Making a 3D Spinner

In this project, you will learn how to make your very own fidget spinner!

Step 1: Gather Materials

For this project you will need:

4 size 608 skateboard bearings

1 608 bearing cap

correct paint and paintbrushes

a 3D printer

Step 2: Design on 3D Editor

I used tinkercad to design my spinner. I made mine a hexagon shape, but you can design it any way you want as long as the bearings will fit. It is very important to make sure all the bearing holders are the same size and are sticking out from the middle at the correct angle. When I printed mine, one of the propellers was at the wrong angle. Try not to make the same mistake.

Step 3: Measure You 3D Model

You need to make sure that your bearings will fit in your bearing holes. I measured the bearings in millimeters and then designed the holes to be 1 millimeter smaller for a firm fit. I advise that you do the same. Also, measure to make sure your spinner won't be too big for your hand.

Step 4: Print!

Upload your model to a 3D printing app. I used Cura. Then, 3D print your model once you're sure it is the right size. You can always pause printing if something looks wrong. Since spinners have unique shapes, it may look like something is wrong even if it is fine.

Step 5: File!

The first thing I did was file the bearing holes. This just made it so it would fit. Secondly, make sure you sand all the sharp edges. The plastic that I used was sharp and required a lot of sanding to make usable. I also advise that you sand the area where the spinner was on the printer because it sort of leaves a little ring around the edge of your spinner.

Step 6: Add Bearings

I actually made my bearing holes too small, so I had to sand it a lot. Just get the bearings into the bearing hole halfway, and than use a mallet or some other hard rubber object, and hammer it in lightly. Be careful of your spinner bending or breaking. You may not have to hammer if you make the hole larger, but I didn't want my bearings coming out.

Step 7: The Bearing Cap

I got a bearing cap that was screw on. For this project it is neccesary that you get a bearing cap with a screw on system, because no other type will stay tightly on your spinner. It is also nice to be able to attach and unattach you bearing cap. I advise unnataching it before painting if you want it to keep its color, or paint it if you want it to match your spinner.

Step 8: Paint!

You can of course paint it in any color you wish. I would paint it all one color at first and add detail after it has dryed. You probably dont want it to be the same color as when it printed,a nd it makes your project look more finalized and profesional.

Step 9: Add Details

I am truely horrible at painting in detail, but I still wanted to personalize it. I added some simple green details, but you can add whatever you want. You don't have to add details, but I think it makes it unique and profesional. Never start painting details until the base paint is done drying. I advise keeping the bearing cap off until all the paint has dried.

Step 10: Spin!

After the paint has dried, you can reattach the bearing cap and have fun with your finished product. I made mine a little too big, so it took a little while to learn how to spin it. I did this project because I really wanted a spinner, and I decided to make it myself. MY sppiner was more expensive to make than just buying one online, and honestly, it isn't as good, but if you want to make it personalized like I did, it is totally worth it. It is a fun project, adn I advise doing it if you have a 3D printer.