# The Tidal Archivist (TF//002)

> A mechanical archivist embedded in riverstone, its recording drum stopped mid-rotation.

An aquatic machine built to listen, fossilised in the bed of a river that no longer exists. The exposed recording drum, intake vanes and stone matrix print as one dramatic display piece.

**Digital STL files. No physical item will be shipped.**

## Specimen facts

- **What is this?**: Digital STL package for resin 3D printing
- **Digital or physical?**: Digital download only — no physical item will be shipped.
- **Files included**: the-tidal-archivist_riverstone-base.stl; the-tidal-archivist_body.stl; the-tidal-archivist_recording-drum.stl; the-tidal-archivist_intake-vanes.stl; the-tidal-archivist_sensor-boom.stl; the-tidal-archivist_index-plate.stl; README-tidal-archivist.txt (print notes and licence)
- **Print size**: 142 × 110 × 88 mm assembled at intended scale
- **Parts**: 6
- **Pre-supported?**: No — unsupported STLs with documented orientation notes. Pre-supported files are planned as a free update.
- **Intended printer**: MSLA/DLP resin printers
- **Skill level**: Intermediate
- **Recommended layer height**: 35–50 µm
- **Assembly**: Six parts with keyed joints. No magnets.
- **Test-print status**: Not yet test printed — files pending final production.
- **Licences**: Personal (€12) or Commercial (€44)
- **File updates**: Delivered by email to the address from your order, at no extra cost.
- **Current version**: v0.9.0

## The discovery

Rivers keep excellent archives; this machine tried to keep a better one.

The drum stopped between two index marks. Whatever it heard last was never filed.

Water wear rounded the stone but spared the mechanism — the vanes still read as metal under a painter's drybrush.

## Frequently asked questions

### Is this a digital or a physical product?

Digital STL files for resin 3D printing. No physical item will be shipped.

### Is it pre-supported?

Not yet — unsupported STLs with documented orientation notes. Pre-supported files are planned as a free update.

### What skill level does it need?

Intermediate: six keyed parts and some thin vane geometry that benefits from careful support placement.

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Canonical page: https://tomorrowsfossils.com/specimens/the-tidal-archivist/
Last updated: 2026-08-31