Helix Space Rocket (fidget vortex spinner toy)

19. Nov 2024 - NEW Compact version easier to print! (also on 150% and 200%) https://makerworld.com/en/models/802989#profileId-743172

8. July 2024 - Added Fidget version V2 print profile - adjusted even more to increase bed-adhesion

7. July 2024 - Updated Fidget version print profile - slower and extra supports (if you experience bed-adhesion-difficulty)

Going to outer space requires math! Understanding how a helix works requires math! I don’t fully understand equations in either situation - but thought it would be fun to make a toy that combines them. Like math and helixes, it should make something possible that seems impossible. And it does that!

The ‘fuel’ you can see on the sides, is converted to the blaster and becomes the flame ones the rocket has taken of! And once it lands again, the fuel is filled up, ready for another go. Always more fuel: impossible - except here 😉

Have fun with a helix/vortex toy that is a little more than just a helix 🚀

Overview

It comes in multiple variations:

• Classic (like other helix/vortex models, where the fuel/fire piece can go all the way through the rocket - they are not connected)
• Fidget (where the fuel/fire isn’t falling out of the rocket - once pressed in, you can land play with it as a toy. Either with fuel within, or fire blasting out - but not falling all the way out)

The flame piece also comes in different versions for the Classic variation:

• Flame - Default (fits top of rocket, and with a more narrow back-end for the flame)
• Flame - Narrow (narrow on both ends - flame looking. But doesn’t fill the top of the rocket completely when inserted)
• Flame - Wide - Boosters (fills top of rocket, and with a flat bottom to look like boosters when inside the rocket)
• Flame - Wide - Symmetric (fills top of rocket, no matter the direction of the model)

Flame for the fidget version is currently in one version:

• Flame - Fidget version (is a little tougher to put into rocket first time, but them stays in to use as fidget toy)

Assembly

Important: please choose either Classic OR Fidget versions for both Rocket and Flame.

Before inserting the flame, please ensure your rocket is clean. Any ‘blobs' can prevent the awesome fidget feel. Especially in the top of the 3 ‘windows’ and the bottom of the rocket. Check if everything looks good, and if it doesn't: use a knife/deburring tool to clean up the edges.

Assembly is easy - just insert the flame into the rocket!

Accessories

To style the rocket even more, your can print a little extra:

• Fin Covers (like the red ‘legs’ on the image. Easy to click on (and potentially glue on) for extra color!)

Print instructions

Brim: Yes. It both Rocket and Flame has very little contact with the bed, so please use Brim!

Supports: Rocket: No. Flame: Yes (I used 'Normal Auto', ‘Style Default’, ‘60 degrees threshold’)

Speed: Slow things down! Makes for a bigger succes-rate here

Orientation: The models are oriented in the correct print position

Happy printing!

Want more new Helix models?

I have one here for you: Triple Helix Puzzle!