Magnetic optical punch

[FulmenParticipant @fulmen]

I’m actually quite pleased with myself now. I just made a switchable magnetic optical punch, and it works every bit as good as I expected. And on the first attempt as well. The body is just 3D printed so I might make one in solid metal later. But that will be a vanity project, the printed one is more than good enough for me.

It uses 6 Ø6x3mm neodynium magnets and locks in place with a 30° turn of the central body:

 

The eyepiece isn’t exactly optical quality, but it’s easy to reshape so if anyone has a good trick here I’m all ears.

 

 

[John HaineParticipant @johnhaine32865]

Neat! How does the locking work?

[FulmenParticipant @fulmen]

Like this (viewed from below):

The red parts are mild steel, magnets are blue and in an alternate north/south pattern. The 6 small steel pegs are in the base as seen in the photo. The magnets and the large ring move together. As depicted the magnets are off, if twisted so the pegs align with the magnets they’re on.

[Author]

Posts