I wanted the knife handle to be completely smooth except for the switch, so I designed a friction-fit piece for the battery receiver with wedges that expand as they tighten.
I designed a friction-fit power receiver starting with a disk that includes a hole for the power socket and adds four posts for tensioning. I then created a plug to insert after installing the power receptacle so it would have enough structure when I inserted screws.
The end cap was simpler to design than the internal power receiver because I could use a central bolt to install it. I planned to use a flush countersunk M6 bolt for quick battery changes, with a hexagonal stem for easy grip and rounded edges to avoid scratching. Although I considered a flared base to cover the polycarbonate tube edges, I decided it was more important to install it at any depth to hold the battery securely.
I have long used a technique in OpenSCAD where adding a rotation variable enables smooth animations, and I recently learned that importing pre-rendered models speeds up the process by reducing the processing cost of rendering every item for every frame. By exporting each model and using a decision tree to import them if(animating == true), I could control their movement with an "explosionFactor" variable that sets their positions. I created this animation to help people unfamiliar with the project understand my work.
After several iterations, the final model had correct mounting geometry but proved too fragile when I added machine screws, and it splintered.
Kevin Davis wanted to discuss Primate (2025), which we all found disappointing and poorly made. If you enjoy ridiculing bad movies with friends, this one fits the bill, but proceed at your own risk—be sure to check out the Critical Affection episode for more details on its failures.
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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| Battery receiver plug sketch |
I designed a friction-fit power receiver starting with a disk that includes a hole for the power socket and adds four posts for tensioning. I then created a plug to insert after installing the power receptacle so it would have enough structure when I inserted screws.
![]() |
| Power connector and plug |
The end cap was simpler to design than the internal power receiver because I could use a central bolt to install it. I planned to use a flush countersunk M6 bolt for quick battery changes, with a hexagonal stem for easy grip and rounded edges to avoid scratching. Although I considered a flared base to cover the polycarbonate tube edges, I decided it was more important to install it at any depth to hold the battery securely.
![]() |
| Cutaway view of a bottom plug |
I have long used a technique in OpenSCAD where adding a rotation variable enables smooth animations, and I recently learned that importing pre-rendered models speeds up the process by reducing the processing cost of rendering every item for every frame. By exporting each model and using a decision tree to import them if(animating == true), I could control their movement with an "explosionFactor" variable that sets their positions. I created this animation to help people unfamiliar with the project understand my work.
![]() |
| Exploded view of the knife parts |
After several iterations, the final model had correct mounting geometry but proved too fragile when I added machine screws, and it splintered.
![]() |
| Four iterations of the receiver plate |
Kevin Davis wanted to discuss Primate (2025), which we all found disappointing and poorly made. If you enjoy ridiculing bad movies with friends, this one fits the bill, but proceed at your own risk—be sure to check out the Critical Affection episode for more details on its failures.
Critical Affection: Primate (1:23)
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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