Curly Fries | K'nex Ball Machine Element

Introduction: Curly Fries | K'nex Ball Machine Element

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.

1: Overview
2: Build this
3: Build this
4: Build this
5: Build this
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8: Assemble
9: Assemble
10: Assemble
11: Assemble
12: Assemble

Step 2: Step 2 - Motor

The Driving force of the element!

1: Overview
2: Build these
3: Build this
4: Build this
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
3: Build these
4: Assemble
5: Assemble
6: Alternate view
7: Build this
8: Build this
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12: Assemble
13: Assemble
14: Assemble
15: Assemble
16: Assemble
17: Assemble
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
3: Build these
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
3: Build this
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
3: Assemble
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!

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22 Comments

0
Lexi Knex
Lexi Knex

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

0
powerb5
powerb5

Reply 1 year ago

i was in france in the past two weeks

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That_Jamie_S_Guy
That_Jamie_S_Guy

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!

0
Lexi Knex
Lexi Knex

Reply 7 years ago on Introduction

wait but how it work ? does the stairs turn and move the ball ?

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That_Jamie_S_Guy
That_Jamie_S_Guy

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

0
GuppehsWorld
GuppehsWorld

7 years ago

Wow!! This is really cool! I made it and it works well!!!!

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That_Jamie_S_Guy
That_Jamie_S_Guy

Reply 7 years ago

Thank you!! can you post a pic? I didn't get the email for this comment: (

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That_Jamie_S_Guy
That_Jamie_S_Guy

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

0
www139
www139

7 years ago

This should be featured.

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Knextremely stupid
Knextremely stupid

7 years ago

Cool element and very clear instructions

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That_Jamie_S_Guy
That_Jamie_S_Guy

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!

0
sonic broom
sonic broom

7 years ago on Introduction

It looks like a very interesting element but a video would be nice to show it of in action!

0
That_Jamie_S_Guy
That_Jamie_S_Guy

Reply 7 years ago

There will be one soon!