Sometimes you just want to make something rotate slowly. I designed 4 different types of rotating boxes. But I don't want electronics to hold you back from your creative ideas so I made the assembly very easy with no microcontrollers, servos, programming, or even soldering needed! Yes you can do it! Watch my YouTube video too since it's helpful.

Rotation can be used in so many fun ways like cat toys, happy birthday or celebration signs, magic tricks, movie or game props, cosplay or Halloween costumes, the list goes on. And I made 2 of the boxes very small if that helps with your project ideas. So what are we waiting for? Let's go!!

Supplies

3D print the attached stl files and I have provided names and links to the purchased parts.

---Parts---

Motors are called: Acxico N20 Gear Motor DC 3V-6V Slow Speed

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09DG3GCGK?psc=1&ref=ppx_yo2ov_dt_b_product_details

Right angle motor called: 3V Mini Turbo Worm Geared Motor 1218GE‑N20

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08LL9Q7M4?psc=1&ref=ppx_yo2ov_dt_b_product_details

Variable speed called: Mini 5A PWM Max 90W DC Motor Speed Controller Module 3V

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B086XHKFGN?psc=1&ref=ppx_yo2ov_dt_b_product_details

Button cell batter holder called: cr2032 Battery Holder

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09QKRZBHC?psc=1&ref=ppx_yo2ov_dt_b_product_details

Rechargable button cell battery called: Coin Cells Battery Charger with 4-Pack 3.7V

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09FP4WN9Q?psc=1&ref=ppx_yo2ov_dt_b_product_details

AAA battery holder called: AAA Battery Holder with Switch

https://www.amazon.com/LAMPVPATH-Battery-Holder-Switch-Leads/dp/B09N8KB1BM/ref=sr_1_5?crid=1NU4A6E1LISAM&keywords=2+AAA+Battery+Holder+with+Switch&qid=1652683211&sprefix=2+aaa+battery+holder+with+switch%2Caps%2C67&sr=8-5

AAA Battery Holder without switch:

https://www.amazon.com/LAMPVPATH-Battery-Holder-Leads-Wires/dp/B07CST9HKD/ref=sr_1_6?keywords=2+AAA+battery+holder&qid=1652683513&sr=8-6

Step 1:

Let's start with the first long box. The battery holder has the power switch built in which keeps our assembly easy. If you view the link in materials, you will see the motor can be purchased to be geared to different speeds.

After finding the speed you like, we will attached the red wires together by twisting them. You can of course solder them but I am writing this tutorial to be open to anyone even if they don't have a soldering iron or experience soldering.

After twisting the black wires together, we need to protect the wires from a short circuit by using electrical tape to cover the wires as shown.

The motor and battery holder will fit perfectly inside the 3D printed model. I went through lots of fit testing for this to give you the best results. Next simply add the top 3D print and the box is now complete! Test the power switch to make sure the circuit works. You can also 3D print the tops I provided to rotate different object you have in mind. One top also holds magnets so you can rotate items separated by distance like a magic trick under a table.

Step 2:

That first box was great for constant speed but now lets make a box with a variable speed controller. Again, keeping it very simple, I found this speed control unit that has everything built in including the power switch. The knob will rotate first to turn on the circuit. The model I purchased needed me to melt two of the points together on the back for 3 volts to work but they sell some already set up for 3 volts.

Double check you align the red wires to positive and black wires to negative before using a screwdriver to pinch and hold the wires.

The battery holder is different, it doesn't need a power switch since it's build into the knob. It will all fit nicely into the 3D print and that's it! You have a simple and small box to turn on the circuit and adjust the rotation speed. Simple, easy, and it works!

Step 3:

Those first 2 boxes were great but I was thinking you might want something even smaller. These next 2 boxes use a button cell battery but a good one! I found a 3.7 volt rechargeable button cell battery listed in materials.

The assembly is the same, twist the wires together and protect with electrical tape before inserting into the 3D printed holder. The speed is set by the gear ratio you purchase on the amazon link. And don't be fooled by the size, the gear ratio increases the strength so it's good and should work great for your project!

Step 4:

I hope I kept this simple and easy! I remember being scared of electronics when I first started but I think this is a great first step in making something very useful for your creative ideas and projects! Thank you for watching and I hope you enjoyed the tutorial, my 3D printed designs, and the full YouTube video!