Adaptive Scissors

Follow these steps to make adaptive scissors!

For this project you will need a variety of materials for each component.

1. Scissors:

• small pair of scissors
• computer to access Tinkercad online software
• 3D printer
• caliper

2. Scissor Base:

• tri-wall cardboard
• a jigsaw
• scissors
• ruler
• pencil
• gummy tape
• a cup of water
• primer
• paint
• paintbrush
• polyurethane
• hot glue

Before you start creating your project, draw out your design on lined paper so that you can keep track of all the components and know what you need to get a final product.

Components that you should have are:

• cardboard components
  • base (x2)
  • slanted triangle piece (x2) to attach scissors to
• 3D components
  • scissor holder

Before you begin designing your 3D scissor holder, you need to remove the plastic pieces off the ends of the metal part of the scissors. The plastic is not going to be used, so it does not need to remain intact. It is most easily taken off just by pulling it or bending it over the edge of a table to break it off. If the plastic is more difficult to take off, you may need to use other strategies.

You need to measure the width and length of the ends of the scissors with the caliper before creating the 3D holder. The scissors need to sit in the ends and be snug enough not to fall out, so having an accurate measurement of them is very important.

To begin this, you will need to use a computer to access https://www.tinkercad.com. If you don't already have an account, you need to sign up for one (this is free). You then can use the various tools on the Tinkercad software program to design the scissor holder. There needs to be 2 rectangular shaped pieces that have a slit in them that will fit the metal ends of the scissors snuggly. This is when you will need to use the measurements you took using the caliper (the hole in each piece needs to be the size you measured). The overall width and size will depend on the size of your scissors and how wide your base is going to.

We attached the STL file if you want to download and 3D print our scissor holder!

When you have completed designed your 3D pieces online, you need to send them to a 3D printer to print out. The 3D printer should be monitored for the first few layers and may take a few hours to print out completely. It might take a few prints to get the sizes just right, so if it's not right the first time, you can tweak your design and print again. When you have your final pieces, simply push the 3D pieces on each end of the metal scissors.

Before you start making the base for your scissors, you need to set up your materials. Cover a table by taping down a sheet of 1 ply cardboard. Get out and plug in a hot glue gun and a jigsaw (if you don't want to use a jigsaw, you can use an exacto knife, but it's harder to get a straight cut). Make sure you have a ruler and a pencil near by.

You will need to cut out 2 square base pieces out of tri-wall cardboard. When you're selecting your pieces to cut out, make sure the grain of the cardboard is running it opposite directions to make it more stable. Use the ruler and pencil to draw out two equal square bases. Carefully cut out the two pieces using a jig saw (you can also use a exact knife, but it is harder to make the edges straight). Glue the two bases together, with the grain running in opposite directions, using white glue. You will need to let these pieces dry for about 20 minutes.

You will need to cut out 2 triangular pieces out of tri-wall cardboard. When you're selecting your pieces to cut out, make sure the grain of the cardboard is running up and down to make sure it is stable. Use the ruler and pencil to draw out two equal triangular pieces, making sure they are at a good height and angle to use the scissors at (the scissors will be placed at the highest end of the piece). Carefully cut out the two pieces using a jig saw (you can also use a exact knife, but it is harder to make the edges straight). Glue the two pieces together using white glue. You will need to let these pieces dry for about 20 minutes.

After both the base and the triangle scissor pieces are dried, use hot glue to connect the bottom of the triangle onto the center of the base.To provide more stability, when the structure is fully dried you can poke 2 holes from the bottom of the base into the triangular piece. You then can put white glue and a small wooden dowel into the holes to stabilize the structure.

Use gummy tape to cover any exposed edges or areas where two pieces of cardboard are glued together. To do this you will need gummy tape, a cup of water, and scissors. Cut a piece of gummy tape to fit the size of the edge you want to cover. Apply a little bit of water to the sticky side of the gummy tape and attach it to the edge. On areas where there is a double layer of cardboard, you should use two pieces of gummy tape that overlap. You want to make sure the entire structure is sealed, so you can use the scissors to cut the corners and overlap them.

To paint your structure, you need primer, paint, polyurethane, and paint brushes. First, paint a layer of primer, than 2 layers of paint, and a layer of polyurethane. You will need between 30 minutes to an hour between each layer to let it dry, so you may need to plan ahead.

After the layer of polyurethane is completely dry, you can attach the 3D adaptive scissors to the cardboard structure. To do this, apply hot glue on the 3D piece that goes towards the bottom and attach it to the cardboard at the top edge of the triangular piece.

This completes the adaptive scissors !