January 13, 2025
Description
[Created by me back in 2022, but this Thingiverse version was stuck as a draft instead of published for whatever reason.]
I had the idea to try and create a way to easily demo how the Ames Window works.
Here's a video that demonstrates the illusion quite well:
The Magical, Mystical, Mind-bogging Ames Window by CuriosityShow
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DkVOIJAaWO0&t=10s
Parts:
2x Base (The top and bottom are the same)
1x Hook Disc
1x Hook Disc Crank
1x Shaft
1x Crank
1x Holder Bar
1x Ames Window Two-Sided
or 2x Ames Window One-Sided (and some glue)
2x Pieces of thin, preferably transparent, string-like material (like zip ties or fishing line)
Notes:
Some of the pictures are outdated.
Use a layer height of at least 0.2mm
Please use supports wherever you can.
I tried to make the whole thing work without them, but it's way safer for tolerances if you spend the extra time.
I used the ‘two-sided’ Ames Window for this first print. This model is a little iffy and requires the use of supports.
It's way easier to do multi-color on the one-sided version, although I don't know how well.
Using ‘normal’ string to suspend the window may make it more difficult to rotate. So, I recommend using something thicker, like zip ties (what I used) or fishing line (the other photo).
(Maybe rubber bands would be a better fit. Or just a giant vertical pole…)
You could totally use the floating frame for something else. Maybe even jewelry.
I'm always welcome to suggestions/edits if you'd a specific change to be made.
I could tweak the design and tolerances of these models forever, but for now, this should be ‘enough’.
[Originally posted on Printables.com]
[https://www.printables.com/model/250867-ames-windows-rotatable-floating-frame]
License:
Creative Commons - Attribution - Non-Commercial