The switch proved to be the most challenging part of the design, as I aimed for a sealed, low-profile, tactile mechanism that users could activate by squeezing a raised ring in the center of the handle. While I also considered wild ideas like infrared activation and magnetic reed switches, I ultimately opted for a conventional switch that used the bolts as conductors, which should keep most dust out.
I started modeling in OpenSCAD with the handle, using transparency to visualize components like the aluminum blades, which I’ll make from bar stock. The handle will be thick polycarbonate tubes with countersunk bolt holes for a sturdy build.
I modeled the switch enclosure to house a small tactile switch. The top is flexible so users can press the pushbutton, but it will take a little strength. I can make the plastic thinner until it is the right amount of pressure to activate. The bolt holes were countersunk to prevent snagging. I still need wire channels from the switch to the bolts.
I modeled the blade sheaths to cover the edges of the aluminum blades. I originally planned to use soft TPU or possibly a semi-conductive PLA based on resistance measurements. I modified existing designs to create hexagonal holes for threaded standoffs and adjusted the blade function outline by adding an offset.
Twilight is a movie that many love to criticize, and we unanimously disliked the film. Amanda and I argued that Robert Pattinson and Kristen Stewart were not bad actors but were let poorly directed. Ed and Dash were our guests and we went on their show, First Impressions, to review the soundtrack.
We had a more favorable view of the Twilight soundtrack. I enjoyed it as a casual mix of songs from my mopey era. Ed and I had opposite tastes, where he skewed indie and I skewed mainstream. I also shared the story behind Vampire Money by My Chemical Romance, criticizing artists who take money to write songs for franchises they do not support.
The rest of the summary posts have been arranged by date.
First time here?
Completed projects from year 1
Completed projects from year 2
Completed projects from year 3
Completed projects from year 4
Completed projects from year 5
Completed projects from year 6
Completed projects from year 7
Completed projects from year 8
Completed projects from year 9
Completed projects from year 10
Completed projects from year 11
Completed projects from year 12
Disclaimer for http://24hourengineer.blogspot.com and 24HourEngineer.com
This disclaimer must be intact and whole. This disclaimer must be included if a project is distributed.
All information on this blog, or linked by this blog, is not to be taken as advice or solicitation. Anyone attempting to replicate, in whole or in part, is responsible for the outcome and procedure. Any loss of functionality, money, property, or similar, is the responsibility of those involved in the replication.
All digital communication regarding the email address 24hourengineer@gmail.com becomes the intellectual property of Brian McEvoy. Any information contained within these messages may be distributed or retained at the discretion of Brian McEvoy. Any email sent to this address, or any email account owned by Brian McEvoy, cannot be used to claim property or assets.
Comments to the blog may be utilized or erased at the discretion of the owner. No one posting may claim property or assets based on their post.
This blog, including pictures and text, is copyright to Brian McEvoy.
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| Switch options, pros and cons |
I started modeling in OpenSCAD with the handle, using transparency to visualize components like the aluminum blades, which I’ll make from bar stock. The handle will be thick polycarbonate tubes with countersunk bolt holes for a sturdy build.
![]() |
| Mock-up of the handle and blades |
I modeled the switch enclosure to house a small tactile switch. The top is flexible so users can press the pushbutton, but it will take a little strength. I can make the plastic thinner until it is the right amount of pressure to activate. The bolt holes were countersunk to prevent snagging. I still need wire channels from the switch to the bolts.
![]() |
| Rotating view of the switch holder |
I modeled the blade sheaths to cover the edges of the aluminum blades. I originally planned to use soft TPU or possibly a semi-conductive PLA based on resistance measurements. I modified existing designs to create hexagonal holes for threaded standoffs and adjusted the blade function outline by adding an offset.
![]() |
| Blade sheathes to cover the metal |
Twilight is a movie that many love to criticize, and we unanimously disliked the film. Amanda and I argued that Robert Pattinson and Kristen Stewart were not bad actors but were let poorly directed. Ed and Dash were our guests and we went on their show, First Impressions, to review the soundtrack.
Critical Affection: Twilight (1:29)
We had a more favorable view of the Twilight soundtrack. I enjoyed it as a casual mix of songs from my mopey era. Ed and I had opposite tastes, where he skewed indie and I skewed mainstream. I also shared the story behind Vampire Money by My Chemical Romance, criticizing artists who take money to write songs for franchises they do not support.
First Impressions: Twilight OST (1:29)
The rest of the summary posts have been arranged by date.
First time here?
Completed projects from year 1
Completed projects from year 2
Completed projects from year 3
Completed projects from year 4
Completed projects from year 5
Completed projects from year 6
Completed projects from year 7
Completed projects from year 8
Completed projects from year 9
Completed projects from year 10
Completed projects from year 11
Completed projects from year 12
Disclaimer for http://24hourengineer.blogspot.com and 24HourEngineer.com
This disclaimer must be intact and whole. This disclaimer must be included if a project is distributed.
All information on this blog, or linked by this blog, is not to be taken as advice or solicitation. Anyone attempting to replicate, in whole or in part, is responsible for the outcome and procedure. Any loss of functionality, money, property, or similar, is the responsibility of those involved in the replication.
All digital communication regarding the email address 24hourengineer@gmail.com becomes the intellectual property of Brian McEvoy. Any information contained within these messages may be distributed or retained at the discretion of Brian McEvoy. Any email sent to this address, or any email account owned by Brian McEvoy, cannot be used to claim property or assets.
Comments to the blog may be utilized or erased at the discretion of the owner. No one posting may claim property or assets based on their post.
This blog, including pictures and text, is copyright to Brian McEvoy.




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