Introduction: Mikuni Mouse- Computer Mouse / Carburetor Hack
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I had an old carburetor I was cutting up to make a cutaway out of, and this project just kind of fell out of my brain and splattered on the table... Why not take the other scrap part of the carb, and turn it into a MOUSE for my computer!?
That was literally the extent of my planning. Next step: have at it with various sharp instruments!
Supplies Needed:
1 carburetor
1 working mouse
2 rivets or bolts to use as buttons
Misc. nuts and bolts
Sheet metal for base
Scab bicycle tire tube patches or other thin soft anti scratch material
Tools Needed:
Hacksaw
Milling Machine
Drill or Drill Press
Marking tools- awl, marker, ruler, etc
Screwdrivers
Additional metal cutting tools- aviation snips, notcher, punches, etc.
Step 1: Cleaning Parts
Once the carb has soaked, rinse with warm water.
Next, using compressed air and carb cleaner, clean it all again.
Finally, spray all the parts with WD40 or another light oil, and reassemble (except... we are going to cut it up some more!)
Step 2: Cutting Down to Size
I had to do a LOT of trial-and-error machining... Like I said- there was no plan, just start cutting. I ended up machining the entire underside of the carb at an angle so that the mouse inards would fit and still have enough room for the scroll wheel to stick out the top.
The mouse itself was fairly simple. I had to cut all of the extra stuff off and make it as small as possible. I started by shaving a few pieces off using the band saw, and as I got closer I made "fine" cuts using the belt sander...
Step 3: Testing and Fitting
The final solution was to use some zinc coated soft iron rivets- they will fall out if you flip the mouse over but they work great! I even managed to get the wire for the mouse to go through the carb's fuel line. Means it sticks out back and to the side, but so far it's not really in the way.
Step 4: Final Assembly!
Not to bad for not having a plan. Been using it for about 2 weeks now and I love it!