Kuna Puzzle Wheel: How to Assemble a Modular Plywood Pet Training Exercise Wheel

EASY TO ASSEMBLE

We have designed a modular cat wheel. It is made from plywood.The design is based on the puzzle joint that assembles into a complete wheel. Each part is CNC milled with precision so it is very easy to assemble it.

GREAT FOR HOME USE

I live in the relatively small flat and we have a big cat. Our cat goes on these crazy running sessions where it runs around the apartment. It has so much energy that it cannot figure out what to do it. So I've come up with an idea to make a wheel where the cats can pursue his energy needs.

e have designed a modular cat wheel, which is made from plywood.The design is based on the puzzle joint that assembles into a complete wheel.

Each part is CNC milled with precision so it is very easy to assemble.

If you and your indoor cats live in a small apartment—and likely even if you don’t—you may have noticed that they go on rambunctious tears around your home, running laps well into the night.

We wanted to create something that will be nice to look at aesthetically pleasing you and functional at the same time. The product comes packaged in the small box and within a few minutes your pet will be able to enjoy the wheel.

For more information visit Cat exercise wheel Kuna Wheel where you can order the cutting of the parts in case you down own a CNC machine.

Step 1: CNC Machine the Wheel

See Included plans you can use to cut your wheel. In this tutorial we need 5mm (covers), A1 10mm (puzzles) B1, C1 10mm, D1 5mm and 3mm (floor) plywood ,

You can adjust the slots and teeth depht of A1 5mm (covers), B1 12mm (puzzles), C1 12mm, D1 5mm and 3mm (floor) plywood.

You need to cut 16 times each of the parts A1, B1, C1 to complete the whole parts list for one wheel.

Cut D1 4 x to complete the floor.

Step 2: 3D Printers Try to Make a Smaller Version for You Hamster

3D printing takes time and are limited by size, we all know that. BUT! You can still have fun with this project import the drawings into and 3D package like 123d or blender extrude the edges and scale down the puzzles so it fits your 3D print area.

Step 3: Align All the Parts Into a Circle

Using a rubber mallet assemble the parts. They should fit in and hold firmly. See the Video how to do it.

Step 4: Use the Tension Strap to Assemble the Floor

Bend the wood and use a strap to keep it in place. Slide it into the slots of the first completed circle. Re-use the strap for the rest of the parts.

Step 5: Assemble the Next Circle on the Floor

After slotting in the floor add the next circle and slot it in like on the video. You may need to use some strenght but please take care as plywood can break if too much force is used.

Step 6: Repeat the Steps Until All Parts Are Used

We have designed the last bits to cover up the joints so it looks nicer. Please use a drill and screw to mount it in place when all is assembled. No need for any glue!

Step 7: Slot in the Base for the Wheels

Follow the number and slots to assemble the base. Currently the base is still under development and the plans will be released as soon when its complete for public. You can adjust the wheels so they run smooth on the edge of the wheel.

Step 8: Tada! Flat Materials Form a Complete Working Wheel for Your Pet!

You can add matting to the floor to your preference. Now go find a cat or small dog and train him with toys, food and lots of love to get him going. After 1-2 days of training my cat spends at least an hour or even two getting on the wheel and running by itself.

Comments

[JoãoC7]

Anyone wanting to make one of these, I just downloaded the DFX files and found out they have to be scaled to 300% in order to have measurements that make any sense. The wheel will have around 700ish mm. Now to find out how to design a good base for the wheel.

[Marty Rae]

I couldn't see anything when I opened it! I even scaled it to 300%. Weird.

[JoãoC7]

Only today I got the message about your reply. Let get to the workshop tomorrow and I'll check my designs based on this one and I'll share them with you. They are in metric but I think you can work with it.

[Marty Rae]

I messaged you my email address. I could open it and see them. The company I have cutting them said the measurements don’t allow the pieces to fit together properly. Were you able to fix that? Thx

[JoãoC7]

Hi there, I didn't get any message from you, other than this one. If I remember well, I had to play a little so I could fit it, so as a result, I just draw the whole thing myself. Send me a message and I'll send you my files, no worries. ;)

[Fly4aWhiteGuy]

Use it to generate electricity!

[pepecleto]

you are a genius! I like the way you think! that{s actually a great idea!.

[IT-Wizard]

Hi, I find this really awesome. I am willing to build one.

As I look closer to the data, the DXF file only contains puzzle parts of the circle.

Is it more laser cut ou CNC drilled ?

What about the base (size and frame) ?

[IT-Wizard]

It is too bad that the DXF file is useless because the units are missing. I tries to laser cut theses parts, but they do no fit together. :o(

[ssatir]

Hi IT-Wizard did you find a solution. I also want to make one. I don't have a laser cutter. That is why i want to let it cut by a cnc cutter. and i have no idea about the CNC cutter and DXF files. that is why before i do i want to know your experience.

[IT-Wizard]

Hi, Sadly I had to let this project go. The files are unuseable as it. If I had time; I would search some try and error, changing the cutting sizes.
Neither do I have a laser cutter, but I know a place (Hackerspace) where you can hire on many digital tools like CNC, 3d printers, and a laser cutter. Cool place.

[ssatir]

Thanks for the replay;
My Cat will be very sad when i say that.
I searched laser and cnc cutter local stores and i found it. but if there is no plans what i can do :(

[lizlock681]

Genius!!!

[utdrmac]

Where is the DXF for the base?

[WillemG3]

Damn awesome wheel man :) I think onefastcat stole your idea and is selling it. In any case is there anyone that can help me convert the dxf file to a 3d printable part. I have been trying for a couple of days now and just can't get it right.

[Lashway]

Naw, OneFastCat shows up on the googles starting July 2014, more than a year before this was originally written. The idea has been around for decades, but executions are getting better thanks to increasingly accessible technology.

[ClaraK3]

Great idea! I love it!

[Random_Canadian]

i have two very important questions. First why is kuna not running on the carpet?

And how did you get that base to work silently? Honestly I'm not trying to debunk. I spent many days on the base only to fail. My cat likes the carpet but will not walk or run. OK a third... How did you get your cat to trust it. I'm weeks in on mine with no luck. It's super quiet and smooth but the cats freak out and take off when I place them on it. Seriously I have to know???

[myxpykalix]

In order to get the plywood to bend easier you could consider kerfing a line with a 1/8th inch endmill every 1/4 inch which would make it like bendable plywood. You could use thicker plywood if necessary.

I didn't see where/how you set up the wheels to make it spin?

[The GamingT]

i think he placed it in a skate board thing