Triple Axis Flying Tourbillon by A26

Last crawled date: 3 years, 1 month ago

This is a triple-axis tourbillon similar to those found in mechanical watches that are worth more than my life. The basic design mimics those of Thomas Prescher, who to the best of my knowledge, is the only purveyor of triaxial tourbillons that "fly" (ie. are cantilevered) about two axes.
See it in action: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6ARaZ5O9Wp8&feature=youtu.be
and here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iniAlhXM0p4&feature=youtu.be
A tourbillon supposedly improves accuracy through eliminating gravitational errors on the balance spring. It also increases both a watch's price and awesomeness on a sliding exponential scale based on the number of axes. This tourbillon utilizes a simple Swiss lever escapement vibrating at 14,400 bph. This is on the slow end by watch standards. The inner two axes run at 3 rpm while the outer ring turns at 1 rpm (provided one properly adjusts the balance with grub screws).
I tried to use the fewest and simplest parts in this design as well as the least amount of plastic. The largest part (the outer race) is 120mm x 136mm. It works quite nicely, but it could still use some improvements. Desired tweaks include the following:
Cutting properly sized 3mm shafts (I'm in the process of moving, so my Dremel is halfway across the ocean hence the extra long shaft and the nail).
Making a two-part outer race in order to eliminate the access hole in the giant bevel ring (you can see a few of the airsoft pellets making a bid for freedom).
Making it weight powered rather than hand powered.
Adding coin counterweights to balance the system.
Non printed parts:
4 x 6x2.5x3 RC Helicopter ball bearings
2mm shafts (various lengths)
3mm shaft (various lengths)
6mm airsoft pellets (about 60)
Here are links for the non-printed components I used. Anything comparable will do.
bearings: https://www.amazon.com/Sixteen-MR63-3x6x2mm-Precision-Bearings/dp/B01M0VV96I/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1483062996&sr=8-2&keywords=3mm+id+ball+bearing
3mm rods: https://www.amazon.com/10Pcs-Stainless-Steel-Cylinder-Linear/dp/B00JR56KI0/ref=sr_1_1?rps=1&ie=UTF8&qid=1483063060&sr=8-1&keywords=3mm+shaft&refinements=p_85%3A2470955011
2mm rods: https://www.amazon.com/20Pcs-Stainless-Steel-Round-150mmx2mm/dp/B00KHUR5AQ/ref=sr_1_1?rps=1&ie=UTF8&qid=1483063100&sr=8-1&keywords=2mm+shaft&refinements=p_85%3A2470955011
airsoft pellets: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B002GNYDCA/ref=od_aui_detailpages00?ie=UTF8&psc=1