Planetary Catcher - miniature painting handle

Another springed miniatures painting holder.

This one is build around planetary gearbox principle - arms are attached to the planet gears and as they rotate, the arms "open" and "close" - which works suprisingly well for holding small items.
(I've randomly stumbled upon an oil filter key in a hardware store, and it seemed like a fun idea to repurpose for miniatures)

Compared to previous design (SpringedCatcher which at the same time got V2!) this one comes with additional improvements / trade offs. 

• Now we do need additional M3 screw and 2 nuts, but at least the whole thing is much more robust - so it's not fully printable. 
• The new torsion spring is slightly taller and thinner - this offers a little bit more twist without loosing much of the torsion strenght.
• RotatingSpiral was redesigned to be more round and smooth - which I think makes it nicer in touch.
• The hub now hides partially in the rotating disc, which adds some protection from accidently pulling them apart.
  • This is further strenghned by separated Thread (no longer embedded in handles), that holds additional M3 nut, and compresses the build further.
• Shafts are now printed horizontally (as they should've been :D) which makes them more resistant to braking.
  • Though the M3 bolts helped eliminate the thin, weak flex wings at the ends of the shaft. Still this orientation should work better (and requires less printing time). With a tradeoff being it comes out less round and smooth (but it works fine).
• Added fuzzy skin modifiers on handles models - they can be turned off or use the version without modifiers. Though I'd say, the fuzzy skin (0.3, 0.3) does improve gripability.
• Known issues:
  • the TopCover might get slightly off level as we continue using the catcher - likely the shaft needs to be remodelled so it can support rotating chasis in more than one place. 
  • the PlanetArms don't extend fully in max open position - cause by limitation of the spring. Though it's wide enough to fit bases slightly larger than 42mm in diameter. For wider ones either the TopCover can be adjusted, so the rest position puts less tension on the spring, or use two storeys hand variant (see below). 

Hardware:

With separate Thread model:

• 1x M3 30mm screw (countersunk head)
• 2x M3 nut

Without Thread:

• 1x M3 20mm screw (countersunk head)
• 1x M3 nut
   

For extra postprocessing:

• 1200 grit sanding paper
  • sanding some flat surfaces will improve the smoothnes of the mechanism
    •  parts that benefit from that:
      • PlanetArms (bottom)
      • Spring V2 (both top and bottom)
  • this step can be omitted, as most filaments (like PLA or PETG) will smooth themselves out thanks to friction. Or if you use smooth build plates for the print. Regular PEI leaves grooved and dragging surface. 
• 2x M10 nuts, to weight down the Tower handle.
  • or any alternative weight. The Tower handle has hex shaped space, but other handles (Gourd) are larger.

The improved parts are also available for original SpringedCatcher - as update to M3 screws, or for entire SpringedCatcherV2, additionally the V1 can be converted to Plantary thanks to adapter parts (see SpringedCatcher model page).

PlanetaryCatcher comes with separate thread which brakes compatibility with previous version of the handles (which had the thread embedde). That's not an issue - you don't need to print new ones - the separete thread can be omitted and catcher mounted as usual. Just use shorter M3 bolt (20mm instead of 30mm), otherwise it will get in the way.

>> Additional handles designs are available here: https://www.printables.com/model/1035039-painting-arm-stand-handle

Holder Hands options:
Single storey option (the miniature base rests on the TopCover)
- curved
- simple

Two storeys option (the miniature base rests on arms below)
- curved with pegs
- (then any of the previous ones as 2nd level)

With the two stories option we can fit it larger bases, which is held in place by the second set of hands, mounted on the curved with pegs. Naturally do not put heavy minis between them, we're still limited by torsion spring strengh as well as general stability of the handle (it would be too easy to accidently knock it over). To improve that check options to weight down the handle or attach wider base (https://makerworld.com/en/models/692491-painting-arm-stand-handle)

NOTE: Hands should be printed with the flat and widest side facing upwards, and with normal, snug supports  - therefore please WASH YOUR BUILD PLATE before printing :D

They can be printed in more obvious orientation, but then their edges become bit too sharp which makes them more annoying to rotate around arm pegs. 

Instructions:

Overview image
There's PDF attached to the model page with more step by step pictures.

Miniatures showcased on the pictures:

• Requiem Demon Hunter by Artisan Guild
• Ragegutta Mega Armor by Smuggler Boutique
• Staghound Scout Walker by Nate Feyma
• Black Orc Warlord with great axe by Avatars of War