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The Gumball Machine

The Gumball Machine
This project is used often here in Langley BC for grade 8 Woodwork classes. I've been using it for the last few years. At first I thought the kids wouldn't be interested but they are REALLY excited about this project and since than the kids have built 100's. This Instructable is meant for the shop class but anyone with a drill press can do it.

Here are the Learning Objectives:
-The student will learn to  Measure and Layout a design than apply that knowledge in a practical and fun project.
-The student shall demonstrate the safe use and setup of a drill press.
-The student learn the effective use of sandpaper with wood.
-The student will use creative design and problem solving to build a unique design with wood.

Materials:
-Wood Blank approx 3" by 3" by 5"
-Assorted pieces of 1/8", 3/8", 1/2" plywood or solid wood.
-1 piece of 1" dowel... about 4" long.
-Assorted dowel pieces... 1/2" diameter works well.
-1 Canning Jar. 500ml is best.

Tools:
-1" Forstner drill bit.  (i have 3 set up on 3 different drill presses.)
-1/2" Forstner drill bit (for attaching leg dowels)
-3/4" Forstner drill bit (for drilling hole in gumball dispenser)
-Drill press
-Assorted clamps (Jorgensen's work really well)
-Sandpaper 120G, 180G
-Band saw or scroll saw

Submitted by HD Stafford Middle School  for the Instructables Sponsorship Program
 
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Step 1Cut out the Blank

Cut out the Blank
The wood Blank I use is from cedar poles used in fencing. Don't use pressure treated stuff... it can be toxic. I put them through the jointer and planer so that they are 3" square. If you have higher level grades they can do this step but my students are a bit young to be doing this.

Set up the Bandsaw with a sliding fence and a clamp. Show the kids how to mark off 5" and cut. Encourage the students to take their time and cut slowly so the cut will be straight. You can use any saw you want to but i find the band saw works well. I use the "5 rule" which is:

-Keep guard 5mm above workpiece
-Keep fingers 5cm away from blade
-Keep all 5 of the digits on each hand.
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18 comments
Feb 28, 2012. 12:09 PMjaxofalltrades says:
Cute! Great Instructable, and good luck in the contest!
Jan 23, 2012. 4:39 PMtqwerty says:
You misspelled Instructables on the board in the second step.
Otherwise, great 'ible.
I love all of your projects and hope to see more from you soon.
I'll bet you're a great teacher, too!
Jan 25, 2012. 7:59 PMtqwerty says:
aha, awesome!
Jan 24, 2012. 4:12 PMthekookie says:
This is great I'm going to make one for myself since I'm no teacher!! Hehe!!
Thanks for posting this, it's really fun a creative!!
Jan 11, 2012. 2:52 PMjonnyd55 says:
Hi, still love this project but I think i have noticed an issue... but i also have a solution :)

Unless i am mistaken it looks like the mechanism can be pulled out the front, resulting in a shower of gum raining onto the floor, before drilling the large hole for the dowel, use a small drill (4/5mm) drill all the way through the block, drill large hole, add dowel from front and add wood screw from back (not done up tight).......... thoughts? jonny :)
Jan 10, 2012. 11:52 PMskiedra says:
That is absolutely unbelievable! I bet it would work very well as a birthday gift as well!
Jan 10, 2012. 7:39 PMnneul says:
I love this! My kid will be making one for their teacher for valentines day since they are handing out gumball machine valentines for students.
Jan 11, 2012. 9:44 AMkunfumaster says:
i love gumballs!!!
Jan 10, 2012. 9:43 PMcaarntedd says:
This is great! I have a real machine, and the mechanism is a bit more complicated than yours. I might be able to make this. Thanks for sharing.
Jan 10, 2012. 10:40 AMjonnyd55 says:
These are fun :) the kids must love them? ...... as a DT & Engineering teacher I really value the use of hand tools, do you teach projects that cover the traditional old school tools?

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Author:stumitch(slidelongboards)
Car buff, longboard builder and shop teacher. not enough time to build stuff.