The Gear Time 3D print series was created by GoTime.us as a free-to-download 3D printable product that gave users a modular gear system which they could build, disassemble and rebuild. One of the simplest configurations was the Quad Gear Frame. This configuration involved 4 gears that were held together with 8 frame pieces and an assortment of axles and fittings.

The Double Gear Frame is a great way to get started with Gear Time products. It is the smallest and simplest construction, and offers a low level of difficulty.

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To print it out yourself, download files here

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Step 1: Download and Print Out All of the Needed Parts

Visit the Thingiverse page for the Gear Time Quad Gear Frame and download the package and print out:

2x tgear
2x taxle
2x t2frame
4x t1frame
4x tbearing
4x tcap

If the axles don't print flat, the whole thing may not fit together correctly. Reprint any parts that do not print out correctly.

Step 2: Start With the Axles

Take 2 taxles and 2 tcaps and press one cap into the notched end of each taxle. The notches should line up to form a 'T' and fit snuggly (see pictures to make sure that the parts are aligned correctly.)

Step 3: Add Bearings

Take 2 tbearings and slip one onto each taxel and slide them down the taxle until they come to rest against the tcap.

Step 4: Add a Frame Part

Take 1 t2frame and place the taxles into the holes of the t2frame so that the tbearings fill the hole completely. The notched side of the t2frame should be facing up (away from the tcaps.)

Step 5: Add Some More Frame Parts

Take 2 t1frame parts and place them on the taxles so they lock into the t2frame part. the notched side of the t1frame parts should be facing down (towards the other t2frame.)

Step 6: Add the Gears

Take 2 tgears and slide them into the taxles so they come to rest against the t1frame parts. The teeth of the tgears should interlock.

Step 7: Add the Rest of the Bearings

Take the last 2 tbearings and slide them onto the taxles so they come to rest against the tgears.

Step 8: Add the Second Frame Level

Take 1 t2frame and place it on the taxles / tbearings. The notches in the tframes should be facing up (away from the tgear.)

Step 9: Complete the Second Frame Level

Take the last 2 t1frame parts and place them on the taxles so that they lock into the t2frame (just as in step 5.) The notched side of the second pair of t2frames should be facing towards the t2frame. The notches should lock the t1frames into place.

Step 10: Complete With Final Clips

Take the last 2 tcaps and press one cap into the open notched end of each taxle. The notches should line up to form a 'T' and fit snuggly (see pictures to make sure that the parts are aligned correctly.) These tcaps should hold the entire structure together.

Your Double Gear Frame should spin freely. If not, check for burs in the parts that could be jamming the works.

Introduction: Build a Gear Time Double Gear Frame