The Splash - LM Squirt Mod

[enki_ck]

Oh my.. did you win a big lot on the bay?  I bought a lot of 8 squirts once for mods, but they are still in my get to it someday and make something cool with them pile...

I talked to my fave seller on eBay and asked if she has a bunch of broken ones. Bingo, average of $4 each. Since they are coming apart and I have scales designed and can be manufactured as needed, no sense saving them.

Is her name by any chance Doris?

[Metropolicity]

Oh my.. did you win a big lot on the bay?  I bought a lot of 8 squirts once for mods, but they are still in my get to it someday and make something cool with them pile...

I talked to my fave seller on eBay and asked if she has a bunch of broken ones. Bingo, average of $4 each. Since they are coming apart and I have scales designed and can be manufactured as needed, no sense saving them.

Is her name by any chance Doris?

No, it's Susan.

30???

There's gotta be a file in there somewhere for me

There must be! Haha.

Wow nice score for sure then. 

Edit: Hey werent you also getting a big box of msc parts from some MT maker who I cant remember at the moment, but what ever happened with that?

Oh, you mean Bushido, it was indeed a score. A bunch of those parts went into my Commander project. It's nice to have a bunch of parts that already torn down..

[enki_ck]

Wow nice score for sure then. 

Edit: Hey werent you also getting a big box of msc parts from some MT maker who I cant remember at the moment, but what ever happened with that?

Oh, you mean Bushido, it was indeed a score. A bunch of those parts went into my Commander project. It's nice to have a bunch of parts that already torn down..

I think he means Multitasker.

[Metropolicity]

Wow nice score for sure then. 

Edit: Hey werent you also getting a big box of msc parts from some MT maker who I cant remember at the moment, but what ever happened with that?

Oh, you mean Bushido, it was indeed a score. A bunch of those parts went into my Commander project. It's nice to have a bunch of parts that already torn down..

I think he means Multitasker.

AH yes...I haven't given that a full look over, it's much more complicated than anything I've worked on.

The back spring system is different and the tools lock in an odd way. I think Shane wants me to do some R&D for him

[Syph007]

Wow nice score for sure then. 

Edit: Hey werent you also getting a big box of msc parts from some MT maker who I cant remember at the moment, but what ever happened with that?

Oh, you mean Bushido, it was indeed a score. A bunch of those parts went into my Commander project. It's nice to have a bunch of parts that already torn down..

I think he means Multitasker.

AH yes...I haven't given that a full look over, it's much more complicated than anything I've worked on.

The back spring system is different and the tools lock in an odd way. I think Shane wants me to do some R&D for him

Ah yes, the multitasker parts thats what I was thinking of.  I figured we'd see some crazy creation out of that box of mystery parts.

[Metropolicity]

Update!

Been carrying and using the Splash for a week and it's been a treat! Almost all the tools except the 3d phillips has been used and they all performed the task at hand!

RED UNIVERSAL SCALES FROM SHAPEWAYS INBOUND!

Should be here in a couple of days, test fitting and then the SS order should go through soon after that!

[nuphoria]

Awesome - great to hear it;s actually really useful as well as being cool!

[Syph007]

Used the Splash today to change out the needle on Betty.

(Image removed from quote.)

Your pic of Betty reminds me of a fellow builders arcade machine from back when I used to builds arcade machines.  He called it bubblegum betty.

[Metropolicity]

Red plastic scales are due at my house TODAY. So says UPS tracking and estimated time of arrival.

If these fit...it's full (ahem pardon the pun) scale stainless steel production time!

[Metropolicity]

Ok. Take two. UPS is delivering the red scales by tomorrow end of day.

[Metropolicity]

HOLY CRUD!
 
About time...the scales finally came in. A little bit of adjustment later (boring out the pivot holes to 1/8), I reassembled with the same load out. I know what to change now (the scallop is 1mm too deep and the cut out for the scissor needs to move over 1mm) but wowwie the red is nice! The pivot distance is perfect and I am confident enough to go ahead, tune the 3d files and send it off to get the stainless steel done.
 
Enough chit chat....PICTURES!

Here you can see the scissors nick is a little bit out of alignment
 

 
The scallops are a bit too deep, but they are nice!
 

 
Here you get a better look at the File Work.
 

 

 
3D Phillips, Flat Driver/Opener/Eyeglass Driver/Tweezer/Flat Pin/PE/SE
 

 
Scissors/Combo Blade/Nail File/Awl/2D Phillips
 

 
And a couple of Hero shot
 

 

 
Time to tweak the files, then order the Stainless Steel ones....HEX DRIVER!!!

[Metropolicity]

A couple more detail shots.
 
The Thumbgrip/file work
 

 
SE spine jimping (not effect, just for identification)
 

 
Nail File File work...serpentine
 

 
Combo Scalpel/Wire Stripper file work
 

 
More Combo and File, in hind sight, I shouldn't of made a spear point so the bump on the right side of the blade shouldn't be there. Three scallops for the wire strippers and a point for the blade
 

 
And another shot..
 

[scorpion008]

If you were licensed and able to market these...the multitool world would be forever changed. 

[Breezy12]

very nice work, Metro!  The Splash looks amazing! 

so when you get the stainless scales, are you going to keep the SS look, or get them cerakoted red to match these plastic scales?  the red looks pretty sweet!

[Metropolicity]

very nice work, Metro!  The Splash looks amazing! 

so when you get the stainless scales, are you going to keep the SS look, or get them cerakoted red to match these plastic scales?  the red looks pretty sweet!

I don't know. On one hand I want it to be as visible as possible, but I also want it to have some durable finish. The downside to the aluminum scales is that they don't wear nicely or well.

If you were licensed and able to market these...the multitool world would be forever changed. 

There is nothing wrong with selling modded MTs. The Hot Rod industry has been doing it for decades.

[stealth007s]

Very nice work Eric

[Syph007]

If you were licensed and able to market these...the multitool world would be forever changed. 

There is nothing wrong with selling modded MTs. The Hot Rod industry has been doing it for decades.

The only problem really is cost!  When you build tools and the parts are from retail tools... costs rise quick!   But at least you get something unique in the end. 

[Metropolicity]

The only problem really is cost!  When you build tools and the parts are from retail tools... costs rise quick!   But at least you get something unique in the end. 

Not true, the parts that made this tool only cost a total of $38, just barely over retail for a new PS4. I recently bought 30 or so Squirts for about $120, that's $4 per tool. It's the gall to go ahead and take them apart, and risk making mistakes that costs

The Squirt is becoming more and more my favorite platform because its so inexpensive and  the mechanism are so simple. I am trying to imagine some more hollow layer tools like 2mm lead holders, cocktail forks, flashlights. The advent of Shapeways has changed the way I look at modding tools. I can already see how I can model a spacer and a transparent lens all 3d printed.

What I really want to do is make the parts available to anyone who wants to make their own mods, like a choose your adventure. 

[nuphoria]

Absolutely brilliant stuff.... can't wait to see the next set of scales

Oh, and about the selling of tools, I'm always here to take them off your hands!

[Metropolicity]

Absolutely brilliant stuff.... can't wait to see the next set of scales

Oh, and about the selling of tools, I'm always here to take them off your hands!

I am going to work on a set of stuff to sell on Shapeways, something you can drop in with the simple ordering of the 1/2" pivots. Making these available to anyone with a good bit of patience, steady hands and a paypal account.

[nuphoria]

Interesting...

[Metropolicity]

Interesting...

Like this!

Took a break and finally got something into CAD that I had thought about for a LONG time.
 
How do you integrate a flashlight into a squirt? You 3d print one!
 
Parts list:
2x3mm LED
3xLR41 Batteries
1xMicro Tact Switch meant for PCBs
 

 
 
Here it is exploded. The three holes in the back are for the batteries. Since the LEDS are 3V, I likely run two of batteries in parallel and one in series to that, resulting in a 3.2V cell. If my design is right, it should all press fit into place. The square is where the micro tact switch will go with the button sticking out the top. You'll notice that the "lens" is one piece, the LEDs will be pressed into place and they should fit snug. It won't be super bright but a light is better than no light. The lens will be made from super detail acrylic polymer. The rest should be made from nylon.
 

 
 
Together:
 

 
The recessed, chamfered hole should have enough space for my thumb to depress the button.
 

 
A look at what it would look like if the lens was actually clear, it will likely be more frosted, giving a more flood/dispersed light.
 
IF this works out, I am going to incorporate it into another Squirt project. The USB (Urban Survival Buddy).

[oreogaborio]

Absolutely brilliant stuff.... can't wait to see the next set of scales

Oh, and about the selling of tools, I'm always here to take them off your hands!

I am going to work on a set of stuff to sell on Shapeways, something you can drop in with the simple ordering of the 1/2" pivots. Making these available to anyone with a good bit of patience, steady hands and a paypal account.

smurf....

[lowtech]

You, Metropolicity, are a sick man.
But me likes...

I´m looking forward to the first printed LED torch to be incorporated in a tool.

[Metropolicity]

You, Metropolicity, are a sick man.
But me likes...

I´m looking forward to the first printed LED torch to be incorporated in a tool.

Me too, I've already had a problem with the stainless steel scales. Have to edit one integral bushing I made from .3 to .7mm

[scorpion008]

Your mods just get better and better. wow.

[Grumpy]

You've just set the bar for the manufacturers to try to catch up!! Well done on a fantastic idea 

[nuphoria]

Excellent - more gadgetery!

I would imagine you'll get about 10-15 lumens off that, which is plenty for a little keychain option. No blue lights though, nice neutral LEDs please

[Metropolicity]

Excellent - more gadgetery!

I would imagine you'll get about 10-15 lumens off that, which is plenty for a little keychain option. No blue lights though, nice neutral LEDs please

I ordered 20 of each, red, blue, orange, yellow and white. I'll see how it goes.

[Metropolicity]

Your mods just get better and better. wow.

This isn't even in mod territory anymore...it's more like product design! finally, full circle (wayyyyy to much design school NOT to have some kind of result).