly. While design, taking the measurements, and making the sketch took a few days, what you see above is after only 10 minutes of modeling.

Nitefinder mod- first days

The first project I'm hoping to tackle is a shell/case mod for the Nerf Nitefinder. The idea is to take a product that is mass produced and give it a more personalized feel. To do this, I hope to take the current internal pieces of the Nitefinder, and create an original shell to house them in. I've done a fair bit of modding Nerf guns before, but I wanted to take it a step further and create something that no one else will own.

Some background: The Nitefinder is one of the cheapest guns that Nerf offers, and has some of the simplest mechanics. It shoots one dart at a time with a simple spring driven plunger. While one of the cheapest and most basic, the Nitefinder still is capable of reaching the same ranges as more expensive guns.



After doing some research into which Nerf gun would best suit my purpose, I had to open one up and see the insides.

I then transfered the important/absolute measurements and transfered them to a Solidworks sketch. Since these measurements are basically the core of the gun, all my design work has to fit the function of these parts. While it doesn't look like much, this is possibly the most important step, and allows me to start scale design work, rather than just sketch ideas.

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A beginning of sorts

Hey, I'm Steve. I enjoy designing and building all manner of things, especially out of wood. This blog is to keep track some of the projects I plan to build so you can see how I've done it. While I focus mostly on original designs in the steampunk/industrial/furniture "genre", there is a good chance I'll be throwing in a replica or modification of an existing design every so often. I also gear most of my props towards a LARP, or Live Action Role Play setting. This will somethings dictate the materials I use due to safety, and also means some of these projects will be costume use only, since they won't receive heavy abuse. (at least they shouldn't)

Just starting the second week of college courses here. Since I have a fairly light load of 16 credits this semester, I plan to make the most of my time on campus. My primary goal is to use the school shop as much as possible, as I have access to a lathe, 3 axis knee mill, and some light duty CNC machines. I also have extremely limited access to a rapid prototyping machine, or 3D printer. I've got some really cool projects floating around my head, and this will be the perfect opportunity for me to have some fun, work on some portfolio pieces, and explore the machines.

It should be a fun semester, hope you find some of these projects interesting.