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.