Introduction: Project FREEFALL K'nex Ball Machine
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=reu9IaEdPXs
This is my first ball machine. It is a moderate sized machine with two paths. It features five elements throughout its course and stands about 2.5 ft. tall. A video should be posted shortly, if I have the time to make one. Feel free to comment below if any steps are unclear. Enjoy!
P.S. I didn't do a piece count because the machine used quite a few parts. Sorry.
Also, my latest ball machine can be found using this link:
https://www.instructables.com/id/Project-PARAGON-Knex/
Step 1: The Base and Ball Queue
This is the section of the machine that supports the tower. It may seem slightly unstable now but will become sturdier as the left and right attachments are added. The base also holds the ball queue where the balls wait to be carried to the top by the chain lift.
Step 2: The Main Tower
This is a long and repetitive step. It is probably the most crucial part of the entire ball machine. The tower holds the motor, path alternator, and most of the elements. Make sure you pay attention to all connector placements as well as how to attach individual pieces to the main structure.
Step 3: The Motor Attachment
This section drives the chain lift. Remember to closely examine the spacers between the connectors. The motor shown here can be substituted for any K'nex motor.
Step 4: The Path Alternator
This determines which path the ball will take.
Step 5: The Left Attachment
This section provides extra base support and holds some of the elements on path one. Build the first part, then the second part, and attach both to the main structure.
Step 6: The Right Attachment
This part serves the same purpose as the former step, and holds the path two elements. Build what you see in the pictures and then attach to the main structure.
Step 7: Connecting Path 1
This path leads to the first element on path one, the red ball drop.
Step 8: The Red Ball Drop
This element has been featured on many ball machines throughout this site. It consists of an arm that lowers a ball while keeping it parallel to the ground. Build the element's supporting device first, then build the arm itself.
Step 9: The Flipper
This device rotates around a few times when it receives a ball on one end, depositing it further along. Pay close attention to the spacer placement.
Step 10: The Wheel
This element spins when the flipper drops a ball onto it, returning the ball to the path below. Note that this element may not function properly every time, and may rotate in the opposite direction if the flipper hits it just right. This will not affect the movement of the ball, however.
Step 11: Connecting Path 2
This path returns the ball to the queue after it is dropped from the wheel.
Step 12: The Spiral Staircase
This is the first element on path two. Originally featured in the Big Ball Factory, This element contains a descending spiral that lets the ball ride down. Build what you see in the pictures, and attach where shown.
Step 13: The Tilting Path
This is one of my own elements. When a ball falls on the tilting path it slants forward deploying the ball on the return path. Don't forget the right spacing and the counterweights.
Step 14: Connecting Path 3
This path links the end of path two to the ball queue.
Step 15: Tension Gear
This gear prevents the chain from hitting the main structure.
Step 16: The Ball Grabbers
These devices pick the balls in the queue up and lift them to the top of the machine.
Step 17: Extra Chain Links
Make three sets of 12 links and one set of 13 links. Attach these to the ball grabbers to make a complete chain. Then wrap around the gears as shown in the picture.
Step 18: Complete!
Congratulations! You're finished! Now get up to three balls and place them in the ball queue. Only original K'nex balls will work. Then turn the motor switch to the left. If you are having trouble getting the ball machine to work, please comment.
Thanks for building Project FREEFALL. I hope you enjoy it!
40 Comments
11 years ago on Introduction
hey man isnt that parogon instead of freefall because if it is can ye plz post a different video lol
Reply 11 years ago on Introduction
Yeah I know, but I didn't post it on here, and anyway it shows one of my other projects (which is definitely better than Freefall).
Reply 10 years ago on Introduction
ok
10 years ago on Step 18
well you say "Only original K'nex balls will work how about pool balls thats what im useing lol
Reply 10 years ago on Step 18
Yeah, I guess I forgot about pool balls, as I tested the machine with them before my shipment of K'nex ball came in.
10 years ago on Introduction
could you use a ping pong ball on this?
Reply 10 years ago on Introduction
No, only because a ping pong ball heavy enough to activate the directional toggle.
11 years ago on Introduction
i like it but that red arm part didn't work all that well with my black and white balls, I even built some parts of it different ways.
11 years ago on Introduction
I built it and it's AWESOME! 5*
11 years ago on Introduction
dam it not enough blue connectors
Reply 11 years ago on Introduction
Buy some on ebay for like 5 bucks
trust me
11 years ago on Introduction
11 years ago on Introduction
i want to make it but i dont know if i have enough peices
can somebody do a peice count
11 years ago on Step 18
Cool finished it in one day
12 years ago on Introduction
How many pieces does it take?
Reply 12 years ago on Introduction
I already took it down so I wasn't able to do a piece count.
Reply 12 years ago on Introduction
more or less then 2500
Reply 12 years ago on Introduction
less
Reply 12 years ago on Introduction
ok, do you think i could build it?
Reply 12 years ago on Introduction
no