Summary

This is a mini digger for your desktop and is a fun time waster.

This item is designed to be printable on a 100mm X 100mm build platform.

a sketchup file is provided mini_digger_1.5_121111a.skp

file: mk_schematic_121006b.mac creates an ANSYS model of the linkage and cycles it through the full range of motion.

Instructions

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UPDATE 11.11.2012

TI modified the base to have rounded corners like Arvin's photo. Please use base file: md_121111a_base.stl. This file also has 3mm holes for attaching the mini-digger to a platform.

file: mini_digger_1.5_base_2_121111a.png shows the new base_2

Base file md_121012e_base.zip is retained for those who prefer that style.

See file assembly_picture.png for the assembled mini-digger. (use base_2 not base)

See file part_list_picture.png for the names of the parts.

You will also need:

11 - 3mm x 20mm long bolts
11 - 3mm lock nuts with a nylon insert (or 22 3mm regular nuts)
Acetone to glue bar 10 to the bucket

All .stl files are zipped. .stl files are provided to either print all the parts individually or with some of the parts grouped into multiple part prints.

Unzip and print one each of the following:
md_121111a_base.stl
md_121014c_big_arm.zip

To print the remaining 9 parts individually, unzip and print one each of the following:

individual_parts.zip
print one more md_121012e_link_11.stl, since you will need two.

To print the remaining 9 parts in groups, unzip and print one each of the following:

md_121014c_group_1.zip
md_121014c_group_2.zip

pictures group_1.png and group_2.png show the parts in each group.

ASSEMBLY:

I suggest that you drill out all holes with either a 3mm or 1/8 inch drill.

Please see assembly_picture.png for how to assemble the parts. See part_list_picture.png for the part names. substitute base_2 for base

Glue Bar 10 to the bucket using acetone or your favorite glue. Be careful to align the long straight edge of bar 10 so it is flush with bucket lugs as shown in the assembly picture.

Simply bolt everything together as shown in the assembly picture. The bolts should be able to spin so that the entire linkage moves freely.

mini digger - UPDATED 11.11.2012