by Harperbot

I saw a picture of a hexapod somewhere in my past and saved it to my computer. Years later I stumbled across it while going through some old files and with no clue where it came from I decided to attempt my own version. Thanks unknown creator!

The mech prints in one of two fashions. If you print the top, base and six legs, then you will have to assemble the parts, but the legs will move freely back and forth so you can change their position (more below). The movement should be noticeable if you pay close attention to the pictures. If you don't care about all that then you could also print the assembly and have fixed legs.

My apologies, I am not the best painter, I am trying to get better. The painted version is actually scaled up to 165% from the original file in order to maximize my print plate and make finishing easier. You can see the difference in the picture with the blue mini mech. I intentionally put a 9V battery in the picture purely for size reference.

Print Settings

Printer Brand:                          

XYZprinting

Printer:                          

da Vinci Jr. 1.0 Pro

Rafts:                          

No

Supports:                          

Yes

Resolution:                          

0.15 mm

Infill:                          

15%

Filament:                                            Hatchbox PLA                                        Black and white                                        

Notes:

The blue mech was actually printed on a da Vinci Mini W with the Crystal Blue.

NOTE The painted version is scaled up. The .stl's will give you the blue sized mech if not scaled.

I also recommend that you lay the leg on its side to print. Saves a ton of support material.

Post-Printing

If you printed this as an assembly, enjoy!

If you printed this as eight parts, I recommend you find a friend to help you hold some legs in place while you snap the top and bottom together. It is possible to do it by yourself but it can be tricky. Depending on the tolerance of your printer you may need a touch of glue to keep the bottom from popping off with regular handling.

My apologies, I have no pre-painted pictures because I did not originally think to post this on Thingiverse.

To create the painted version I started with automobile filler primer, available at most local hardware stores. It helps fill the layer lines and makes sanding less time consuming. I like flat black better than glossy so I used a flat black spray paint then added detail with assorted colors of Testor's modeling paint.