Marbles Size
#1
09-10-20, 07:13 AM
Marbles Size
Thinking to make a rolling ball machine as a hobby but can’t find what size marbles are normally used for this purpose. Perhaps I can use any size but I wonder if there is some kind of a std for this purpose
#2
09-10-20, 08:02 AM
Member
Size will be related to the track size/spacing. A kit that I have uses steel balls that are 5/16 inch diameter. Some of the track spacings get wider so the balls appear to run "uphill".
#3
09-10-20, 08:03 AM
Group Moderator
I've made Rube Goldberg rolling ball machines with everything from BB size ball bearings up to pinballs. Use what you've got. I will say that it gets harder as the balls get smaller because it requires higher precision in your track. Also consider the mass of the balls you are using. I like ball bearings because they are heavier than glass so once they get moving you can do more or travel further with a heavier steel ball.
kolias
voted this post useful.
#5
09-11-20, 05:49 PM
Further into my marbles track design I suspect there must be a relation between how fast a marble travels to reach a point on the track and I wonder if someone knows anything about it.
I could not find any other forum or link for an answer and of course I can find my answer by trial and error if I have to
I could not find any other forum or link for an answer and of course I can find my answer by trial and error if I have to
#6
09-11-20, 08:27 PM
Group Moderator
It would seem to me that the best way to answer those questions is by trial and error.
If you use non metallic tracks..... you could also use magnets to change rolling speed.
If you use non metallic tracks..... you could also use magnets to change rolling speed.
#7
09-12-20, 03:17 PM
Group Moderator
2john02458
voted this post useful.
#8
09-12-20, 05:39 PM
That’s an awesome project Tolyn and at my age I don’t think I will live long enough to do something similar, if I could. lol
