[Created by me back in 2022, but this Thingiverse version was stuck as a draft instead of published for whatever reason.] I had the idea to try and create a way to easily demo how the Ames Window works.

Here's a video that demonstrates the illusion quite well: The Magical, Mystical, Mind-bogging Ames Window by CuriosityShow https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DkVOIJAaWO0&t=10s

Parts:

2x Base (The top and bottom are the same) 1x Hook Disc 1x Hook Disc Crank 1x Shaft 1x Crank 1x Holder Bar 1x Ames Window Two-Sided

or 2x Ames Window One-Sided (and some glue) 2x Pieces of thin, preferably transparent, string-like material (like zip ties or fishing line)

Notes:

Some of the pictures are outdated. Use a layer height of at least 0.2mm Please use supports wherever you can.

I tried to make the whole thing work without them, but it's way safer for tolerances if you spend the extra time. I used the ‘two-sided’ Ames Window for this first print. This model is a little iffy and requires the use of supports. It's way easier to do multi-color on the one-sided version, although I don't know how well. Using ‘normal’ string to suspend the window may make it more difficult to rotate. So, I recommend using something thicker, like zip ties (what I used) or fishing line (the other photo).

(Maybe rubber bands would be a better fit. Or just a giant vertical pole…) You could totally use the floating frame for something else. Maybe even jewelry. I'm always welcome to suggestions/edits if you'd a specific change to be made.

I could tweak the design and tolerances of these models forever, but for now, this should be ‘enough’.

[Originally posted on Printables.com] [https://www.printables.com/model/250867-ames-windows-rotatable-floating-frame]