Introduction: Curly Fries | K'nex Ball Machine Element

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About: 3D printing enthusiast

Hello there again! Here I have for you instructions for my BRAND NEW motorised ball machine element!

Originally I wanted to make a lift from the standard spiral staircase turned diagonal however that didn't work out very well...So I turned it sideways and made an element! After many many fails and mistakes it is finally here. Good luck building it! ➡

Step 1: Step 1 - Frame

The skeleton of the element! The frame holds it all together.

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Step 2: Step 2 - Motor

The Driving force of the element!

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Step 3: Step 3 - Entrance & Guard

The entrance to the element and the guard stopping the ball going where it shouldn't. (If some pictures are missing here, I had a lot of trouble getting them to work)

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6: Alternate view
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Step 4: Step 4 - Exit

The exit track. It can easily be modified and doesn't have to stay as I put it.

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Step 5: Step 5 - the Curly Middle

The fun part of the element itself! This is the hardest step to pay careful attention.

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Step 6: Step 6 - Final Assembly

You finally get to make it! Good luck!

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Step 7: Finish!

Yay! You took the time to actually make my element. Thank you for building it! Please tell me all about it in the comments and show me a picture! Now, if it doesn't work quite right here are some troubleshooting steps:
• Is the guard rail straight? If not it can easily catch the sides of the frame and make it jittery.
• Have you turned the motor on the right way? If not, well it isn't going to work! Push the slider right to turn it on and start the element.
• Is the exit aligned with the white snowflake connector? If not the ball may not exit correctly. You can achieve this with spacers or without them.

Step 8: A Few Fixes!

After recently getting 3 more k'nex balls (Now I have 4!!) I realised this element doesn't work when they stack together in the waiting area. I spent a long time trying to get them to go one ball at a time and finally managed it however you may have to play about with some of the placement to get it perfect. Here it is:

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If it is a bit jittery, replace the medium gear with a large gear. it will be slower but will work better