Tom Servo, Bubblegum Machine Add On Parts

Before we start, please note this is not a complete Tom Servo Replica! What I’m offering here are simply add-on pieces for a readily available bubblegum dispenser! The american craft retailer Hobby Lobby is currently offering these bright pink bubblegum dispensers that share a close resemblance with Tom Servo, the wisecracking robot from Mystery Science Theater 3000. The original found dispensers used for the show’s puppets have been practically unavailable for a while now, but these can currently be purchased for about $5, and they include the parts most difficult to fabricate. They do, however, have some inaccuracies such as the short, rounded base top and too small globe topper. I went into TinkerCad and made some simple printable pieces that fix these problems simply by attaching to the preexisting pieces. No modifying of the part is necessary to use these, simply sand, prime, and paint the pieces, and they just twist into place! Placed flat side down, they could be printed with no supports, but supports help the twist and lock parts of the Mod Ring print better. Note: The globe that comes with the dispenser is also inaccurate in several ways. I have not attempted a fix for that here, I have chosen to work around it to keep this a quick simple project. I have included some small rings to be printed in clear filament that help the pre-existing globe join to the add on parts more closely. To modify the dispenser into the Tom Servo shown, I had to start by cutting the thin little handle off flush with the main dispenser part. Some standard wire nippers do the job. Twist and remove the clear globe, and the TOM MOD RING attaches in the same place. I’m no engineer, but the part should eventually find a way to settle in to twist and lock into place. Then set the taller of the two CLEAR RINGS onto the mod ring, and twist the globe onto it. Then on top of the globe, set down the other CLEAR RING and fit the new TOPPER onto the preexisting small top. It may need to be glued into place. If everything fits properly, you are free to disassemble, sand, prime, and paint up your very own (mostly) accurate, (probably) puppetable Tom Servo head! I used Tester’s Spray Enamel “Mythical Maroon” for his main color, with some basic chrome spray paint for his beak.