Prusa Balance Game Spinner

After creating my “game spinner” to allow selection of 1-12  (just like using a pair of dice).  I revised it further to be used with the Prusa Balance Game (available here on printables). This is an easy print - If you use the printed bearing, no other hardware is required!

The Game Spinner has just three parts: The spinning top half, the card holder cap, and the base. In addition, you will need either a bearing or the alternative, 3D printed bearing, and a spare playing card.

The bearing I used came from a local hobby shop, but is also available from Amazon: ARR610016 (8x16x5mm).

Note: While I designed this to use an actual bearing, I have found that the unit works as easily with the printed bearing - you can certainly make it using the printed bearing, and replace it later if you prefer! I did notice that when using the printed bearing, you can lift the spinner off the shaft (the metal bearing does not allow this).

Find the Prusa Balance Game Here: https://www.printables.com/model/633194-prusa-balance-game

Printing the base:

I printed my base with Inland PLA+ filament. The base is an easy print, and  while no supports are required, I went ahead and added supports for a smoother print. After printing, remove any support material from the bottom side, and clean up the remaining hole. I have provided a pre-sliced version along with the STL.

Printing the spinner:

I printed my spinner with Inland PLA+ filament. This is also an easy print, and requires no support. I have provided a pre-sliced version along with the STL.

(If you will not be using an actual bearing, you can print the “bearing” and prepare it for use)

Printing the cap:

The cap presses the card holding slot tight so the card will not slip, this can also be printed without supports.

Printing the bearing:

I designed this with a removable bearing so that if it did wear at all, it would be easy to replace without re-printing the entire spinner, another simple print with Inland PLA+. There are two bearing files one is 4.0mm height the other is 4.5mm - I used the 4.0mm if you get any binding on the surface, go with the 4.5mm!

Assemble the spinner:

Press either bearing (printed or metal) into the bottom of the spinner assembly, press the spinner onto the printed shaft on the base (the base shaft has been split to provide some “give” to the shaft).

Cut a slice of playing card about 10-11mm wide and slide it into the slot, slide it down till it bottoms out then adjust so that it overhangs the spinner assy, just beyond the spinner “pins”. Cut off the rear of the card if you like, and slide the cap on top (this should lock the card in position). If you need to readjust the card, remove the cap first. The card can easily be replaced if it wears out.

Rules of the Game:

Note: I did not invent the Prusa Balance Game, but wrote some rules for it. You can certainly come up with your own rules!

With the Balance Game Spinner, you can get a “1”,"2","3", "R", or an “M”

At the start of the game, once you decide who goes first, that person makes the first spin  - if they get and "M" or an "R", they skip a turn - a “1” , "2", or "3" starts the game.

If you spin a “1” - you place 1 of your players on the playing field; 
If you spin a “2” - you place 2 of your players on the playing field; If you spin a "3" - you place 3 of your players on the playing field (if you only have one pawn left, you must skip a turn). 
If you spin an “M” - you must “Move” one of your existing players on the playing field from one location to another.
If you spin an “R” - you must “Remove” one of your existing players from the field of play, it is returned to your player pool. 
If there are too few spaces on the board to do what the spin shows (only one space left but two on the spin) the player may spin again. After that, they skip their turn.

Winning the game:  If the playing field is toppled or any players fall off of the playing field - the last person to make a move loses the game.  If none are toppled during gameplay, the first player to use up all of their “pawns” is declared the winner.

Alternate Winning: If all of the 37 spaces are filled without tipping, the winner may be called as the one with the most players on the playing field

Please enjoy!

See it in action here:  

Here is my Prusa Balance Game Die:  https://www.printables.com/model/651389-prusa-balance-game-die

Watch for my other versions coming soon, and see my other Stargate related items on Printables.

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