Introduction: Hammer of Probability

First Instructables project by Neil Ricamata, Vandan Patel, and Sean Martinez for the STEM Practicum senior class at the Keller Center for Advanced Learning (KCAL).

Materials Needed:

  • 2'x4' 1/4" sheet of wood
  • 3D filament
  • Vex Screws
  • 2' long 1.125" Diameter Dowel Rod

Tools Needed:

  • Laser Cutter
  • 3D Printer
  • 3D modeling software
  • Drill and Drill Bits
  • Allen Wrench
  • Sand Paper
  • Adobe Illustrator (for the laser cutter)
  • Miter Saw

Step 1: 3-D Models

We created the joints to connect all the triangles in Inventor.

  • The first joint was for the top piece of the Probability Hammer.
  • After that was done we cut the initial joint for the rest of the joints to save filament.
  • Thereafter, we created the joint that would go around the 1 1/8 inch dowel.
  • The diameter for the holes were 0.160 inches and extruded all the way through.
  • Then, we started to 3-D print these joints. We printed 1 Top joint, 1 Dowel joint and 10 of the “B” joints.

Step 2: Probability Triangles

After those designs, we created 5-inch equilateral triangles in Adobe Illustrator. So, then we can easily transfer them to the Laser Printer Program.

  • We started to Laser Print the triangles.
  • We printed triangles like this leading up to the #20.

Step 3: Putting It Together

Once the pieces are done we started to assemble the Dice.

  • If you want you can make it exactly the way of a 20 sided dice, use the template located on top to number your dice.
  • Make sure to drill holes in the triangles to match up the 3D models
  • Make sure to put the joints in order (Biggest joint goes at the top of the dice & the one with the hole goes at the bottom)
  • For the dowel joint make sure cut the triangles and sand it down to smoothly place onto the dowel.

Step 4: Finishing Touches

  • We used the lathe to sand and create a small pommel
  • If you want, you may add a wrap to the handle to make it look more EXQUISITE!!!