Introduction: Space Tower (Knex Ball Machine)
My newest ball machine: Space Tower! 12 paths, 3 networks. If you like it, please vote for me in the "Toy Rods and Connectors Contest". Thank you!
Step 1: Micro Path
3 railed path, but made out of micro pieces instead of normal.
Step 2: Two Directional Lowering Arm
The centerpiece of the tower. The ball can roll across in either direction, and will be lowered onto the track below. I wouldn't make it any longer, because it already has problems twisting from the weight of the ball. Also uses the largest counterweight I've ever built.
Step 3: Rocket
I used it as a path, having the ball roll across it from one end to the other. However, it needs to be PERFECTLY rotated, or the ball will fall off of the side.
Step 4: Covered Path
Good for straight sections, and vertically flexible. Turns are near impossible.
Step 5: Space Shuttle Basket
I modified the Shuttle Orbiter model, putting a hole in the bottom so that it can be used as a basket.
Step 6: Satellites
Since it was space themed, I decided to add some satellites as decoration.
Step 7: Yellow Connector Path Turnaround
A turnaround I made for the standard yellow connector path. The speed of the ball needs to be pretty precise, or it won't work.
Step 8: Crossroads
I've seen a few of these on Instructables, but none that are exactly the same, so I'll post mine.
Step 9: Whiplash Loop
A custom whiplash loop I made. Difficult to get the landing exactly right, but pretty cool when it works.
Step 10: Attaching a Frame to an I-Beam
I did something similar in Four Flags, but this system works much better. Quite stable, can be used to hang sections from ceiling. Used to support Skyrail.
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14 Comments
9 years ago on Introduction
EPIC!!!!
9 years ago on Introduction
That's awesome! Very cool elements, and I like how you built some satellites to add, a creative extra to give a ball machine a theme. I voted :D
Reply 9 years ago on Introduction
Also thanks for using some of my elements!
Reply 9 years ago on Introduction
Thanks for the vote! I voted for yours as well.
Reply 9 years ago on Introduction
Thanks as well!
9 years ago
Glad to vote this is super awesome!
9 years ago on Introduction
Wow, very good! I voted :) I like some elements in here so I favorited
9 years ago on Introduction
If it's a ball machine, you'll know I'll vote for it :-) I especially like the path where the ball bounces off the floor. Does it work every time?
Reply 9 years ago on Introduction
Yes because I used a larger basket. Thanks for the vote!
9 years ago on Introduction
Cool! I like the theme and Knexmen, and the path names were a good addition. :-)
9 years ago on Introduction
Very creative and unique.
9 years ago on Introduction
I think my favorite path is the one that shoots the ball into the "basket" off of the floor! But they were all fun
9 years ago on Introduction
Whoa! You should get a feature for this! :-) I especially liked the ingenious path names...very creative and it let me have fun guessing how each path would live up to its name! Also, congratulations on some excellent theming. Great job!
9 years ago on Introduction
Nice ball machine!