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Today I will be showing you how to make a magnetic pendulum toy for your cat.

This toy offers slightly more interest than a standard ball/string scratch post as the magnets add an extra dimension to movement.  

This is a fairly simple instructable, providing you have access to basic tools and a local hardware store.
build time for me was approximately 1.5 hours. I already had all the materials due to other projects so i'm guestimating what it'd cost to buy outright.

Pic: 2
MATERIALS:
22mm pvc elbow ($2)
Standard 22mm diameter broomstick ($5)
6mmx10mm hessian rope ($8 optional)
Faux fur (find something cheap from an op shop)
500mm wire or string or pipe cleaners ($ varying )
Screw in eye hook ($2 pack)
370mmx240mm wood ($6 use something solid, i used 15mm pine, cats wont play with flimsy plywood)
Carpet (free, if you're nice to a carpet store assistant, ask for scrap)
Screw (around 30mm long)
Screw (around 20mm long, not in picture)
Washer (not in picture)
2x magnets (I stripped mine off a magnetic led light but here's a link to where you can get your own http://www.radioshack.com/product/index.jsp?productId=2102642 )
Cat (must be playful and awesome)

TOOLS:
Jigsaw or hand saw
Hammer
Drill (with 18 and 20mm hole spade, phillips head attachment)
Staple gun (8 or 10mm staples)
Heavy duty craft knife
Needle nose pliers (not in picture)
Glue gun (optional, not in picture)
Flathead screwdriver (not in picture)

 
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Step 1: Prep The Base

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Pic 1:
Cut wood and tail to size. Counter to my written notes in the picture, I suggest 370mm by 240mm, otherwise you may have a very small platform.

Pic 2:
Using 18mm hole spade drill 1/4 way through one end of the base at the center.

Pic 3:
Place magnet in slot, negative side up. (hot glue in place if you like)

Pic 3:
At opposite end, use 22mm hole spade and drill 2/3 way through at the center. (write down the distance from the broom hole to the magnet, you'll need the measurement in step 3)
Penolopy Bulnick says: Jul 9, 2012. 1:21 PM
That is great! I can see cats loving this so much more than something just hanging there. They so love to catch things!
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