6x6 Project Blog

One step back, two forward.

2023-06-23

On Monday I had started the complete body redesign. Switching the assembly back to a bottom load design. Although this time there would be a separate metal tip piece to keep it healthy while following the original curves of the design. That day was fitting everything inside and remaking all the features I lost by starting over.

Laying out internals

Yesterday started as a rough day. I was having a hard time focusing and initially decided to do the bare minimum. I just wanted to throw a rough update on the printer to make sure I like the aesthetic. Although as I went in to make details it took longer and longer. Much of it was just to make it stay together after printed although I found the development useful in figuring out how the final product will be assembled. A lot of it was figuring out how to keep the top hot end metal guard on. I made two different versions. Settled with the simplest which reflects a lighter of which it is influenced. Actually, may use the idea going forward although I will need to adjust the chassis as the print doesn’t include the heater assembly. Also, if it is a high-priced version, I would rather hide the exposed assembly features.

Today I wanted to simply change the top button. After messing with the new 3D printed model, it was immediately clear the round dome button was just wrong. I wanted to switch to a protruding lever button. Something with a good satisfying feeling. I also have decided to remove the front button. Either there will be a second step to the top button or some additional on/off button at the bottom. It was important to remove for style and helps with simplicity of manufacturing.

Once again, I got sucked into the design. I started by changing the top metal bit and the split line contour. I wanted to add more to it and eat into the large top side. I think I got really close to what I had originally imagined. Its really coming together.

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