I continue to work on the Going Merry - I'm starting to create the individual parts, preparing for a test print. I also need to create the stand I have in mind, as well as the Jolly Roger.In the meantime, I picked up an ultrasonic knife (I had been given a gift certificate and had been wanting one). I've been testing it over the last day, and I can see how it will really help. When I did my saddlebill stork, it would have made a huge difference removing the supports from such a delicate structure. I had a practical use today for it: I've created a tray and letter system for some signs I use. It dramatically extends the life of the signs. I needed to extend some trays for a longer-than-usual sequence. I had a couple of extenders (I'd previously made some), but not enough for all the signs needing it. I had a spare full-size tray. Using the ultrasonic knife I was able to cut it apart to make several extenders. Yeah, I could have used a dremel, but this was a cleaner and quieter approach. I'll probably update that when I get more experience with it in future projects. I know the Going Merry will require supports on certain parts so that will be a great test. But so far, I think it has huge potential.

🔍 Why I made this projectThe idea came from a small but real problem – when using a thermos or gear outdoors, things tend to fall over, get scratched, or take up too much space. I wanted to create a case that solves these issues for the OutIn Nano: something protective, strong, and easy to carry.So I designed the OutIn Nano Armor – a minimal, outdoor-friendly case that protects the coffee maker, works as a stand, and still fits easily in your backpack.🧩 How I startedSince I don’t own the actual coffee maker, I had to recreate the model manually in Onshape by looking at product photos. That took me two attempts – but after I got the dimensions and shapes right, I could start building the case around it.I worked on the model for 7 days, constantly tweaking and improving the details until everything fit perfectly and worked the way I wanted.🧱 What the model includesThe OutIn Nano Armor consists of four parts:The main shell that wraps around the coffee makerTwo fold-out side supports that act as a standA top lid with a twist-lock to close and secure the caseIt’s designed to be printed in one color, assembled without glue, and it can be snapped together easily – just insert the side supports into their slots.🛠️ Design choicesI kept the design as compact as possible, so it doesn’t take up unnecessary space. At the same time, I made sure it’s functional – it lifts the coffee maker above the cup using the foldable supports, and it stays stable while brewing.I intentionally didn’t add extra storage for capsules or accessories. Those can easily go in your backpack where they’ll stay safe – no need to make the case bigger than it has to be.One of the hardest parts was designing the hinges and side arms so that they open smoothly without hitting the case, and making sure the lid locks and unlocks easily.🧠 What I learnedThis project taught me a lot – from modeling complex shapes based on photos, to designing mechanical parts like hinges and twist locks. It was a real design challenge, but also a fun experience.I'm happy with how it turned out: It’s small, tough, good-looking, and works exactly how I hoped. 💪🏆 My goalI made this for the MakerWorld × OutIn challenge, and I really hope to place well – maybe even make it into the Top 4. 🥈 If you like the model, I’d love your support – whether it’s a like, a comment, or even a print. Every bit helps!Thanks for reading – and happy making! 🙌