Inverse Solar System

This is my first Instructable. I didn't plan ahead for it so it is light on photos. I thought it was worth publishing because a few of the steps I took can be applied to other projects.

I was inspired by this project:

Modern Mantel Clock

Step 1: Produce (or Purchase As I Did) Edge Glued Panels

I bought premade edge glued panels at a local quality lumber store. I did that to save one step and because it can be difficult to end up with panels that are nice and flat. The ones I chose are Spanish Cedar. I chose a softwood because for some of the operations, hardwood would be really hard on tools.

Step 2: Glue Panels Together to Form a Stack

For this step I anticipated that trying to glue 5 layers together would be difficult, with the layers sliding around on the glue while clamping. I am an amateur. So I clamped them while dry and drilled holes to use to bolt them together. I don't think I would do this again. It was really hard to get the bolts out after the glue dried!

I almost forgot an important detail. When putting together a stack like this you need to alternate grain direction. Horizontal first layer, vertical the next. This is what provides strength and stability.

Step 3: Cut the Desired Shape

Use a band saw to cut the shape. Then use a disc sander and an oscillating spindle sander to refine. I don't have these tools so I found a local wood shop that rents space by the hour.

Step 4: Drill Holes for Planet Rods

I wanted to drill these holes as accurately as possible. Drilling by hand would not do, and there was no access to use a drill press. So I made these single use bushings from scrap pieces of wood.

Step 5: Add Planets (or Whatever)

I purchased the wood balls for the planets from a vendor on Etsy.

https://www.etsy.com/shop/ToyingAround

I used watered down acrylic paint to color the planets. Then I used Tung oil or similar to give them a low gloss.

1/8" diameter brass rods are easy to find online.

I hope this gave you some ideas. If not I will never post again! JK

Step 6: Addendum

It was pointed out that I didn't include any dimensions. Actually the whole post is light on details. But here is a drawing I worked from. I did the design using the CAD program Rhino.

Comments

[oldsparky2106]

Great job, you should be proud of yourself, I think you will have inspired other people to make similar,

[MarkH342]

Thanks much. Instructables inspired me.

[eladiomrtnz488]

Great job!!!! For an amateur you really are amazing. Good luck in future projects.

[MarkH342]

Wow. Thanks!

[arihaans33200]

You will get the s

[throbscottle]

When I saw "inverse solar system" I hoped it was going to be clever inside-out representation where the sun is the mass of wood around the outside, and the sphere in the middle represents the space outside the solar system (or something). But that's my brain for you. Oh well.
Still, beautifully made and clever nonetheless. I look forward to seeing more lovely creations from you :)

[MarkH342]

Thanks. That is a great way to interpret it. Actually, after it was complete, I imagined that rather than the planets being held in orbit by the sun, they were being controlled by an external, hidden structure.

[Ethan Carter Designs]

I love this! The craftmanship is impeciable and the design is so cool!

[MarkH342]

Thanks very much.

[BillJ1]

This is simply awesome...great job! You can be very proud, it is a beautiful piece.

[MarkH342]

Thanks!

[milayshia.caldwell0275]

iiiiii lloovvee iitt!!!!@!!@!@!@!@!!@!@!@!!@!@!@!@@

[MarkH342]

Well, thanks very much!

[eladiomrtnz488]

The project is great but fails to give dimensions. I didn't notice at first.

[MarkH342]

Thanks. Yes, it is very light on details. I will add this drawing.

[arihaans33200]

Good job you will get the sun

[philjones]

I wonder if we could lay up cardboard, as wood will not be an option for my classroom.
Beautiful project! Would love to try a dimestore version.

[MarkH342]

That is a nice idea, to make a dime store (dollar store?) version. I think several layers of corrugated cardboard would work.
I would suggest making it a full circle rather than the the partial I did.
Skewer sticks could be used in place of the rods.
The class could decide whether to include Pluto or not, and whether it went inside or outside of the circle.
The most challenging part would be the spheres. Styrofoam balls would be the easiest, but environmentally unfriendly, choice. Paper mache?

[WORMSS]

With the small tweak of putting Jupiter on the same pole as the sun, could easily add Pluto..
#DontForgetPluto

[clipless]

2 Skinnee J's - Pluto
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kheWroUS5LQ