UPSB v3

Pen Modifications / Zebra Expandz Pens (new mod idea)

New idea for modding the expandz

  1. thejay
    Date: Sun, Oct 25 2009 00:22:32

    In another post, I mentioned some initial ideas for modding the Zebra Expandz. I've reached my final idea.

    My final idea for the expandz mod is to go with the original manufactured design of magnets in the ends. However, I will substitute the magnets with strong neodymium magnets with the correct polarities. The original magnets in the ends both have the same polarities facing outwards, so naturally repel and are certainly too weak. Then each pen gets a different color ink. They can be separated for writing and making revisions in red, or maybe a pencil mechanism, or whatever on the other side... smile.gif I may find barrels that have inner dimensions of the expandz outer dimensions, and use those to reinforce it if necessary.

    I can make a tutorial if you guys want as well. I'm a natural at this kind of stuff, its easy for me.

    This will be my pen.... I call it the alchemist pen smile.gif




  2. Nachoaddict
    Date: Sun, Oct 25 2009 03:00:45

    QUOTE (thejay @ Oct 24 2009, 05:22 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
    In another [ur/l="http://www.upsb.info/forum/index.php?s=&showtopic=16174&view=findpost&p=298565"]post[/url], I mentioned some initial ideas for modding the Zebra Expandz. I've reached my final idea.

    My final idea for the expandz mod is to go with the original manufactured design of magnets in the ends. However, I will substitute the magnets with strong neodymium magnets with the correct polarities. The original magnets in the ends both have the same polarities facing outwards, so naturally repel and are certainly too weak. Then each pen gets a different color ink. They can be separated for writing and making revisions in red, or maybe a pencil mechanism, or whatever on the other side... smile.gif I may find barrels that have inner dimensions of the expandz outer dimensions, and use those to reinforce it if necessary.

    I can make a tutorial if you guys want as well. I'm a natural at this kind of stuff, its easy for me.

    This will be my pen.... I call it the alchemist pen smile.gif


    Uh kind of confused. I get that it'll be kind of like a zt but really confused on the ink part. How are you gonna write with it? Magnetic is freakin awesome though...

  3. thejay
    Date: Mon, Oct 26 2009 00:11:46

    QUOTE (Nachoaddict @ Oct 24 2009, 11:00 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
    Uh kind of confused. I get that it'll be kind of like a zt but really confused on the ink part. How are you gonna write with it? Magnetic is freakin awesome though...


    Well, the pen tips are pointing outwards, like one of those double ended marker pens... that was the whole idea...

    Here's the first images, I build my pens where I do my art work, so I guess you guys get to enjoy whatever pieces of my art make it into the photos....

    Also, I have the yin and yang look going on since the pens aren't the same color (yet), which is something I kinda wanted, since the magnets represent the forces of yin/yang anyways...


    Alchemist Pen - Closed...



    Alchemist Pen - Opened....

  4. Nachoaddict
    Date: Mon, Oct 26 2009 01:44:34

    Oh haha like a retractable ZT. However looks awfully long. even longer than a buster o.O

  5. thejay
    Date: Mon, Oct 26 2009 03:03:28

    QUOTE (Nachoaddict @ Oct 25 2009, 09:44 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
    Oh haha like a retractable ZT. However looks awfully long. even longer than a buster o.O


    It is pretty long, but only when expanded its "awfully long". However, the pen tips come out when expanded, so its actually best spun while closed. Though, length can be adjusted positively and negatively smile.gif Just detach the pens, and maybe I'll find another mod that could have a magnet put in it that would shorten by only using one of the Expandz with a counterbalance stuck to it (like a pen cap with a magnet in it or something...)

    I just need to find the right sized magnets. If I can't find them locally, I'll have to order them online. I did see a few online that would work. Once I source the magnets, I"ll complete the tutorial.

  6. hoiboy
    Date: Mon, Oct 26 2009 03:10:34

    It's a great idea, but awfully ugly. And it doesn't look very stable.
    It must be really heavy too, with Zebra Expandz and magnets.

    I get your idea though... the magnets is a pretty good idea; (yes, i used a semicolon. i deserve an a in lit) however, I don't think the Expandz is a really good pen to use it on.

  7. thejay
    Date: Mon, Oct 26 2009 13:46:29

    QUOTE (hoiboy @ Oct 25 2009, 11:10 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
    It's a great idea, but awfully ugly. And it doesn't look very stable.
    It must be really heavy too, with Zebra Expandz and magnets.

    I get your idea though... the magnets is a pretty good idea; (yes, i used a semicolon. i deserve an a in lit) however, I don't think the Expandz is a really good pen to use it on.


    It's actually not nearly as heavy as it looks. The metal is very very thin and light on these pens. Once I find the magnets I'll be using, I'll post up the weight in my tutorial for comparison with other mods. Also, I think the right magnets would be pretty stable (they have to be very strong neodymium magnets). If thats not stable enough, then a light barrel could be slid over both of the expandz instead of the magnets to hold it together. Small neodyium magnets that would fit the pen aren't going to be that heavy unless they were real long. However, I am concerned that a bead of extra weight on the COP/COB might make the spins fall off COB axis easier than we are used to, or make it feel different when spinning. Longer magnets would be stronger and displace this central weight more evenly, but could only be fit if there was a middle section between the two pens, which would certainly make it too long. However, if there was a middle section, then the COP weight would be displaced slightly better. My hope is the neodymiums aren't heavier than the weight around the pen tips, which I am pretty confident they won't be.

    10-30-09:
    I finally found the magnets that will work (I did the math) that are strong enough and will fit very snuggly in the end of the zebra expandz. I have ordered them online and should get them sometime next week. I should have this mod completed hopefully next weekend. I've already started working on my first tutorial. This will be a pretty advanced mod, since this mod will require metal filing, a mounted vice, and a rubber mallet to pound the magnets in. I was thinking of shortening the length of this pen mod, but doing so would make the pens non-functional so this will be a longer mod that can extend to an even longer size. However, it can still fit in a pocket since the pens can be separated by pulling the magnets apart and then stick the two pens side by side and the magnets will hold the pens together. This reduces the length in half to fit in pockets better. The magnets I selected are extremely powerful and can hold about 11 pounds each, so this should be a stable mount when its all done and should hold well during spinning. I could probably cheat and wear a steel ring, and spin the magnet around on the ring to do blend some magnetic arounds into a combo. This might open up some doors to come up with some new tricks.

  8. thejay
    Date: Wed, Nov 4 2009 02:49:43

    I have completed the first design of the Alchemist Pen!

    The magnets hold quite well when the pen is not expanded and it works good for thumbarounds, sonics, infinities, fingerpasses and some charges. Its not spectacular due to it being so heavy and long, but it does work good. When the pen is fully expanded, due to its excessive length, its great for charges, infinities, and finger passes. While extended, it feels more like a drumstick than a pen to me. However, the magnet is only slightly not strong enough when fully expanded and if you don't keep the COP/COB just right, it could separate if there is enough force hitting it such as slamming your hand in the wrong way comming off of a spin. I added RSVP grips to the ends which greatly makes infinity tricks and wipers much easier when not expanded. It looks better with pens the same color and the grips on. I am currently experimenting with some reinforcements for while it is expanded, though I doubt anyone would really prefer to spin it expanded since its a nice length not expanded.

    The pens can write and the extra strong magnets help keep the pen covered while spinning and from unintentionally expanding itself while spinning. Also, it folds in half and stays together to fit in a pocket at half the length. Very portable "cool" piece that spins good once you get used to it and expands for the wowness factor. It seems to make less noise than the ZT. However, it was really created to be spun while not expanded so the pen tips are covered. Also, you can feel how the mass is not distributed as evenly along the length of the pen when expanded.

    Someone could really go crazy with this design and make all these different sized magnetic pen pieces that all snap together and you can mod it on the fly to get the size, weight, and length just how you want it. It is important to use the right magnets. I succeeded for the non-expanded, but I would have prefered to double the magnet power for expanded spinning. This could have been possible if I were to take the pen apart completely and shorten the middle part to allow for more room for an extra magnet. This would have affected its writeability and limit its ink refill compatibility.

    I plan to make a magnetic piece to fit onto the back of only one of the expandz to make a a shorter pen out of it that is a symetrical version of one expandz. This is hard to explain, but the pictures will do justice once I complete the extension piece.

    Here's the stats:
    Min Length (non-expanded): 37mm
    Max Length (expanded): 52mm
    Total Weight: 47.4g

    I'll be working on a demo video and will complete the tutorial. There's some neat and fun stuff I can do with this, since they are magnets, and there's a whole world of magnet tricks that could coincide with pen tricks. Why hasn't anyone done this yet?

    I'm curious to see what one of those master hands could do with this thing.

  9. Stevieboy7
    Date: Wed, Nov 4 2009 03:05:52

    Im confused why you still try to go at this idea.
    Its been done before, its called a ZT mod.
    people have made them into MP, pens, everything.

    yours sound way too heavy, wayy to expensive, way too complicated, and way too difficult.
    Just make a ZT.

  10. AwonW
    Date: Wed, Nov 4 2009 03:09:11

    QUOTE (thejay @ Nov 3 2009, 06:49 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
    Total Weight: 47.4g

    Yep, not heavy at all.

  11. duckfun
    Date: Wed, Nov 4 2009 03:16:24

    QUOTE (AwonW @ Nov 3 2009, 09:09 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
    Yep, not heavy at all.

    rofl i agree
    thats like 2 times the weight of a kt...
    also you say you need a vice a mallet and other tools... pen modding should be very simple, such as the bictory which requires next to no tools at all

  12. Misery
    Date: Wed, Nov 4 2009 05:32:09

    QUOTE (AwonW @ Nov 3 2009, 09:09 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
    Yep, not heavy at all.

    Seems pretty light to me. :3

  13. hoiboy
    Date: Wed, Nov 4 2009 06:21:22

    QUOTE (thejay @ Nov 3 2009, 06:49 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
    Min Length (non-expanded): 37mm
    Max Length (expanded): 52mm
    Total Weight: 47.4g

    err... is this a joke?

  14. Colin
    Date: Wed, Nov 4 2009 06:45:39

    QUOTE (hoiboy @ Nov 3 2009, 10:21 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
    err... is this a joke?

    seriously..
    37mm?
    3.7cm? thats like an inch dude .__.

  15. thejay
    Date: Wed, Nov 4 2009 16:32:41

    QUOTE (Colin @ Nov 4 2009, 01:45 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
    seriously..
    37mm?
    3.7cm? thats like an inch dude .__.


    Woops, I think those measurements were in cm, I should re-measure it tonight with my regular ruler. I'll be sure to get it right in the tutorial. I hope to work on the demo video tonight. I came up with a neat trick that makes use of the magnets. I wish I was better at pen spinning, but I think I'm doing ok for being my second week of learning. The magnets are actually holding ok when its expanded for most the tricks I'm trying, though its definitely better for most tricks not expanded. I think when I get a video up it will help everyone get a better idea of this.

    I think some of you were missing the point of this pen mod. The point of this pen mod is really about the mod itself and no so much how good it is for spinning it. The mod is probably in a similar class of pen mods as the LED pen mods. Its more of a gimmicky thing than the most practical thing to use to do tricks with. However, the magnets and expanding length open up some new possibilities for tricks. I'd like to try the magnets with some lighter pens like the ZT's or something else as well.

    This is different from the ZT mod since the pen tips are useable and are pointing outwards. Please let me know if you saw a ZT mod that you can still use the pens...

    Actually, after building this thing, its easier to assemble than I thought initially. The only tools I ended up using was a pair of pliers, a screw that fit in the washer of the expandz pen, and a metal file to make the end of the pen even. I agree it is more complex than some of the other mods, especially since it requires grade N52 neodymium magnets.

    I can actually pull off some tricks easier with this than the MX due to its excessive weight and my lack of spinning skills. I think this pen would make a cool "medicine ball" type pen that gives your fingers some great exercise, then when using the lighter pens, it will feel even more effortless.

  16. hoiboy
    Date: Wed, Nov 4 2009 16:37:49

    1. LED mods are generally made to enhance the spinning effect.
    2. If it's just for the mod, whats the point of making it?
    3. Check TEK's photobucket. Rtr. ZT, MP ZT etc.
    4. Just a heads up, growing more muscles in your fingers won't really help you with anything besides spinning a Buster CYL. or this "Alchemist Pen"

  17. thejay
    Date: Wed, Nov 4 2009 16:56:14

    QUOTE (hoiboy @ Nov 4 2009, 11:37 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
    1. LED mods are generally made to enhance the spinning effect.
    2. If it's just for the mod, whats the point of making it?
    3. Check TEK's photobucket. Rtr. ZT, MP ZT etc.
    4. Just a heads up, growing more muscles in your fingers won't really help you with anything besides spinning a Buster CYL. or this "Alchemist Pen"



    K, thanks for the feedback hoiboy. Well, even if no one else likes the idea of this mod, at least I get to use and enjoy it for what it is. Also, it is enough for me that I could build something that I envisioned in my mind, and it actually worked when it was done, even if its not yet completely perfect for what I intended it for on the first try. Maybe someone more experienced with pen spinning may like the idea of the magnets and come up with some neat tricks with this pen or something similar that spins a little lighter and faster.


    Well, for #1, I could argue the magnets allow some additional trick possibilities that aren't possible without magnets.

  18. fletch
    Date: Wed, Nov 4 2009 17:54:16

    I think it probably doesnt spin that good, but it does look cool! like some hydraulic actuators or something. I dont know if magnets can really make new spins possible (do you have to have metal hands or something?)

    add some cool graphics on it!

  19. Penwish
    Date: Wed, Nov 4 2009 23:23:56

    Probably cool to look at. But it must feel really heavy .

  20. thejay
    Date: Thu, Nov 5 2009 00:38:04

    QUOTE (Colin @ Nov 4 2009, 01:45 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
    seriously..
    37mm?
    3.7cm? thats like an inch dude .__.



    Ok, I used the wrong ruler the other day (architect ruler, not sure what exactly those measurements are now...)

    Minimum length (not expanded) is 20cm
    Maximum length (expanded) is 26cm

  21. Penwish
    Date: Thu, Nov 5 2009 01:50:36

    Good technical thinking jay but 26 cm is really long. That's taller than some penspinners =p. Try knocking down some weight. Seems like a decent mod if you like metal and super heavy. Normal Zt is a lot simpler than this but Have to say the expandz and japanese normal zt do look a whole lot better

  22. Misery
    Date: Thu, Nov 5 2009 02:25:49

    QUOTE (Penwish @ Nov 4 2009, 07:50 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
    Good technical thinking jay but 26 cm is really long. That's taller than some penspinners =p. Try knocking down some weight. Seems like a decent mod if you like metal and super heavy. Normal Zt is a lot simpler than this but Have to say the expandz and japanese normal zt do look a whole lot better

    Eh. What.

  23. thejay
    Date: Thu, Nov 5 2009 02:47:02

    Completed the first demo with it tonight. It is apparent its a bit too heavy. Its really not too long though when not expanded, only when its expanded, it almost feels like spinning a drumstick. I'll be making a piece that sticks on that will take care of all these complaints.


    Here's the first demo of the Alchemist Pen. I kinda wish I used the blue one to keep the yin/yang look. But no prob once I make more, I can exchange colors left and right for looks.

    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lJDe-rBaGrk

  24. Nachoaddict
    Date: Thu, Nov 5 2009 02:54:17

    QUOTE (thejay @ Nov 4 2009, 06:47 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
    Completed the first demo with it tonight. It is apparent its a bit too heavy. Its really not too long though when not expanded, only when its expanded, it almost feels like spinning a drumstick. I'll be making a piece that sticks on that will take care of all these complaints.


    Here's the first demo of the Alchemist Pen. I kinda wish I used the blue one to keep the yin/yang look. But no prob once I make more, I can exchange colors left and right for looks.


    Looks real nice. Good job. I'm just worried bout if the magnets are strong enough to hold together. No experience with magnets myself but will they keep the mod in one piece? you made the mod into 2 parts pretty easily...

  25. tuna
    Date: Thu, Nov 5 2009 03:00:25

    that's really cool actually tongue.gif but way too heavy and long to be someone's main pen.

  26. thejay
    Date: Thu, Nov 5 2009 03:15:36

    QUOTE (Nachoaddict @ Nov 4 2009, 09:54 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
    Looks real nice. Good job. I'm just worried bout if the magnets are strong enough to hold together. No experience with magnets myself but will they keep the mod in one piece? you made the mod into 2 parts pretty easily...


    The magnets hold it together the best when its not expanded, and thats also the best length to spin it. When expanded, the magnets could separate if slammed against the hand in just the right way. I would have preferred stronger magnets, but it would have increased weight and length, because theres no more room to push a magnet into it any further without increasing the length. I'll be making a second magnet order with some different sizes to try as well in the future when I build up a shopping list. I ordered the strongest magnets that could possibly fit into the ends of the zebra expandz and have it pretty flush and fully contracted. I could put a single extremely strong 25lb pull magnet that is the width of the barrel between the two pens as is. I just didn't want to add too much weight to the center.

    The magnets I used hold about 10lbs each and stick together pretty well.

  27. Charlie
    Date: Thu, Nov 5 2009 03:52:57

    QUOTE (Misery @ Nov 4 2009, 06:25 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
    Eh. What.

    PW was making a joke. Just making a poke at the age of you youngsters.

    Too big. Too heavy. But nice try.

  28. Thnikk
    Date: Thu, Nov 5 2009 04:16:04

    QUOTE (hoiboy @ Oct 25 2009, 07:10 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
    It's a great idea, but awfully ugly. And it doesn't look very stable.
    It must be really heavy too, with Zebra Expandz and magnets.

    I get your idea though... the magnets is a pretty good idea; (yes, i used a semicolon. i deserve an a in lit) however, I don't think the Expandz is a really good pen to use it on.

    err.... subject verb agreement?

  29. Kam
    Date: Thu, Nov 5 2009 05:04:42

    darn...I had this same magnet idea over a year ago at the SoCal gathering. I finally got the magnets today too...then I check UPSB and what do you know? someone has already done it xD

    Although...I might still make a mod with magnets because I want to try new tricks with it.

    Anyways, great idea (great minds think alike? xD ). I would just work on aesthetics more before releasing a tutorial. Weight and length is kind of subject to each person, but I am pretty sure everyone likes a good looking mod ^^

    good job smile.gif


    PS: I hate you for being a step ahead of me xD

  30. thejay
    Date: Thu, Nov 5 2009 05:49:55

    QUOTE (Kam @ Nov 5 2009, 12:04 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
    darn...I had this same magnet idea over a year ago at the SoCal gathering. I finally got the magnets today too...then I check UPSB and what do you know? someone has already done it xD

    Although...I might still make a mod with magnets because I want to try new tricks with it.

    Anyways, great idea (great minds think alike? xD ). I would just work on aesthetics more before releasing a tutorial. Weight and length is kind of subject to each person, but I am pretty sure everyone likes a good looking mod ^^

    good job smile.gif


    PS: I hate you for being a step ahead of me xD


    Great, so my second week here and Kam himself hates me... sigh sad.gif Anyways, have fun with the magnets. I want to see some videos from some master hands have fun with magnetic pens smile.gif There, Kam.... you have me beat in that respect...

    The pen had a magnet in it, so the idea came from the pen itself. It is just a magnetically amplified version of the original pen.

  31. thejay
    Date: Sun, Nov 22 2009 07:27:18

    QUOTE (hoiboy @ Oct 25 2009, 10:10 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
    I get your idea though... the magnets is a pretty good idea; (yes, i used a semicolon. i deserve an a in lit) however, I don't think the Expandz is a really good pen to use it on.


    Actually, I just tried a similar magnet mod with lighter pens and there were some spins with the magnets I couldn't do because of the lack of weight displacement. With the Expandz, the weight and length from the spin, as shown in my youtube demo: Alchemist Pen Demo allows some neat numchuck like spins. It's a lot of fun while I'm learning spins and pen tricks smile.gif

    If I used lighter pens, I would have to find weaker magnets, the ones I had were too strong, provided a more solid joint, but prevented some fun tricks. I actually seemed to get the magnetic pen mod design down on the first try. I have some ideas to make it much lighter as well... It should be a good mod when its completely finished.

  32. shadowspinner
    Date: Sun, Nov 22 2009 16:31:02

    QUOTE (thejay @ Oct 24 2009, 07:22 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
    In another post, I mentioned some initial ideas for modding the Zebra Expandz. I've reached my final idea.

    My final idea for the expandz mod is to go with the original manufactured design of magnets in the ends. However, I will substitute the magnets with strong neodymium magnets with the correct polarities. The original magnets in the ends both have the same polarities facing outwards, so naturally repel and are certainly too weak. Then each pen gets a different color ink. They can be separated for writing and making revisions in red, or maybe a pencil mechanism, or whatever on the other side... smile.gif I may find barrels that have inner dimensions of the expandz outer dimensions, and use those to reinforce it if necessary.

    I can make a tutorial if you guys want as well. I'm a natural at this kind of stuff, its easy for me.

    This will be my pen.... I call it the alchemist pen smile.gif


    probley looks cool but may not b that good to spin weight wise

  33. spinneraddiction
    Date: Fri, Nov 27 2009 02:47:05

    I really like the idea of yours. GOod job thinking of it. But a couple of things. This looks highly unstable, like if i drop it it would shatter into a conjillion pieces. Also, how heavy is thissss??? with the magnets and zebra pens? and it looks really long. But i like the idea of it

  34. AwonW
    Date: Fri, Nov 27 2009 02:58:05

    QUOTE (spinneraddiction @ Nov 26 2009, 06:47 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
    I really like the idea of yours. GOod job thinking of it. But a couple of things. This looks highly unstable, like if i drop it it would shatter into a conjillion pieces. Also, how heavy is thissss??? with the magnets and zebra pens? and it looks really long. But i like the idea of it

    Did you even read the thread? sleep(1).gif

  35. thejay
    Date: Sun, Jan 31 2010 00:59:36

    QUOTE (spinneraddiction @ Nov 26 2009, 09:47 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
    I really like the idea of yours. GOod job thinking of it. But a couple of things. This looks highly unstable, like if i drop it it would shatter into a conjillion pieces. Also, how heavy is thissss??? with the magnets and zebra pens? and it looks really long. But i like the idea of it


    Thanks for the compliments smile.gif I've dropped it quite a few times and nothing has shattered. It is completely stable and at worst case, the two pens separate and roll in different directions. I mostly use it over a bed or sofa since I'm still learning how to spin.

    I'm considering a magnetic comsa mod next. I'll keep you guys posted...

    P.S. why are you guys so negative about everything? This is just a prototype, ok this one is too heavy, lets try again... obviously the true artists know what's up. happy.gif

  36. sarugio1
    Date: Sun, Apr 25 2010 03:37:45

    ckck i bet after i spin this pen buster cyl taste like bictory for me