Introduction: Curly Fries | K'nex Ball Machine Element
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.
1: Overview
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8: Assemble
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Step 2: Step 2 - Motor
The Driving force of the element!
1: Overview
2: Build these
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5: Assemble
6: Assemble
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)
1: Overview
2: Build this
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4: Assemble
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6: Alternate view
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12: Assemble
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18: Alternate view
Step 4: Step 4 - Exit
The exit track. It can easily be modified and doesn't have to stay as I put it.
1: Overview
2: Build this
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4: Assemble
5: Assemble
Step 5: Step 5 - the Curly Middle
The fun part of the element itself! This is the hardest step to pay careful attention.
1: Overview
2: Build this
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4: Build these (One is missing a green rod ON PURPOSE)
5: Assemble
6: Left end
7: Right end
8: Assemble
Step 6: Step 6 - Final Assembly
You finally get to make it! Good luck!
1: Overview
2: Assemble
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4: Alternate view
5: Assemble
6: Alternate view
7: Assemble
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:
1: Overview
2: Build these
3: Assemble
4: Add these
If it is a bit jittery, replace the medium gear with a large gear. it will be slower but will work better
1 Person Made This Project!
- GuppehsWorld made it!
22 Comments
7 years ago on Introduction
ho that nice this is clear instructions and i will probably do it you are new on this site (like me) but you do great stuff
continue like this
sorry for my bad english i speak french
Reply 1 year ago
i was in france in the past two weeks
Reply 7 years ago
Thank you! Your English is fine :) I know a tiny bit of French but not enough to speak French to you sorry. I'm glad to hear that you will/may build it!
Reply 7 years ago on Introduction
wait but how it work ? does the stairs turn and move the ball ?
Reply 7 years ago
Yes. the stairs spin on the axis and the ball moves through it like a sideways spiral staircase. a video will be up in a couple of days
7 years ago
Wow!! This is really cool! I made it and it works well!!!!
Reply 7 years ago
Thank you!! can you post a pic? I didn't get the email for this comment: (
7 years ago
You got it posted!? I love it dude!
Reply 7 years ago
yep :D BTW I made a new lift today but won't post it until ball machine made. I haven't even started it yet cuz im basically outta pieces from all the stuff I'm making
Reply 7 years ago
Holy crap dude!
7 years ago
This should be featured.
Reply 7 years ago
Wow ty!!
7 years ago
Looks good!
Reply 7 years ago
Thank you :)
7 years ago
Cool element and very clear instructions
Reply 7 years ago
Thanks :D The one thing I really hate is unclear instructions. with me, all my ibles will have clear instructions and I will spend a lot of time on them :D This took me roughly 2 hours to make!
7 years ago on Introduction
Nice element! ;)
Reply 7 years ago
Thanks :)
7 years ago on Introduction
It looks like a very interesting element but a video would be nice to show it of in action!
Reply 7 years ago
There will be one soon!