iTopSpin
Current Posts => Collecting, Modding, Turning and Spin Science => Topic started by: Neff on March 11, 2017, 04:13:56 PM
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Finally did this - parts list for the business end of the K'Neffy string twister. There is a sale until March 31 at Knex.com. Right now these parts total about $7.43, shipping will probably be around $6.00. In addition to this you would need to build a stationary hook block and a rack to support your drill. And buy some thread.
And here is the video showing it in use.
https://youtu.be/P_9yBj5IZgU
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This is great. Thank you for posting.
I also want to thank you for posting the overhead view of the regeneration techniques (I think you had Charlie Brown music playing during the video). It was a tremendous help to me.
Next stop: KNex store.
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Yes thanks! That is very good of you to post that. I'm going to try building one for sure!
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Finally did this - parts list for the business end of the K'Neffy string twister. There is a sale until March 31 at Knex.com. Right now these parts total about $7.43, shipping will probably be around $6.00. In addition to this you would need to build a stationary hook block and a rack to support your drill. And buy some thread.
And here is the video showing it in use.
bestower of great wisdoms
(https://s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/originals/f1/6e/a9/f16ea9a963853ae920f1d0afd58b6b16.gif)
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Silly question: Why doesn't the string unwind itself when you remove it from the rig?
From what I can see of the twister design, LEGO Technic parts would probably work, too.
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Just ordered KNex parts to make one of these. The site gave me a $5 credit...so about $10 for all the bits I need for the set up.
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(Note if you are reading this thread and not seeing the parts list: it's an attached image and you need to be logged in to see it)
Wonderful! Thanks Chris for this contribution to the community!
Silly question: Why doesn't the string unwind itself when you remove it from the rig?
I think the idea is that the (pairs of) threads are twisted individually in one direction while the whole thing is twisted in the other. For one to untwist it has to twist the other even more, so their torques balance out. But I am like you, it is surprising that it works so well. I need to think in detail about it.
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I think the idea is that the (pairs of) threads are twisted individually in one direction while the whole thing is twisted in the other.
wisdom @-@
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At $ 7.43 plus shipping I would LOVE two Chris. For me I found out after 15 bad lines - is to copy CHRIS. With my 4 square hoke I'm making good lines now. But it's time to step it up.
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Silly question: Why doesn't the string unwind itself when you remove it from the rig?
The string twists in the first stage of the operation, and untwists in the second stage. It is twisted when it is four separate strands, then it untwists into one single strand. In the first phase, because I am holding the block, the gears engage and the hooks are spinning the opposite direction of the drill. In the second phase the entire apparatus spins the direction of the drill. Poof. String!
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At $ 7.43 plus shipping I would LOVE two Chris. For me I found out after 15 bad lines - is to copy CHRIS. With my 4 square hoke I'm making good lines now. But it's time to step it up.
String twisters assembled by me will cost a little more than that, mister. At normal prices the parts are $10 plus $5 to ship them to me. If I don't add to my $15 cost there is little incentive to make one for somebody. I'm thinking minimum $25 plus shipping. It does not take a terrible amount of time to assemble one but I balance mine a certain way and also oil them so they don't melt or explode >:D
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At $ 30.00 that's a GREAT DEAL. Please send me one. I have been working with C.A glue for a long time. And I always seem to make a mess with that stuff.
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;D Finally got my K'Nex parts yesterday and put together my very own K'Neffy String Twister! I don't have a drill so spinning it by hand takes about ten minutes to make a string. They come out really nice! My experience has really only been throwing with a Duncan string or lengths of cotton twine so it will be interesting to see what a difference this makes. Big thanks to Neff!
-James
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Very glad to hear you built one for yourself! You will probably want to figure things out yourself also, but don't hesitate to drop me a message if something isn't working out.
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Now I understand why everyone likes handmade strings! My play has become a bit better and a lot smoother using it. Right now I am trying to figure out why some strings feel like they "grab" the tip more, which is something I find useful on certain tricks. If you have any insight regarding that I'd appreciate the input!
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Hi Chris!
Is this still vailable from you? Are you still able to order/construct it?
If so I would be happy to get one for sure...
Just PM me if it is possible.
Thanks!!! (for this and all the rest)
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Yessir! I will message you 8)
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Ordered the k'nex parts and they should be here later today. On my way out to the garage to build the stationary hook block.
Could someone post some still photos of the k'nex twister from different angles, to help me figure out how to put it together?
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The K'Neffy is a lot of fun to make and use. But perhaps because mine is hand cranked I had to get something to stop the individual spindles from moving at the 2nd stage like this lady does at about 1:00 in the video:
https://youtu.be/RCoTxy81q_U
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Seems like she is twisting in the opposite direction than you would want for top string in the video. But, it's a nice set up.
I managed to put a workable k'nex twister together. I had one spacer ring left over, and the little stopper piece was not on the parts list but I found that a clothes pin works quite well. Here's my very first practice run at string winding. It had a couple of kinks, but overall,
I was quite pleased. I'm sure some practice will help.
(http://thumb.ibb.co/dpkz3H/first_string.jpg) (http://ibb.co/dpkz3H)
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I love the music in that video!!!
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Thanks for sharing that Diz! Well thought out setup. I like the adjustable counterweight in the form of the pitcher, but as you can see in the video, during the re-wind, the rope starts to slack, which can lead to undesirable results IMO.
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I bought mine from Chris, and I love it. I've made lines for 2.00 to 4 3/4 tops. I bought mine ready to go. I did make changes, I broke the center driving rod and replaced it with 1/4 solid delrin rod with a notch in it. Plus I took C.A to every thing. JUST SO MUCH FUN.
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If you want anything stress-tested, send it to Cecil. He does not go gently lols ;D
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I lost two of the black rod .750 = 90960. I made a couple with my drill but I nee to order parts to make another complete one. Whats the easy way to do this?
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The little straight ones? I can mail you some. Emails me.
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... Plus I took C.A to every thing...
Why didn't I think of that. My granddaughter likes to drive the string twister at full speed. We've had a few blow outs.
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Neff. How much just the parts for a new one. I've had so much fun with my winder. I hope we all can get together this summer. I met Jose, in Modesto when he was on his way to Chico. We have to get some of the Champion top thrower to show up in San Jose.
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Just ordered my knex set. Can't wait to get them. Renee said there was a stopper piece not listed on the parts list. Does anyone know the part number to that?
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Just ordered my knex set. Can't wait to get them. Renee said there was a stopper piece not listed on the parts list. Does anyone know the part number to that?
At about 13 seconds on Chris's video you can see a reddish sort of ladder shaped piece sticking out the side. At about 1:45 he talks about using a stopper. I think it's just a standard connector. The colors are different, but a 91902 or 90902 should work.
You are gonna love twisting your own strings! It's great to be able to have whatever diameter and length you want.
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(https://thumb.ibb.co/grZgFJ/IMG_20180221_154637747.jpg) (https://ibb.co/grZgFJ) (https://thumb.ibb.co/kNPgFJ/IMG_20180221_155736871.jpg) (https://ibb.co/kNPgFJ) (https://thumb.ibb.co/dSMvaJ/IMG_20180221_162326548.jpg) (https://ibb.co/dSMvaJ) (https://thumb.ibb.co/e7TK2y/IMG_20180221_162505776.jpg) (https://ibb.co/e7TK2y) (https://thumb.ibb.co/hbOV9d/IMG_20180221_162549244.jpg) (https://ibb.co/hbOV9d) (https://thumb.ibb.co/h82e2y/IMG_20180221_162801857.jpg) (https://ibb.co/h82e2y) (https://thumb.ibb.co/m9m6hy/IMG_20180221_172201579.jpg) (https://ibb.co/m9m6hy)
It threw me off a bit when the parts came in because the colors don't match the gear box in Chris's video. You might find these photos helpful when you start to put yours together.
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Omg that's going to be real helpful. Thanks for taking the time to do this :-)
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Renee. Can you post the model numbers for me. I'm getting ready to order another one.
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Renee. Can you post the model numbers for me. I'm getting ready to order another one.
I used the list that Chris Neff had put together.
91313 4 Gold Metallic Gear- 1In.
90902 1 Standard Orange Connector (I added this for the stopper)
90904 8 Standard Red Connector
90908 2 Standard White Connector
90911 4 Gold Track Splice
90951 8 Standard White Rod- 1.3125 In.
90953 5 Standard Yellow Rod- 3.4375 In.
90960 8 Standard Black Rod-.75 In.
90985 1 Red Gear 2.25 In.
90994 20 Blue Spacer
91224 4 Silver Spacer (3 Wide)
91440 5 Standard Metallic Blue Clip Connector
91900 5 Standard Bronze (Clip) Connector
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Thanks Renee, I will look at it again. The last time I used the list some of the number did not match. I'm old - so I'll look at it again. I want to make a six driver using 1/4 RED OAK two.
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The last time I used the list some of the number did not match.
The first time I tried to order, they were out of a couple of the parts on the list. One of them, they had the same part but in a different color, so it had a different number. But, they were still totally out of one of the pieces. So, I waited a week or so and tried again. That time they had all of the parts in stock.
I've thought about making a twister out of wood to withstand the enthusiasm of the grandkids. They've had a lot of fun with this one, but the center axle got a little bent at some point. I will eventually replace it. The twister still works, but it wobbles a bit like an unbalanced spin top.
I always twist my strings much longer than I need them, because it's fun to experiment with different strings. When I finally trim them to spinning length, the kids have a great time making bracelets and such with the trimmings.
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That stopper peice that Renee is talking about in the video number 91902. I ordered 20 of them from ebay so I will have a few extra. I did not need that many, but that's all they had. I did want to order from knex. I don't know if it's just me, but it takes them forever to fill an order. I'm sure they have a lot of parts to shift trough. It says it can take up to 15 days just to get the order ready to ship. I ordered on 6/12 said I will get them on the 26th. When I get the ones I ordered from eBay I will have a few extra if anyone needs one PM me your address I will send free of charge.
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That stopper peice that Renee is talking about in the video number 91902. I ordered 20 of them from ebay so I will have a few extra. I did not need that many, but that's all they had. I did want to order from knex. I don't know if it's just me, but it takes them forever to fill an order. I'm sure they have a lot of parts to shift trough. It says it can take up to 15 days just to get the order ready to ship. I ordered on 6/12 said I will get them on the 26th. When I get the ones I ordered from eBay I will have a few extra if anyone needs one PM me your address I will send free of charge.
If you have any of those stopper pieces left, I would love to have one. The clothes pin has been working, but the 91902 has to make it easier.
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Yeah I have some let pm me and I will send you a few out
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Anyone has any idea on where I could buy knex part ( namely, what I need to do the string twister ) in canada without being hit be a horrible shipping ?
I didn't check but I'm 99% sure that shipping will be prohibitive if I order from the .com site!
Thanks,
paxl
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Shipping kills the price every time. Make sure your order is correct, and maybe order some extra parts. You don't want to pay shipping again.
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So, Am I crazy but the knex site don't seem to sell specific parts anymore ? Can anyone else check if I'm crazy ?
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If you're into a little more work than plugging some k'nex together and are able to find some basic gears (and have basic tools like a drill) you can make one pretty easy. Mine's home brewed and works pretty well, I was able to salvage the gears. Initially I tried making my own gears... and you can see my twister does not have homemade gears...
(https://i.imgur.com/C1M2w0I.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/gSthO5f.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/GXuC9Ox.jpg)
My sting twister was loosely based on this:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ddenqErLL0Q
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Yeah I had found that video but I have no idea where to salvage gears...
I'm okay with building it up once I have the gears per say!
I'll hunt down on stuff I could destroy :)
Cheers,
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Maybe a string-maker would be a good project for 3D printing. :)
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Maybe a string-maker would be a good project for 3D printing. :)
You are right. I have Neffy's string maker, but if I needed one for thicker cord, I may 3D print parts for it.
A search for string/rope making on Thingiverse gives two relevant results, only one with photos and video of the actual print, which doesn't look too smooth:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rnyf3yWHriI
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Paxi13 I bought my first one off Chris Neff he sent it to me all put together, he also makes line.
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Paxi13 I bought my first one off Chris Neff he sent it to me all put together, he also makes line.
I honestly would buy one off anyone given a fair price. I kind of realise that I don't have time to do this sadly ( big family, I already miss time to throw top so... )
So Is anyone willing to sell me one ?
Cheers,
paxl
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I belive Mermouy bouth one machine (the one we used at Marines) for a fair price (in Europe I think).
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Send Chris Neff a PM. I believe he sells them assembled for $25 or $30 plus shipping.
This is the relevant thread: K'Neffy string twister (https://www.ta0.com/forum/index.php/topic,4887.msg51213.html#msg51213)
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Right, bought to Chris Neff by PM for something like 30 yes!
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So, Am I crazy but the knex site don't seem to sell specific parts anymore ? Can anyone else check if I'm crazy ?
I believe you are right! I cannot find the K'nex parts store on the site either. Oh no!
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Right, bought to Chris Neff by PM for something like 30 yes!
Good, I've just sent him a PM. I hope he answers and still makes them :)
So, Am I crazy but the knex site don't seem to sell specific parts anymore ? Can anyone else check if I'm crazy ?
I believe you are right! I cannot find the K'nex parts store on the site either. Oh no!
Yep, I though I was crazy! Thanks for confirming this for me!
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zzzzzzzZZZZZWHA?! Sorry I've been so sleepy.
Yep, still have several string makers ready to go, message received and replied to.
I don't see K'NEX parts ordering section either, it was kind of a mess anyway, maybe parts are still available over the phone.
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It's a lot easier to just get one from Mr. Neff. You might think about a line. Mine is 11 feet or 131 inches x 28 strands of # 10 Aunt Lydia line. I can throw it with a store bought line - but not as good as a home made line. I'm going to buy another one to make for my Grandson who is 23 and loves tops. A lot of people on the form have this top I wish they would try it with the alterations.
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zzzzzzzZZZZZWHA?! Sorry I've been so sleepy.
Yep, still have several string makers ready to go, message received and replied to.
I don't see K'NEX parts ordering section either, it was kind of a mess anyway, maybe parts are still available over the phone.
Yep, did order one from the Master Neff !!! eager to finally get proper strings for all my tops!!!
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I emailed knex to ask about parts. They confirmed that they no longer sell individual parts.
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I ordered parts from here a few days ago. (Before I saw Chris sold them ready made! Lol)
https://www.knexusergroup.org.uk/en/knex-shop.html
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So :) I received the Neffy's string twister yestesterday, made a lot of bad string and a couple of REALLY good ones, when to stop is quite tricky... On that front, my old method was quite easier... This sadly happen :
(https://i.ibb.co/99FVBbH/IMG-20190226-164031.jpg) (https://ibb.co/99FVBbH)
You know, when you are trying to unclug two strand that were stuck together, I left the drill unattended on a table :(... Anyway still works. :) But still :P
Anyone has anyclue when to stop twisting... so far, my best string are twist as much as you can before the strand start to kinks up... and the harder the twist the better... Will continue to experiement :)
Cheers,
paxl
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After moar experimenting last night. My 3 plys string have literally NO strech to them.. which is what I search in a top string b/c it's usually what make miss throws... or need to be carful at the throw.
How can I achieve that with the Neffys' ? So far I've had one great line and a couple of good ones but there is something I can't put my finger on...
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After moar experimenting last night. My 3 plys string have literally NO strech to them.. which is what I search in a top string b/c it's usually what make miss throws... or need to be carful at the throw.
How can I achieve that with the Neffys' ? So far I've had one great line and a couple of good ones but there is something I can't put my finger on...
I loop my string around my foot and give it some hard tugs to stretch it out before using it.
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Yeah... these are not drop-your-drill-on-the-floor proof. Or Cecil proof >:D
I have to publicly thank you for your questions Paxl, it has inspired me to update the Manual much more than it once was, now including an assembly section in case you have to replace the shaft. Have a look:
https://drive.google.com/open?id=1fWJfl8SsWnd8KazFRxAjFurNtetmylu6wTVcOzRdKQw
Regarding your "when to stop" question - from the Manual:
"When to stop - Stop when you feel the rig firmly twisting against you or when you see the threads start to kink up. When either of these happen, reverse the drill until you get a tight but stable condition, and then rewind."
I don't know how else to describe it. I think Jack described his method similarly. You will get it with practice.
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After moar experimenting last night. My 3 plys string have literally NO strech to them.. which is what I search in a top string b/c it's usually what make miss throws... or need to be carful at the throw.
How can I achieve that with the Neffys' ? So far I've had one great line and a couple of good ones but there is something I can't put my finger on...
I loop my string around my foot and give it some hard tugs to stretch it out before using it.
^^^ THIS!!!! ^^^ Thanks Jospin... I was pulling pretty hard on my old string during the rewind. which I don't so that I do'nt explode the gearbox :P ( I already did :P )
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I'm gonna add as reference here what I find works well ( well 'tis jospin that told me )
For a FAT string ( 4x3 ) a reduction percentage of 12% seem to give a nice strong but not too thigh string. So for example, you start with 100 inch worth of lenght, you stop twisting when you have gone forward for 12 inches. Resulting string will be around 70-72 inch.
Next step is, you tug pretty hard on both end of the string. This remove almost all the elasticity and to be able to maek some nice wirewalker I found that running the string though a hook and just pulling on it back and forth will remove the 'new' thighness that's detrimental to wirewalker...
Next step will be me trying to see if 12% is good too for STD string ( 4x2 )... I will post back my result here.
I don't like the current way in the manual b/c it ask you to go too far or almost, and what happen is that when it start to kinks up, there nothing really you can do without a second person to fix it.
I hope this is helpful to ppl.
I intend to start another thread for FAT vs STD when it comes to regenerative play but this is not the place!
Cheers
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Now I understand your question. Yes, for tightly twisted string you need to stretch it out first. No need to be tugging hard during the wind-up or the rewind.
The thicker the end product the shorter the wind-up will be. You will feel the gearbox twisting against you sooner, and you will see kinks sooner. I have never measured the distance traveled because it changes with different thread types and thicknesses, better to go by feel.
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After I broke the main driver I put in a 1/4 delrin rod with wood screws. When I made my big driver with the big gears I used 1/4 tool steal for the main driver. Making good string takes practice. My new Tuolo tops are both doing double body cork screws. My new big string maker can make this big tight line. I wish some one would try one of these tops with the line and modifications I'm doing to see if we all can get a great top.
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I have a stationary stand for the drill end, and a sled for the hook end. We have a granite top kitchen cart that works really well for the sled to get a smooth slide, and also as a gauge of shrinkage.
(https://i.ibb.co/mN8xyj8/neffy-twister-and-sled.jpg) (https://ibb.co/mN8xyj8)
The stand holds the drill still and allows you to stop the drill and walk down the length of the string to check the twist or to untangle. If you have the weight on the sled right, you shouldn't have too much trouble with tangling. The more strands the more weight you need on the sled.
https://youtu.be/NDqwg4Vu9KE
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You guys are all so very very clever!!!
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I have a stationary stand for the drill end, and a sled for the hook end. We have a granite top kitchen cart that works really well for the sled to get a smooth slide, and also as a gauge of shrinkage.
The stand holds the drill still and allows you to stop the drill and walk down the length of the string to check the twist or to untangle. If you have the weight on the sled right, you shouldn't have too much trouble with tangling. The more strands the more weight you need on the sled.
This is interesting thank you for sharing. I am curious about your rewind process though, because as you rewind one end needs to pull away from the other and then back toward the other.
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This is interesting thank you for sharing. I am curious about your rewind process though, because as you rewind one end needs to pull away from the other and then back toward the other.
Before I start the rewind, I pull the sled back to stretch and tighten the strings, and to give the sled some room to travel for the additional shrinkage during the final twist. It also helps to add some weight at this point to keep the strands tight while the rewind gets started.
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ah ah ! Renée ! very cool accessory !
the video is great ! should be viral !
reminds me of JoeMauk ;)
thanx
jim
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I have to publicly thank you for your questions Paxl, it has inspired me to update the Manual much more than it once was, now including an assembly section in case you have to replace the shaft. Have a look:
https://drive.google.com/open?id=1fWJfl8SsWnd8KazFRxAjFurNtetmylu6wTVcOzRdKQw
Wow I'm glad I read that, it would be a nice page to edit on spintricks (https://spintricks.org/category/other/crafting/maintenance/)!
If you allow me to copy paste this?
And I realize now while posting the link that this page is a neff' exclusive videos page!!! :o
We have our spintop diy video master! 8)
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I have to publicly thank you for your questions Paxl, it has inspired me to update the Manual much more than it once was, now including an assembly section in case you have to replace the shaft. Have a look:
https://drive.google.com/open?id=1fWJfl8SsWnd8KazFRxAjFurNtetmylu6wTVcOzRdKQw
Wow I'm glad I read that, it would be a nice page to edit on spintricks (https://spintricks.org/category/other/crafting/maintenance/)!
If you allow me to copy paste this?
And I realize now while posting the link that this page is a neff' exclusive videos page!!! :o
We have our spintop diy video master! 8)
Sure no problem. I would love to make more videos like that if I can find the time
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Updated! (https://spintricks.org/kneffs-4-ply-string-twister/)
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When the center rod breaks I replace it with 1/4 Delrin rod and wood screws. The big one I made I used tool steal. I really pull on the drill while winding - I like tight string.
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So, the knex center rod on the string twister got a bit twisted. I decided to go with a bolt for the replacement. The clip that drives the center gear needs something square to clip to, so I ground down only two sides of the bolt where the clip needed to attach. It seemed to work pretty well. Unfortunately, we had some nice weather and I decided to twist some string outside. I was working on a twelve strand string, which of course adds a little more torque, and the clip flew off... into the grass... somewhere.
(https://i.ibb.co/98Jfpnx/clip-with-gear-peg.jpg) (https://ibb.co/98Jfpnx)
Guess I should have squared up the bolt, and probably glued the clip on.
Anyway, does anyone have a spare clip with the little peg that drives the gears? And, any suggestions on whether it should be glued, or not?
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I have an extra clip I can send you. I think you need to grind two grooves for the nubs to nest into, I don't think glue is going to hold it. I can send you a couple of shaft also in case you decide to go that route.
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Thanks for the offer! Jim Neff sent me some clips. I ground the bolt down more, and it seems to be holding, sans glue. I've twisted about a dozen strings since I put it back together.
I'll be setting it up again next week to make some custom strings for two of my grandsons in their favorite colors. Only the older one (6 yr old) spins tops, but they love to use string for other creative projects.
Thanks again!
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I need to get my string twister out this week. all my string are completly done with... rendering regeneration and whips harder :)
Anyway :) Yep, amazing stuff!