Make a Marble Machines Board
Introduction: Make a Marble Machines Board
A Marble Machine is a creative ball-run contraption, made from familiar materials, designed to send a rolling marble through tubes and funnels, across tracks and bumpers, and into a catch at the end.
In this activity guide, you'll learn how to build a pegboard panel that will allow you to experiment with a variety of household materials to build elaborate marble runs. Once you have the basic board built, you will get hours of play out of it, and you will be able to try more ambitious ideas.
Step 1: Materials
This project requires some materials, easily obtainable from your local hardware store. You will need:
* 2 sheets of pegboard - 2 feet x 4 feet
* 2 lengths of wood - 1 in x 2 in x 4 feet (vertical spacers)
* 3 lengths of wood - 1 in x 2 in x 22.5 in (horizontal spacers)
* wood glue (optional but recommended)
* wood screws
* power drill
* drill bit and driver bit
* countersink bit (optional)
* 1/4 in dowels (you will use these pegs for alignment)
* a friend (recommended)
Step 2: Align Pegboard and Vertical Spacers
Set one of the pegboard panels on top of the two long vertical spacers. Do this with both spacers at once to keep the panel level. Make sure edges and sides of the spacers are flush with the panel. Just running your fingers along the edge will do the trick.
Tip: Long pieces of wood are often slighted curved. This is not a problem, as they can be straightened when fastening them to the pegboard, but make sure the are flush on one end to start, and straighten them as you work your way along.
Step 3: Pre-drill Pegboard and Vertical Spacer
1. Once your spacers are aligned and flush, you'll pre-drill all your screw holes to avoid splitting the wood with screws. Start at one end, and drill a small hole where the first screw will go.
Tip: If you want your board to look extra slick and have all the screws be flush, you can use a countersink bit to make room for the screw heads. Now is the time to do so.
2. Put the first screw in to tack one end in place while you pre-drill the rest. If you plan on using glue, don't put the rest of the screws in yet. If you're skipping the glue, feel free to add screws as you go along.
3. Pre-drill every 6 inches or so down the length of the board. If you notice the spacer is warped or bent, pull or push it flush with the edge of the board as you go. This will help keep things aligned when you permanently attach the board to the spacers.
Step 4: Attach Spacers
1. If you've decide to use wood glue, lift the board off the spacers, and apply glue all the way down the one you pre-drilled. 431
Use a wavy pattern for better coverage and style. If you've decided not to use glue, you can leave the board in place.
2. Put the board on top of the spacers again, and drive screws in the holes you pre-drilled. The screws should find the pre-drilled holes and line everything up nicely!
It's normal for some glue to squeeze out; use a damp cloth to wipe it up (your finger will also work in a pinch).
3. Repeat the whole process with the other vertical spacer.
Step 5: Place the Horizontal Spacers
1. Next, you will add horizontal spacers to your board. These provide structural integrity and prevent the pegboard panels from bowing inward.
2. Flip your board and put a horizontal spacer on each end and one in the middle. Take care to place the middle spacer so it doesn't block any of the holes.
3. If the fit is tight, the spacers will stay in place. If not, use masking tape to keep them in place.
4. Flip the board over again and pre-drill, countersink (optional), and screw the horizontal spacers in place.
Step 6: Add the Second Pegboard Panel
1. Flip your board over again.
2. Place the second pegboard panel on top.
3. Use at least three dowels to align the holes in the top panel with the one on the bottom. It is important to make sure the dowels will stick straight out when you're building your marble run.
4. Stick dowels through both sets of holes, and visually check that they are vertical. 320