Cowboy Bebop Zipcraft Key

In celebration of the upcoming live-action Cowboy Bebop, you can now have your very own zipcraft key! Choose between three variations:

• Solid key (easiest to print and assemble)
• Key with a separate outer jacket (outer jacket needs to be glued into place)
• Key with a separate jacket and screw holes (assembles with three M3 grub screws)

I based the key on Spike's, as seen in episode 1, Asteroid Blues. You can learn more about how I made the design and assembled the key here:

www.printingprops.com/blog/build-cowboy-bebop-zipcraft-keys

Assembly is very simple. Glue the Top Cylinder in the indentation on top of your chosen key body. Then slide the handle on top.

If you chose to print the “jacket” separately, align the pieces as seen in the photos and renders. The larger jacket piece should align with the notches on top of the key.

If you go with the grub screw version, you should tap the holes with an M3 tap. They are sized to 2.5mm and ready to be tapped.

Before you glue the handle, I recommend inserting an 8mm metal rod. There is a cavity through the entire key sized for an 8mm x 90mm rod, like one of these:

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07BVRKJZF/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1

The rod reinforces the handle and adds a nice amount of weight to the final prop. It's optional, but it's definitely worth the extra effort!

Update, Nov 9: Added versions of the main cylinder with a flat side. The slot for the key on the Swordfish suggests the notch is flat. Thanks to @KNSKumo for pointing out that reference point (https://twitter.com/KNSKumo/status/1458113825434181639?s=20).