*Currently the Captain America Top is only available for 'Glue In' Assembly. A threaded option may come layer.

This is a recreation of a pull string top from my childhood. It has a bare wood handle with a painted and sectioned ‘dome’. In recreating this I was looking to make it look authentic, but I also wanted to add some fun customization options. I recently added a fun spin (pun intended) on it by added a Captain America theme. The 'Cap' top currently requires a multi color system, but I'm toying with the idea of trying to make it printable with simple filament changes and an insertable star.

The handle includes some texture meant to simulate wood grain. It's not perfect, but I think it looks pretty good. The shaft of the top is split into two pieces for a couple of reasons. First, it's easier to print without supports and second, this allows you to further tweak and customize it with different colors if you choose. A complete shaft stl is also included. I found it difficult to print without wobble, which resulted in failed prints. Beyond the four printed parts, you'll need a string. My original top came with a shoe lace, which I believe is optimal because the rigid ends are great for threading and provide ideal tension when pulling the string.

Assembling the top is really easy if you print both portions of the shaft on the flattest surface. I used super glue to first glue in the top part of the shaft, followed by gluing the bottom portion to the top portion. As long as you give it sufficient time to dry it should hold with no problems. *If you are printing the shaft in two pieces on a textured bed I'd suggest a little sand paper to further smooth the two surfaces that will be glued together to help with the bond.

I also have a second top that requires no glue whatsoever. Instead it uses threads to screw the pieces together. When threads work well it's really gratifying, but when they don't they are super frustrating. I'd suggest at a minimum that you use a .16mm layer height for the dome and the shaft pieces. Additionally the threaded shafts include a 12mm nut to help with the initial install of the shaft. If the threads are too tight, reprint after adjusting horizontal expansion (elephants foot). You'll need to increase the number of layers horizontal expansion affects to the entire height of the model.

Classic Pull String Top

0.16mm layer, 3 walls, 15% infill

0.2mm layer, 2 walls, 15% infill