Macro-Jack [Clicky Rails Update] (7/7/2022)

Update: 7/7/2022 – Alright, this is a big one! All of the rails have been updated, new tactile surfaces have been added, and every rail has two variants: a default “free-spin" one, and a clicky one. All the rails have been rotated so that they are easier to view & distinguish at a glance when using the 3D viewer. The clicky variants have a modified groove so that when they stop, they remain in contact with the gear with just enough friction to create that distinctive ‘click’ when the teeth slip past each other. New rails include: Hemispheres, Deep Concave. The Double Concave rail has been modified to be more pronounced. In essence, there are now even more ways to customize your Macro-Jack. Enjoy! (The A-Jack sized rails are coming soon.) 

Update: 6/29/2022 – Widened the slot to make it easier to insert and remove the clicky adapter. Added a new version of the Axle Cap with grooves that make it easier to remove. Adjusted tolerance of the path the rail sits in to make actuation less stiff on first use.

Update: 6/27/2022 – Made the slot a through-hole so the clicky adapter can be easily pushed out from the bottom with a screwdriver.

Update: 6/26/2022 – Added a slot near the rear hole of both the Macro-Jack and A-Jack bases. This is to facilitate the use of my new clicky adapters, which you can find here.

The Macro-Jack, big brother to my previous version the Micro-Jack, and with even more fidgety functionality! My idea was to create a fidget toy that sort of acted and looked like a miniaturized car jack, and I am extremely happy with the result.

With this version you get smoother actuation, a nicer fit for the parts, a much better grip, and it even makes a soft *click* when you press the rail down all the way. The hole in the back is so you can put it on a loop or chain and hang it from a bag, backpack, and so on.

What's more is that there are different tactile options for the rail, so it can double as a sort of rubbing stone with different textures. There are also two versions of the main base; the original one with a diamond cut hole, and a new one with honeycomb cut holes. These holes are there to let you see the interaction between the gear and the rail. Also, they look cool.

I have also included a version that is sized between the Macro-Jack and Micro-Jack which I have decided to call the Average Jack, or A-Jack for short. Parts for both the Macro-Jack and A-Jack are in separate folders, and instructions are the same.

If you have any suggestions for modifications, post your makes and let me know. Instructions and notes are below, please let me know what you think, and happy printing!

Print Settings

• Layer Height – 0.2mm
• Material – PETG, PLA, or other
• Infill — 10-15% Gyroid
• Perimeters – 3
• Top Fill Pattern – Octagram Spiral
• Bottom Fill Pattern – Octagram Spiral
• Brim – Optional (If you are worried about parts sticking to the bed)

Parts needed for one Macro-Jack

• 1 base (diamond-cut or honeycomb-cut)
• 1 gear
• 1 hex axle
• 2 axle caps
• 1 or more rails (default; small, medium, or large tactile; concave 1 or 2)

Assembly Instructions

1. Slide the gear into the base so that the center hole of the gear is visible through the base holes. The orientation of the gear teeth should not matter, I have tried it both ways. The only real difference is that when you use your thumb to rotate it one way will feel smoother, and the other sharper.
2. Insert the axle through both the base and the gear, it should press nicely through. Make sure there is an equal amount showing on both sides.
3. Press the axle caps onto either end of the axle, they should fit fairly snugly. If you want, you may use a few drops of super glue in each cap to ensure they stay on. Please make sure your gear can still rotate easily after pressing the caps on before any glue fully sets.
4. Insert one of the available rails into the front slot with the teeth facing the gear. Please note that the slanted side of the rail should be facing up. There are two points near the top of the slot that act as physical stops for the rail, but there is just enough flex in the base so that you can press the rail in. Be careful when doing so, and you should be fine. If it makes it easier, you may push the rail through the bottom to install.
5. Congratulations! You now have a fully functioning Macro-Jack and may fidget to your heart's content.