A reverse knuckle roller; contacting the dark side of your hand. Where a standard roller moves between the knuckle this stone hugs them closely.
Inspired by knuckle rollers, contact coins and worry stones; the Mellow Stone can be manipulated in a single style or a combination of all three.
The transitional nature of the stone allows slow methodical motion as well as high speed rotations along multiple axis, creating the illusion of time distortion.
DIMENSIONS
9mm x 20mm x 53mm
APPROXIMATE WEIGHT
SS/Brass/Copper composite - 14g
Delrin - 9g
Stabilized Maple - 7g
Stabilized Oak - 6.5g
Ebony - 7g
Bloodwood -7g
THE DESIGN
Initially influenced by a desire for a controllable mass in a pocket friendly format that would serve multiple functions the stone began to take shape as a bow tie.
While the bow tie shape created the mass required for momentum based motion it only allowed limited rotation speed. One the flip side slow manipulation was pleasent with large flat section but lacked control during grip changes.
Enter the center indentation, this is where the revisions really began. Experimenting with depth, width, and angles until rotational speed began to increase. This created a rim which also allowed the control necessary for methodical manipulation.
The indentation was refined to provide a satisfying thumb rest completing the worry stone functions.
THE MATERIAL
Created using modern 3d printed methods as well as CNC machining the Mellow stone is available in a number of materials ranging from Delrin to metal composites. Currently all products are made in house at Mellow Block HQ.
The current batch of Delrin stones are machined and finished here at Mellow Block HQ, the spec is slightly out and machining marks are present. They have been stone washed and lightly polished to a unique textured, glossy finish.
The final selection for non glow Powder materials contains carbon fiber blended into a propriety PLA which results in a beautiful molted finish with varied levels of pigmentation.
Jet material contains carbon fiber blended into a propriety PETG base.
Galaxy/fantasy/glow replace the carbon fibre with the relevant fill to achieve varied visual effects.
"Raw" parts are gently post processed to bring out the natural aesthetics without removing the texture. Printer lines and imperfections will be visible.
"Satin" parts are heavily processed to a semi gloss finish. It could also be described as a beach glass finish. Minor imperfections will be visible under close inspection.
"Smooth" parts are heavily processed to a smooth finish. Minor imperfections may be visible under close inspection.
A note on durability: Powder (PLA) is a very rigid material offering high surface hardness relative to other thermoplastics such as ABS and PETG. This is increased further when combined with carbon fiber. Durability of non filled PLA is a step under Delrin based on the Rockwell R scale.
Jet (PETG) offers a lower rigidity and scratch resistance while increasing UV and temperature resistance.
Long term UV exposure as well as high heat (above 60c, 140f) should be avoided for the "powder" materials.
3DEE metal is UV resistant and will not deform up to 100c under no load conditions.
Alternative "JET" materials with high heat and UV resistance is also available.
