I saw the spinning cube design on Instagram – no svg for it, just some measurements and a short video to do the construction (@gayatriscrafts) and I made one. This is my test version to see if I could get that cube to spin! AND…. I did it! I’m really happy that it worked and I think I can tweak the svg file I created a bit more to make this thing a little sturdier (and use a smaller stack of magnets or a stronger one).
This is a show stopper in that the cube is connected to the base by a bit of clear thread (nylon – like fishing line), but not to the arm. The magnets in the arm and cube have enough strength to keep the cube suspended and allow it to spin. I think the grandkids will like this one a lot!
*I did create an SVG file to cut this one using SCAL — it’s for my personal use only and will not be shared or sold.
I do need to make a few tweaks to my file before I cut another however as the end of the arm needs a little more finishing. I used foam core instead of cardboard as fill for the post and arm. It is sturdy, but the post needs another brace to keep it from leaning towards the cube – if you’re a bit of a perfectionist or have a bit of OCD. We were able to get the cube to spin and stay in place overnight without falling – but the post was leaning in a few degrees toward the cube more than it was when we started our “experiment” with the cube just hanging there.
It’s a fun project and I look forward to making another soon.
